Revolutionizing Potassium Monitoring: Proton Intelligence’s Innovative Approach
For those grappling with chronic kidney disease or at risk of heart failure, potassium imbalances can pose serious health threats. Unlike glucose monitoring, which is now advanced and life-changing for diabetes patients, potassium monitoring remains a nascent field due to its complexities. But innovation is on the horizon, thanks to emerging startups aiming to tackle this challenge.
One such pioneer is Proton Intelligence, a Canada-based startup making strides in continuous potassium monitoring. Fresh off securing a $6.95 million seed round led by SOSV, Proton is gearing up for clinical trials with plans to launch their product in 2025.
- Small device inserted under the skin
- Connects with a smartphone app for real-time monitoring
- Alerts users if potassium levels stray from safe ranges
- Clinician dashboard to assist care teams in therapy adjustments
“These highlighted the devastating consequences of ‘flying blind’ when managing potassium levels,” said CEO Sahan Ranamukhaarachchi, emphasizing how delays in monitoring can lead to preventable hospitalizations or even sudden cardiac death.
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The startup’s inception stems from the expertise of co-founders Sahan Ranamukhaarachchi and Victor Cadarso, whose backgrounds in wearable biosensors and micro-sensors have been instrumental. Their journey began as researchers in Switzerland before branching into their respective fields: Ranamukhaarachchi founded Microdermics, while Cadarso is now a professor at Monash University in Melbourne.
Proton’s dual headquarters—commercial operations in Canada and R&D in Melbourne—reflect their global approach to innovation. The team conducted over 100 interviews with care professionals, uncovering the pervasive fear patients face over potassium imbalances, where even simple dietary choices can feel life-threatening.
With chronic kidney disease affecting roughly 10% of the global population and thousands lacking affordable treatment options, Proton aims to be a game-changer among its competitors like AliveCor, Alio, and Renalyse. These companies offer varying approaches but Proton’s founders assert their solution’s superior usability and accuracy.
“No other technology currently offers this level of usability, accuracy, and clinical impact,” asserted Ranamukhaarachchi.
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Mohan S. Iyer of SOSV expressed enthusiasm for backing Proton, stating: “We are proud to be the first institutional investor… and we are excited to continue supporting them as they move into clinical validation.” The funding round also saw participation from We Venture Capital, Tenmile, LongeVC, 15th Rock, Exor, and Trampoline Venture Partners.
As Proton Intelligence continues its journey towards transforming healthcare with its innovative potassium monitoring solution, it holds promise for improving patients’ quality of life across the globe.
