SeaStar Medical's QUELIMMUNE Honored by National Kidney Foundation for Innovation in Pediatric AKI Treatment

SeaStar Medical's QUELIMMUNE, a medical device aimed at treating pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI) due to sepsis, has been recognized with the 2025 Corporate Innovator Award by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). This accolade underscores the device's innovative approach to addressing a critical unmet need in nephrology, particularly in reducing the high mortality rates and long-term complications associated with pediatric AKI.

QUELIMMUNE operates by targeting the cytokine storm, a dysregulated immune response common in severe illnesses, through its integration with existing continuous kidney replacement therapy circuits. Approved under a Humanitarian Device Exemption by the FDA in February 2024, clinical data has demonstrated its safety and probable benefit, including a 77% reduction in mortality rates and no dialysis dependency after 60 days in treated patients.

The award places SeaStar Medical among esteemed past recipients such as Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Merck & Co., recognizing its contribution to advancing nephrology care. With ongoing trials for adult AKI treatment and previous successes in pediatric care, QUELIMMUNE represents a significant step forward in kidney disease management.

The NKF's recognition of SeaStar Medical not only highlights the device's impact on pediatric AKI but also aligns with the foundation's 75-year mission to innovate and improve kidney care. As kidney disease affects over 35 million adults in the U.S., with many unaware of their condition, advancements like QUELIMMUNE are critical in addressing the growing need for effective treatments.