Words from the Executive Director | In the spotlight: XVIVO | Interview with sponsor companies at the 2024 Nordic Innovation and Sustainability Forum | Upcoming events | Crayfish reception pictures | Highlights | Other highlights

Since 1989 SACC-DC has offered a platform for developing U.S. – Swedish lucrative commercial ventures and professional opportunities through our network, business and social events. The SACC-DC Newsletter will help you stay on top of what’s happening in the Swedish-American business community and find the perfect opportunity to create new business connections in the greater Washington D.C. area and Mid-Atlantic region.

WORDS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: XVIVO

We are pleased to announce that XVIVO has joined the SACC-DC community. Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Jaya Tiwari, the Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs (U.S.) at XVIVO. During our discussion, she provided insights into the company's mission, key milestones, and recent innovations that are making an impact in the field of organ transplantation. Additionally, we explored XVIVO's motivations for joining our community and their expectations for membership. Please read the interview below: 

Can you start by introducing XVIVO?

XVIVO is a Swedish company that aims to change the world for those in need of a new organ. We are dedicated to saving organs so transplant teams can save more lives and advance the field of organ transplantation. Our vision is clear and deeply rooted in our organization: "Nobody should die waiting for a new organ." We strive every day to make that vision a reality. For the last 50 years, organ preservation has relied on ice storage, which limits durability and varies by organ. XVIVO is unique in its focus on extending the life of all major organs—heart, lung, liver, and kidney—through machine perfusion technologies that preserve, transport, and assess organs outside the body between donor and recipient. This process allows organs to remain outside the body longer while maintaining their condition, increasing the number of organs available for transplantation.

Our solutions are tailor-made for each organ, offering both hypothermic and normothermic options, along with transportable perfusion devices. We are global leaders in cold lung preservation and ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), as well as European leaders in liver perfusion. In the U.S. market, we are introducing our Kidney Assist Transport device and conducting a clinical trial for our Heart Assist Transport device at major transplant clinics. Our global headquarters is in Gothenburg, Sweden, with development sites in Denver, Groningen, and Lund, and our products are sold in around 70 countries.

What are some key milestones or achievements XVIVO has reached since its founding?

XVIVO was founded in 1998, starting with PERFADEX, a preservation solution for static cold storage for lungs, which gained FDA approval in 2001 and is now used in over 90% of lung transplant clinics worldwide. In 2012, we became publicly listed on the Nasdaq Mid-Cap of the Stockholm Stock Exchange. That same year, we began collaborating with Professor Stig Steen, whose research on tailored perfusion solutions laid the groundwork for our heart and lung technologies. Our XPS technology for EVLP received CE mark and FDA Humanitarian Device Exemption approval in 2014, becoming the first of its kind to receive FDA approval with a unanimous expert panel vote. In 2019, we achieved FDA Pre-Market Approval, the most stringent type for high-risk devices. In 2020, we expanded to include abdominal organs by acquiring a Dutch company specializing in liver and kidney perfusion technologies, marking our evolution into an all-organ company. Since then, we have also acquired an organ recovery service in the U.S. and a successful Italian perfusion service.

Could you elaborate on some of your recent innovations and their impact on the field?

Our latest innovation is our heart technology, currently in a U.S. clinical trial expected to complete enrollment by early 2025. A recent clinical trial in Europe, published in *The Lancet*, demonstrated a 61% risk reduction for primary graft dysfunction, a major cause of mortality after heart transplantation. This study is the first randomized controlled trial to show a reduction in severe complications after heart transplantation using a device for donor heart preservation. We're also exploring transport methods using commercial airlines, which significantly reduces costs and environmental impact compared to traditional private jet transport. Our Kidney Assist Transport device has been shown to improve renal function and reduce graft failure, alleviating the burden on the healthcare system and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, our heart technology was utilized under FDA Compassionate Use in a groundbreaking xenotransplant case in 2021, where a genetically modified pig heart was preserved in our device before being transplanted into a patient who did not qualify for a standard transplant.

What motivated XVIVO to join the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce - DC, and what are your expectations for this membership?

We were motivated to join to find strong collaboration partners that can enhance our presence in the U.S. market and foster valuable connections with key stakeholders in both public and private sectors. With our lung and kidney products already available in the U.S. and our heart technology expected to launch after current clinical trials, establishing a strong footprint is critical. We see SACC-DC as a key partner to help navigate the regulatory landscape and support our launch efforts. The Chamber provides a platform to engage with policymakers, regulatory agencies, potential partners, PR firms, and investors, aligning perfectly with our goals as we expand into the U.S. Our expectations include building strategic relationships, gaining regulatory insights, and increasing awareness of our technology within the U.S. healthcare ecosystem. In return, we are eager to share our experiences and knowledge with the Chamber and its members.

How do you expect the SACC-DC network to help you and your company?

