Debiotech, AWAK, and Neokidney Development have signed a joint venture agreement to complete a functional model in 2015.
Clinical trials are planned for 2017. The portable artificial kidney will enable the frequent and longer home haemodialysis that significantly improves and extends patients’ lives.
The joint venture will deliver a compact dialysis machine that patients can use themselves, directly at home. Scientific research has already established that frequent and longer dialysis (for example at night) limits the treatment’s side effects, including dialysis hangover and cardiovascular stress, and increases both autonomy and life expectancy.
In addition, home (night-time) haemodialysis is considerably less expensive than in-centre treatment. The portable artificial kidney developed by the partnership will finally bring these benefits within the reach of patients and society.
The new system will be based on Debiotech’s DialEase, a highly miniaturised, easy-to-use and cost -ffective machine for peritoneal home dialysis that is close to be on the market.
AWAK contributes its novel sorbent technology, which will enable the system to use much less dialysate (about 4l compared to the 40l-60l required by existing alternatives) and eliminate the need for expensive purification systems.
Neokidney Development provides access to the Dutch Kidney Foundation’s medical expertise and network of internationally acclaimed nephrologists and patient organizations, and will mobilize funding from public and private sources, including health insurers and social impact investors.
The partners have committed themselves to completing a functional model in 2015. The product will be ready for clinical trials by 2017, with Debiotech being ultimately responsible for securing the best commercial agreement in the interest of patients worldwide.
