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Phagenesis Strengthens Leadership with Appointment of Dr. Stephen Oesterle

Phagenesis, a pioneering company specializing in neuromodulation therapies for swallowing disorders, has recently appointed Dr. Stephen N. Oesterle to its Board of Directors. With decades of experience in the medical technology industry, Oesterle is a highly respected figure known for his leadership and expertise in clinical medicine, corporate strategy, and venture capital.

Previously, Dr. Oesterle served as Senior Vice President of Medicine and Technology at Medtronic, where he was a key member of the Executive Committee for 14 years. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping the company’s long-term innovation strategy and corporate investments. Oern Stuge, MD, MBA, Chair of the Board at Phagenesis, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Steve brings extensive experience in medical technology across various applications, with a proven track record in companies that have successfully navigated critical growth phases. His exceptional blend of clinical vision, strategic insight, and category-defining technology development will significantly strengthen our board."

Dr. Oesterle is not only a prominent figure at Phagenesis; he also serves on the boards of Baxter and Peijia Medical, alongside advising numerous private equity-backed healthcare firms and global investment companies such as EQT, Novo Holdings, Temasek, JP Morgan Life Sciences Private Capital, and Patient Square Capital. His medical training includes a residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and an interventional cardiology fellowship at Stanford University, where he later became a faculty member at both Stanford and Harvard Medical Schools.

In his remarks about joining Phagenesis, Dr. Oesterle stated, "I am excited to join the Board of Phagenesis at a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution. Phagenesis has established a solid clinical foundation and is addressing a significant unmet need in patient care. The opportunity to enhance outcomes for patients with severe dysphagia, while reducing costs and complexity for healthcare systems, is very appealing. I look forward to supporting the team in its global expansion and growth."

This appointment comes at a crucial time as Phagenesis gains traction in the U.S. market, backed by increasing recognition of Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation (PES) as an effective and scalable intervention for post-stroke dysphagia. The recent inclusion of PES in the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines for acute ischemic stroke underscores its role as a clinically validated therapy capable of improving swallowing and reducing complications in stroke patients.

Chad Hoskins, CEO of Phagenesis, commented, "Steve's arrival comes at a turning point for Phagenesis as we transition from initial commercialization to broader adoption. With strong clinical momentum and a growing recognition of the need to address dysphagia from its neurological origin, his expertise in developing and expanding innovative medical technologies will be crucial as we accelerate expansion in the U.S. and establish Phagenyx as a standard treatment."

About Phagenesis

Phagenesis is a leading medical technology company developing innovative neuromodulation therapies for swallowing disorders. Its Phagenyx® system administers Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation (PES) to restore safe and efficient swallowing, addressing the underlying neurological impairment. In the United States, Phagenyx is indicated for severe dysphagia following a stroke, while in Europe it holds CE marking for neurogenic dysphagia caused by various neurological conditions. The company is supported by prominent healthcare investors, including EQT Life Sciences, Sectoral Asset Management, British Business Bank, Northern Gritstone, and Aphelion.

For more information, visit Phagenesis.com.