LOTTE Holdings invests in Physiologas Technologies to support next-gen hemodialysis development, advancing global CKD treatment accessibility and healthcare innovation.
LOTTE Holdings Co., Ltd. has officially announced a strategic investment in Physiologas Technologies, a Japanese medical device startup developing a revolutionary next-generation hemodialysis system designed to transform the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This partnership marks LOTTE Holdings’ first entry into the medical device sector through its Healthcare and Biopharmaceutical Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) arm, highlighting the company’s intent to broaden its footprint in healthcare innovation.
Founded in 2020, Physiologas Technologies is currently in the preclinical stage and is working on an advanced, compact, and easy-to-use at-home hemodialysis device. The system incorporates several proprietary features, including dual adsorption filters, in-line ion monitoring, and remote physician monitoring. One of the most distinctive aspects of this innovation is its ability to regenerate dialysate and efficiently remove toxins without requiring the conventional large-scale water infrastructure used in traditional dialysis setups. By eliminating this dependency, the device promises to significantly improve accessibility and flexibility for patients who need regular dialysis but struggle with the limitations of current treatment methods.
LOTTE Holdings’ investment will provide Physiologas with the resources necessary to accelerate its product development. The funding will specifically support prototype completion, preclinical testing, and regulatory consultation processes with key agencies, including Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Physiologas aims to secure device approval in Japan by 2029, with global expansion strategies set to follow.
This investment underscores LOTTE Holdings’ broader mission to support healthcare innovation and address pressing medical challenges worldwide. Chronic kidney disease is an escalating global health issue, affecting over 800 million people across the globe and ranking among the leading causes of mortality. A significant number of patients still lack access to dialysis or transplantation, leaving them vulnerable to severe health risks. By backing Physiologas, LOTTE Holdings positions itself at the forefront of efforts to democratize CKD treatment by delivering advanced, user-friendly, and widely accessible hemodialysis solutions.
Commenting on the decision, Dr. Joon Paek, Managing Partner at LOTTE Holdings CVC, emphasized the groundbreaking potential of Physiologas’ approach. He stated, “We believe Physiologas Technologies has the potential to revolutionize conventional hemodialysis with its simple yet truly innovative technology, providing global solutions and improving the quality of life for CKD patients worldwide.”
Overall, this move represents not only an expansion of LOTTE Holdings’ healthcare portfolio but also a strong commitment to social impact by enabling better healthcare access. By fostering innovation in medical devices, the company seeks to play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of chronic disease management.
