MTF Biologics, a global nonprofit organization that saves and heals lives by advancing tissue and organ donation, transplantation, and research, has awarded more than $1,000,000 in funding to eight researchers through its 2024 Innovation in Allograft Translational Research Grant Program.

"MTF Biologics is committed to paving the way for scientific advancements through our Allograft Translational Research Grant Program," said Joe Yaccarino, President and CEO of MTF Biologics. "We are excited to see the advancements this year’s grant recipients will make in the lifesaving science of allograft tissue transplantation.”

Innovation in Allograft Translational Research Grants fund translational and clinical research in the fields of allograft transplantation and allograft science. Since 1987, MTF Biologics has awarded $60 million to researchers working to advance scientific knowledge and patient care in orthopedics, plastic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetics, surgical soft tissue repair and reconstruction, and wound care.

"MTF Biologics’ support for groundbreaking research supports our mission to save and heal lives by driving scientific advancement targeted at improving patient outcomes,” said Marc Long, Ph.D., EVP, Research & Development of MTF Biologics. "Our hope is that this year’s diverse range of clinical application topics will yield innovative allograft-based solutions for a wide variety of clinical conditions."

The 2024 MTF Biologics Innovation in Allograft Translational Research Grants were awarded to the following recipients:

Dr. William Enneking Career Development Award:

• Lauren Wessel, M.D., University of California – Los Angeles
  “The Biomechanics of Allograft Reconstruction in Upper Extremity Oncology”

Junior Investigator:

• Peng Chen, Ph.D., Clemson University
  “Ice-free Cryopreservation and Nanowarming of Large Viable Osteochondral Allografts”
  
• Edward Testa, M.D., Brown University
  “Distal Radius Allograft for Posterior Glenoid Bone Loss: A Cadaveric, Graft Matching Study”
  
• Sameer Shakir, M.D., The Medical College of Wisconsin
  “Nanosized Bone Particles with Decellularized Amniotic Membrane - An Alternative Grafting Biomaterial in Cleft Lip/Palate”
  
• Miles Pfaff, M.D., MHS., University of California – Irvine
  “Biochemical and Biomechanical Properties of Extearna and Autologous Pediatric and Adolescent Costal Cartilage”

Established Investigator:

• Brett Crist, M.D., University of Missouri
  “Translational Application of Fresh Meniscus Allograft Transplantation for Acetabular Labrum Reconstruction”
  
• Derrick Wan, M.D., Stanford University
  “Defining the Role of Umbilical Cord with Amnion and Chorion Allografts in Regenerative Incisional Wound Healing”
  
• Zijun Zhang, M.D., PhD., Mercy Medical Center
  “A Novel Approach of Selection of Tendon Progenitors for Tendon Allograft Revitalization”

“Each year we’re encouraged by the number of high-quality grant proposals we receive,” said Jeffrey Cartmell, Ph.D., Senior Director, Intellectual Property & Grants at MTF Biologics." We are pleased to have awarded eight grants in our 2024 program, marking an increase in both the number of grants and total funding provided over 2023.”

MTF Biologics also recognized this year’s named grant awards:

• Dr. Peng Chen as the “Dr. James Neff Excellence Awardee” for best overall application
• Dr. Brett Crist as the “Dr. Hans Burchardt Impact Awardee” for the awarded grant with the highest potential for clinical impact
• Dr. Lauren Wessel as the Dr. William Enneking Career Development Awardee

Letters of Intent are now being accepted for the 2025 MTF Biologics Innovation in Allograft Translational Research Grants Program through March 14, 2025. Interested applicants can submit a letter of intent and learn more about other grants offered on the MTF Biologics website at https://www.mtfbiologics.org/grants.

About MTF Biologics

MTF Biologics is a global nonprofit organization that saves and heals lives by honoring donated gifts, serving patients and advancing science. It provides unmatched service, resources, and expertise to donors and their loved ones who give the gift of donation, people who depend on tissue and organ transplants, healthcare providers, and clinicians and scientists.

The International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine (IIAM), a Division of MTF Biologics, honors donors of non-transplantable organs by providing their gifts to the medical research community to combat and cure diseases. Statline, also a Division of MTF Biologics, provides specialized communications and technology expertise to organ, tissue, and eye procurement organizations, as well as the hospitals and patients that they serve. Its sister organization, Deutsches Institute for Zell-und Gewebeersatz – DIZG (The German Institute for Cell and Tissue Transplantation) expands its reach to patients across the globe. For more information, visit www.mtfbiologics.org.

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