Renton, Wash. — Jan. 10, 2017 — LifeNet Health, the only full-service, non-profit tissue bank operating in the Pacific Northwest has begun production of ViviGen^® Cellular Bone Matrix in its Northwest headquarters in Renton, Wash. ViviGen, an innovative cellular allograft developed by LifeNet Health, incorporates viable bone cells that support the healing process.

“Part of our mission at LifeNet Health is to continually advance how the gift of donated tissues can improve patients’ lives,” said Levi Anderson, General Manager, LifeNet Health Northwest Operations. “We are excited to bring the processing technology behind ViviGen to our Pacific Northwest location.”

LifeNet Health has completed the design and buildout of a nearly 2,000-square-foot suite dedicated to ViviGen production. This marks another major investment LifeNet Health has made since 2012 to bring state-of-the-art allograft preparation capabilities to the Pacific Northwest.

Launched in 2014, ViviGen is the result of a four-year research and development process, during which LifeNet Health pioneered new techniques for tissue recovery, preparation, preservation and packaging to maintain bone cell viability[1]. The use of alternatives to autograft is especially important in procedures such as a spinal fusion, where patients can often spend months recovering.

“Renton is very pleased to be the Pacific Northwest home to LifeNet Health,” said Mayor Denis Law. “The recent investment in their Renton facility and pioneering technology advances their mission to save lives, restore health and give hope. It’s important for our community that LifeNet Health made a decision to continue their life-changing work in Renton, home to the West Coast’s largest healthcare organizations, including Valley Medical, Providence Health & Services and Group Health.”

ViviGen is one of many technologies developed by LifeNet Health. A global leader in research, LifeNet Health established the Institute of Regenerative Medicine in 2012 to focus on new medical applications for using cell and tissue engineering to maximize the gift of donation. To date, LifeNet Health has more than 60 U.S. patents, with another 40 applications pending.

These ongoing advancements are a key part of its mission to save lives, restore health and give hope. In 2015, LifeNet Health provided 40,000 patients with allografts in the Pacific Northwest.

About LifeNet Health
LifeNet Health helps save lives, restore health, and give hope to thousands each year. It is the world's most trusted provider of transplant solutions — from organ procurement to bio-implants and cellular therapies — and a leader in regenerative medicine, while always honoring the donors and healthcare professionals who enable healing. For more information about LifeNet Health, go to www.LifeNetHealth.org.

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