The increased presence in the U.S. comes as Atmo Biosciences prepares to begin a multi-site pivotal study to support a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) submission around the use of Atmo’s gas-sensing capsule to assess gastrointestinal motility.

Chris Bertrand appointed as Non-Executive Director

Chris Bertrand brings 30 years’ experience working in the medical device industry, including 10 years as President Latin America for Cochlear (ASX: COH), creator of the world’s first hearing implant. 

As President of Cochlear LA, Mr. Bertrand transformed revenue growth from flat to year-on-year double digit growth. This followed a successful five years leading Cochlear’s Western Europe division and several years as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Cochlear in the U.S. Prior to this, Mr. Bertrand held senior roles, including President and CEO, at other medical device companies.

Atmo Biosciences Chair Kate Hill said Mr. Bertrand’s decades of commercial experience and medical device industry expertise would be invaluable as Atmo moved toward commercialization.

“I’m delighted to welcome Chris to the Atmo Board. Chris has global experience and deep connections in the American medical device industry and other markets. His knowledge and fantastic track record of growing profitable businesses will be very important as we take the first steps towards U.S. market launch,” Ms. Hill said.

Mr. Bertrand said he was excited to join the Atmo team: “Atmo has a unique product that has the potential to hugely improve the lives of millions of sufferers of gastrointestinal disorders. I’m looking forward to helping guide Atmo through the next phase of commercialization.”

Atmo Biosciences establishes U.S. office at JLABS @ San Diego

Atmo Biosciences is now a resident company of Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS, a premier life science incubator program. JLABS is a global network of open innovation ecosystems, enabling and empowering innovators to create and accelerate the delivery of life-enhancing health and wellness solutions to patients around the world.

Atmo Biosciences CEO Malcolm Hebblewhite said: “The establishment of the San Diego office is an important step as Atmo increases its focus on the U.S. market. Not only does it provide us with a U.S. base for our pivotal study, it also gives us the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other life science companies co-located at JLABS @ San Diego. The focus on microbiome, precision medicine and therapeutic potential solutions makes this site a perfect fit for Atmo.”