– KidneyX launches the $1.5 million second phase of the Redesign Dialysis prize competition.
– Redesign Dialysis Phase 2 seeks prototype solutions or components of solutions, that can replicate normal kidney functions or improve dialysis access.
– The competition calls on researchers, innovators, patients, and investors with expertise in nephrology, biotechnology, bioengineering, and medical devices to submit solutions.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), announced the launch of the second phase of KidneyX: Redesign Dialysis, a prize competition that seeks to transform kidney care. Redesign Dialysis is part of a series of KidneyX prize competitions to catalyze the development of innovative solutions that can prevent, diagnose, and treat kidney diseases. Luminary Labs is providing support to KidneyX.
Impact of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease impacts one in seven American adults, and Medicare spends over $100 billion on kidney care each year. Despite the sheer magnitude of the kidney disease burden, attention from the health community and investment has been limited. Dialysis patients typically spend 12 hours a week attached to a machine – PDF and their five-year life expectancy is worse than that of most cancer patients. The treatment is also extremely costly, with Medicare alone spending more than $35 billion annually for beneficiaries with kidney failure.
“Dialysis treatment has not changed substantially since it was first introduced over 60 years ago,” said HHS Chief Technology Officer Ed Simcox. “The pace of innovation in kidney care is unacceptable. Through KidneyX, we are creating a clear path for disruptive innovation in a $114 billion market.”
Redesign Dialysis Phase 2
Phase 2 calls on researchers, innovators, patients, and investors with expertise in nephrology, biotechnology, bioengineering, and medical devices to submit solutions. Participants may compete in the second phase even if they did not submit a solution in the first phase. Prototypes should address at least one of the following areas: blood filtration, electrolyte homeostasis, volume regulation, toxin removal and secretion, filtrate drainage and connectivity, and dialysis access. Up to three winners will each be awarded $500,000.
Redesign Dialysis Phase 2 is currently accepting submissions through January 31 HHS and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) intends to launch the next KidneyX competition, the Artificial Kidney Prize, in April 2020. The prize is designed to accelerate the development of an artificial kidney and advance breakthrough solutions to human trials — HHS is currently seeking input through an RFI due on or before December 13, 2019.
Redesign Dialysis Phase 1
Redesign Dialysis Phase 1 invited participants to submit proposals on approaches that could enable the design of new artificial kidney devices, extending life and improving quality of life. Phase 1 received 165 submissions that ranged from innovations in vascular access and fluid filtration to innovations in hemodialysis and biosensors. The 15 Phase 1 winners each received $75,000
“We know that building an artificial kidney will be a highly collaborative process, and Redesign Dialysis is driving critical advancements in this space,” HHS KidneyX Program Director Dr. Sandeep Patel said. “KidneyX is facilitating collaboration across the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to create a funding, regulatory, and payment landscape that can support accelerated innovation and investment.”
