SeaStar Medical Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: ICU) has received FDA approval for its Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application to conduct a feasibility study of its Selective Cytopheretic Device (SCD-ADULT). The study will evaluate the safety and initial efficacy of SCD-ADULT in reducing inflammation in adult patients suffering from acute heart failure with worsening renal function, specifically those with cardiorenal syndrome or severe right ventricular failure awaiting a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.
The trial, expected to enroll 20 patients across up to five clinical sites, is backed by a $3.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Innovative BioTherapies (IBT), led by SCD inventor H. David Humes, MD, of the University of Michigan, will oversee the study. Dr. Humes will serve as the lead investigator, with SeaStar Medical acting as the clinical research organization (CRO).
Addressing Unmet Needs in Cardiorenal Syndrome
Cardiorenal syndrome, characterized by the interplay between heart and kidney dysfunction, often leads to hyperinflammation, complicating treatment and potentially disqualifying patients from receiving life-saving LVADs. The SCD-ADULT is designed to modulate the immune response, reducing hyperinflammation and potentially improving patient outcomes.
Kevin Chung, MD, Chief Medical Officer of SeaStar Medical, noted, "Oftentimes patients with cardiorenal syndrome and worsening renal or cardiac function are ineligible for lifesaving LVAD implantation due to the severity of their condition. This study is designed to determine whether employing the SCD-ADULT to reduce hyperinflammation in these extremely ill patients can sufficiently improve their condition to bridge to LVAD implantation. Findings from this study could inform a future pivotal study in this population."
Selective Cytopheretic Device (SCD) Mechanism
The Selective Cytopheretic Device is a patented, cell-directed extracorporeal device that employs immunomodulating technology. It selectively targets proinflammatory neutrophils and monocytes during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), reducing the hyperinflammatory environment, including the cytokine storm. Unlike traditional blood-purification methods, the SCD is integrated with CRRT hemofiltration systems to transition proinflammatory monocytes to a reparative state and reduce the inflammatory nature of activated neutrophils. This approach aims to promote long-term organ recovery and potentially eliminate the need for future renal replacement therapy, including dialysis.
Commercial Opportunity
Eric Schlorff, CEO of SeaStar Medical, emphasized the commercial potential, stating, "We estimate the total addressable U.S. market for the SCD-ADULT in cardiorenal syndrome at more than $1 billion annually, making this a significant commercial opportunity for our company. As acting CRO for this study, we will receive a portion of the NIH grant while gaining valuable experience that may serve us well in future studies."
Breakthrough Device Designation
The FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) previously granted Breakthrough Device Designation for the SCD in cardiorenal syndrome with LVAD in September 2023. The SCD has also received Breakthrough Device Designation for adult acute kidney injury, hepatorenal syndrome, and chronic dialysis.
