SeaStar Medical's QUELIMMUNE has been awarded the 2025 Corporate Innovator Award by the National Kidney Foundation, recognizing its innovative approach to treating pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI). This accolade places SeaStar Medical among esteemed past recipients such as Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Merck & Co., underscoring the device's potential to address a critical unmet need in nephrology.
Acute kidney injury in children is a severe condition, with approximately 4,000 pediatric patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy annually and facing mortality rates between 51-58%. QUELIMMUNE, approved under a Humanitarian Device Exemption by the FDA in February 2024, targets the cytokine storm in pediatric AKI patients due to sepsis, showing a 77% reduction in mortality rates and eliminating dialysis dependency after 60 days in clinical trials.
The National Kidney Foundation's recognition of QUELIMMUNE not only celebrates SeaStar Medical's contribution to advancing nephrology but also highlights the device's role in improving patient outcomes. With ongoing trials for adult AKI treatment and previous success in pediatric care, QUELIMMUNE represents a significant step forward in kidney disease management.
Kevin Longino, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation, emphasized the devastating impact of AKI on children and commended SeaStar Medical for their innovative solution. The foundation's 75-year history of advocating for kidney disease awareness and treatment innovation further amplifies the significance of this award.
SeaStar Medical's achievement with QUELIMMUNE is a testament to the company's commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges. As the device moves forward in clinical trials for broader applications, its potential to save lives and reduce long-term complications for AKI patients continues to grow.
