The collaboration between SeaStar Medical and the Autonomous Reanimation and Evacuation (AREVA) Research Institute, funded by a Department of Defense (DoD) grant, marks a significant advancement in the treatment of severe burns, inhalation injuries, and septicemia. This partnership focuses on the development of SeaStar Medical's Selective Cytopheretic Device (SCD) therapy, a novel approach designed to mitigate destructive hyperinflammation, a common and deadly complication of these conditions.
The DoD grant, awarded to AREVA as part of the 2024 Military Burn Research Program, supports a three-year study beginning in July 2025. With over $2 million in funding, the research will explore the SCD therapy's potential to improve survival rates and reduce the need for long-term dialysis in both military and civilian patients. The SCD therapy works by treating blood outside the body to neutralize overactive immune cells, thereby reducing inflammation and supporting organ recovery.
Andriy Batchinsky, MD, principal investigator and founder of AREVA, highlighted the potential impact of this research, stating it could save the lives of many patients suffering from infection- and trauma-related organ failures. The Geneva Foundation will provide administrative and operational support for the study, which will take place at the AREVA Institute in San Antonio, Texas.
SeaStar Medical's SCD therapy has already shown promise in treating pediatric acute kidney injury, with clinical trials demonstrating a significant reduction in mortality rates and dialysis duration. The company is also conducting trials for adult acute kidney injury, aiming to enroll 200 patients. The therapy's organ and disease-agnostic nature suggests broad applications across various acute and chronic conditions, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Kevin Chung, MD, chief medical officer of SeaStar Medical, emphasized the importance of the DoD's endorsement and the unique capabilities of the AREVA Institute in advancing this critical research. This collaboration represents a pivotal step forward in addressing the complex challenges of treating severe burns and related conditions, with the potential to revolutionize patient care and outcomes.
