Health Tech of the Week: APPARA – an innovative protective mask tailored to modern challenges

Health Tech of the Week: APPARA – an innovative protective mask tailored to modern challenges

utworzone przez | | HEALTHTECH, HEALTHTECh of the week

Amid the heightened flu season risks, Health Tech of the Week is spotlighting a company dedicated to safeguarding our lungs. In response to rising air pollution, which significantly impacts the health of urban residents worldwide, APPARA introduces an innovative protective mask. Designed with a focus on health protection and user comfort, the mask offers advanced filtration technology and smart solutions supported by a mobile application.

Addressing one of the 21st Century’s major health threats

Air pollution is one of the greatest health threats of the 21st century. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), exhaust fumes, bacteria, viruses, and allergens are just a few of the harmful substances we breathe daily. The APPARA mask is designed to protect against these dangers effectively. Equipped with advanced filters that utilize electrostatic technology and activated carbon, the mask provides FFP2-level filtration, eliminating around 94% of particles sized 0.3 micrometers or larger.

– Our goal is to protect against particulate matter and airborne pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens, that affect millions of people regardless of where they live – says Dominik Kadlubiak from APPARA.

Press Release

Advanced replaceable filter system

Many mask users struggle to determine when to replace the filter. APPARA offers a simple and convenient system of replaceable filters that can be easily installed in the mask. The filter’s lifespan depends on the level of pollution in the surrounding environment—those in high-pollution areas should replace filters more frequently.
To help users manage filter replacement, the brand has developed a dedicated mobile app that monitors the amount of filtered pollutants and notifies users when it’s time to change the filter. This ensures that the mask always provides maximum protection.
It’s worth noting that the APPARA app is more than just a filter-tracking tool. By integrating with global air quality databases, the app provides users with up-to-date information on pollution levels in their area. Users can monitor their exposure to pollutants and receive personalized recommendations, such as the best times for outdoor activities in a given location.

We wanted the app to be both educational and practical. The free version offers access to essential functions, such as air quality monitoring and alerts for sudden changes. The premium version provides advanced features, including personalized health analyses and intelligent recommendations for active individuals – explains Dominik Kadlubiak.

Comfort as a top priority

Wearing protective masks for long periods often causes discomfort, especially with traditional models that fit behind the ears. APPARA prioritized ergonomics and comfort. The mask minimizes pressure and skin irritation thanks to its innovative neckband design and special materials. Additionally, the mask features a ventilation system that allows for the swift release of exhaled air, reducing moisture buildup inside the mask and ensuring a fresh feeling throughout the day.
Given the growing environmental issue caused by disposable protective masks, which generate massive amounts of plastic waste, APPARA offers a reusable mask with replaceable filters. This system reduces the use of disposable materials by over 70%, significantly decreasing waste. The company is actively working on incorporating bio-based materials into mask production to further reduce environmental impact. Currently, research is underway in collaboration with a scientific institute in Slovakia.
The APPARA mask is designed with the most vulnerable individuals in mind, including those with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Although the mask is not yet classified as a medical device, efforts are underway to obtain the necessary certifications.

Reducing exposure to air pollutants can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with respiratory issues, alleviating symptoms such as wheezing and coughing – emphasizes Kadlubiak.

Press release

Future plans

APPARA is not resting on its laurels. Plans are in place to expand both the product line and the functionality of the mobile app. The founders emphasize that they see innovation as more than just a mask; they aim to create a comprehensive health system that evolves alongside user needs.

The APPARA mask is not just a product but also a response to modern challenges related to health protection and environmental sustainability. With advanced technology, user comfort, and a sustainable production approach, APPARA is setting a new standard in personal protection – an increasingly essential aspect of daily life.

