Medical

National Institutes of Health & BIOTRONIK

Overview

In November 2024, City Labs received a Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This award is a renewal of City Labs’ Phase II award, supporting the advancement of City Labs’ innovative betavoltaic battery technology for leadless pacemakers, focusing on scalable fabrication techniques to prepare the technology for pre-clinical testing.

The goal is to develop a nuclear-powered battery with a 20-year lifespan, significantly improving upon the current leadless pacemakers (LPs) that typically last around 12 years. This extended lifespan aims to reduce the need for replacement surgeries, particularly benefiting younger patients with arrhythmias. City Labs is collaborating with BIOTRONIK, a global leader in cardiovascular medical devices, to bring this groundbreaking solution to market.

Key Details

Timeline

• 2019–Present

Collaborators

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
• BIOTRONIK

Goal

• Develop a long-lasting, nuclear-powered battery for leadless pacemakers to extend device lifespan to 20 years, reducing the frequency of replacement surgeries and expanding treatment options for younger patients.

Significance and Applications

The development of a 20-year lifespan betavoltaic battery for leadless pacemakers addresses a critical need in electrophysiology. Current LPsrequire replacement approximately every 12 years, posing challenges for younger patients who may face multiple surgeries over their lifetime.

By extending the battery life, City Labs’ technology aims to minimize surgical interventions, reduce healthcare costs, and improve quality of life for patients with arrhythmias. This advancement also has the potential to set a new standard in pacemaker technology, offering safer and more reliable treatment options.

Resources and Links

• City Labs Receives NIH Award to Develop Leadless Pacemaker Betavoltaic Power Source
• BIOTRONIK Official Website