Research Prof's Startup Licenses Heart Graft Technology

Tucson-based biomedical startup Avery Therapeutics Inc. has licensed a beating heart graft technology, MyCardia, that has been shown to improve heart functions in preclinical studies.

MyCardia is a biologically active cardiac graft that can be surgically affixed to a heart to assist function for patients with conditions such as chronic heart failure. Tech Launch Arizona, the office of the UA that commercializes inventions stemming from University research, facilitated the process of defining and protecting the heart graft technology.

The commercial license is a big boost for Avery's leadership team, including chief operating officer Jen Watson Koevary. Koevary, who currently serves as a BME research assistant professor, earned her bachelor's degree from the UA College of Engineering and her doctorate from the BME GIDP.

Photo of Koevary and colleagues with MyCardia sample courtesy of Avery Therapeutics