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Research aimed at improving health-related, quality-of-life
outcomes for hemodialysis patients
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Novel exploration of anticoagulant-free hemodialysis will
investigate expanding function of dialysis membranes
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World-class Baxter research and development team in Hechingen,
Germany, to lead consortium
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX), a global innovator in renal care,
today announced receipt of a major research and development (R&D) grant
from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)’s
“From Material to Innovation” program to lead a consortium investigating
an anticoagulation-free hemodialysis (HD) option for end-stage renal
disease (ESRD) patients. The grant provides €1.5 million in funding over
three years to Baxter’s research team in Hechingen, Germany, and the
consortium partners to find a solution that will improve health-related,
quality-of-life outcomes for the millions of patients receiving HD
therapy globally.
Anticoagulant use is a necessary component of HD that helps prevent
blood clotting during therapy sessions, which are typically performed
three days a week for an average of four hours per session. HD patients
can experience short-term side effects from the anticoagulants, such as
increased bleeding time at the end of a dialysis session.1
Some patients also experience long-term, cumulative effects of the
drugs, such as increased risk of osteoporosis and endocrinology
disorders that cause disruption to sodium and potassium levels, and a
breakdown of essential proteins.2
The consortium is taking a novel approach to its research by analyzing
modifications of dialysis membranes to minimize the interaction between
blood and membrane surfaces — which is the main cause of blood clotting.
The Baxter-led consortium brings together leading experts on polymer
membrane science, active and interactive materials and functional
nanostructured interfaces from the DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive
Materials Aachen and the Leibniz-Institute for Polymer Research Dresden,
as well as innovative tools for the analysis of blood-material
interactions from Hot Screen GmbH in Reutlingen.
“We are uniquely positioned to challenge standards and transform the
quality of renal care treatment options through the work of our
dedicated, world-class research and development teams,” said Sumant
Ramachandra, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, chief science and
technology officer, Baxter. “Our team in Hechingen is the global leader
in membrane research and development, which is why we are confident our
colleagues will lead this consortium in successfully exploring an
anticoagulant-free dialysis option to improve patient outcomes globally.”
In 2012, Baxter received a grant from BMBF’s “BioMatVital:
BioDisposabes” project to investigate a new generation of dialysis
membranes to improve the treatment of chronic inflammation in ESRD
patients. This research helped inform the company’s development of the Theranova
dialyzer, which is a unique type of HD therapy that extends the
range of molecules that can be filtered from the blood, resulting in a
clearance profile that more closely mimics the natural kidney.3,4
HDx enabled by the Theranova dialyzer is available in Canada and
select European, Latin American and Asian markets, and is currently an
investigational device in the United States.
About Baxter
Every day, millions of patients and caregivers rely on Baxter’s leading
portfolio of critical care, nutrition, renal, hospital and surgical
products. For more than 85 years, we’ve been operating at the critical
intersection where innovations that save and sustain lives meet the
healthcare providers that make it happen. With products, technologies
and therapies available in more than 100 countries, Baxter’s employees
worldwide are now building upon the company’s rich heritage of medical
breakthroughs to advance the next generation of transformative
healthcare innovations. To learn more, visit www.baxter.com
and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Rx Only.
For safe and proper use of the devices
mentioned herein, refer to the TheranovaInstructions for
Use.
This release includes forward-looking statements concerning
THERANOVA, including potential benefits associated with its use. The
statements are based on assumptions about many important factors,
including the following, which could cause actual results to differ
materially from those in the forward-looking statements: satisfaction of
regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and
other governmental authorities; product quality, manufacturing or
supply, or patient safety issues; changes in law and regulations; and
other risks identified in Baxter's most recent filing on Form 10-K and
other SEC filings, all of which are available on Baxter's website.
Baxter does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.
Baxter and Theranova are registered trademarks of Baxter
International Inc.
1 Bramham, K., et al. (2008). "Comparison of Tinzaparin™
and Unfractionated Heparin as Anticoagulation on Haemodialysis:
Equal Safety, Efficacy and Economical Parity." Nephron Clinical
Practice 110(2): c107-c113
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2 Shen, J. I. and W. C. Winkelmayer (2012). "Use and
safety of unfractionated heparin for anticoagulation during
maintenance hemodialysis." Am J Kidney Dis 60(3): 473-486
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3 Boschetti-de-Fierro A, et al. MCO membranes: Enhanced
Selectivity in High-Flux Class. Scientific Reports (2015); 5: 18448.
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4 Kirsch AH, et al. Performance of hemodialysis with
novel medium cut-off dialyzers. Nephrol Dial Transplant.
2017;32:165-172.
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Media Contact
Bess Featherstone, (224) 948-5353
media@baxter.com
Investor Contact
Clare Trachtman, (224) 948-3020
Source: Baxter International Inc.