X

Xeltis

Biotech & Life Sciences · Eindhoven, Netherlands · Founded 2006

Xeltis is a clinical-stage medical device company focused on transforming cardiovascular therapy through its Endogenous Tissue Restoration (ETR) platform. The company was founded in 2006 as a spin-off from the University of Zurich. A key development occurred in 2012 when it merged with Qtis/e, a Dutch spin-off from the Eindhoven University of Technology co-founded by Martijn Cox, who now serves as Chief Technology Officer. This merger combined Swiss business development with Dutch expertise in cardiovascular and polymer research. The company’s core technology, ETR, is based on Nobel Prize-winning supramolecular chemistry and utilizes bioabsorbable polymer-based implants. These implants act as a temporary scaffold that the patient's body uses to naturally grow new, healthy tissue, forming a living and long-lasting blood vessel or heart valve. Over time, the original implant is gradually absorbed by the body, leaving behind a fully functional, natural vessel or valve created from the patient's own tissue. This approach aims to reduce complications associated with traditional implants, such as infections and the need for repeat surgeries, particularly for pediatric patients whose implants need to grow with them. Xeltis’ business model is centered on developing and commercializing these devices for sale to hospitals and surgeons. Its client base consists of patients requiring cardiovascular interventions, such as those undergoing hemodialysis or coronary artery bypass surgery. The product pipeline includes several applications. The most advanced product is aXess, a restorative vascular access conduit designed for patients with end-stage renal disease who require hemodialysis. Following successful pivotal trials in Europe, aXess received a CE mark in April 2026, enabling its commercialization across the EU. A pivotal trial for aXess is also underway in the U.S., where it has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA. Other products in clinical development include Xabg, a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and a pulmonary heart valve for children. The company is led by CEO Eliane Schutte, who joined in 2015 and was appointed CEO in 2018. Under her leadership, Xeltis has secured significant funding from a syndicate of investors, including EQT Life Sciences, Invest-NL, DaVita Venture Group, and the European Investment Bank, to advance its clinical programs and prepare for market launch. Keywords: Endogenous Tissue Restoration, ETR, bioabsorbable implants, restorative cardiovascular devices, regenerative medicine, supramolecular chemistry, living heart valves, vascular access, hemodialysis, aXess, coronary artery bypass graft, CABG, pulmonary valve replacement, medical device, medtech, tissue engineering, polymer-based implants, cardiovascular therapy, clinical trials, CE mark, Martijn Cox, Eliane Schutte, natural tissue regeneration, bioabsorbable scaffold, vascular implants, renal disease.