ScubaTx awarded £400,000 Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst Grant to Advance Next-Generation Lung Preservation Technology.

ScubaTx, a pioneering medtech innovator in organ preservation, has been awarded a £400,000 grant from Innovate UK’s Biomedical Catalyst 2024 Round 1: Industry-led R&D programme to accelerate the development of its ground breaking lung preservation device in collaboration with Professor Andrew Fisher, Professor of Respiratory Transplant Medicine, Newcastle University.

This next-generation technology uses a combination of advanced temperature control and persufflation - the process of gently infusing oxygen through the lung tissue — to extend the viability of donor lungs prior to transplantation. The approach aims to significantly improve transplant outcomes and reduce the number of viable organs lost due to inadequate preservation.

“We are thrilled and honoured to receive this support from Innovate UK,” said David Campbell, CEO of ScubaTx. “This grant enables us to push forward with critical development and validation of our device, which has the potential to redefine lung preservation and save lives.”

Currently, over 80% of donor lungs are deemed unsuitable for transplantation, largely due to damage sustained during transport and storage. ScubaTx’s solution is designed to mitigate these issues by maintaining lungs in a more physiologically stable state - preserving not just the tissue, but the functionality and viability of the organ.

“Our mission is simple: preserve more lungs, for longer, and with better outcomes. Every additional hour of viability is another chance for a life-saving transplant,” said Dr Bill Scott.

The Biomedical Catalyst programme is part of Innovate UK’s mission to support high-potential innovations that have the potential to deliver major health and economic benefits. The funding will support prototype refinement, preclinical testing, collaboration with transplant clinicians to optimize real-world integration and preparations for regulatory filings.