SeaStar Medical's SCD Therapy Study Aims to Revolutionize Treatment for Severe Trauma and Infections

A groundbreaking study funded by a $2 million Department of Defense grant is set to investigate the effectiveness of SeaStar Medical's Selective Cytopheretic Device (SCD) therapy in combating hyperinflammation caused by severe burns, inhalation injuries, and septicemia. This condition often leads to organ failure and death, making the research a critical endeavor for improving patient outcomes.

The collaboration between SeaStar Medical and the Autonomous Reanimation and Evacuation (AREVA) Research Institute focuses on the SCD therapy's ability to work alongside continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) to support organ recovery. This could potentially reduce the necessity for dialysis and save lives, offering a beacon of hope for both military and civilian patients suffering from severe trauma and infection.

Dr. Andriy Batchinsky, the principal investigator and founder of AREVA, underscores the study's potential to dramatically improve patient outcomes, particularly for those facing organ failures related to infection and trauma. The study, supported operationally by the Geneva Foundation, is scheduled to begin in July 2025 at the AREVA Institute in San Antonio, Texas.

The SCD therapy has already received FDA approval for pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI) and has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials, including a reduction in mortality rates by half and decreased dialysis duration. SeaStar Medical is also advancing trials for adult AKI treatment, highlighting the therapy's wide-ranging applicability across various acute and chronic conditions.

Dr. Kevin Chung, SeaStar Medical's chief medical officer, highlights the study's significance in assessing the SCD therapy's impact on the recovery of critically injured service members. This research not only showcases the potential of SCD therapy in transforming patient care but also represents a significant step forward in developing innovative treatments for severe burn and trauma injuries.