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In the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, where millions of sheep roam freely, their contributions extend far beyond wool and meat. A visionary biotech company in Auckland has harnessed the potential of sheep tissue to create an advanced material that aids in the healing of complex wounds and tissue reconstruction in humans.
Founded by veterinary surgeon Dr. Brian Ward in 2008, AROA delves into the realm of regenerative medicine. Driven by the remarkable regenerative capabilities of sheep tissue, he discovered that a scaffold derived from a specific layer of sheep tissue could stimulate cell migration and tissue regeneration.
At the heart of AROA's groundbreaking technology lies AROA ECM™, a proprietary extracellular matrix biomaterial. This bioscaffold, derived from minimally processed sheep tissue, mirrors the composition and function of the extracellular matrix found in human soft tissue. Packed with over 150 healing proteins, this biologic scaffold is applied to wounds, accelerating the healing process.
In 2013, AROA obtained FDA clearance for its first product, Endoform™, which quickly gained recognition in the United States market. Today, AROA's range of products finds applications in various wound care and surgical procedures, spanning trauma, limb, hernia, and breast reconstruction surgeries.
AROA puts patients at the forefront of its mission. By providing regenerative healing at a disruptive cost compared to other biologic solutions, AROA ECM technology ensures that more individuals can access the benefits of this cutting-edge treatment.
To date, over 5.8 million patients worldwide have benefitted from AROA's innovative products. By enhancing healing rates and outcomes, AROA also holds the potential to yield significant savings for healthcare systems, reducing recovery times and complications. This is particularly crucial in countries like the United States, where the costs of overnight hospital stays can skyrocket to an astonishing USD 14,000.
Although AROA initially secured funding from private investors, such as technology investor MOVAC and investment firm Sparkbox, the company successfully listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2020. With rapid growth, AROA now boasts a dedicated team of over 270 professionals based in their Auckland headquarters and North American sales division.
AROA's journey is a testament to the transformative power of nature's gifts and the relentless pursuit of regenerative healing. As they continue to unlock the potential of sheep tissue, AROA aims to revolutionize wound care and make regenerative healing accessible to all.
