The inventor of the Seattle PAP, the Seattle Children’s Research Institute, licensed the exclusive production of the Seattle PAP to Dräger in 2017.
Since then, Dräger and Seattle Children’s have worked closely together to launch this patented innovation. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) provided funding for the clinical trials led by Seattle Children’s.
“At Dräger, we make Technology for Life. This is our destiny and makes great sense, and motivates all of us every day. At the same time, we are a commercial organization and work for profit for our shareholders. With this innovation, we can combine both: We help more babies getting the best possible support in low resource countries at no profit. And we benefit with scale effects and learnings to boost our business in all other countries for profit to be distributed to our shareholders”, says Stefan Dräger, CEO of Drägerwerk Verwaltungs AG.
Worldwide more than one million newborns die every year from respiratory distress syndrome, a pulmonary disorder. Most deaths occur in countries with limited resources, where there is little access to effective healthcare for respiratory therapy.
The need for affordable and easy-to use non-invasive breathing aids for newborns and small pediatric patients is great. With the introduction of the Seattle PAP Bubble CPAP System, including user training, more infant patients will have access to a life-saving respiratory therapy. For the first time, Dräger offers with this new technology for growing markets that invest in their infrastructure to deliver healthcare. The aim of the licencing is to expand medical care in underserved countries.
Seattle PAP will be launched at Arab Health, the largest gathering of healthcare and trade professionals in the Middle East and North African region, and is taking place from January 28th to February 1st.
Respiratory support with Seattle PAP
Seattle PAP Bubble CPAP System is a method of non-invasive respiratory support for premature and newborn babies. The system supports spontaneous breathing by providing a continuous, pressurized gas flow to the baby’s airway.
Seattle PAP is simple-to-use. It is ready for use in just a few operational steps. This way, hospital staff can employ the system without the need for extensive training. As a disposable item, it may also reduce the risk of infections.