Proton Intelligence, a Canada-based startup, is working on a groundbreaking solution to help patients with chronic kidney disease and those at risk of heart failure. Potassium imbalances, often life-threatening, remain challenging to monitor. The company is developing a continuous potassium monitoring device that aims to address this critical gap, backed by a recently closed $6.95 million seed funding round led by SOSV.
The device, designed to be inserted just under the skin, connects to a smartphone app to provide real-time potassium level monitoring. Patients receive alerts if levels move outside the safe range due to diet or medication, while clinicians gain access to potassium trends through a dashboard for optimizing treatment plans. Clinical trials are underway, with a planned launch in 2025.
Founded by CEO Sahan Ranamukhaarachchi in Vancouver, Canada, and CSO Victor Cadarso in Melbourne, Australia, Proton brings together expertise in wearable biosensors. Their previous experiences—Ranamukhaarachchi in skin-based drug delivery startups and Cadarso as a professor in nano-sensor technology—have shaped the company’s innovation. Proton operates with a commercial hub in Canada and an R&D-focused subsidiary in Melbourne.
The development process included over 100 interviews with care teams, highlighting the devastating effects of delayed potassium monitoring, such as preventable hospitalizations or sudden cardiac death. Patients voiced concerns about daily choices, like consuming certain foods or missing blood tests, that could jeopardize their health.
Chronic kidney disease affects 10% of the global population, leading to thousands of deaths annually due to insufficient access to affordable treatment. While Proton faces competition from companies like AliveCor, Alio, and Renalyse, its founders claim a more scalable and user-friendly solution.
The funding round saw participation from We Venture Capital, Tenmile, LongeVC, 15th Rock, Exor, and Trampoline Venture Partners. SOSV’s general partner, Mohan S. Iyer, expressed confidence in Proton, stating, “We are proud to be the first institutional investor in Proton Intelligence … and excited to support them as they move into clinical validation.”
Featured image courtesy of Health365.sg
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