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Regenerative Medicine Initiative

Turning Hope
Into Reality

Hopewell Foundation for Regenerative Medicine is dedicated to accelerating the clinical translation of 3D bioengineered bone and cartilage solutions for nasal reconstruction—helping restore form, function, identity, and dignity to patients.

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Happy patients laughing together in a warm clinic setting

Our Origin

The Founding Story

The Hopewell Foundation was not created in a laboratory. It was created through lived experience.

At 27, I underwent what I believed would be a routine nasal procedure. I chose a surgeon with exceptional credentials—respected, recognized, and affiliated with top institutions. I was certain I was in good hands.

What I didn't understand—and what many patients are never fully told—is that the nose is not just cosmetic. It is an incredibly delicate and complex structure: a framework of cartilage, bone, and soft tissue.

When one part changes, everything changes.

Read the full story

Patient Voices

Personal journeys behind the need for safer treatments

“
The financial cost was overwhelming. The emotional cost was deeper still. A real solution wouldn't just change lives—it would finally break the cycle.
— Patient, age 34
“
I asked if he specialized in revisions. The secretary laughed and said some patients have had up to seven revisions. I realized this wasn't a solution—it was a pattern.
— Anonymous
“
I remember wondering if I would ever recognize myself in the mirror again. I still hold onto the hope that one day, I will.
— Patient advocate
“
The pain wasn't just in my nose—it was in my chest. Every breath, every movement, was a reminder of what my body had gone through.
— Rib graft patient
See real patient journeys →

The Problem

Reconstruction is rarely a single procedure.

Every year, thousands of patients face complex nasal and craniofacial reconstruction due to trauma, congenital differences, cancer-related procedures, and failed prior surgeries.

For these patients, reconstruction is not straightforward—and it is rarely complete in a single surgery. The current standard often leaves two wounds instead of one.

3D bioprinted cartilage structure

The Vision

Regenerative medicine is the next frontier.

Through 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering, it will soon be possible to create:

  • Patient-specific cartilage and bone
  • Restoration of both structure and airflow
  • Reduced surgical harm and recovery time
  • Equitable access to advanced reconstruction

Innovation in medicine should not happen in isolation. It should happen with patients at the center.

Patient making heart shape with handsBlack and white portrait

The Technology

Redefining what is possible in reconstruction.

Across leading research institutions and clinical environments, scientists and surgeons are already developing advanced approaches to rebuild complex structures using engineered bone and cartilage. These technologies are not theoretical—they are actively being studied, refined, and validated in laboratories around the world.

Moving beyond simple substitutes to create living, regenerative tissues that restore the structural and mechanical essence of natural bone.

Read more about our technology
Laboratory petri dish
Smiling woman restored after 3D bioprinted nasal reconstruction

Why It Matters

When structural failure occurs, it doesn't just affect the body—it affects the mind.

The effects of reconstructive complications extend far beyond the physical. Many patients experience significant psychological distress—anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms—particularly during prolonged and uncertain recovery.

Read more about patient impact

Our People

Built at the intersection of lived experience, science, and clinical innovation.

We are patients, researchers, and collaborators working together to accelerate the future of regenerative medicine. This work is deeply personal—and deeply purposeful.

Founder

Katharine Derrey

Katharine Derrey

Founder & CEO

Katie's personal experience with complex nasal reconstruction ignited her passion for regenerative medicine.

Board of Directors

Advisory Board of Directors

Colette

Colette

Patient Advocate / Advisory Board

Patient advocate and co-founder of the UARS Initiative, a patient advocacy coalition.

Read full bio →
Boyan Donev

Boyan Donev

Patient Advocate / Advisory Board

Researcher developing injectable hydrogel scaffolds for vascularized tissue regeneration, bridging science and real-world clinical application.

Read full bio →

Scientific Board of Directors

PO

Position Open

Chief Scientific Advisor

Leading expert in tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting to guide the foundation's research strategy.

PO

Position Open

Clinical Research Advisor

Reconstructive surgeon advising on the clinical translation of bioengineered cartilage and bone solutions.

PO

Position Open

Translational Science Advisor

Biomedical researcher specializing in regulatory pathways for regenerative medicine therapeutics.

Our Mission

To advance and responsibly translate regenerative cartilage and bone technologies—ensuring equitable access for patients in need of nasal reconstruction.

Get in Touch

We'd love to hear from you