#USA #Chicago #VitaSmart #Bridge to Life #Medica S.p.A

Bridge to Life Expands Capabilities with Acquisition of VitaSmart™

In a significant development for the organ preservation sector, Bridge to Life Ltd. has announced its acquisition of the VitaSmart™ Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion System from Medica S.p.A. This strategic acquisition not only enhances Bridge to Life's technology offerings but also solidifies the company's leadership in the field of organ preservation and perfusion technologies.

The acquisition includes exclusive global branding rights and the ability to register the VitaSmart™ name internationally, marking a notable step in Bridge to Life's mission to advance transplant medicine. Over 5,000 successful liver perfusions using hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) with the VitaSmart™ system have been conducted worldwide, underscoring the system's proven effectiveness in organ preservation.

Don Webber, the CEO and President of Bridge to Life Ltd., expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to now own the VitaSmart™ hypothermic oxygenated perfusion system, a tried-and-tested technology that allows European doctors to seamlessly implement HOPE protocols.” He further emphasized the user-friendly design and minimal monitoring requirements of the system, which are critical for innovations in organ preservation.

Currently, Bridge to Life is in the final stages of preparing its application to the FDA for the VitaSmart system, targeting approval in the first quarter of 2025. Webber highlighted, “The one-year patient follow-up results from our pivotal study in the United States are complete, and we are highly impressed with the clinical outcomes. The data indicate a statistically significant superiority between the study and control arms regarding the primary endpoint (early graft dysfunction) and a reduced length of hospital stay post-transplant.”

This acquisition not only positions Bridge to Life to expand access to transformative technology for U.S. transplant centers and organ procurement organizations but importantly helps patients awaiting viable livers. Owning the VitaSmart™ brand increases the company’s market value and enhances its capability to meet global demand for effective organ preservation solutions.

The move is aligned with Bridge to Life's mission to improve transplant outcomes and save more lives.

About Medica S.p.A.

Medica S.p.A., located in the biomedical district of Mirandola, Italy, is an integrated Italian group specializing in biomedicine and medical technology. The company has a significant international presence and is dedicated to developing highly innovative products for blood and water purification.

About Bridge to Life Ltd.

Bridge to Life Ltd. is the market leader in organ preservation solutions, offering high-quality products such as Belzer UW®, EasiSlush®, and the mechanical perfusion system VitaSmart™. With a strong commitment to product quality, innovation, and accessibility, the company collaborates with leading transplant centers and organ procurement offices globally. As of October 31, 2024, over 5,000 liver perfusions have been performed using the VitaSmart™ system. While the VitaSmart™ is CE marked and available for sale in various markets, it has not yet received approval for sale within the United States.