Osman Khawar (Diality) on Moda-flx and the need for more flexible dialysis treatment options: Signals KOLs

Summary

In this episode, Diality CEO, Osman Khawar, discusses his team's innovative hemo-dialysis device, which combines a traditional hemodialysis machine with a built-in reverse osmosis (RO) system. The device, which recently received FDA approval, offers unique flexibility in prescription flow rates and usability across professional care settings such as acute, subacute, and chronic dialysis facilities. Osman highlights the importance of user-friendly design, particularly for non-professionals, as the team prepares for clinical trials aimed at home-use approval. The device simplifies dialysis setup with a cartridge-based system and intuitive touch-screen controls, empowering patients and providers to focus on treatment, rather than technology. Osman underscores the value of collaboration and innovation within the renal space, emphasizing how advancements like these can transform care delivery and improve patient outcomes.

Signals KOLs is the series that highlights key opinion leaders whose work is shaping the future of kidney health across industry, academia, policy, research, advocacy, and beyond.

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Guest Bio

Osman obtained his MD from the University of Glasgow and his MPH from Johns Hopkins. He is a Board-Certified nephrologist with a passion for Home Dialysis. He is an experienced Clinical researcher and entrepreneur who has run several businesses in the Dialysis industry including a Clinical Research company and several Dialysis Units in San Diego. He currently serves on the Palomar Health Foundation Board.

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Keywords

dialysis, medical device, innovation, renal care, usability, FDA approval, healthcare technology, patient care, engineering, clinical training

Chapters

• (00:20) Intro, take one…

• (00:43) Diality at ASN Kidney Week

• (01:17) What gets people excited about Moda-flx?

• (03:00) Importance of usability in system design process

• (03:59) Innovation with patients, for patients

• (04:12) Device walkthrough / show-and-tell

• (05:45) Why kidney innovation matters

• (06:08) “Cheers to that”— how’d we do?

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Takeaways

• FDA Approval Milestone: Diality's Moda-flx Hemodialysis System recently received FDA approval, marking a significant achievement for the patient-inspired technology designed to provide ease of use and mobility for dialysis care. This approval sets the stage for broader adoption across professional care settings.

• Combining RO + HD in One Device: The device integrates a reverse osmosis (RO) system with a traditional hemodialysis (HD) machine, providing high dialysate flow rates (up to 600 ml/min). This allows for unparalleled flexibility in treatment prescriptions across acute, subacute, and chronic care settings.

• Prioritizing Usability for All Users: Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the system features an intuitive touch screen, an inbuilt heparin pump, and a cartridge-based setup. These features simplify training and operation, making it more accessible for both healthcare professionals and non-professionals across care settings. Moda-flx combines feasibility and usability in a single device.

• Innovation as a Catalyst for Kidney Care: Osman emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in the renal space. By developing technology that empowers providers and patients, the industry can push the boundaries of care and improve outcomes for all stakeholders. The focus remains on treatments, not technology. Innovation is the rising tide— and it’s how we’ll get there.

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Milestones

• Jan-2025: Diality Announces First Patient Treated With Moda-flx Hemodialysis System (Press Release)

• Aug-2024: Diality Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for Its Moda-flx Hemodialysis System (Press Release)

• Aug-2024: Diality Joins Kidney Care Partners (Press Release)

• May-2023: Diality Names Robert Funari to its Board of Directors (Press Release)

• Mar-2022: Diality Closes $24 Million of Series B2 Financing to Support Regulatory Clearance and Market Entry for its Versatile Hemodialysis System (Press Release)

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Discussion

• What else would you like to know about Diality or the Moda-flx device?

• Have you been involved in starting and/or growing a new medical device?

• What questions do you have for Dr. Khawar and the Diality team?

• What areas dialysis or kidney innovation are you most excited about right now?

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Signals is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors. We are grateful to partner with organizations committed to advancing kidney care and innovation. This episode was made possible by Roivios, the team developing the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD).

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