Industry Interview: SeQual Technologies

Pamela J. Jackson
Senior Director
SeQual Technologies

A: SeQual Technologies is a global leading developer and provider of innovative oxygen concentrator systems. In June 2006, we launched the Eclipse, our first battery-operated portable oxygen concentrator into the home health care market, while continuing to develop the product to meet the needs of the battlefield. The Eclipse represents a disruptive technological change in the staid world of oxygen delivery, as it is the first and only portable oxygen device that provides both continuous and pulse oxygen flow modes. The Eclipse’s most significant contributions versus existing systems are the improved reliance on oxygen almost anywhere and anytime. In addition, the Eclipse system cost-effectively meets both the stationary and portable requirements in a single machine. While the Eclipse presents numerous benefits, it is also changing the commodity nature of the oxygen market and will generate significant cost savings for home health care providers, government programs and military deployments.

Based in San Diego, Calif., we design, develop and manufacture small oxygen systems for medical, military and industrial applications. We employ a broad-based team of engineers, researchers, clinical and manufacturing capabilities and are recognized as a world leader in sales, service and clinical education support.

With our flagship product, the Eclipse, we have set a new standard in the world for the generation and delivery of small-scale oxygen systems, for the home, to the hospitals and to the battlefield.

Q: And your key product?

A: Our product, the Eclipse 2, Personal Ambulatory Oxygen System with AutoSAT technology is the first small, lightweight, battery-operated oxygen system. The Eclipse 2 delivers a continuous flow of up to three liters per minute and a robust pulse flow mode of up to 96 milliliters of oxygen. The AutoSAT technology feature consistently maintains an FIO2 by adjusting to a patient’s respiratory rate. It is approved for use on commercial aircraft, has recently passed the air worthiness testing, and is being used for battlefield evacuations.

The Eclipse was originally designed for the home health care market for patients afflicted with chronic obstructive lung disease. Patients around the world are using the product and enjoying the freedom and flexibility they deserve.

Q: How do you stand out in the market?

A: SeQual Technologies has developed the most rugged, lightweight oxygen generation system in the world, capable of converting ambient air into medical grade USP 93 percent oxygen while enduring the rigors of combat in support of individual patients far forward on the battlefield and during critical life support evacuation missions. Not only is our product an oxygen generator, we also have incorporated sensors, software and design features that make our product a platform for growth. Because of the continuous flow feature in the product, it can provide a source of oxygen to be used with small battery-operated ventilators. Unlike cylinders that run out, as long as you have power—AC, DC or batteries—you have oxygen, which allows for a simple and sustainable oxygen delivery plan. The Eclipse is also safe. It does not store oxygen, unlike high-pressure oxygen cylinders; the Eclipse 2 is not considered hazardous cargo.

Q: What is your position in the market sector?

A: SeQual is known as the leader in small scale oxygen generators with our patented technology. The Eclipse has set a new standard and category in the home care market and is the gold standard by which others are competing. Militaries around the world see the need to remove oxygen bottles from the battlefield because of the dangers associated with the high pressure cylinders and the logistical issues with constantly maintaining an adequate supply. Medics and surgeons see the benefits of having a small, lightweight generator as a product to meet their goals for quick and rapid deployments.

Q: Are you a fairly new player in the military or established?

A: We are a new customer to the military procurement system with the recent acquisition of the Eclipse HT systems for integration into the mine resistant ambush protected [MRAP] vehicles. However, in 2001, we presented a working prototype of the product to the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, Md. We were able to provide a development path to achieve a system that could be a solution to remove the cylinders of oxygen from the battlefield. Cylinders of oxygen present many logistics and safety problems—high pressure cylinders being shot, exploding and the continual logistical resupply nightmare.

In our discussions with frontline medics and surgeons, the one overriding concern is not having oxygen when it is so critically needed. The Eclipse is their solution. As long as you have power, the Eclipse will produce oxygen.

Q: What has been your most recent standout accomplishment?

A: Our greatest accomplishment with the Eclipse 2 was the ability to ruggedize it to perform in extreme temperatures and withstand the vibrations during air evacuations. The integration of the product into the MRAP vehicles and deployment by special forces are an indication of the need for small, lightweight, reliable systems. These are the early adopters of the technology, and we should see rapid growth and use of our systems.

Q: How are you positioned for the future within the military?

A: As with all companies, advanced development programs are essential to growth. We continue to partner with leading researchers and technologists to advance the state of our products and technology. ♦