CRIG spin-off 4Tissue secures 2 M EUR seed funding to revolutionize breast reconstruction with regenerative technology, a game changer for breast cancer patients

CRIG

Breast cancer, affecting 1 in 8 women globally, often necessitates mastectomies (surgical operations to remove a breast), with 60% of European patients opting for reconstructive surgery. While autologous fat grafting (=the transfer of autologous fat tissue from one region of the body to another) has several advantages over the silicon implants used in the past, there is one major hurdle: the low cell survival. Cells struggle to survive due to injection damage, leakage, harsh tissue environments, lack of attachment, and nutrient starvation.

To overcome this hurdle, CRIG researchers Prof. Phillip Blondeel, a global leader in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and Prof. Dr. Sandra Van Vlierberghe, an expert in polymer chemistry, together developed a bioresorbable hydrogel that transforms the tissue replacement process by protecting and anchoring cells, providing a nurturing environment, and support natural blood vessel growth to supply essential nutrients. As the hydrogel resorbs, it leaves healthy, natural tissue, offering a safer and more predictable alternative to traditional methods. This collaboration led to the foundation of the spin-off 4Tissue, supported by CRIG business developer and COO of the company, Dr. An Van Den Bulcke.

After successful preclinical experiments, the multidisciplinary team of 4Tissue now wants to drive 4Tissue from preclinical validation towards clinical trials, supported by private funding, European grants, and governmental backing. The company has now taken a big step forward, as they attracted seed funding led by three prominent women with diverse expertise: Annemie Van de Casteele, former Belgian Parliament member with a background in pharmacy and healthcare policy, Griet Nuytinck, founder of Anacura, a leading medical and pharmaceutical laboratory, and Virginie Saverys, a successful entrepreneur who has held leadership roles in the corporate sector. This funding will accelerate the company’s mission to offer a natural, long-lasting alternative to traditional breast reconstruction surgeries, a game changer for breast cancer patients.

You can read more on the BioVox website, or on the website of 4Tissue.