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Stay tuned for more in the “Health Tech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

Health Tech of the Week: Aptamedica’s Medical Analyzer – a revolution in personalized therapy

Health Tech of the Week: Aptamedica’s Medical Analyzer – a revolution in personalized therapy

utworzone przez | | HEALTHTECH, HEALTHTECh of the week

The hero of the latest January post of the Health Tech of the Week series is Aptamedica, a rapidly growing startup introducing a groundbreaking medical analyzer to the market. This innovative device enables the fast and precise measurement of drug concentrations and diagnostic markers in patients’ blood. Based on advanced DNA biosensors and electrochemical technology, the analyzer has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of critically ill patients.

 

The Aptamedica analyzer operates through the precise interaction between DNA fragments and specific molecules such as drugs or sepsis markers. Each test is single-use and tailored to a particular substance, allowing for real-time measurements. This provides doctors with immediate access to critical information about a patient’s condition, which is particularly vital in intensive care units.

  • Our team was formed during our university studies. As part of exploring our scientific interests, we became fascinated by the emerging field of using DNA as a biosensor. We developed this concept into a new technology that allows for the measurement of various substances – says Maciej Łach, co-founder of Aptamedica. – The possibility of helping others, especially those in critical need, motivates us to develop our company and product. We always remember that one day our device might save our own lives or those of our family members –  he adds.
Press Release

Personalizing therapy with Artificial Intelligence

Advanced AI algorithms support the Aptamedica analyzer in personalizing patient therapies. The system not only enables precise drug dosage but also integrates test results with other medical data, allowing for even more tailored treatments.

What stands out about this Polish startup’s solution is its ability to rapidly determine the concentration of diagnostic markers. The use of innovative biopolymer layers and hydrogels eliminates interference during measurements, resulting in more accurate outcomes and significantly reduced waiting times.

Deploying the Aptamedica analyzer in intensive care units brings multiple clinical benefits. By instant access to results it allows immediate therapy adjustments. It streamlines medical workflows and eliminates the need to transport samples to a laboratory. What is more, analyzer enables bedside testing and gives personnel an opportunity to spend more time planning treatments and caring for patients.

Additionally, the analyzer is designed for full integration with hospital systems. Test results are automatically recorded in patients’ electronic medical records, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This improves diagnostic efficiency and provides authorized personnel with easier access to essential data.

Press release

Development Plans and Certification

Aptamedica is working intensively to enhance the functionalities of its analyzer. Future plans include expanding the range of tests and increasing the sensitivity of test strips. The startup is also preparing for an investment round to secure funding for further development. Achieving certification in international markets, including compliance with EU directives and FDA standards in the United States, is a key goal.

  • Our device consists of two components: a universal analyzer (AptaSense) and interchangeable single-use tips specific to a given substance. When we develop a new test strip for detecting another substance, such as troponin or digoxin, we can update the analyzer, enabling it to perform a wider range of tests. In this way, we can create tests to measure the concentration of numerous substances relevant to other areas of medicine – explain Aptamedica representatives.

The team is focused on developing a reliable, fast, and user-friendly analyzer that will find broad applications in healthcare. The attractive pricing of the tests may increase access to diagnostic examinations, leading to better therapy planning and improved treatment effectiveness.

The realization of this vision marks a step toward the future of healthcare, driven by modern technologies and personalized therapies. The entire Health Tech of the Week editorial team is rooting for Aptamedica’s success!

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Stay tuned for more in the “Health Tech of the Week” series, where we’ll continue to uncover fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you’re working on an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

Health Tech of the Week: SDS Optic S.A. – A Breakthrough in Cancer Diagnostics

Health Tech of the Week: SDS Optic S.A. – A Breakthrough in Cancer Diagnostics

utworzone przez | | BUSINESS, HEALTHTECH, HEALTHTECh of the week

In today’s edition of the Health Tech of the Week series, I present SDS Optic S.A., a company that has undertaken the mission to change the face of cancer diagnostics by introducing innovative inPROBE technology, promising to revolutionize the detection and monitoring of tumors.

