Austin, Texas (PRWEB) October 30, 2014
TeVido BioDevices, an early stage 3D bioprinting company creating natural human grafts for reconstructive procedures announced today that they have been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Phase I SBIR grant will be used to fund further preclinical development of the company’s novel solutions to address the challenges that post-mastectomy patients face during breast reconstruction.
Globally nearly 1.5 million women receive a diagnosis of breast cancer each year, and in the United States it is estimated that forty percent of the nearly 300,000 women diagnosed undergo mastectomy or full removal of the breast tissue as part of their cancer treatment regime. Approximately one-third of all mastectomy patients will undergo breast reconstruction, with the final step in the process involving the nipple areola complex (NAC). Unfortunately, results of currently available NAC reconstruction techniques are unpredictable and studies highlight that patients with loss of the nipple and areola continue to experience psychological distress long after the overall breast shape has been reconstructed. Recreation of the nipple-areola complex has a high correlation with overall patient satisfaction and acceptance of body image.
TeVido is developing a proprietary bioprinting technology called Cellatier™, to build custom grafts for reconstructive procedures using 3D bioprinting. The initial research focuses on creating NAC grafts, where there is a high unmet need in reconstruction for breast cancer survivors. Longer term, TeVido intends to develop Cellatier™ technology to address the unmet challenge in filling lumpectomy voids and breast contouring.
“We are extremely pleased to be recognized with this highly competitive award from NIH,” said Laura Bosworth CEO and Co-founder of TeVido, “Along with our recently announced Phase II National Science Foundation Award, and recognition for our innovative technology as runner-up in the LIVESTRONG Big C Competition, this is an important step that further accelerates the development of our game changing technology and our mission to transform reconstructive options for survivors.”
About TeVido BioDevices
TeVido BioDevices is a privately-held biotechnology company using proprietary 3D bio-printing technology to build natural human grafts for reconstructive procedures. TeVido’s vision is to change the current approach to reconstructive surgery, starting by improving options and self-esteem for breast cancer survivors and expanding capability to other reconstructive indications that provide significant benefit to patients. TeVido’s technology and approach has been the focus of feature articles in CNN with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Huffington Post Live, Al Jazeera TV as well as The Economist, Popular Science, The Guardian (UK), and several other publications. For more information visit http://tevidobiodevices.com/
Funding described in this release is provided by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R43CA186666. The content of this release is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.