By any measure, 2011 was a big year for Honolulu-based biotech company Tissue Genesis and, by extension, for its co-founder, director, president and Chief Executive Officer Anton Krucky, one of the Star-Advertiser’s 10 Who Made a Difference in 2011.

The company, founded 10 years ago, specializes in advanced tissue engineering and cell therapy solutions and has become a national leader in the production of stromal vascular fraction, a material derived from fat tissue rich in regenerative cells, which has shown promise in a variety of medical applications, from cardiac and vascular treatments to orthopedics and reconstructive surgery.

Under Krucky’s leadership, the company has quietly become a significant player in the national biotech industry. In April, Tissue Genesis also became the first company to initiate an FDA-approved trial using patients’ own fat-derived adult stem cells. The trial, which involves treating peripheral vascular disease with vascular grafts coated with fat-derived adult stem cells, is being conducted at the University of Louisville Hospital. Peripheral vascular disease affects more than 8 million people in the United States (resulting in 130,000 amputations) and is expected to increase 43 percent by 2020, according to Tissue Genesis.

In July, Tissue Genesis was selected to conduct a scientific experiment on the final mission of the space shuttle Atlantis. Biologists and engineers from the company prepared for the experiment, focused on combating the negative effects of space travel on muscle, bone and other body systems, at its Kakaako laboratory.

"I think 2011 was the fruition of Anton’s strategy for the company and this was realized fully in the FDA-approved clinical trials," said Eric Clark, director of corporate development for Servco Pacific Inc., one of the earliest investors in Tissue Genesis. "It was really good that he was able to do that right here in Honolulu, Hawaii. He’s always been well-intentioned when it’s come to this community."

Krucky said his goals for Tissue Genesis have always been to create wealth, which in turn will lead to more jobs as the industry expands and diversifies; to change lives by improving the health of the community; and to provide Hawaii-born talent with experiences never before available, such as direct participation in the NASA shuttle experiment.

Krucky has also earned admirers in the state’s business community for his continued success in attracting investors despite the 2010 repeal of Act 221/215 high-tech tax credits.

"Clearly, it is difficult for companies in Hawaii that want to make it on the world stage," said Krucky, who is part-Hawaiian. "Cost is a problem and getting talent can be, too, in some cases. That said, we have a lot of things working for us here, including access to our congressional delegates and local lawmakers and people at the university that are trying to help. We have a lot of good people here who are working to make it happen."