Alumna's Startup Licenses Heart Graft Technology

Tucson-based Avery Therapeutics Inc. has licensed a beating heart graft technology, MyCardia, that has been shown to improve heart functions in preclinical studies.

MyCardia is a biologically active cardiac graft that can be surgically affixed to a heart to assist function for patients with conditions such as chronic heart failure. Tech Launch Arizona, the office of the UA that commercializes inventions stemming from University research, facilitated the process of defining and protecting the heart graft technology.

The commercial license is a big boost for Avery's leadership team, including chief operating officer Jen Watson Koevary, who received her BS in mechanical engineering in 2008 before earning a doctorate in biomedical engineering.

Koevary was named one of 20 influential millennials working in Arizona by AZ Big Media in January.

Photo of Koevary and colleagues with MyCardia sample courtesy of Avery Therapeutics