KIDNEY diseases have become increasingly prevalent in Malaysia, with the country ranking among the highest, as over 51,000 Malaysians live with EndStage Renal Disease (ESRD), according to an article by Code Blue.
Globally, it is estimated that one in 10 people have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), while nine in 10 of those are unaware they have it, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
By 2030, 4.5 million people worldwide are expected to need dialysis or kidney transplants.
Speaking to Dr Poh Hui Chia, Director at Vickers Venture Partners, a leading venture capital firm that invests in deep-tech startups globally, she highlighted that kidney disease is more common than most people realise.
“CKD can progress from early stage to end-stage chronic disease.
When it reaches the point of kidney failure or ESRD, that is when a transplant or dialysis becomes necessary.
The kidneys are essential for cleansing the blood of waste substances that our bodies produce; without them, toxic build-ups can occur,” Dr Chia said.
In Malaysia, the average wait time for a kidney transplant is 13 to 15 years, making kidney dialysis the next best option for patients with ESRD.
To date, there are two types of kidney dialysis. Haemodialysis is a treatment performed at a dialysis centre, where blood is drawn into a machine for cleansing.
These sessions typically occur up to three times per week, lasting four to five hours each.
Peritoneal dialysis is a home-based medical treatment that involves connecting the patient to a machine for eight to 12 hours, usually overnight.
A catheter is inserted into the abdomen and into the peritoneal space through a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
This tube allows a special solution, called dialysate, to be infused into the peritoneal cavity.
The dialysate fluid absorbs waste products and toxins through the peritoneum.
Once complete, the fluid is pumped out, and the process repeats to maintain waste at tolerable levels.
However, Dr Chia noted that both dialysis methods, given the current technology, come with risks.
Haemodialysis can cause low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and infections, while peritoneal dialysis carries the risk of fluid retention, discomfort, and infection.
“Kidney disease affects not only the kidneys but also dramatically impacts an individual’s lifestyle.
Dialysis patients often face mental health challenges due to the significant lifestyle changes required, including managing a strict schedule and routine,” Dr Chia said.
AWAK Technologies’ latest innovation
Shifting the paradigm in kidney care, AWAK Technologies, a medical device company specialising in innovative solutions for kidney care, has recently introduced a wearable peritoneal dialysis device the size of a handbag.
This device reduces the amount of fluid needed by 90 per cent, making it more portable and allowing patients to perform dialysis anywhere.
Vickers Venture Partners invested in AWAK because they recognised its potential to dramatically improve the standard of care for kidney patients.
AWAK’s portable dialysis device received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Breakthrough Device Designation in 2019 after a successful human safety trial at Singapore General Hospital.
The trial demonstrated the device’s efficiency in removing toxins and confirmed its safety.
Breakthrough designation is awarded to certain medical devices that provide more effective treatment for diseases.
AI for the betterment of kidney patients
The technological advances do not stop there, as AWAK Technologies has also developed an AI to predict the progression of CKD to ESRD, offering a more individualised understanding of the disease.
“This AI’s capability allows patients diagnosed with CKD to make lifestyle changes to prevent further kidney damage.
Doctors can also prioritise patients who need kidney dialysis or transplants based on their disease progression,” said Dr Chia.
This AI-Enabled Kidney Disease Protection Tool was awarded FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2023.
The belief in revolutionary change
Dr Chia, who focuses on investments in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, believes that there are many pressing issues that need solving.
She believes that AWAK’s disruptive technologies could revolutionise kidney care and significantly impact the healthcare industry.
“At Vickers Venture Partners, our diverse team evaluates and supports groundbreaking technologies.
What we bring is the financial capability to help these companies bring their innovations to market.
If they succeed, you can imagine the impact they will have in the future,” she said.
