Dutch Kidney Foundation, UMC Utrecht and Nextkidney reach major milestone: clinical trials with portable artificial kidney underway
We have exciting news: clinical trials for the Neokidney, the portable artificial kidney designed to give dialysis patients much more freedom, have officially started at UMC Utrecht — and will continue throughout the year. This marks a significant milestone in the development of a compact, mobile hemodialysis system that can transform the lives of thousands of patients worldwide.
More freedom for dialysis patients
Worldwide, 2.8 million people depend on hemodialysis; in the Netherlands, this concerns around 5,000 patients who must visit the hospital multiple times a week for hours at a time. The Neokidney — roughly the size of a cabin suitcase — aims to change that by enabling dialysis wherever and whenever needed, without large equipment or major home installations.
Joint effort: collaboration as the driving force
This project is the result of a truly collaborative effort.
Karin Gerritsen (UMC Utrecht) leads the European clinical study and is closely involved in the trials.
John Stooker (Nextkidney) has been working on the development of the portable system since 2014 and is steering it towards market introduction.
NXTGEN Hightech enables the production of the innovative sorbent cartridges — an essential component of the current trial.
Without the dedication of all these partners, this milestone would not have been possible.
Early results are promising
Previous safety studies in France have already shown positive outcomes. In Utrecht, around fifty patients are now being treated over a longer period, using the Neokidney at home as well. This phase is critical for CE marking and future approval in the Netherlands and across Europe.
A Dutch innovation with historic roots
Hemodialysis has Dutch origins: pioneer Willem Kolff developed the first artificial kidney during the Second World War and already envisioned a portable version. With the Neokidney, that vision is — decades later — finally becoming reality.
Working together toward global impact
We are extremely proud to work together on an innovation that has the potential to make a worldwide difference for people with kidney failure.
More information? Read the full press release on the Dutch Kidney Foundation website.