#United States #New York #Northernmost #NoMo Kidney Pump #NKF

National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Innovates Kidney Preservation

On February 5, 2025, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) made headlines with its groundbreaking investment in Northernmost™, a Canadian medical device startup focused on revolutionizing how donor kidneys are preserved and transported for transplantation. This strategic partnership is set to advance the development of the NoMo™ Kidney Pump, a technology that aims to replace outdated organ preservation methods with a sophisticated, real-time preserving system.

The current standard for kidney preservation predominantly relies on static cold storage, a method that poses risks of organ damage and significantly limits the safe storage timeframe. Shockingly, around 71% of donor kidneys are treated using this low-tech approach, often leading to delayed graft function (DGF) and other complications. While the existence of perfusion machines has been known for years, their large size and high costs have hindered their routine use in organ transport.

Northernmost's innovative product, NoMo, features a compact, efficient design that simplifies the process of kidney preservation, providing consistent perfusion from donor to recipient. This enhancement not only promises to optimize the viability of organs during transit but also aims to eliminate the traditional use of ice coolers altogether.

Kevin Longino, the NKF's CEO and a kidney transplant recipient, emphasized the urgency of adopting modern technologies. “The way donor kidneys are preserved and transported hasn't changed in decades,” Longino stated. “Northernmost's NoMo Kidney Pump offers a more advanced, portable, and efficient solution to improve transplant outcomes. By investing in this technology, NKF is creating pathways for more kidneys to reach patients in optimal condition, ultimately reducing waste while saving lives.”

The implications of this investment could have far-reaching effects as nearly 90,000 people currently await kidney transplants in the United States. The adoption of continuous perfusion systems, like NoMo, has the potential to cut kidney discard rates by over 50%, translating into substantial healthcare savings in the coming decade.

Ron Mills, the CEO of Northernmost, shared his enthusiasm regarding the NKF's support: “This encouragement inspires us. We are eager to introduce NoMo to the transplantation community this coming summer and change the face of kidney preservation in the years to come.”

Key Highlights on Kidney Disease

In the broader context of health, kidney disease remains a severe issue in the United States, with an estimated 35 million adults suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Alarmingly, around 90% of those afflicted are unaware of their condition. Risk factors for CKD include prevalent issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of renal disease, particularly affecting communities of color.

As the NKF continues to push for advancements in this field, it promises to enhance patient experiences while addressing structural inequities within the healthcare system.

For further details on kidney health initiatives and innovations, visit the National Kidney Foundation's official website or explore Northernmost's technology at northernmost.ca.