TransMedics today announced a strategic collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Group AG to deploy a fleet of Mercedes-Benz V-class vehicles dedicated exclusively to organ transportation across Italy.
The strategic collaboration looks to build upon TransMedics' successful U.S. National Organ Case System Program (NOP) in Europe by building a dedicated air and ground logistics network that complements the TransMedics OCS perfusion platform and clinical services. The upcoming launch could lay the foundation for a broader, multi-country European transplant dedicated logistics network designed to expand access to donor organs and help more patients in need of transplantation.
As part of the collaboration, TransMedics will deploy and staff several dedicated Mercedes-Benz V-Class vehicles across four major Italian NOP hubs in Milan, Rome, Padua, and Bari. The vans are equipped with advanced safety specifications which meet stringent handling requirements of transplant logistics and provide a secure environment for the organs, physicians, and equipment during mission transport.
The initial Italian NOP hubs are expected to launch before the end of 2025. Each hub will be equipped with OCS Lung, Heart, and Liver Systems and staffed by an experienced team of clinical perfusionists. TransMedics aims to provide 24/7 technological, clinical, and logistical support to transplant centers, procurement organizations, and surgical teams to increase donor organ utilization for transplants across Italy. The Italian National Command Center will operate from TransMedics' NOP hub in Santa Giulia, Milan.
