FAQ: SeaStar Medical and AREVA's Collaboration on Advanced Burn Treatments with DoD Grant

What is the main focus of the collaboration between SeaStar Medical and AREVA?

The collaboration focuses on exploring the application of SeaStar Medical’s Selective Cytopheretic Device (SCD) therapy to reduce hyperinflammation after severe burns, inhalation injury, and infection, with the aim of improving survival rates and reducing the need for long-term dialysis.

Why is this research significant?

This research is significant because it addresses the destructive hyperinflammation associated with severe burns and infections, which can lead to organ failure and death, offering a potential life-saving treatment for both military and civilian patients.

How does the SCD therapy work?

The SCD therapy works by neutralizing destructive hyperinflammation caused by overactive immune cells by treating the blood outside the body and returning it in a less active state, thereby supporting organ recovery and potentially reducing the need for dialysis.

Who is funding this research?

The research is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Defense (DoD), awarded to the Autonomous Reanimation and Evacuation (AREVA) Research Institute as part of the 2024 Military Burn Research Program (MBRP).

When is the research study scheduled to begin?

The research study is scheduled to begin in July 2025 and will last for three years.

Where will the research take place?

The research will take place at the AREVA Institute in San Antonio, Texas, with research administration and operational support provided by The Geneva Foundation.

What are the potential benefits of the SCD therapy?

The potential benefits of the SCD therapy include reducing the need for dialysis in patients with severe acute inflammatory conditions, improving survival rates, and supporting organ recovery, which could significantly impact the treatment of critically wounded service members and civilian patients.

Has the SCD therapy been used before?

Yes, SeaStar’s device has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2024 for treating pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI) and has shown to cut mortality rates in half in clinical trials.

Who is involved in this research?

The research involves SeaStar Medical, the AREVA Research Institute led by principal investigator Andriy Batchinsky, MD, and The Geneva Foundation, which provides administrative and operational support.

What is the next step for SeaStar Medical and AREVA after this study?

SeaStar Medical and AREVA are exploring expanded applications of SeaStar’s technology beyond the initial study, indicating potential future developments and applications of the SCD therapy.