Dialybrid Secures €15M for Hemodialysis Graft Innovation

Dialybrid, an Italian medical device innovator, has successfully closed a €15 million Series A funding round. The investment, spearheaded by new entrant XGEN Venture with crucial participation from CDP Venture Capital (via its Rilancio Fund), will accelerate the clinical advancement of the company's novel Silkothane® Arteriovenous Graft for hemodialysis patients. This funding marks a significant step for the company as it aims to address critical unmet needs in vascular access for end-stage kidney disease patients.

The financing injection is earmarked for the ongoing clinical development of the Silkothane® graft, a unique biomaterial combining silk fibroin and polyurethane. Beyond its primary application, the funds will also support preclinical research into other vascular uses for the proprietary Silkothane® material. This dual focus underscores Dialybrid's ambition to leverage its core technology across a broader spectrum of cardiovascular interventions.

A pivotal moment for the company, the first-in-human implant of the Silkothane® Arteriovenous Graft has been successfully completed. The procedure was performed by Professor Matteo Tozzi, MD, a leading vascular surgeon and principal investigator for the pilot clinical trial, which is currently enrolling patients in Italy. This milestone validates the initial promise of the graft's design and its potential to offer a superior vascular access solution.

The market for hemodialysis vascular access is substantial, with hundreds of thousands of procedures performed annually in the EU and US. Current options, including synthetic grafts and native fistulas, present trade-offs between durability and speed of access. Synthetic grafts offer immediate usability but suffer from limited longevity and higher complication rates, while native fistulas are more durable but require a lengthy maturation period. Industry data suggests significant failure rates for both modalities within the first year, highlighting the urgent need for improved solutions like Dialybrid's.

The Silkothane® graft's innovative composition is designed to bridge this gap. By integrating biocompatible, partially resorbable silk fibroin with a durable polyurethane component, the graft aims to promote natural tissue integration while maintaining structural integrity. This hybrid approach, facilitated by an electrospinning manufacturing process, allows for precise control over mechanical properties, potentially leading to faster graft utilization, extended patency, and reduced infection risks compared to existing options.

Daniele Scarinci, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at XGEN Venture, expressed enthusiasm for Dialybrid's potential, stating, "Our investment aligns with our strategy of backing innovative Italian life science companies addressing significant medical needs. We are eager to support Dialybrid as they navigate the clinical pathway towards regulatory approval." Similarly, Caterina Siclari, Head of the Rilancio Fund at CDP Venture Capital, affirmed their support, recognizing Silkothane® as a "technologically innovative and clinically relevant product" with the capacity to "redefine standards of care."

Looking ahead, Dialybrid is set to present its advancements at the LSI Europe '26 Emerging Medtech Summit on September 29, 2026. Chief Technology Officer Stefania A. Riboldi will share insights into the company's progress, further amplifying its visibility within the medtech community.