Fresenius Medical Care, a leading global provider of renal products and services, launches the new FX CorAL® hemodialysis dialyzer. The development of the new dialyzer is focused on clinical characteristics and hemocompatibility. FX CorAL is already available in Switzerland and will be gradually rolled out in Germany, France, Italy and the United Arab Emirates. It will be followed by other countries in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region in which the company operates.
       Dialysis patients often suffer from chronic inflammation caused by the accumulation of toxic substances and constant contact of the blood with external substances. These inflammations can reduce patients’ quality of life and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. The new FX CorAL is based on the new Helixone® aqueous membrane, which forms a special gel-like aqueous layer on the surface of the inner membrane to purify the blood while reducing protein adsorption. This is necessary to reduce the induction of immune responses in patients while maintaining high selective permeability to remove toxins and excess water.
       Dr Olaf Schermeier, CEO of Global Research and Development at Fresenius Medical Care, said: “Patient well-being is at the heart of everything we do at Fresenius Medical Care. Combining clinical results with hemocompatibility is at the core of our patient-oriented work. Dialysis elements: we developed the new FX CorAL precisely for this purpose.”
       Dr Katarzyna Mazur-Hofsess, CEO of Fresenius Medical Care EMEA, said: “Fresenius Medical Care is proud to help improve the lives of patients with chronic kidney disease every day. We constantly strive to further improve the quality of care for our patients. In Europe, the launch of the new FX CorALdialyzer in the Middle East and Africa region is another important step in this direction.”
       The FX CorAL is the latest dialyzer in the Fresenius Medical Care FX dialyzer class, using polysulfone, a special plastic with excellent filtration properties and blood compatibility. The special structure of the dialyzer fibers ensures uniform washing of the dialysate around each fiber, thereby increasing the gap. The side blood inlet prevents kinking of the bloodstream during use, making blood flow more uniform and making treatment safer. In addition, all FX dialyzers are steam sterilized and environmentally friendly due to their lightweight material. After receiving the CE mark, FX CorAL was introduced into Fresenius Medical Care’s NephroCare clinics and has been used in more than 3 million procedures.
       In hemodialysis, the dialyzer acts as an artificial kidney and takes over the vital functions of the natural organ. Blood flows through 20,000 extremely thin fibers called capillaries, which are packaged in plastic tubes about 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. Metabolic toxins and excess water are filtered from the blood through these capillaries and then eliminated from the body along with the dialysate. However, blood cells and important proteins remain in the blood. This procedure is usually performed three times a week, with each treatment lasting three to six hours.
       Approximately 43% of all dialyzers sold worldwide are produced at Fresenius Medical Care’s development and manufacturing sites.
       Fresenius Medical Care is a leading global provider of products and services for the treatment of kidney diseases. Around 3.7 million kidney disease patients worldwide receive dialysis treatment on a regular basis. Fresenius Medical Care provides dialysis treatment to approximately 345,000 patients worldwide through its network of 4,151 dialysis clinics. Fresenius Medical Care is also a leading supplier of dialysis products such as dialysis machines and dialyzers. In addition to its core business, Kidney Care Continuum, the company is also expanding into additional areas and critical care. Fresenius Medical Care shares are listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FME) and the New York Stock Exchange (FMS).
       This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, changes in legislation, regulatory approvals, impacts related to results. Uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding clinical trials, currency fluctuations, litigation or investigations, and availability of funding. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in detail in the reports filed by Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
       A recent Fresenius Medical Care study confirms the effectiveness of innovative anemia management software to improve clinical outcomes in hemodialysis patients.