Dutch-based XS Innovations bags €1.1M to improve treatment for end-stage kidney disease patients

The Netherlands-based XS Innovations, a spinoff from Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), has secured €1.1M in a seed round of funding.

The investment came from FIRST fund (Fonds InvesteringsRijpe STarters), Medtech TTT Fund (managed by Innovation Industries), UNIIQ, Delft Enterprises, Libertatis Ergo Holding, and the Graduate Entrepreneur Fund.

Speaking on the latest investment, FIRST Fund’s Jaap de Bruin, on behalf of the investor syndicate, says, “The syndicate is confident that the XSI team has the innovation and know-how to further develop the Dynamic AVF device, supported by a strong advisory board.”

“We believe that the Dynamic AVF can have a transformative effect on the outcomes and quality of life in patients receiving dialysis care.”

Transforming hemodialysis treatment

XS Innovations mentions in a statement that approximately 4 million global patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) rely on hemodialysis, but conventional high-flow vascular access sites often cause severe complications.

To address this, researchers from Leiden University Medical Center and Delft University of Technology have developed the Dynamic AVF (DAVF).

DAVF is a patented implantable device designed to address the complications of hemodialysis treatment by controlling high blood flow. 

Unlike traditional methods that maintain a constant high flow, the DAVF connects the artery and vein only during dialysis, keeping the AVF closed at other times to ensure normal blood circulation. 

This technology allows blood flow to be optimally controlled at 600 ml/min during dialysis and restored to normal levels during daily life. By reducing the time high blood flow is present by 90 per cent, the DAVF minimises complications and improves the overall quality of life for patients.

The device’s closed state helps restore normal blood circulation, reducing turbulent flow, stenosis formation, and aneurysm risk, while also decreasing cardiac output, risk of heart failure, and the likelihood of steal syndrome.

CEO of XS Innovations, Toon Stilma, says, “I am incredibly proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to addressing the root cause of vascular access complications in a novel way. We are determined to accelerate the development of the Dynamic AVF and bring this life-changing device to market.”

“We are committed to improving the lives of patients with kidney failure whilst revolutionising the field of hemodialysis treatment.”

Capital utilisation

The proceeds will accelerate the development of XS Innovations’ Dynamic AVF, an advanced vascular access device aimed at reducing complications associated with hemodialysis.

CSO of XS Innovations, Joris Rotmans, says, “This financing allows us to establish a clear path forward for the introduction of the Dynamic AVF into the clinical care for patients with kidney failure in need for a better vascular access for hemodialysis.”

“These patients suffer short term from high re-operation rates which impact their quality of life, and in the long term, many suffer from severe cardiovascular comorbidity. I am excited about the prospect of creating an alternative for ESKD patients that can address these issues.”