SeaStar Medical Appoints Wall Street Veteran to Fuel Expansion of AKI Therapies

NEW YORK, NY – November 17, 2025 – SeaStar Medical (Nasdaq: ICU), a commercial-stage healthcare company specializing in therapies for critically ill patients, announced the appointment of Michael Messinger as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. The appointment is being viewed as a strategic move to bolster the company’s financial leadership as it scales operations and pursues expansion into new therapeutic areas.

Leadership Change Signals Growth Trajectory

Messinger brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare finance to SeaStar Medical, including a proven track record of successfully leading companies through initial public offerings (IPOs) and securing substantial funding. Most notably, he served as CFO of ContraFect Corporation, guiding the company through its Nasdaq IPO in 2014. His expertise is expected to be instrumental as SeaStar Medical continues to commercialize QUELIMMUNE (SCD-PED), its first FDA-approved product for acute kidney injury (AKI) in pediatric patients, and advances its clinical trials for adult AKI.

“We are excited to welcome Michael to the SeaStar Medical team,” said a company representative. “His deep financial acumen and experience in the healthcare sector will be invaluable as we execute our growth strategy and bring innovative therapies to patients in need.”

SeaStar’s focus on AKI addresses a significant unmet medical need. AKI affects over 13 million people worldwide annually, with limited effective treatment options beyond supportive care and dialysis. The company's QUELIMMUNE product, approved in 2024, is the first specifically targeted therapy for life-threatening AKI due to sepsis or a septic condition in critically ill pediatric patients.

Financial Health and Strategic Positioning

SeaStar Medical’s recent financial performance reflects a positive trajectory. The company reported increased revenue in Q3 2025, driven by early adoption of QUELIMMUNE, and a substantial reduction in net loss compared to the same period last year. As of September 30, 2025, the company held over $13.8 million in cash and equivalents, strengthening its balance sheet and providing financial flexibility.

However, the company's small market capitalization (around $13-16 million) and previous concerns about its ability to continue as a going concern suggest that continued financial stability and strategic funding will be crucial. Messinger’s expertise in securing capital and managing financial risk is expected to alleviate these concerns and support the company’s long-term growth.

“The company is in a good position, but it's still early days,” commented an industry analyst. “They need to demonstrate sustained revenue growth and continued progress in their clinical trials to attract further investment and build shareholder value. Having a seasoned CFO like Messinger onboard is a positive step in that direction.”

Expanding the Pipeline and Addressing a Growing Market

Beyond its approved pediatric AKI therapy, SeaStar Medical is actively pursuing clinical trials for adult AKI patients and has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA for six therapeutic indications. This designation expedites the development and review process for innovative therapies, potentially allowing the company to bring new treatments to market more quickly.

The global AKI treatment market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an aging population, increasing rates of chronic diseases, and advancements in diagnostic technologies. The market is projected to reach $2.875 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.50%.

SeaStar Medical’s pipeline of potential therapies and its focus on addressing a broad range of AKI indications position it to capture a significant share of this growing market. The company’s Breakthrough Device Designations, coupled with its clinical trial efforts, underscore its commitment to innovation and its ambition to become a leading provider of AKI treatments.

“The company is clearly focused on building a robust pipeline and expanding its therapeutic reach,” stated a source familiar with SeaStar Medical’s strategy. “They’re not just targeting pediatric AKI; they see a much larger opportunity to address the broader spectrum of AKI indications and improve outcomes for patients of all ages.”

Messinger’s experience in navigating complex regulatory pathways and securing funding for clinical trials will be invaluable as SeaStar Medical advances its pipeline and prepares for future growth. His leadership is expected to accelerate the company’s progress and solidify its position as a key player in the AKI treatment landscape.