ALung Technologies has secured marketing approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for its Hemolung Respiratory Assist System (RAS).
ALung has collaborated with Medtel Australia to supply the product in Australia, which is claimed to be the first extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) system commercially available in the country.
Medtel Australia managing director Andrew Lehmann said: "The Hemolung RAS is viewed as an innovative and market disruptive technology with the opportunity to provide patients with better outcomes and fewer lung complications."
The Hemolung RAS is a dialysis-like alternative or supplement to mechanical ventilation to treat patients with acute respiratory failure, including those suffering from acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
According to ALung, the approval allows the Hemolung RAS to be used in around 75 hospitals with level III intensive care units, across the country.
The device also obtained approval for use in Europe and Canada.
Established in 1997, ALung develops and markets lung assist devices and is supported by individual investors and venture firms such as Allos Ventures, Birchmere Ventures and West Capital Advisors