HemostOD raises CHF 4.3 million to scale production of universal blood platelets

HemostOD has raised CHF 4.3 million in a Seed-extension round to accelerate the industrialization of its donor-free, off-the-shelf human blood platelets. The new funding marks a key milestone for the EPFL spin-off as it transitions from proof-of-concept to large-scale manufacturing.

Founded in Lausanne, HemostOD is pioneering ex vivo platelet production using immortalized hematopoietic stem cells and a proprietary bioreactor platform. The company aims to address the recurring global shortages of platelets that compromise treatments for patients with cancer, trauma, or bleeding disorders. By eliminating reliance on donors and improving quality and safety, HemostOD’s universal platelet technology has the potential to transform transfusion medicine.

The CHF 4.3 million Seed-extension round was co-led by Polytech Ventures and Orenok Holdings, with participation from the Lichtsteiner Foundation and private investors. The new funding brings HemostOD’s total capital raised to CHF 6 million since its initial seed round in 2021.

From laboratory breakthrough to industrial readiness

The proceeds will be used to launch a commercial-scale pilot production line and prepare for a pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These two milestones represent crucial steps toward regulatory engagement and clinical validation.

“Recurring shortages for platelets compromise medical care from cancer to trauma—this is a life-threatening issue that we are confident we can address,” said Faouzi Khechana, CEO of HemostOD. “This financing marks an important inflection point as we move from proof-of-concept to industrialization, bringing us closer to a safe and reliable solution for patients worldwide.”

Investors emphasized both the scientific and societal potential of HemostOD’s work. “The company’s innovative approach addresses a major unmet medical need, and we are confident in its ability to scale,” said Guillaume Dubray, CEO of Polytech Ventures. Laurent Massuyeau, President of Orenok Holdings, added that HemostOD’s technology “paves the way for multiple breakthrough applications, from hematology to advanced therapeutic delivery systems.”

With this funding, HemostOD strengthens its position as one of Western Switzerland’s most promising biotech ventures, advancing a universal and sustainable solution to platelet supply challenges worldwide.