Modern medicine faces enormous challenges, among which the fight against cancer stands out. The statistics are alarming – nearly 10 million people die of this disease every year. Breast cancer has already surpassed lung cancer as the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Each year, about 1.7 million new cases are reported, and nearly half a million deaths occur. The founders of SDS Optic S.A. aimed to create a solution that not only addresses this problem but also solves the issues with the imperfections of existing diagnostic methods. The traditional approach, requiring invasive biopsy and a long wait for results, is not only painful for patients but also prone to human error, which can delay diagnosis and the implementation of appropriate treatment. The solution to these problems is inPROBE – a technology that allows for immediate and precise diagnosis of cancer biomarkers without the need for tissue extraction from the patient.

Press Release

30 %  by 2030

The vision that motivates and drives the entire team is to increase cancer survival rates by 30% by the year 2030. In 2017, the WHO published a list of recommended procedures and medical services that should be applied at an early stage of the disease to improve the chances of curing patients with cancer. The main conclusion was to emphasize the need for the global development of early cancer diagnostics, which saves lives and significantly reduces the costs associated with treatment.

To encourage decision-makers worldwide to take action in this direction, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) were defined. One of these goals is to reduce by one-third the premature deaths caused by cancer by 2030. A similar goal was included in the mission of the European Commission in 2021, which deals with combating cancer diseases within the „Horizon Europe” program. SDS Optic S.A. identifies with this goal and therefore develops technologies for diagnosing cancer, infectious, and fungal diseases that support saving lives and health.

Painless and Effective Diagnostics

The inPROBE technology uses advanced photonics and molecular biology to identify and measure the concentration of cancer biomarkers in real-time and directly in the patient’s body. What sets inPROBE apart from traditional methods is its lower invasiveness, speed of obtaining results, and the ability to monitor the disease area precisely, not limiting itself to the analysis of an isolated tissue sample. Currently, biopsy and histopathological examination are the standards in cancer diagnostics. Biopsies are often painful, and waiting for results can be long, posing a serious problem. The speed of implementing appropriate treatment is crucial for recovery and survival rates. It should be added that currently functioning diagnostic methods only examine a sampled tumor section, not the entire disease focus (tumor and its surroundings). Moreover, measurements of this tissue sample after several days or weeks do not achieve the same parameters in the laboratory as measurements of living tissue directly in the human body.

The technology is being developed as a technological platform that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of therapy in real-time and under natural conditions (in vivo). Fiber optics quickly transmit collected data, and SDS Optic S.A.’s proprietary algorithm analyzes it and converts it into objective and accurate medical results in real-time. This means that in the future, there may be no need to wait several weeks for final results. Such a change will not only save time but also reduce stress for patients waiting for a test result.

Press release

The Gold Standard of the Future

As representatives of SDS Optic S.A. say, every groundbreaking discovery in medical history that eventually became known as the „Gold standard” had to undergo a natural process that lasted many years, supported by a wide range of stakeholders (including doctors, global companies, scientific organizations, and foundations). This was the case with magnetic resonance imaging, the first tomograph, or ultrasound examinations. Today, no one wonders which company developed or commercialized the resonance or tomograph. Only the diagnostic method, which is reliable and permanently assigned to certain disease entities, is mentioned. Scientists are currently working to ensure that the inPROBE technology enters global diagnostic practice, not only in oncology but also in infectious and fungal diseases as a new diagnostic method, and that in a few years, it can be widely used, including in molecular cancer diagnostics. The company has been listed on the NewConnect stock exchange since March 2022.

I invite you to continue following the „Health Tech of the Week” series, where we will discover more fascinating stories from the world of medical technologies that are changing the face of healthcare. If you are running an innovative project in the field of new technologies and medicine or want to recommend an interesting solution, contact us at: [email protected].

HealthTech of the Week: How to take care of the quality of your sleep with Clebre?

HealthTech of the Week: How to take care of the quality of your sleep with Clebre?

utworzone przez | | HEALTHTECH

Everyone knows that sleep is necessary for our health. Unfortunately, we often forget that the quality of our regeneration is affected not only by the number of hours slept but also by whether we breathe properly during sleep. Clebre is a Polish medical startup creating sensors for home sleep quality measurement connected to an application that enables convenient therapy for sleep apnea and breathing disorders during sleep. Dr. Wojciech Kukwa, co-founder and acting CEO of Clebre, shares details about the project. Read this article and get to know how to take care of the quality of your sleep!

