Improving the preservation of human livers for transplantation
Official title: Extended preservation of human livers: a nature inspired, high subzero controlled, limited freezing approach
Funded at Sylvatica Biotech, INC. · NIH-10916373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to freeze human livers so they can stay healthy for longer, making it easier to match them with patients who need a transplant, which could help save more lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sylvatica Biotech, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $361,067 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK124053-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916373 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with acute liver failure or those on the liver transplant waitlist who may benefit from improved donor organ availability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable liver conditions who do not require transplantation may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on extending the preservation time of human livers to improve the chances of successful transplantation. By using a nature-inspired, controlled freezing approach, the study aims to keep livers viable for several days, which would allow for better matching between donors and recipients across greater distances. This could potentially reduce the number of patients who die waiting for a liver transplant and improve overall outcomes for those who receive transplants. The research involves innovative techniques in cryopreservation and aims to address the current limitations in liver transplantation logistics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the availability of transplantable livers and improve survival rates for patients with liver failure.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of extending liver preservation is innovative, similar advancements in organ preservation have shown promise in other fields, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Sylvatica Biotech, INC.
North Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baicu, Simona C — Sylvatica Biotech, INC.
- Study coordinator: Baicu, Simona C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.