US military to field-test Akeso wearable ketamine delivery device

Bexson Biomedical announced that the U.S. military intends to field-test its Akeso wearable ketamine delivery device.

Akeso, a ruggedized version of Bexson Biomedical’s wearable infusion device, utilizes Sevalent technology. Sevalent, Bexson’s proprietary formulation platform can work with small molecules across a broad range of drug classes. It enables subcutaneous intravenous (IV) therapy delivery.

Bexson management believes Akeso can provide rapid ketamine-based pain relief to soldiers in contested environments. The lightweight, durable device can provide simplicity of use by both medical and non-medical personnel. According to the company, it could enhance the efficiency of administration, better serving the U.S. military.

The training comes as part of Northern Strike, a military training and readiness exercise, taking place next month. Northern Strike includes 10,000 service members across all five U.S. military branches. It tests the readiness of forces working in concert with invited NATO partners.

Bexson said in a news release that the military utilizes ketamine for pain management in austere and contested environments. Guidelines call for it to treat pain, primarily by IV administration.

The company says military personnel will receive training to use the device on the battlefield as a potential future alternative to IV administration. Bexson intends to have engineers on hand to gain input on device utility and learn about its use, impact and outcomes.

“While IV is an effective route of administration for drug delivery, there are major limitations and inefficiencies when used on the battlefield, and thus, we believe there is an urgent identifiable need for a medicine delivery platform that is faster and simpler for use in contested environments,” said Gregg Peterson, co-founder & CEO, Bexson Biomedical. “We believe this device will be a game changer for the military, and we’re honored to be involved in this training exercise.” Drug Delivery Business