 

Where did the idea for Clebre come from?

Several years ago, as part of the Healthy Sleep Foundation, we conducted almost 6,000 surveys among parents of children in the early grades of primary school. The research focused on very common problems in children—mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. It was a fascinating study, especially because we were able to refer many children for further diagnostics and treatment in otolaryngology departments. This motivated me to search for a solution that would allow for simple and inexpensive measurements of breathing quality at home, initially in children and later in adults. A system that would enable home diagnostics and therapy for this problem.

Press Release

What was supposed to set this new solution apart?

Our screening study was entirely based on surveys filled out by parents. This means that they had to be aware of the problem and monitor their child’s sleep. Such observation can never be precise. Along with Maciej Migacz and Marcel Młyńczak, we concluded that the optimal solution would be continuous breath recording using a sensor and further, increasingly automated analysis of this signal. We built the first, very simple prototype and confirmed the functionality of this proof of concept.

What stage is the work with the device currently at?

In the coming months, we plan to produce the first series of sensors available for use. We aim to monitor sleep and breathing in both adults and children. We have a wide range of interested laryngologists who want to monitor breathing disorders in their patients using this method and assess progress in treatment.

Press release

What is the awareness of the need for diagnosing breathing disorders during sleep in Poland?

A good question! Currently, this awareness is not widespread, among potential patients as well as among doctors. However, the topic of sleep quality and breathing is becoming increasingly popular due to interest in mindfulness, a healthy lifestyle, and longevity. It’s worth mentioning that untreated apnea can shorten the life of the affected person by as much as 12-14 years!


How do you raise awareness about breathing issues?

We try to educate about breathing problems among children and women—these social groups are often overlooked in diagnostics. Along with Dr. Wojciech Falęcki, a gynecologist, we posted about the importance of breathing during pregnancy. The response from pregnant women was tremendous. Also, the issue of breathing disorders in children is widespread, and incorporating the Clebre sensor into monitoring children’s breathing will help address these problems.

What is the awareness of this issue globally?

In the EU, the US, or Australia, there is greater awareness of the problem. Diagnosis affects millions of people. However, it’s still a 'one-night diagnosis’ where the patient spends a night in the hospital connected to a complicated device. Both women and men, adults and children, are examined in the same way. Regarding sleep breathing disorders, we are where we were with hypertension treatment over 30 years ago. At that time, no patient had a blood pressure monitor at home and couldn’t control their blood pressure daily. Similarly, apnea, like hypertension, is a chronic disease that requires patient monitoring.


What is Clebre’s biggest advantage?

We are preparing a service that will eventually be so automated that it will guide the patient through the treatment process. There are many different devices that measure breathing and sleep quality. However, most of them are complex, expensive devices that will never reach patients’ homes. We are working on a solution where the application along with the sensor will allow the patient to navigate through the entire therapy process, not just measure. Of course, with medical support, but at a scale small enough to be 'scalable.’ If we want sleep medicine to be personalized, we have no choice. We need to automate this process to some extent. There are about 3.5 million people in Poland who should be diagnosed and treated for apnea. There aren’t and won’t be enough doctors to handle these patients properly. So, we are preparing a process supported by sensors and algorithms. We leave specific therapeutic steps to the doctors, such as performing a procedure or selecting a CPAP machine or an intraoral device.

Clebre is currently in the stage of preparing a series of sensors in the final production technology. The startup will develop both a medical certification line and a lifestyle line for monitoring sleep quality in individuals who do not require conventional sleep apnea treatment. An important part of the project is collecting data that will enable gradual automation of the treatment process for patients with sleep breathing disorders.

HealthTech in the media. How to practically create a good press release?

HealthTech in the media. How to practically create a good press release?

utworzone przez | | BUSINESS, COMMUNICATION

When communicating with technology startups, it is worth betting on longer content, such as a press release, in your efforts. An article or a traditional press release, used at the right moment, can give us very good coverage. Why?

