SeaStar Medical's QUELIMMUNE Wins 2025 Corporate Innovator Award for Pediatric AKI Treatment

SeaStar Medical's innovative medical device, QUELIMMUNE, has been awarded the 2025 Corporate Innovator Award by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), recognizing its groundbreaking approach to treating pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by sepsis. This prestigious award places QUELIMMUNE in the company of past laureates such as Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Merck & Co. Inc., spotlighting its role in addressing a critical gap in nephrology care.

QUELIMMUNE's mechanism of action involves targeting the cytokine storm, a harmful overreaction of the immune system often seen in severe illnesses, by integrating with an existing continuous kidney replacement therapy circuit. The device received approval under a Humanitarian Device Exemption from the FDA in February 2024, with clinical trials showcasing its safety and efficacy. Notably, these trials reported a 77% reduction in mortality rates among pediatric patients treated with QUELIMMUNE and no cases of dialysis dependency after 60 days.

The NKF's acknowledgment of QUELIMMUNE underscores its potential to revolutionize the treatment of pediatric AKI, a condition that carries a mortality rate of 51-58% for children requiring continuous renal replacement therapy. SeaStar Medical is now extending its research to assess QUELIMMUNE's applicability in adult AKI patients, with ongoing studies aiming to include 200 participants.

Founded in 1950, the NKF has been instrumental in driving forward kidney disease treatment and enhancing patient care, making the Corporate Innovator Award a notable achievement for SeaStar Medical. The foundation's initiatives have catalyzed significant healthcare breakthroughs, such as the creation of the Medicare End-Stage Renal Disease benefit and the formulation of clinical practice guidelines that have elevated patient outcomes across the country.

Eric Schlorff, CEO of SeaStar Medical, shared his appreciation for the award, highlighting the profound impact QUELIMMUNE has had in saving children's lives and averting the need for long-term dialysis. With an estimated 35 million adults in the U.S. affected by kidney disease, the advancements made by SeaStar Medical mark a pivotal development in tackling a prevalent yet frequently overlooked health issue.