#USA #Duluth #VitaSmart #organ preservation #Hope

Bridge to Life Presents New Innovations on HOPE at ILTS 2026

Bridge to Life™, a trailblazer in organ preservation and perfusion technology, recently showcased groundbreaking research at the International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS) Conference 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. These findings reveal that the application of hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) with their VitaSmart™ technology significantly expands the use of marginal donor livers while preserving mitochondrial function and allowing for real-time viability assessment.

Significant Findings from ILTS 2026

The studies presented underscore the growing importance of HOPE in organ transplantation, especially in the U.S. and the EU, where the technology could enhance the availability of transplantable organs and reduce wait times for patients on organ registries.

One of the key highlights was that HOPE with VitaSmart™ can effectively utilize livers from donors that have previously been deemed unsuitable due to age, fatty liver disease, or prolonged cold ischemia. This is achieved while maintaining mitochondrial integrity – a crucial factor in organ viability.

As stated by Don Webber, the President and CEO of Bridge to Life Ltd., "The FDA's approval of VitaSmart™ positioned us as the pioneers in introducing HOPE to the U.S. market for liver transplants. The new data from ILTS reinforces that HOPE is not just a preservation strategy but a comprehensive tool that enhances organ recovery and viability evaluation."

Expanded Acceptance Criteria and Patient Outcomes

Research conducted across several leading transplant centers in Spain emphasized how HOPE broadens the criteria for accepting donor livers. The multicenter matched cohort study demonstrated that utilizing HOPE for high-risk grafts, especially from aged or prolonged cold ischemia donors, achieved comparable outcomes to standard cold storage methods. Notably, this approach resulted in lower instances of early graft dysfunction and improved survival rates within the first 90 days post-transplant.

The study explored the recovery of previously rejected livers through HOPE, revealing improved utilization rates. At the Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona, the implementation of HOPE increased the acceptance rate of livers from Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) sources that faced complications during normothermic regional perfusion.

Long-Term HOPE and Mitochondrial Function

Additional research from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation indicated that extending HOPE duration to 24 hours does not compromise mitochondrial function and supports similar organ viability as standard short-duration HOPE. This finding could revolutionize transplant scheduling, making procedures more flexible and efficient in terms of organ allocation.

Biomarkers for Viability Assessment

Another important aspect of the research highlighted the utilization of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) as a biomarker for assessing organ quality. The Cleveland Clinic study found that measuring donors' serum FMN levels correlates positively with mitochondrial health and can guide transplant decisions, ultimately reducing the risk of early rejection.

These promising advancements position Bridge to Life™ Ltd. at the frontlines of organ transplantation innovation, providing the necessary tools and insights to enhance patient outcomes and support healthcare professionals in their mission to save lives through transplantation.

About Bridge to Life™ Ltd.

Bridge to Life™ Ltd. continues to lead the charge in developing state-of-the-art technologies and solutions for organ preservation. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the company collaborates closely with transplant centers and organ procurement organizations worldwide to optimize the use and allocation of precious donor organs.