Kidney failure poses a major health challenge in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, with Singapore standing out as one of the APAC countries with a high incidence of end-stage renal disease. To address this issue, Singapore is actively working with national and international organizations to develop and implement new artificial intelligence (AI)-based models. This is expected to accelerate the AI-driven transformation of Singapore’s healthcare sector and enhance kidney disease management in the country, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s research reveals that Singapore has witnessed 10 partnership deals in the medical devices sector in 2023 so far, after finalizing approximately 12 such partnership deals in 2022.

Shraddha Sapkal, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Collaborations with domestic and international organizations, new product development, and integrating digital solutions are expected to enhance the quality of life of patients with renal diseases and disrupt the kidney care industry in Singapore, further contributing to the nation’s role in medical advancements.”

In November 2023, AWAK Technologies Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based medical technology company, received a breakthrough device designation from the FDA for its kidney disease progression prediction (KDPP) AI model, being developed in collaboration with Ever Fortune.AI, a spin-off company from the China Medical University Hospital. AWAK aims to help in the timely diagnosis and treatment of renal disease by bringing this product to clinical practice. The company is also actively partnering with Singapore General Hospital to collectively work on the development of innovative AI models and the testing of the existing KDPP model.

Sapkal concludes: “AWAK is in advanced discussions with the US partners to adapt and integrate its innovative products into the US market. The company’s collaborative strategy with international players is a significant step forward and a positive development for other medical device companies in Singapore looking to expand their products and services.”