Our Scientific Approach
At Preservation Bio, our research is driven by a commitment to innovation and patient impact.
We are pioneering the development of a revolutionary ex vivo platelet additive that extends platelet storage and improves functionality. Our goal is to address global platelet shortages by providing safer, more efficient solutions for transfusion medicine, ensuring life-saving platelets are available when patients need them most.
The Power of RHOA Inhibition
Our proprietary small molecule additive selectively inhibits RHOA, a key regulator of platelet function, to prevent cold storage damage and extend platelet shelf life. Traditionally, the dysregulation of RHOA during refrigeration has restricted platelet storage to room temperature, limiting viability to just 5–7 days and causing approximately 15% of donations to be wasted. By targeting this critical pathway, our innovative ex vivo additive enables platelets to remain functional and viable under refrigeration, doubling storage times to 14 days. This breakthrough reduces contamination risks, enhances patient outcomes, and improves operational efficiency for blood centers and hospitals, setting a new standard in transfusion medicine.
How It Works
Platelets are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and their survival and efficacy can be compromised by cold-induced damage. Our technology addresses this challenge by using small molecule RHOA inhibitors to induce a “hibernation-like” state in platelets during refrigeration. This state prevents the formation of cold storage lesions, preserving the platelets’ structural integrity and functionality.
When treated platelets are transfused or mixed with plasma, the additive is diluted, and the platelets are "reawakened" to resume normal activity. This reversible mechanism ensures that platelets are functional and effective during transfusion, providing a safe and practical solution to longstanding challenges in platelet storage.
Innovative R&D and Strategic Collaborations
Preservation Bio’s research and development efforts are powered by groundbreaking discoveries at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati. Our scientific co-founders, Drs. Yi Zheng and Jose Cancelas, are leaders in RHOA signaling and transfusion medicine, bringing decades of expertise to our mission.
Our collaborative ecosystem includes partnerships with leading academic institutions and clinical centers, enabling us to conduct rigorous preclinical studies and prepare for clinical trials. Preservation Bio’s innovative approach to platelet preservation has also garnered support through significant funding, including a $2.05 million SBIR Phase II grant, which accelerates our path toward clinical application and commercialization.
Our Pipeline
Preservation Bio is advancing its innovative ex vivo platelet additive through preclinical development to address critical challenges in transfusion medicine.
The first-in-human clinical trial will evaluate the additive’s safety and efficacy under real-world transfusion conditions. This Phase 1 study will focus on key endpoints such as platelet survival and recovery, bringing Preservation Bio closer to regulatory approval and the commercialization of this transformative solution.