 

Not just social media. What’s the purpose of media relations?

 

Healthcare startups often use modern forms of dialogue with target groups. These can include social media, mailing, or blogs. Some of the proponents of these solutions claim that this form of communication is now more accessible to the audience and thus – more effective. Our inclination towards short forms also stems from the belief that the ideal texts are short texts (because they are more memorable). Not only is the message shorter, but you can also use emojis and include multimedia content. This may seem to make it much easier to show how our technology works in more detail.

 

What’s more, it is said that the most searched content on the Internet is that which contains about 1,400 words. However, let me assure you that a universal text length does not exist. Often, by shortening the text, we create content that does not sound natural. In the case of the HealthTech industry, we run the risk that our short message may abound in too many foreign-sounding names, and nomenclature known only to us, and thus become incomprehensible to the „ordinary” user. 

What should you pay attention to?

Thus, the length of the text should be adjusted each time to the purpose and place of publication. By the same token, not only short posts or testimonials are important for the effectiveness of a communication campaign – especially in the HealthTech industry. Our consumers should understand exactly what benefits they will gain by deciding to buy our product or choose our service. Therefore, a longer form may be better for us than even a Facebook post.

Press Release

A press release (press release, press deposition) is one of the basic tools of every promotional and PR specialist used in contacting the media. By virtue of its formula, it significantly helps to convey information about technology products or services. This is especially important in communicating new solutions of the HealthTech industry, when it is worth explaining to consumers how our product works and what benefits it provides. Keep in mind that our audience may be ( by virtue of age) accustomed to traditional forms of communication, and treat social media rather trivially. What else should we keep in mind?

Press releases are not as long as they used to be.

Nowadays, a press release should be concise and clear, in order to quickly convey the most important information – without unnecessarily wasting the reader’s time. While a few years ago the standard press release was 1.5 – 2 pages, now many PR consultants suggest that our announcement should not exceed 1 A4 page in volume.

Invariably, our press release should answer three basic questions: what happened, who is involved, and why it is important. These questions help you quickly understand the information, what the article is about, and who it might be of interest to.

Facts are always more important than opinions.

In a press release, the focus should be on facts and documented information, not on the author’s subjective opinions – then we are talking about a feature, which is unlikely to work in our promotional campaign. Facts are more reliable and can be verified by the reader.

Press release

Avoid success propaganda in a press release.

In a press release, avoid excessive self-promotion and false information to boost a positive image of a company or organization. Let’s not write that our product is revolutionary. It would be better if we write about the standards, technical standards that the product meets and in what everyday situations it will be used. 

After writing the press release, take care of its dissemination.

After writing a press release, it is important to take care of its dissemination, for example, by sending it to the media or making it available on the website.

Technical aspects of the press release are important.

In a press release, technical aspects such as text layout, headlines, photo captions, etc., are important and determine how accessible our publication is. This is especially important if you are communicating new technologies. Sometimes quoting an expert in communication allows the reader to understand what benefits he or she will get by using our product or service. In the HealthTech industry, it’s best to use the opinion of a doctor or other health care professional or foundation that conducts activities related to a particular disease entity.

The devil is in the details. 

In a press release, details are key because they help readers better understand the article and increase its credibility. A paraphrase works well, such as „The technology used in the solution nullifies the problems of sinus disease. With the XX device, we will get rid of runny nose, and sinus pain and breath easier.”

Stand out or die.

Imitation can be harmful and mislead our audience. In a press release, it is important to be original and present your own opinion, and innovation of your service/product.

Follow up

Follow up, or stay in touch with journalists.

Journalists are often looking for interesting topics to write articles or videos about. By contacting them, we can introduce our new products or services, which will help build our brand in the media. When contacting journalists NEVER send a collective email to all of them. Approach each of them individually, and write individual emails. Each journalist needs different arguments to get them interested in your topic. 

Want to learn more? Use our checklists, which are available for download here.

Image source: Canva.com.