Tengion , Inc.

Tengion, a clinical stage biotechnology company, has pioneered the Autologous Organ Regeneration PlatformÔ that catalyzes the body's innate ability to regenerate. Tengion's neo-organs and neo-tissues in development, such as bladders and vessels, combine biocompatible materials and a patient's own (autologous) cells to regenerate diseased and failing organs and tissues. Tengion's product candidates have the potential to cure - rather than treat - organ and tissue failure, enabling people to lead healthier lives without donor transplants or the side effects of related therapies. Headquartered in East Norriton, PA, Tengion also has a research and pilot manufacturing facility located in Winston-Salem, NC. Tengion's technology of creating a neo-organ, such as the Tengion Neo-BladderÔ, starts when a surgeon sends the patient's biopsy to Tengion. Tengion's scientists identify and multiply the patient's own healthy progenitor cells, and then place these cells on a structure that is shaped like the needed organ or tissue (a bioresorbable scaffold). The resulting neo-organ becomes ready for implantation after a period of maturation. The surgeon then implants the neo-organ in the patient's body, where it is designed to integrate with the rest of the body and become functional. By contrast, the current therapy for urinary bladder reconstruction, Augmentation Cystoplasty, dates from the 1890's and is associated with acute and chronic risks and complications.