Elbit Systems of America’s medical instruments division, KMC Systems, have formed a partnership with startup Aza Technology Inc. to manufacture a rapid blood ammonia detector.
KMC and Elbit work to support local science and technology start-up companies like Aza as they work to bring their research to market, said Derek Kane, vice president and general manager of KMC.
With manufacturing and engineering headquartered in Merrimack, and supported through the Cambridge Innovation Center in Cambridge, Mass., KMC “offers advanced clinical and operational solutions to help solve customers’ most complex challenges,” he said.
“Our partnership with Aza is another way KMC and Elbit Systems of America are helping to change the landscape of healthcare and drive disruptive technologies in the life sciences space,” said Kane.
Aza has developed a Rapid Ammonia Monitoring Device (AMD) intended for the quantitative determination of ammonia in whole blood, which enables the early detection of hyperammonemia that is critical to prevent irreversible neurological damage, coma and even death. Timely diagnosis is limited by the current process and testing technology, according to AMD, which has been granted Breakthrough Device designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for point-of-care measurement of ammonia for use in pediatric patients, including neonates as an aid in the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism.
“Between hospital and/or clinic visits, parents and caregivers are challenged to know ammonia levels and when their level would require immediate attention or action,” said Kathy Stagni, executive director of the Organic Acidemia Association. “The availability of a rapid point-of-care ammonia device, such as the AMD, with the capability of monitoring blood ammonia, will be a game-changer for the patient and the caregivers.”
Added Dr. Jerry Vockley, chief of medical genetics and director for rare disease therapy at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, “Development of an accurate point-of-care ammonia meter has the potential to improve our care of patients with urea cycle disorders and organic acidemias.”
The AMD was developed in collaboration with Stanford University and Stanford Hospital. KMC will support Aza Technology in seeking FDA approval for the AMD for use in both adult and pediatric patients.
