Baxter Reports Positive Data on VIVIA Hemodialysis System

Baxter International says results from two clinical studies of its home-use VIVIA HD System show acceptable clearance of uremic toxins and an overall safety profile similar to conventional hemodialysis devices.

The results were reported at the 51st Congress of the European Renal Association and European Dialysis and Transplant Association in Amsterdam.

An estimated 1.9 million people worldwide suffer from end-stage renal disease, and the vast majority receive conventional hemodialysis — performed in a clinic three times a week for three to five hours per session, the company said.

The Baxter trials found at-home, high-dose hemodialysis to be not only as effective but also more cost-effective than conventional, in-center hemodialysis. According to two separate analyses of high-dose hemodialysis in the UK, increased at-home usage resulted in potential cost savings and better quality of life over a longer period of time, Baxter said.

Patients on VIVIA were treated five days a week for less than four hours per session, or nightly while sleeping for slightly longer times.

The VIVIA HD System received a CE Mark in December 2013 and has been introduced in select European dialysis clinics. Baxter plans to launch the system in other European countries in 2015. — Kellen Owings

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