Spheritech is working with the NHS and Kidney Research UK to optimize its blood substitute, SpheriSome Hb, for the maintenance of transplant organs. Donated organs deteriorate on storage and must reach the recipient in the shortest possible time. The organs can often be maintained by perfusion with autologous blood but this is not practical or cost effective. The company has already proven that SpheriSome Hb can fully oxygenate kidneys and maintain function ex-vivo. This newly funded project starting this month will allow the company to fully optimize this unique blood substitute to extend the storage of donated organs, with kidneys being the first target.