How Prapela Is Using Breakthrough Science to Improve Breathing and Oxygenation

In this episode, David and Hannah are joined by John Konsin, Founder and CEO of Prapela, to explore how breakthrough science is being used to improve breathing and oxygenation in newborns.

John introduces Prapela’s noninvasive stimulation therapy, which is based on the science of stochastic resonance. By applying precise and gentle stimulation, Prapela aims to improve breathing rhythm and lung function in newborns, offering a fundamentally different approach to respiratory support.

The conversation explores why current respiratory treatments often fall short for babies, particularly those born prematurely or exposed to opioids, and how Prapela’s therapy could change outcomes for some of the most vulnerable infants. John also shares the realities of building a paediatric focused medtech company, the importance of rigorous clinical evaluation, and what it takes to move novel science from lab to bedside.

Since 2017, Prapela has received more than 8 million dollars in awards and grant funding to support clinical studies focused on improving treatment for opioid exposed newborns and preterm infants with apnea of prematurity.

This episode is a powerful reminder that innovation designed specifically for newborns can reshape neonatal care and why children are Not Mini Adults.

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Thinking of Oscar website and contact details can be found here.

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Theme Music - ‘Mountain’
–
Copyright Lisa Fitzgibbon 2000
Written & performed by Lisa Fitzgibbon,
Violin Jane Griffiths

Podcast editing - Chris Robson Audio

Podcast artwork thanks to - The Podcast Design Experts

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In this episode we are joined by Arnau Valls and Sofía Ferreira from Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital, where they lead the hospital’s innovation department and also run an open innovation initiative called i4Kids.

We explore how they work to identify and address unmet needs within the hospital by connecting them with opportunities and partnerships from outside, including universities, start-ups, industry, patient groups, and other international hospitals. All with the aim of accelerating solutions that support children and families.

Arnau and Sofía explain how i4Kids operates, why collaboration is so critical, and how their approach is shaping the future of paediatric innovation in Spain and beyond. We also discuss their upcoming conference in Barcelona this November - The Paediatric Innovation Day 2025, an event that’s certainly not to be missed.

i4KIDS-EUROPE published the following report "Challenges and Opportunities for Effective Paediatric Innovation in Europe"

The report, published by the i4KIDS-EUROPE consortium, examines the state of pediatric innovation and includes recommendations to boost the pediatric and maternal health innovation sector in Europe. Increasing public and private investment, easing regulations, facilitating the adoption of innovation, and supporting the creation of pediatric innovation infrastructures in hospitals are among the proposals.

Thinking of Oscar website and contact details can be found here.

Follow us on Twitter here or Instagram here.

Theme Music - ‘Mountain’
–
Copyright Lisa Fitzgibbon 2000
Written & performed by Lisa Fitzgibbon,
Violin Jane Griffiths

Podcast editing - Chris Robson Audio

Podcast artwork thanks to - The Podcast Design Experts

Send us a text

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Meritxell Teixidó, CEO and co-founder of Gate2Brain, a Barcelona-based biotech company that is pioneering novel ways of delivering therapies across the blood-brain barrier. Meritxell shares the fascinating journey of how her team are using peptide-based technology to open up entirely new possibilities for treating brain disorders, including those that affect children.

It’s an inspiring conversation about science, perseverance, and the impact that bold ideas can have on the future of paediatric medicine.

Thinking of Oscar website and contact details can be found here.

Follow us on Twitter here or Instagram here.

Theme Music - ‘Mountain’
–
Copyright Lisa Fitzgibbon 2000
Written & performed by Lisa Fitzgibbon,
Violin Jane Griffiths

Podcast editing - Chris Robson Audio

Podcast artwork thanks to - The Podcast Design Experts

Send us a text