Newcastle-founded ScubaTx has secured £1.4m in funding, led by the Praetura Ventures managed GMC Life Sciences Fund, to advance its innovative organ preservation device.
Following a period of growth, ScubaTx has expanded into the North West of England, establishing a new office at Manchester Science Park. This new location will support the company’s design and engineering efforts, pre-clinical trials, and further engagement with future commercial partners and key opinion leaders, particularly in the United States.
The funding round, led by the GMC Life Sciences Fund, marks a significant milestone for ScubaTx. The company uses a process called ‘persufflation’ to cool donated organs and oxygenate tissues with humidified gas at controlled pressures and flow rates, extending the organs’ viability considerably.
With this funding, ScubaTx has doubled its team, appointing six new staff members from Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and the surrounding areas. These new hires will focus on enhancing operational capabilities, quality assurance and regulatory affairs, as well as mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
David Campbell, CEO and co-founder, highlighted that the company’s device, although new to many, is based on a well-established scientific process. He expressed excitement about leveraging Manchester’s life sciences innovation heritage, stating, “Our new office at Manchester Science Park represents a real milestone, as we’ve transitioned from an entirely virtual company to one with footholds across the North.”
Meanwhile, Sim Singh-Landa, Investment Director at Praetura Ventures and Head of the GMC Life Sciences Fund, emphasised the significance of this funding. He noted that it allows ScubaTx to accelerate the development of their revolutionary organ transplantation process, potentially increasing the number of donated organs that successfully reach recipients. Singh-Landa added, “This significant innovation could have a tangible impact for transplant patients across the globe, saving countless lives, accelerating a better quality of life and reducing the burden on health systems from the growing number of patients on waiting lists.”
In addition to the GMC Life Sciences Fund, ScubaTx has also raised funds from new and existing investors and secured a second Combined Investor Partnership grant from Innovate UK.
ScubaTx’s recent funding success underscores the potential of its pioneering organ preservation technology to transform the transplantation process, enhancing both the viability of donated organs and the quality of life for recipients globally.