Singapore-based AWAK Technologies, a medtech company focused on dialysis, has developed a portable and wearable peritoneal dialysis (PD) device, the size of a handbag. The device has completed its first-in-human studies.
In June this year, AWAK and Singapore General Hospital (SGH) announced the launch of a pre-pivotal clinical trial with the enrollment of their first subject to study the safety and efficacy of an improved automated wearable artificial kidney peritoneal dialysis (AWAK PD) device. Three months later, the startup raised over US$20 million in its Series B investment round co-led by Lion X Ventures and Vickers Venture Partners.
In this interview with e27, AWAK CEO Suresha Venkataraya shares more about the SGH collaboration and provides insights on the latest trends in the dialysis market.
Can you tell us about the SGH collaboration? What are the pre-pivotal clinical trial’s key objectives and expected outcomes in collaboration with SGH?
We have collaborated with SGH’s nephrology department for several years to advance our wearable dialysis device from the pre-clinical phase to the pre-pivotal study phase.
In the past, we completed first-in-human studies in collaboration with SGH and obtained encouraging data. We enhanced our product soon after FIH and are conducting the pre-pivotal studies now.
Also Read: AWAK raises US$40M to offer a wearable dialysis device for end-stage kidney disease patients
Building on the success of these studies, which reported no serious adverse events, the trial’s primary objectives encompass a thorough evaluation of safety, efficacy, and patient experience. This advancement brings us closer to fulfilling the aspirations of our patients—a life on dialysis that minimally impacts their lifestyle while providing high-quality care.
Additionally, we seek to demonstrate the device’s effectiveness in providing high-quality peritoneal dialysis, thereby meeting the clinical needs of end-stage kidney disease patients. The trial strongly emphasises assessing how the AWAK PD device impacts patients’ daily lives, focusing on usability, comfort, and convenience. The data gathered from the trial will be crucial in refining the device and preparing us for a step towards regulatory approval and market authorisation.
How does the AWAK PD device differ from traditional peritoneal dialysis machines, and what advantages does it offer patients regarding convenience and mobility?
Weighing approximately 3kg, AWAK PD offers a wearable and ultra-portable dialysis solution, allowing patients to experience dialysis on the go. By integrating our patented sorbent technology, we are transforming how peritoneal dialysis is administered, addressing the challenges associated with conventional methods.
AWAK CEO Suresha Venkataraya
Traditional PD methods require a large volume of dialysate, up to 3,650 litres per year for a single patient, leading to logistical issues and storage concerns. Moreover, a typical PD machine weighs 15 to 20 kilograms, restricting mobility and freedom for individuals undergoing treatment. This attachment to the machine for 10 to 12 hours further hampers daily activities.
In the US alone, the demands of dialysis result in an annual loss of productivity estimated at a few billion dollars. These limitations underscore the critical need for innovations like the AWAK PD device.
With the AWAK PD device, patients can perform dialysis at home or on the go. How does this address the emotional and physical challenges faced by patients?
Unlike traditional methods that rely on heavy machines and large volumes of fluids, AWAK’s innovative device is designed with the patient’s well-being in mind. By allowing patients to perform dialysis at home or on the go, we address the emotional and physical challenges often accompanying traditional dialysis methods.
Also Read: Why tech companies should not sleep on this multibillion-dollar opportunity
The dialysis process can be emotionally draining for many patients, and the need for extensive fluids and bulky equipment can limit mobility, making daily activities a challenge. The AWAK PD device provides a portable, lightweight solution that helps patients take control of their treatment. This newfound mobility means they can integrate dialysis into their daily lives without the constraints imposed by traditional methods.
Additionally, our device uses innovative sorbent technology to reduce the amount of dialysis fluids required significantly. This makes the process more efficient and lessens the physical burden on patients. With fewer fluids to manage, patients can experience a more comfortable and streamlined dialysis experience.
Home dialysis is becoming a more prominent trend in the healthcare industry. How does AWAK plan to contribute to this shift?
The shift towards home dialysis holds potential benefits for healthcare systems at large. It alleviates the strain on healthcare facilities, reducing the demand for in-clinic resources and freeing up capacity for patients with more acute needs. By helping patients take an active role in their treatment, we are fostering a more engaged and informed patient population, which can lead to improved adherence and better overall outcomes.
In economic terms, this shift represents a significant potential for cost savings. By allowing patients to perform dialysis at home, we can mitigate the substantial loss of productivity associated with traditional in-clinic treatments, as highlighted by a few billion dollars in annual loss in the US. Additionally, the reduced need for large volumes of dialysate and heavy machinery can lead to more efficient resource utilisation within the healthcare system.
Could you elaborate on the miniaturisation of the AWAK PD device and how it reduces the amount of dialysis fluid needed by up to 90 per cent? What impact does this have on patients’ quality of life?
The miniaturisation of the AWAK PD device is a breakthrough in kidney care technology. Our patented sorbent-based regeneration technology has reduced the dialysis fluid needed by up to 90 per cent. Our device essentially regenerates and reconstitutes waste dialysis fluid into fresh, usable fluid.
Also Read: Decoding digital preferences: A glimpse into the future of health tech ecosystem in SEA
In addition, we have spent significant effort to reduce the electromechanical parts and design complexity, which also helped reduce the overall device weight and footprint. This means that patients can now carry a compact, lightweight device that fits into a small carry bag, liberating them from the constraints of heavy machinery and extensive fluid requirements.
In your view, what are the most significant advancements in deeptech within the healthcare sector in Singapore?
One of the most significant advancements in deeptech within the healthcare sector in Singapore is the development of innovative medical devices and technologies that have the potential to revolutionise patient care.
Looking ahead, what are AWAK’s plans and aspirations for improving dialysis care and expanding the reach of your innovative PD device?
Kidney disease is on the rise worldwide, with an estimated 800 million people affected with CKD currently. And the efforts and innovation to bring valuable solutions to ease the burden of this disease need to catch up. We need breakthroughs that fundamentally revolutionise dialysis and kidney care.
With AWAK PD, we aim to offer a lifesaving solution that helps restore productivity and dignity with convenience and ease for millions of ESRD (end-stage renal failure) patients. We are also building complementary products to enhance our portfolio to support the broader population in the kidney disease space.
—
The post How AWAK alleviates dialysis patients’ pains using a lightweight device appeared first on e27.