The Business of Biofabrication

Xylyx Bio, Inc., a regenerative medicine company, today announced that it has received $1,000,000 from the Richard M. Bartlett Jr. Memorial Foundation and an additional $125,000 from the Ilene Beal Foundation and Margaret Stewart Lindsay Foundation. These funds will accelerate the translational development of Xylyx’s groundbreaking bioengineered human lung grafts, which aim to drastically increase the number of organs available for life-saving transplantation.

This new funding will help Xylyx refine its innovative approach to manufacturing transplant-ready tissues in the lab—a process that combines proprietary extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds with human cells. By engineering functional organs that mimic native lung tissue, Xylyx seeks to address the critical shortage of donor organs and reduce waitlist mortality.

“The Richard Bartlett Memorial Foundation is deeply committed to advancing solutions in the lung transplant field,” said Dr. Loring Bartlett, Founder of the Richard M. Bartlett Jr. Memorial Foundation. “My husband Rick received two donor lung offers, but both times the lungs were too damaged to be used. If bioengineered lungs were available, Rick would have had a chance. Xylyx’s innovative approach holds important potential to expand the pool of organs available for transplant and save patient lives.”

“The Ilene Beal Foundation and Margaret S. Lindsay Foundation are proud to honor the memory and legacy of Ilene and Margaret through support of Xylyx’s mission,” added Brian Potts, Trustee. “Xylyx Bio’s dedication to saving lives inspires us all. Together, we can create positive change for patients.”

Xenogeneic Cross-Circulation: Reviving Organs Once Deemed Unfit

Alongside bioengineered organs, another promising frontier in transplantation science is xenogeneic cross-circulation. In this approach, organs deemed unsuitable for transplantation are temporarily hooked up to a live animal’s circulatory system (often a pig) to receive continuous blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients. This physiological “lifeline” can reverse damage and restore function, effectively reviving organs once classified as nonviable. By integrating cutting-edge xenogeneic cross-circulation protocols, researchers hope to rescue many more organs—dramatically expanding the total pool available for patients in need.

Figure from Wu WK, Ukita R, Patel YJ, et al. Xenogeneic cross-circulation for physiological support and recovery of ex vivo human livers. Hepatology. 2023;78(3):820–834. doi:10.1097/HEP.0000000000000357

A Multi-Faceted Strategy for Transplantation

While Xylyx Bio’s main focus is on bioengineering fully functional organs through a human-based ECM scaffold, the broader field of regenerative medicine—including xenogeneic cross-circulation—converges on a single aim: making more healthy organs accessible to critically ill patients. By supporting both in-lab tissue engineering and innovative rescue techniques, organizations like the Richard M. Bartlett Jr. Memorial Foundation, the Ilene Beal Foundation, and the Margaret Stewart Lindsay Foundation are helping forge new paths to save lives.

“We are thrilled to partner with these remarkable foundations as we take the next major steps toward realizing our vision of eliminating transplant waitlist mortality,” said Andrea Nye, CEO of Xylyx Bio.

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About Xylyx Bio

Xylyx Bio’s mission is to save lives through the development of fully functional bioengineered organ grafts that meet critical needs in solid organ transplantation. By combining proprietary ECM scaffolds and targeted cell types, Xylyx Bio’s technology aims to replicate the form and function of native human tissues and organs.

About the Richard M. Bartlett Jr. Memorial Foundation

The Richard M. Bartlett Jr. Memorial Foundation supports organizations and initiatives dedicated to charitable, educational, or scientific programs advancing solutions in the lung transplant field.

About the Ilene Beal Foundation

Founded to honor Ilene’s dedication to hard work, high standards, and service, the Ilene Beal Foundation upholds her legacy by supporting healthcare innovation and community well-being.

About the Margaret Stewart Lindsay Foundation

The Margaret Stewart Lindsay Foundation champions causes that mirror Margaret’s compassionate spirit, focusing on projects that empower patients and foster resilience in the face of challenges.

Original article can be found here.