HemostOD secures CHF 4.3 million to advance donor-free platelet manufacturing
HemostOD, a Swiss preclinical-stage company developing ex vivo manufactured universal human blood platelets, has closed a CHF 4.3 million seed extension financing round to advance pre-IND development and establish commercial-scale production capabilities. The funding round was co-led by Polytech Ventures and Orenok Holdings, with participation from the Lichtsteiner Foundation and private investors.
The Lausanne-based company addresses persistent platelet supply challenges through its proprietary bioreactor technology, which produces platelets in vitro using immortalised haematopoietic stem cells. This donor-independent approach aims to mitigate recurring shortages that impact patient care across oncology, trauma, and other clinical settings requiring platelet transfusions.
Pre-IND pathway and production scaling
Proceeds from the financing will support two critical milestones: establishment of a commercial-scale pilot production line and preparation for a Pre-IND meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration. These developments mark the company’s transition from proof-of-concept to industrialisation.
“This financing marks an important inflection point for HemostOD as we transition from proof-of-concept to industrialisation,” said Faouzi Khechana, chief executive officer of HemostOD. “This support from our investors enables us to complete ongoing preparations for a Pre-IND meeting with the FDA and to complete commercial scale production of our donor-free human universal blood platelets, bringing us closer to providing a safe and reliable solution for patients worldwide.”
Technical platform and clinical applications
The company’s platform technology eliminates donor dependence whilst extending product availability and improving safety profiles. Laurent Massuyeau, president of Orenok Holdings, noted the broader implications: “By enabling large-scale platelet production, the HemostOD platform paves the way for multiple breakthrough applications from haematology to advanced therapeutic delivery systems, that were previously out of reach.”
Investor perspective on unmet medical need
Guillaume Dubray, chief executive officer of Polytech Ventures, characterised platelet transfusion medicine as “an area of under-estimated and urgent unmet medical need.”
The Lichtsteiner Foundation, which supports early-stage health innovations, emphasised its commitment to backing technologies that improve health outcomes in meaningful ways.
The commercial-scale production line will validate the scalability of HemostOD’s platform technology, whilst regulatory engagement with the FDA will establish the framework for clinical development.
The company’s off-the-shelf, universal platelet product could transform transfusion medicine by providing consistent supply independent of donor availability.
