Humacyte, a US-based developer of tissue-based medical technology that counts conglomerate Access Industries as an investor, yesterday signed a $150m deal with healthcare company Fresenius Medical Care.
Fresenius Medical Care will own a 19% stake in Humacyte once the transaction closes next month and will become the exclusive distributor of Humacyte’s bioengineered blood vessel, Humacyl, after the product has secured regulatory approval.
Founded in 2004, Humacyte is developing regenerative medicine and vascular surgery technology and has products at the preclinical and clinical stage. The company’s platform produces extracellular tissues that mimic human tissues and can be utilised in any patient.
Humacyte most recently closed a $75m series C round in March 2018 led by hedge fund sponsor PointState Capital, with participation from undisclosed existing private investors and new investors.
Access Industries previously led a $150m series B round in 2015, investing alongside financial services firm Bangkok Bank Public Company, property developer Reignwood Group, Pacific Eagle Asset Management and angel investors Brady Dougan and Gavril Yushvaev.
Franklin Maddux, chief medical officer of Fresenius Medical Care North America, said: “By partnering with Humacyte, Fresenius Medical Care has an opportunity to offer a dialysis vascular access option with the potential for significant clinical efficacy and safety improvements, including the potential to minimise catheter contact time to the benefit of our patients.
“Our exclusive rights to distribute this innovative technology to dialysis patients worldwide may have significant benefits not only to patients, but health systems as well.
“With the potential for fewer anticipated complications and interventions compared to synthetic grafts, we may see increased safety for patients and reduced medical and economic burdens to the healthcare system.”