One of the latest innovations in home dialysis is a machine that weighs less and uses less water.
Switzerland-based Debiotech SA and Singapore-based AWAK Technologies have joined forces to develop and manufacture a miniaturized home hemodialysis machine they call DialEase.
DialEase uses Debiotech’s mini peritoneal dialysis equipment and a novel sorbent technology for fluid purification developed by AWAK.
The companies characterize the new system as “extremely small and convenient to use, less intrusive in a patient’s life and more cost effective.” In a joint release, the companies said the new system would need less fluid than conventional hemodialysis machines and would be monitored in real time from the hospital via cloud computing (network-based, remote computer services).
According to Debiotech President and CEO Frédéric Neftel, “By using the sorbent fluid purification cartridge from AWAK, we will be able to save a significant amount of fluid, simplify the entire logistics and radically reduce the size of the final system,” which would contribute to cost savings.
The current model of DialEase can stand on a nightstand and weighs about 4.7 kg (10.36 pounds), the companies said in a release. A laptop weighs about 6 to 8 pounds.
Earlier in 2013, AWAK partnered with Baxter International to develop wearable dialysis technology for patients with end stage renal disease. The agreement enabled AWAK to continue the development of its investigational peritoneal dialysis–based automated wearable artificial kidney, the company said.
Financial terms for the agreement weren’t disclosed, but AWAK would give Baxter exclusive global manufacturing and distribution rights for AWAK’s investigational, wearable artificial kidney, a minority stake in the company, and the option to purchase additional equity.
