An organ transplant can transform a patient’s life – and create a new set of health challenges. Who better to come up with solutions – in the form of technology, diagnostic tools and other products – than patients and their loved ones who have experienced an organ transplant firsthand?
That’s the idea behind the 2021 Innovation Challenge from Lyfebulb, a patient-empowerment platform that connects patients with industry. The competition aims to attract patient-led companies that have creative ideas for improving outcomes and experiences for all those affected by transplantation.
CSL Behring, which is researching new treatments in transplant medicine, is sponsoring the May event, which will be virtual. A panel of experts, including patients, will judge the entries and award a $25,000 prize. Competing finalists may be considered for possible partnerships or investments beyond the challenge.
“Innovation is a core value at CSL Behring,” said Kevin Kovaleski, Vice President, Global Commercial Development, Transplant, CSL Behring. “Supporting ventures like this Innovation Challenge is fundamental to understanding the challenges that transplant recipients are really experiencing in day-to-day life, and ultimately, improving outcomes for patients.”
To apply, entrants must either be transplant patients or loved ones of patients and have started a company to address the needs of this patient community. Lyfebulb has previously coordinated similar innovation challenges for other diseases, such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.
Applications for the transplant challenge just opened. Apply here.
“We are thrilled to kick off the new year with the announcement of an initiative that sparked Lyfebulb’s founding in 2014.” said Dr. Karin Hehenberger, CEO and Founder of Lyfebulb and transplant recipient.
“Having personally experienced the complications of living with chronic disease, Lyfebulb was founded upon the core principle that patients need patients and patients can be innovators. We are honored to be working with our partner, CSL Behring, to amplify that messaging and further inspire innovation to help people not just survive, but thrive.”
Submissions may include devices, diagnostics, consumer products, products for healthcare professionals and healthcare IT to directly treat or manage transplants, as well as support overall physical and mental well-being. While a patient’s physical health is an obvious priority, transplant recipients also might need emotional support following surgery due to feelings of isolation and high anxiety over possible organ failure.
The Innovation Challenge is one component of a larger partnership between Lyfebulb and CSL Behring to generate new solutions to better serve the transplant community.
