Vascular Perfusion Solutions Partners with Harvard's Wyss Institute for Organ Preservation Innovations
Vascular Perfusion Solutions and Harvard's Wyss Institute Collaboration
Vascular Perfusion Solutions, Inc. (VPS) has announced a significant partnership with the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, alongside the University of Colorado and the University of Wyoming. This collaboration is part of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Tissue Preservation under Stress (TiPS) initiative, which aims to revolutionize the preservation of human organs through innovative biostasis compounds.
The primary goal of this collaboration is to develop and test new biostasis compounds that will enhance organ preservation techniques. These techniques are critical in the field of transplantation medicine, ensuring that donor organs remain viable for longer periods, which could ultimately increase donor organ utilization and improve access for patients in need.
Dr. Rafael J. Veraza, CEO and President of VPS, emphasized the importance of extending organ preservation time to enhance equity and accessibility in transplantation. He stated, "Extending the safe preservation window is essential to improving access and equity in transplantation. By working with the Wyss Institute and our academic partners, we aim to translate cutting-edge biostasis science into practical, scalable solutions."
VPS's innovative approach aims to increase the time organs can be preserved outside of the body, thereby reducing the geographical constraints surrounding organ donations. This reduction in limitations could lead to a more equitable distribution of organs, ultimately benefiting patients who are in desperate need of life-saving transplants.
The focal point of this initiative is the development and translational testing of an advanced perfusion solution that will help to maintain the integrity of donor organs during transportation and storage. The new solution, under development, is part of the VP.S ENCORE® platform, which is designed to keep organs like hearts viable for extended durations. This platform offers a portable and straightforward system that aims to revolutionize organ preservation.
VP.S ENCORE® is still undergoing development and is classified as an investigational device. As a result, it has not yet been approved for commercial use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the potential benefits it offers could be groundbreaking for the field of organ transplantation.
By prioritizing research and collaboration with reputable institutions such as the Wyss Institute, VPS is positioning itself at the forefront of biostasis research. This strategic collaboration is expected to yield impactful advancements in preserving human organs, which remains an urgent concern in modern medicine. The need for improved organ preservation techniques is underscored by the increasing number of patients awaiting transplants, making this collaboration vital for improving patient outcomes.
In conclusion, the partnership between Vascular Perfusion Solutions, the Wyss Institute, and other academic institutions represents a critical step forward in organ preservation efforts. With innovative approaches and a commitment to advancing healthcare access, this collaboration holds the promise of transforming transplant medicine for better healthcare equity around the globe.