SeaStar Medical Announces Appointment of Michael Messinger as CFO

DENVER, Nov. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SeaStar Medical Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: ICU), a commercial-stage healthcare company focused on transforming treatments for critically ill patients facing organ failure and potential loss of life, announced today that Michael Messinger, a seasoned healthcare executive with over 25 years of industry experience, has joined SeaStar Medical as Chief Financial Officer.

“Mike brings to SeaStar Medical a breadth of financial expertise, operational discipline, and strategic healthcare experience that will be invaluable as we grow our commercial operations and prepare for additional commercial opportunities for our SCD therapy,” stated Eric Schlorff, CEO of SeaStar Medical. “I am thrilled to welcome Mike to the team and look forward to working with him to advance both our strategic and financial goals.”

Mr. Messinger brings to SeaStar Medical more than two decades of experience and leadership in financing and accounting for drug discovery and development organizations. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Filament Health Corp. and a strategic consultant to various biotechnology companies. Mr. Messinger most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of ContraFect Corporation, where he led the company through its Nasdaq IPO in 2014, multiple financing rounds, including investments from Pfizer Inc., and a $90 million contract with BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority). Prior to joining ContraFect, Mr. Messinger held senior financial roles at Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Coelacanth Corporation. He started his career as an auditor at Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Messinger received his B.B.A. degree in accounting from the University of Michigan.

“The commercial results from the use of SeaStar Medical’s first-in-class QUELIMMUNE (SCD-PED) therapy in pediatric AKI patients to date, in addition to the clinical data obtained prior to approval, is truly remarkable,” stated Mr. Messinger. “I am very excited to work with the SeaStar Medical team to build on their early success, expand our SCD therapy to address multiple indications, and fulfill our mission to spare organ function and save lives in patients impacted by destructive hyperinflammation.”