We expect the SACC-DC network to be instrumental in building the strategic relationships we need to enhance our U.S. presence. Engaging with this network will provide us with critical insights into the regulatory environment and help us raise awareness of our innovative technologies within the U.S. healthcare ecosystem. We’re excited about the potential collaborations that can arise from this membership, which will support our mission to improve organ transplantation and patient outcomes.

INTERVIEWS WITH SPONSOR COMPANIES AT THE 2024 NORDIC INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY FORUM

Last week, we successfully held our Nordic Innovation and Sustainability Forum, co-hosted with the Norwegian and Finnish Chambers of Commerce at the House of Sweden. The forum focused on maritime sustainability and global trends in deep-sea shipping. Attendees included representatives from notable companies such as Alfa Laval, ABB, Volvo Penta, CSA, Equinor, Neste etc. We also had esteemed speakers from Embassy of Sweden, DNV and the Department of Energy. Following the event, we engaged with several members who attended to gather their insights on these important topics. Visit the link to read the interview article below: 

PICTURES FROM THE EVENT

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Golf Tournament: Register as a team, individual or company sponsor and play some golf with us on October 17th at whiskey creek golf club. Get ready for an exciting day full of networking opportunities with leading companies, premier golfing, enjoyable activities, and the chance to compete for fantastic prizes. For more information visit our website here and to register, send an email to info@sacc-dc.org. See you there!

• Women Leadership Forum: Together with our friends at the British-American and French- American Chamber of Commerce, we will host an exciting seminar on women's leadership on October 24th. There you will get a chance to meet DC´s top women in international relations, foreign affairs and business who will talk about everything from leadership tools and tactics, to workplace politics and getting ahead in global business. The event is only for women. Breakfast and lunch will be included. Sign up here!

• Young Professional visits: We’re thrilled to invite all young professionals to sign up for our upcoming company visits, including an exciting tour of the World Bank! If you’re not yet a young professional, don’t worry—this is a great opportunity for you to join SACC-DC and get involved. Stay tuned for more details, which will be hitting your inbox soon. Don’t miss out on this chance to network and learn from leading organizations! Sign up here to become a YP (30 years and younger).

• Happy Hours: We're excited to announce that we're in the midst of planning our next happy hour! Keep an eye on your inbox for more details coming soon!

CRAYFISH RECEPTION: MINGLE PICTURES

HIGHLIGHTS

SIREUS STUDY IN SWEDEN

Don't miss this unique chance to meet the top Swedish universities and gain insights into the opportunities of a degree from Sweden! Mark your calendars for SIREUS "Study in Sweden" Event on October 4th in Washington D.C Sweden, known for its world-class education system, offers a wide range of cutting-edge programs taught in English, making it the perfect destination for your academic pursuits. Here's what you can expect at their event:

Meet Renowned Swedish Universities: Get up close and personal with representatives from Sweden's top-ranked universities. Learn about their programs, scholarship opportunities and campus life.

Inspiring Alumni Stories: Hear firsthand experiences from successful alumni who have studied in Sweden and gone on to achieve remarkable career success.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow students, faculty, and professionals who share your passion for education and global experiences.

Light snacks and food: Enjoy soft drinks and light snacks while you learn more about getting a degree from Sweden.

HILTON

SACC-DC is excited to highlight our special offer in partnership with Hilton and its new Hilton for Business Program that focuses on special discounted rates for business of all sizes. We are delighted to provide this new initiative for those SACC-DC members interested in taking part.

What does this mean for you? SACC-DC members can access exclusive hotel discounts at Hilton properties worldwide, with special room rates based on individual travel profiles, ensuring comfortable accommodations at competitive prices. Hilton's global network guarantees exceptional comfort and top-notch amenities for both business and leisure trips, providing consistent and reliable stays. Explore Hilton for Business to see how they can enhance your travel experience!

SWEDEN CREATES JOBS IN THE UNITED STATES



Swedish business and entrepreneurship have long been integral to the US economy. Sweden is the 10th largest investor in the US, and business and trade continue to expand between Sweden and the US. This fifth edition of the report “Sweden Creates Jobs in the US” from the Embassy of Sweden shows that more than 379.000 jobs are created in the US, spread over all 50 states and in more than 95% of the congressional districts.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

News from SACC-USA and the Embassy

Stay updated on reading the newsletter from the Swedish Embassy and SACC-USA.

BUSINESS SERVICES PROVIDED BY SACC-DC

SACC-DC holds a unique position to provide members valuable connections with other member companies or small businesses, potentially resulting in new collaborations, clients, and partnerships. Read more about our B2B Matchmaking service and how to make a request here. Your company has the opportunity to be assisted by a Business Associate or a trainee with short-term projects aiming to increase your knowledge about specific markets. Read more about our Trade Services and how to make a request here.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SACC-DC COMMUNITY?

Visit our membership page to join as a new member, or renew your membership through the membership portal. SACC DC organizes many events throughout the year to give our members access to professional networking. We also tailor trade missions for Swedish companies interested in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Whether an individual with a keen interest in or connection with Sweden living in D.C. or a company looking to establish new relationships, we can help you reach your next goal!

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