Improving liver preservation to extend donor organ availability

Enhanced supercooling for extending non-freezing preservation in preclinical porcine and human donor livers

['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · SYLVATICA BIOTECH, INC. · NIH-11008882

This study is looking at a new way to keep donor livers healthy for longer so they can be transported farther, which could help more people who need a liver transplant.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_2']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSYLVATICA BIOTECH, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NORTH CHARLESTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11008882 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the preservation of donor livers to extend the time they can remain viable outside the body. By using a technique called supercooling, the researchers aim to keep livers at temperatures below freezing without forming ice, which can damage the organs. This could allow for longer transportation times and broader geographic sharing of donor organs, ultimately increasing the chances for patients in need of a liver transplant. The approach involves innovative methods to maintain organ viability during extended storage periods.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from acute liver failure who are on the transplant waitlist or those who could benefit from a liver transplant.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic liver disease who are not candidates for transplantation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the availability of donor livers for transplantation, potentially saving more lives.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with supercooling techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

NORTH CHARLESTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.