OrganOx, a company specializing in organ preservation technology, was founded in 2008 by engineering professor Constantin Coussios and transplant surgeon Peter Friend. The company emerged from Oxford’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences. Since its inception, OrganOx has become known for its work in advanced organ preservation.
The company's main innovation is a device that uses Normothermic Machine Perfusion (NMP) to keep donor organs functioning outside the body for longer periods compared to traditional methods. The technology circulates warm, oxygenated fluid through the organ, simulating conditions inside the human body. This allows clinicians to assess organ function in real time and make better decisions regarding transplantation.
OrganOx's technology has led to an increase in viable organs available for transplant, including those from marginal donors. It has also reduced the need for emergency and night-time procedures. More than 6,000 transplants worldwide have used OrganOx systems. Recently, the company received The Royal Academy of Engineering's MacRobert Award for its contribution to UK engineering innovation.
Oxford University was an early supporter of OrganOx, providing proof-of-concept funding through the University Challenge Seed Fund and further investment via the Spinout Equity Management Fund.
Professor Constantin Coussios said: "This technology was born from a deep collaboration between engineering and clinical science within the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, uniquely enabled by Oxford’s unparalleled cross-disciplinary innovation ecosystem. From the outset our aim was to solve one of transplantation’s greatest challenges: preserving organs in a viable state for longer, so at to make it possible to assess and potentially transplant what was previously thought untransplantable. Seeing that vision realised for the benefit of patients across four continents has been incredibly rewarding, and this acquisition will further enhance the global reach and impact of Oxford’s innovative science."
Professor Peter Friend commented: "As a clinician, I’ve seen first-hand the limitations of traditional organ preservation. OrganOx technology is transforming the landscape of organ transplantation, with huge impact on both patients and surgeons. The success of this venture results from a highly effective synergy between two academic departments, Surgical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, and the University of Oxford’s support has been instrumental in translating our research into real-world impact."
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, stated: "OrganOx’s success is a powerful example of how Oxford’s research can transform lives. This landmark acquisition not only celebrates a pioneering technology but also affirms the strength of our innovation ecosystem - built on deep collaboration, bold investment, and world-class science. It marks a proud moment for the University and signals the scale of impact we will continue to deliver through our world-leading research and associated spinouts."
Adam Workman, Head of Investments and Ventures at Oxford University Innovation added: "OrganOx’s acquisition is a landmark moment for Oxford University’s innovation ecosystem. It reflects the strength of our spinout model and the long-term value of investing in transformative science from the earliest stages."