VirTech Bio

About VirTech Bio

VirTech Bio, a biotechnology firm established in 2013, is focused on the development of therapies for organ and tissue preservation. The company is developing a proprietary hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) known as OxyBridge™. This solution is designed for both in vivo applications, such as treating severe blood loss, and ex vivo uses, like supporting organs prior to transplantation.

The company's primary product, OxyBridge™, is a human-derived, room-temperature stable, oxygen-carrying plasma expander. Its megapolymer design is intended to prevent leakage from blood vessels, a toxicity concern that affected previous generations of HBOCs. Key benefits include a long shelf life without refrigeration and universal compatibility, which eliminates the need for blood typing and crossmatching in emergency situations. This makes it particularly valuable for military and civilian trauma care where blood transfusions are not immediately possible. The company's technology platform combines machine perfusion with its HBOC to improve ex vivo organ management.

VirTech Bio operates in the drug delivery and biotechnology sectors, serving healthcare organizations and military medicine. Its business model revolves around the research, development, and eventual commercialization of its OxyBridge™ platform for multiple indications. The first product targets hemorrhagic shock, while a second, anticipated for earlier market entry in 2025, is designed for use in organ perfusion devices. The company also envisions future products for veterinary use and as a research reagent for tissue engineering. The manufacturing is designed to be outsourced to a contract manufacturing organization.

The management team includes individuals with extensive experience. The CEO, COL(R) Dallas Hack, MD, previously served as the Director of the US Army Combat Casualty Care Research Program and as a Command Surgeon in Iraq, bringing direct experience with the critical need for such a product. He joined as Director of Medical Affairs in 2017 before becoming CEO in March 2022. The company was co-founded by Matias Vidal. The scientific team is composed of veterans from prior HBOC clinical trial programs. VirTech Bio has secured significant non-dilutive funding, including $13.7 million from entities like the US Army Medical Research and Development Command and US Special Operations Command, in addition to equity funding.