PRESS RELEASE – Samaritan Biologics, a Memphis-based leader in regenerative medicine that designs, manufactures and supplies human allografts for wound care and surgical applications, has committed a transformational $1 million gift to Breakthrough T1D, a global diabetes research nonprofit organization, to accelerate innovation for the Type 1 diabetes community.
The gift will be recognized during Breakthrough T1D’s annual Memphis Promise Gala May 2, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Esplanade Banquet and Conference Center. The event raises critical funds to support research, advocacy and clinical advancements for individuals living with Type 1 diabetes.
T1D is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin, requiring lifelong management and placing individuals at risk for serious complications. While significant progress has been made, there is currently no cure.
Since its founding in 2019, Samaritan has maintained a strong partnership with Breakthrough T1D. Two of the managing partners, David, CEO, and Ginny Szalay, CFO, have a daughter, Kierstan, who was diagnosed at age five and has been living with Type 1 diabetes for over 22 years. Seeing firsthand the daily challenges that families face, the Szalays continue to shape Samaritan’s commitment to advancing solutions for the diabetes community. From day one, Samaritan has pledged to donate a portion of its after-tax profits to support Breakthrough T1D's work to accelerate research and improve the lives of those living with Type 1 diabetes.
“Supporting Breakthrough T1D has been a priority for Samaritan Biologics since our founding,” said David Szalay, CEO and managing partner. “Seven years later, we’re honored to provide a multi-year commitment. We’ve seen firsthand the progress made and know we will continue to have better treatments – and, ultimately, a cure.”
Samaritan’s work in regenerative medicine closely connects to the diabetes community, as the company develops grafts used in advanced wound care that can play a critical role in treating complex wounds associated with diabetes. This work aligns closely with Breakthrough T1D’s mission to improve lives through innovation.
Breakthrough T1D Tennessee invites the Memphis community to attend the 26th Annual Memphis Promise Gala, honoring partners like Samaritan Biologics for their impact on the T1D community.
About Breakthrough T1D:
Breakthrough T1D is the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, dedicated to accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.
About Samaritan Biologics:
Samaritan Biologics, LLC is a woman and minority-owned business specializing in the research and development of human allografts. Samaritan is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with an R&D facility located at the Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Innovation Campus (CUBEInC) in Greenville, South Carolina. It recently opened a state-of-the-art, 11,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located at Clemson’s International Center for Automotive Research (ICAR). Since its founding in 2019, Samaritan has focused on “Helping, Healing, Giving, Everyday.” The organization achieves this mission by developing and distributing best-in-class perinatal tissue allografts for patients and providers, as well as by donating at least 10% of after-tax profits back to 501(c)(3) charities. For more information, please visit SamaritanBiologics.com.
