Member Article

'Neo-natal breakthrough' for premature babies gets green light

A new product that could help more than one million babies every year is moving into clinical trials.

Sussex firm, Inspiration Healthcare, a global provider of medical technology, has developed innovative technology that is believed will help premature babies who suffer from respiratory problems and stop breathing for periods of time (known as apnoea). This pause in breathing can lead to a lack of oxygen going to the brain (known as intermittent hypoxia).

Currently the frequent drop in oxygen levels can, in some circumstances, lead to damage to the premature lungs, blindness or neurodevelopmental problems later in life. This new, non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical device could be transformative for babies in neonatal care across the globe.

Neil Campbell, Chief Executive at Inspiration Healthcare said: “We are delighted to be able to announce that this ground-breaking technology will move into clinical trials and follows the award of the patents and now this grant. We have been working diligently with a university in California and hope that following a successful trial in Brighton, the technology will be available around the world.

“Currently more than 84% of infants who are born weighing less than 2.2 pounds suffer from apnoea and whilst the current treatments focus on drugs or aggressive respiratory options, Project Wave offers a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical solution. “

The technology behind ‘Project Wave’, has been granted a patent by the US Patent Office. The Med Tech Trials Innovation Support Grant (MTT-ISG) has been awarded by the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSN) and part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will contribute up to 50% (£50,000 maximum) towards the costs of the trials.

The new technology works by stimulating the central nervous system to allow a baby’s breathing to be more regular reducing frequent drops in oxygen levels in the body.

Prof Heike Rabe, Professor of Perinatal Medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) and Lead for Neonatal Research at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “I am delighted to support this pilot study in preterm babies. This technology will hopefully help us to prevent unwanted episodes of hypoxaemia in our very vulnerable babies and support the future neurodevelopmental outcome. This project is a prime example of constructive collaboration between industry, academia and the NHS.”

Following a successful clinical trial period, the product is expected to be launched in summer 2021.

This news comes as Inspiration Healthcare aims to become a global leader in neonatal intensive care equipment and is targeting £100 million revenue in the medium term.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Inspiration Healthcare .