Stimvia Taps Urology Titans for Global OAB Therapy Push

OSTRAVA, Czech Republic – May 13, 2026 – Czech medical technology company Stimvia has launched an aggressive global expansion strategy for its flagship overactive bladder (OAB) therapy, URIS®, by appointing a formidable slate of world-renowned urology experts to its Scientific Advisory Board and hiring seasoned commercial leaders to spearhead its international market entry.

The strategic maneuver signals a pivotal new phase for the company, aiming to leverage top-tier clinical validation and commercial expertise to challenge established treatments and capture a significant share of the global urology market.

Assembling a Scientific 'Dream Team'

At the heart of Stimvia's strategy is the formation of a powerhouse Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) composed of four of the most influential figures in modern urology. This move is designed to deepen the clinical credibility of the URIS® therapy and accelerate its adoption among clinicians worldwide.

The new board members bring an unparalleled depth of experience in research, clinical practice, and the development of international treatment guidelines.

Joining the SAB is Dr. David R. Staskin, a Boston-based urologist widely recognized for his work in lower urinary tract disorders. With over 145 published articles and 67 device patents to his name, Dr. Staskin is an inventor behind commercially successful products like the SPARC™ Sling System. His extensive background in medical device development and clinical investigation provides Stimvia with critical insight into product refinement and evidence generation.

Also appointed is Prof. Alan J. Wein, a towering figure in the field and former Chief of Urology at the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Wein is the long-time editor-in-chief of Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology, the definitive textbook in the specialty. His prolific academic output, with over 1,000 publications, and his role in shaping international OAB treatment guidelines lend immense weight to Stimvia's clinical ambitions.

From the United Kingdom, Prof. Christopher R. Chapple brings his expertise in functional and reconstructive urology. As the recent Secretary General of the European Association of Urology (EAU), the world’s largest urological authority, his influence spans the continent. His focus on the pharmacological control mechanisms of the lower urinary tract aligns directly with the science behind neuromodulation.

Rounding out the board is Prof. Bertil Blok from the Netherlands, a leading specialist in neuro-urology. His research at Erasmus MC focuses on brain biomarkers for bladder control and optimizing neuromodulation therapies. As chair of the EAU Guidelines Committee for Neuro-Urology, his involvement provides a direct link to the bodies that define standards of care across Europe.

The collective expertise of this board provides Stimvia with a powerful engine for engaging with clinicians, supporting evidence generation, and building confidence among healthcare partners and investors as it prepares for a global launch.

A New Paradigm for OAB Treatment?

Stimvia is positioning its URIS® therapy as a disruptive force in a market dominated by pharmaceuticals and invasive procedures. The company describes URIS® as the first clinically validated, non-invasive neuromodulation system capable of stimulating deep brain structures to treat OAB. The therapy, which has already received a CE mark from the prestigious notified body TÜV SÜD, is administered via a wearable device controlled by a mobile application that personalizes treatment for each patient.

This technology enters a competitive landscape with several established treatment modalities. For decades, patients with OAB have relied on oral medications, which can carry systemic side effects and offer limited efficacy for some. For those who fail drug therapy, the next steps are often more invasive.

These include percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), which requires frequent office visits, or sacral neuromodulation (SNM), a highly effective but invasive option that involves the surgical implantation of a device similar to a pacemaker. Industry giants like Medtronic, with its InterStim™ system, and Axonics have long dominated the SNM space.

Stimvia's URIS® aims to carve out a new niche by offering comparable efficacy to invasive methods without the associated surgical risks, side effects, or need for implanted hardware. By targeting the central nervous system non-invasively, the therapy promises a superior risk-to-benefit ratio, potentially revolutionizing the patient journey for millions suffering from OAB.

Building the Commercial Engine for Global Scale

To translate its technological innovation and scientific backing into market success, Stimvia has simultaneously fortified its commercial leadership. The company has appointed Dr. David da Silva to lead global distribution and market development. With over a decade of experience at MedTech titans including Medtronic and Stryker, Dr. da Silva is tasked with forging scalable channel partnerships and executing market entry strategies across Europe, Latin America, and other key territories.

He is joined by Alim Topdag, MSc, who takes the role of Director of Sales and Business Development for all markets outside the United States. Mr. Topdag will be responsible for driving sales through a combination of distributor partnerships and direct commercial models, while also overseeing the critical tasks of clinical training and technical implementation to ensure successful therapy adoption on the ground.

This dual appointment provides Stimvia with the operational muscle needed to navigate the complex patchwork of international regulatory, reimbursement, and distribution systems. While the CE mark opens the door to Europe, securing reimbursement from national health systems and private insurers country by country will be the next major hurdle—a process where strong clinical evidence and experienced commercial leadership are paramount.

A Czech Innovator on the World Stage

Founded in 2014 as Tesla Medical, Stimvia represents a growing trend of European MedTech innovators stepping up to challenge the dominance of U.S.-based industry leaders. Born from a collaboration with specialists at Charles University in Prague, the company has built a robust intellectual property portfolio with over 71 patents in the EU, Japan, and the USA.

This strategic expansion marks the company's transition from a research-focused startup to a commercial-stage enterprise with global ambitions. By strategically aligning a world-class scientific board with a proven commercial team, Stimvia is making a calculated bet that its non-invasive URIS® therapy can redefine the standard of care for overactive bladder, positioning this Czech innovator for a significant role on the world stage.