The Swedish biotechnology company VERIGRAFT has received funding for the PREPPER (PREcision Printed PERsonalized Tissue Therapies) project as part of the Eurostars programme. The aim of the project is to develop customized vascular prostheses using modern 3D printing processes and tissue engineering-based technologies. In addition to VERIGRAFT, the consortium also includes Readily3D SA from Switzerland, the Swedish research institute RISE and Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
The researchers are using a combination of 3D printing and solvent-blown fibres to produce personalized vascular implants. The structure and functionality of these should be based on natural arteries and offer better durability and biocompatibility compared to synthetic alternatives. The development is being funded with 1.2 million euros and combines interdisciplinary expertise from the fields of bioprinting, materials science and regenerative medicine.
Existing vascular prostheses often have disadvantages, including limited biological integration and a high failure rate. PREPPER aims to overcome these challenges and pave the way for the first clinical trials in humans. In the long term, the technology could be used not only in vascular surgery, but also in other areas of personalized medicine.
“This Eurostars grant is a major milestone for VERIGRAFT and regenerative medicine. With PREPPER, we are accelerating the future of personalized tissue therapies,” said Dr. Raimund Strehl, CTO of VERIGRAFT. “The global vascular graft market is projected to exceed $4 billion by 2026, and PREPPER positions Europe at the forefront of 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine.”
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