Next-Generation HemoCleanse Device
The unique reactor creates a sorbent flow pattern that optimizes clearance of unbound (DT) and bound (PF) toxins. Blood filtrate or plasma with high toxin concentrations enters in the center of the swirling sorbent suspension and is easily cleansed as it moves radially outward toward a separation membrane. Cleansed filtrate is returned to the dialyzer (Hemocleanse DT) or plasma is returned directly to the patient (HemoCleanse PF).
History
This HemoCleanse-DT was market-cleared by the FDA in 1996, in a first-generation device previously known as the BioLogic-DT. The technology was licensed by HemoTherapies, Inc. in the late 90's. The licensee subsequently suffered financial failure in 2001, and all of the technology was returned to HemoCleanse, Inc. as of the end of 2003.
Near Future
HemoCleanse, Inc. has since formed HemoCleanse Technlogies, LLC to house the new efforts. The company is now preparing to commercialize the HemoCleanse-DT, the next generation of its FDA market-cleared liver dialysis device, to bring more cost-effective liver dialysis to the masses. The company plans to market the device through established clinic channels, such as those already in place to support kidney dialysis.
The new generation of the liver dialysis device eliminates the need for a stand-alone, bulky and expensive liver dialysis machine, and complex disposables. Instead the latest manifestation of the HemoCleanse liver dialysis device will convert any kidney hemodialysis device into a liver dialysis machine.
Labs
The HemoCleanse-PF is in development in our labs, and will expand the capability of the system to treat plasma. HemoCleanse, Inc. has just received a $1 million grant to explore the use of this technology in treating sepsis that could be caused by a bioterrorism attack.
It is estimated in one study that even without the threat of bioterrorism, sepsis infections cost $16 billion annually in the U.S. alone. More than half of these annual costs—$8.7 billion—were spent on care for patients 65 years or older. The large "baby boomer" population that is heading into this demographic, is likely to magnify the problem, and to create an even greater need for our enhancements.
This new technology has potential application in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as SLE ("lupus"), psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
To learn more about the bioterrorism grant, the Press Release will provide an important context to the severity -- and the promises -- driving our product development efforts.
Return to HemoCleanse
The reduction in toxins is signficant, and holds the potential to improve patient health in a variety of conditions where toxins are present in the blood. It is interesting to note the relative molecular weights of some of the key types of molecules involved in the process. The DT removes smaller, unbound toxins, and the PF removes larger, bound toxins.
