Potassium imbalances can be life-threatening, especially for people with chronic kidney disease or those at risk of heart failure. While wearable glucose monitors have transformed diabetes care, continuous potassium monitoring remains a challenge. Proton Intelligence, a Canadian startup, is working to change that.
Proton has raised $6.95 million in a Seed financing round led by SOSV. The company is developing a wearable device that continuously monitors potassium levels. The device, set to launch in 2025, will be placed just under the skin and connected to a smartphone app. Patients will receive alerts if their potassium levels fall outside a safe range, based on factors like diet or medication.
The device also includes a clinician dashboard. This allows healthcare providers to track potassium trends and adjust treatments in real-time. By reducing the need for in-clinic testing, Proton’s solution can save time and reduce costs. It promises to improve potassium management and reduce hospitalizations and cardiac events.
Proton was co-founded by CEO Sahan Ranamukhaarachchi and CSO Victor Cadarso. Both have extensive backgrounds in wearable biosensors. Ranamukhaarachchi previously founded Microdermics, while Cadarso taught micro and nanosensors at Monash University. Their combined experience drove them to create Proton after conducting over 100 in-depth interviews with healthcare teams.
These interviews revealed the serious risks of delayed potassium testing, leading to preventable hospitalizations or sudden cardiac death. Patients living with chronic kidney disease expressed fear over managing potassium levels, unsure if simple things like eating a banana or skipping a test could be life-threatening.
The startup’s timing is critical. Chronic kidney disease affects about 10% of the global population, and millions die each year from lack of treatment. Proton competes with companies like AliveCor, Alio, and Renalyse. However, Proton claims its solution offers better usability, accuracy, and clinical impact.
Proton’s Seed funding round also included investors from We Venture Capital, Tenmile, LongeVC, 15th Rock, Exor, and Trampoline Venture Partners. Mohan S. Iyer, General Partner at SOSV, shared his excitement for the company’s future: “We are proud to be the first institutional investor in Proton Intelligence… and we are excited to continue to support them as they move into clinical validation.”
Proton is now advancing through clinical trials and aims to launch its product in 2025. The startup’s innovation in potassium monitoring could save countless lives worldwide.