DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Humacyte, an innovator in biotechnology and regenerative medicine, announced today that company founder, Laura Niklason, M.D., Ph.D., a world leader in tissue engineering and cellular therapies, has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Dr. Niklason was recognized for her major contributions to cardiovascular tissue engineering, lung regeneration and biomedical imaging. Founded in 1964, NAE is an independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation.
Dr. Niklason’s election to the NAE is a culmination of her life-long contributions to scientific advancements and her advocacy of novel technologies that may have the potential to change the way modern medicine treats certain vascular and non-vascular diseases. As Humacyte’s Founder, Dr. Niklason’s work in developing the world’s first investigational bioengineered human acellular vessel, (HAV) - has the promise to help patients with a range of vascular and non-vascular diseases, such as a those suffering from Vascular Trauma, End Stage Renal Disease requiring hemodialysis, Peripheral Arterial Disease, and potentially many others in need of an “off the shelf” biological vessel.
“It is immensely gratifying to see the distinguished National Academy of Engineering has recognized Laura for her tireless dedication to innovation and leadership in tissue engineering and cellular therapies,” said Jeffrey H. Lawson, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Humacyte. “Laura’s vision to develop pioneering scientific technologies that deliver a superior quality of patient care has been an inspiration to all of us at Humacyte. We congratulate Laura for being bestowed with this elite honor, which underscores her steadfast commitment to excellence in the field of bioengineering and her passion for bringing best-in-class biomedical therapies to patients around the world.”
In addition to her work at Humacyte, Dr. Niklason is a Professor at Yale University in Biomedical Engineering and Anesthesia, where she also serves as Vice-Chair for Anesthesia. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Niklason was cited by Time for creating one of the 50 Best Inventions of 2010, was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors, elected to the National Academy of Medicine, named as a 2016 Alumni Achievement Award recipient for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, inducted into Women in Technology Hall of Fame, and named by Fortune magazine as one of 34 Leaders Who are Changing Health Care.
“I’m thankful to the National Academy of Engineering for electing me as a Fellow and recognizing my work, done with numerous collaborators and trainees over the years, to apply bioengineering principles to develop new therapies for patients,” said Dr. Niklason. “It is a great honor to be a part of an institution of men and women whose countless monumental accomplishments and contributions have improved our society for better.”
NAE membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education, including the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology. The 2020 Class includes 87 nominees from the United States and 18 international members. The Induction Ceremony for Dr. Niklason and the Class of 2020 will be held during the NAE’s Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, October 4, 2020.
ABOUT HUMACYTE
Humacyte, Inc., a privately held company founded by Dr. Laura E. Niklason, M.D., Ph.D., in 2004, is a medical research, discovery and development company with clinical and pre-clinical stage investigational products. Humacyte is primarily focused on developing and commercializing a proprietary novel technology based on human tissue-based products for key applications in regenerative medicine and vascular surgery. The company uses its innovative, proprietary platform technology to engineer human, extracellular matrix-based tissues that can be shaped into tubes, sheets, or particulate conformations, with properties similar to native tissues. These are being developed for potential use in many specific applications, with the goal to significantly improve treatment outcomes for many patients, including those with vascular disease and those requiring hemodialysis. The company’s proprietary technologies are designed to create off-the-shelf products that, once approved, can be utilized in any patient. The company web site is www.humacyte.com.
