People with chronic kidney disease or at risk for heart failure are greatly affected by potassium imbalances in the body. These can even be life-threatening. While wearable blood glucose monitors are now commonplace and have revolutionized the lives of people with diabetes, potassium monitoring is still in its infancy because it is difficult to implement. Start-ups are now emerging to address this problem.
Proton Intelligence is a Canadian-based startup developing continuous potassium monitoring products. The company has now completed a $6.95 million seed funding round led by SOSV in the Bay Area. The product is scheduled to be launched in 2025 and clinical trials are underway.
Proton is developing a small device that will be inserted just under the skin to monitor potassium levels. It connects to a smartphone app that allows patients to monitor their potassium levels and receive notifications if they fall outside of safe ranges based on lifestyle choices such as diet and medications. Masu.
The clinician's dashboard shows the patient's potassium trends, and the medical team can use that data to fine-tune treatment. Potassium testing in the clinic is significantly reduced, saving significant time and cost.
The company was co-founded by CEO Sahan Ranamukhaarachchi (based in Vancouver, Canada) and CSO Victor Cadarso (based in Melbourne).
The two founded the startup 10 years ago after working as researchers in Switzerland developing wearable biosensors. Mr Ranamukhaarachchi founded a skin-based drug delivery start-up (Microdermics), while Mr Cadarso became Professor of Micro and Nanosensors at Monash University in Melbourne. Accordingly, Proton maintains a commercially focused head office in Canada and a research and development focused wholly owned subsidiary in Melbourne, Australia.
Ranamukhaarachchi told TechCrunch that the team conducted more than 100 in-depth interviews with care teams to research the product. Even sudden cardiac death. ” he said.
He said patients are suffering from “a constant fear of potassium imbalance, eating one banana or missing a blood test that can affect their health and put their lives at risk. He explained that they had discussed the question of whether the
This problem is clearly a very real one. Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10% of the world's population, and millions die each year due to lack of affordable treatment.
Proton competes with many other startups in this space.
AliveCor estimates potassium levels indirectly by detecting heart activity (has raised $154.3 million to date). Alio (raised $46 million) monitors potassium in dialysis patients. Spain's Renalyse measures potassium through finger prick blood samples (raising €1 million). Of course there are some others.
That said, Proton's founders claim that their solution is more scalable and that “no other technology currently offers this level of ease of use, precision, and clinical effectiveness.” says Ranumharach.
Mohan S. Rayyer, general partner of SOSV, said in a statement: “We are proud to be the first institutional investor in Proton Intelligence and are excited to continue supporting Proton Intelligence as it moves into clinical validation.”
We Venture Capital, Tenmile, LongeVC, 15th Rock, Exor, and Trampoline Venture Partners also invested in this seed round.