WARRENDALE — Soldiers who are experiencing kidney failure in a combat zone some day could get fast dialysis treatments from equipment being developed by Innovative BioTherapies using an $800,000 federal grant, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, R-4th.

The grant is part of a defense appropriations bill that passed the House of Representatives but still must be passed by the Senate and signed into law by the president.

"In the midst of a combat zone, it can be extremely difficult to transport a wounded warrior," Altmire said. "With the transportable dialysis equipment that Innovative BioTherapies is developing, we will be able to provide our soldiers with the care they need when they are in the field."

The company also is working to develop a completely portable artificial kidney for kidney replacement therapy in military hospitals. This new technology will help to improve the medical treatment wounded warriors can receive in the field. It will also save money by reducing the number of days injured soldiers have to spend in the hospital.