Miclot Signs on at Breathe Technologies

SAN RAMON, Calif. — Breathe Technologies announced this
week that former Respironics chief John Miclot has joined the
company as chairman of the board, and that it has received FDA
510(k) clearance for its wearable ventilation system.

Founded in 2005, the company is in the process of developing
“truly ultra-light, compact, patient-friendly ventilator systems
that can transform respiratory care in the hospital and home
markets,” according to its website. “Envision a powerful, compact,
ultra-light and wearable ventilator that can renew mobility and the
opportunity to participate in important normal activities of daily
life. Renewing the ability for people with respiratory needs to
attend a luncheon or a grandchild’s soccer game, stroll on the
beach, dance at a wedding, golf, and just take a walk are among the
goals for the new Breathe Technologies ventilator systems.”

Breathe also said it has secured $23 million in Series C
financing led by DAG Ventures and including Kleiner Perkins
Caufield & Byers (KPCB), Delphi Ventures, Synergy Partners
International and Johnson & Johnson Development Corp.

“Our strong team of investors, the addition of John Miclot as
chairman and recent FDA clearance further validate that Breathe is
well positioned to bring breakthrough solutions to the respiratory
markets,” said Gregory J. Kapust, Breathe president and CEO, in a
release. “The Series C financing will fund commercialization of
Breathe’s ultralight, mobile ventilation system for the millions of
people worldwide with breathing challenges, such as COPD. We will
also continue development of our novel solutions for the
sleep-disordered breathing market.”

Miclot, who was instrumental in building Respironics into a
global leader in the sleep and respiratory markets, believes there
is opportunity for innovation in the respiratory industry. “When I
was introduced to Breathe’s products and development plans, it was
clear this company had great potential to dramatically alter this
industry’s landscape,” he said.

Miclot became president and CEO of Respironics in 2003 and led
the company’s $5.2 billion sale to Philips in March 2008. He
subsequently served as CEO of Philips Home Healthcare Solutions and
is currently an executive-in-residence at Warburg Pincus, serving
on the boards of Wright Medical Group, ev3 and Dentsply.