Apart from insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has the highest prevalence in the general population of all sleep disorders. It affects approximately 3–7% of the middle-aged male population and 2– 5% of middle-aged women. Despite increased diagnostic and treatment facilities, the majority are still undiagnosed. Studies have indicated that undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, with or without symptoms, is independently associated with increased likelihood of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, daytime sleepiness, motor vehicle accidents, and diminished quality of life. In the US, the annual direct and indirect economic cost of OSA has been estimated to be US 65-165 billion dollars (coming from diagnosis and treatment, hidden health-care costs, traffic accidents, workplace accidents and loss of productivity). The disease does not only affect the patient, but those who are sleeping in a same room. Strategies to decrease the high prevalence and associated morbidity of obstructive sleep apnea are critically needed
Nukute Ltd. a Finnish SME, has a user-friendly and cost effective technology to pre-screen and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea patients. The novelty comes from using sensor technology to detect sleep apnea and using stimulus for the patient when sleep apnea occurs. The therapeutic device conditions the patient to change sleeping position and strengthen obstructive muscles to avoid snoring and apnea.
Approximately 80% of estimated sleep apnea patients - half a billion people – are undiagnosed! Moreover, the disease does not only affect the patient, but those who are sleeping in the same room, too.
The PREDESA project explores the feasibility of market entry to pre-screening and treatment device market. The main objectives of the project are:
1. Securing Intellectual Property and checking of freedom to operate
2. Creation of quality management system for the company
3. Preparation of market entry and business plan update