HemostOD: The Venture Leader Biotech advancing ex vivo platelet manufacturing

26.05.2025 10:00, Rita Longobardi

Meet Faouzi Khechana, CEO of HemostOD. The biotech startup aims to develop donor-free, stem cell-derived ex vivo platelets as a standardized alternative to blood donor transfusions, addressing shortages and contamination risks. In June, Faouzi will join nine other Biotech innovators on a business development and investor roadshow in Boston.

Name: Faouzi Khechana
Location: EPFL Innovation Park
Nationality: French/Swiss
Graduated from: Paris-Sud University (Paris XI)
Job title: CEO
Number of employees: 9
Money raised: CHF 4.9 million

 

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Can you tell us who your product or solution helps, and how?
The demand for blood platelets far exceeds supply, causing shortages, poor treatment responses, and contamination risks. Donor platelets have a short shelf life (5-7 days), making inventory management difficult and delaying surgeries. HemostOD is developing a cell-based platform to produce stem cell-derived platelets outside the body, offering a consistent, donor-independent supply with a longer shelf life. Our product will provide sterile, safe, and efficient platelet infusions on demand, with consistent quality and no risk of autoimmune reactions, eliminating the need for patient-donor matching. 

What market are you addressing and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
HemostOD's first product addresses thrombocytopenia in all-immunized and HSCT patients, offering donor-free, stem cell-derived platelets to healthcare providers through a B2B model with pharmaceutical partners. Targeting the onco-hematology market, we aim to meet the global demand for 750,000 platelet concentrates annually, with a total addressable market of USD 5.7 billion. A second product for cardiac surgery and trauma patients will feature cold-stored platelets with extended shelf life and enhanced clotting. Future developments may include tissue-targeted drug delivery. 

How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup? 
HemostOD was incorporated in mid-2020 in Lausanne, Switzerland, and co-founded by an experienced group of entrepreneurs with track records in M&A and the pharma industry who in-licensed technology and intellectual property centred on human platelet manufacture and identified at Inserm, the French public research organisation. 
 

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What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how do you think it will help you achieve your vision?
My primary goal is to connect with early-stage investors to close our currently open CHF 6M financing round. Additionally, I aim to build relationships with new investors and local partners to set the stage for the next phase of our growth.

What are your team’s key achievements to date? 
The R&D team has developed a viable process for ex-vivo platelet manufacturing, demonstrating equivalent quality to donor platelets at the 1-litre reactor scale. HemostOD has filed 6 patent families, with 14 patents granted, and confirmed freedom to operate after reviewing over 700 patents. The company has a structured development strategy and clarified the regulatory pathway with EMA and Swissmedic. Feedback from blood banks, hematologists, and an advisory board has confirmed a strong market fit for the platelet product.

Is there a key principle or value that guides you as you build your company?
A key principle that guides me as I build my company is working hard with honesty and integrity, while never losing sight of the importance of enjoyment and passion. Success isn’t just about results—it’s about building something meaningful, staying true to my values, and ensuring that the journey is just as fulfilling as the destination.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
The most important lesson I've learned is that resilience is everything. This isn’t a new concept, but my own experience has reinforced just how critical it is.

What was your dream job when you were a child?
I wanted to be a mountain guide. I remember always wanting to climb higher and share emotions with others on my rope. Saying that I realize there are so many similarities with what I'm doing now at HemostOD!