Press Kit

Media contact:

Jennifer Bannan

Zer0 to 5ive, LLC

412-580-3675

Frequently Asked Questions...

How does the Allient System work?

The Allient System works on the same principals as other hemodialysis systems. During dialysis, waste products, salt and water are removed to keep them from building up in the blood. There are two major differences that make the Allient System different from standard hemodialysis machines:

the unique sorbent cartridge that provides highly pure dialysate for an entire treatment from a very small amount of potable tap water
the unique Pulsar™ blood movement system that automatically limits pressure to prevent injury to a patient’s hemodialysis access.

Where will the Allient System be used?

In the acute setting, initially. Patients with renal failure who are hospitalized and who must have dialysis will be treated with the system.

The Allient System and its sorbent-based technology provide a number of benefits over current systems used in the acute setting – namely the reduced water requirements (6 liters or 1 1/2 gallons as opposed to 200 + gallons) and the transportability of the system.

When did Renal Solutions attain FDA clearance?

As of June 2007, the Allient System Model 1500 was cleared to be used for the treatment of acute and chronic uremic patients where hemodialysis is prescribed by a physician.

Why is the Allient System an important dialysis system?

This unique system allows hemodialysis to be provided in a wide variety of clinical treatment environments where 6 liters of potable tap water and standard power are available.

The Allient System provides ease of use and transportability because no plumbing or electrical modifications are needed. It also has a proprietary Pulsar™ Pump which provides gentle heart-like pumping without the conventional roller pump tubing compressions. An increased cumulative dose of dialysis, which can easily be provided by the Allient System with extended 6-8 hour treatments, has been shown to improve patient outcomes. And sorbent dialysis is cost-competitive with other systems: Renal Solutions predicts it will be less costly over time, for a lower total cost of operation.

Where does Renal Solutions expect to place the Allient System in the near future?

Renal Solutions will be placing systems in the hospital (acute) environment. There are a number of benefits the Allient System provides to that market: namely, no water purification necessity. Any hospital location with a standard power outlet and potable tap water will be sufficient. This eliminates water purification equipment usually associated with hemodialysis. It’s an important transportability benefit.

When will the Allient system be available?

Renal Solutions expects to be placing systems in 2008.

What about treatment costs?

Reimbursement for dialysis treatments is well established in the United States. That said, in the capitated reimbursement environment today, the cost of care exceeds revenue for most dialysis providers. Renal Solutions believes that a less complicated technology, one with reduced water requirements (many technologies require 200+ gallons of water and complex treatment systems to purify the water), will help address this cost problem.

How serious a problem is renal failure?

In the United States, there are 350,000 dialysis patients, 1.3 million worldwide, and the number is growing steadily at 6-8% annually, fueled by the increased incidence of diabetes and hypertension. The mortality rate in the US is high at 22%. And the total cost of care is $67,000 annually per patient. More dialysis centers are needed, but a nursing and physician shortage is complicating that scenario.

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