7 Startups Leading the Research in Cell Therapy
The complexity of the cell therapy products and patient-specific variability, product quality, and consistency are significant challenges in the Cell Therapy domain. Cell Therapy Startups with new technologies, innovative products, and limitless imagination, are working on the therapy or treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions. This in return helps in overcoming the challenges in the domain.
Were you aware that one such startup has developed a method to stimulate the patient’s immune system to eliminate cancer cells by improving the body’s natural defenses? While another startup is innovating to overcome the inherent difficulties in solid tumors associated with the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME)?
In this article, we are presenting 7 such startups innovating the cell therapy technology along with complete details of the kind of innovation they are working on. You can access the full report by filling out the form below while we share a few from the lot.
Here are the top 7 cell therapy startups:
1. Tmunity Therapeutics
| Website | https://www.tmunity.com/ |
| HQ | United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $230 Million |
| Investors | Andreessen Horowitz, University of Pennsylvania, Gilead Sciences |
| The innovation they are bringing to the market | T-cell therapy to enrich human cells with other agents optimizing cell production method |
What makes Tmunity Therapeutics different from other Cell Therapy startups?
Proprietary T Cell Therapy – Tmunity’s fundamental objective is to develop proprietary solutions by integrating T cell discovery, development, and manufacturing capabilities. Tmunity’s portfolio includes important T cell treatment technologies that are meant to generate modified T cells that either stimulate or inhibit immunity. T cell receptors, regulatory T cells, gene transfer, allogeneic T cells, and bionic T cells, as well as various CAR-T programs, are examples of these technologies. (Source)
What type of Innovative Solution does Tmunity Therapeutics Offer?
T-cells therapy – Tmunity’s integrated T cell therapy aids in the enrichment and differentiation of human cells. This is possible by mixing cells with other agents and technologies to produce cGMP cell products, as well as optimizing and refining cell production methods to obtain a sustainable cost of goods. T cell approaches used by Tmunity include T cell receptors, regulatory T cells, gene transfer, allogeneic T cells, and bionic T cells, as well as certain CAR-T programs. (Source)
How many Patents does Tmunity Therapeutics have?
Tmunity Therapeutics has filed 2 patent applications.
2. Membio
| Website | https://www.membio.ca/ |
| HQ | Canada |
| Total Funding Amount | $4 Million |
| Investors | True Ventures |
| Innovation Membio is bringing to the market | Patented Dual Fusion Bioreactor hosting the benefits of the stirred tank and hollow fiber bioreactors |
What makes Membio different from other Cell Therapy startups?
Patented Dual Fusion Bioreactor – Membio combines its patented Dual Fusion Bioreactor with its specific cell lines. The Specialized Cell Line is derived from hematopoietic stem cells and can produce an unlimited number of RBCs without the need for recurring donors. In the case of the Dual Fusion Bioreactor, it combines the benefits of both stirred tank and hollow fiber bioreactors, culminating in an unrivaled combination of scalability and microenvironment control. (Source)
What type of Innovative Solution does Membio Offer?
Specialized Cell Line – Membio is focusing on a viable and scalable alternative to the donation system. It generates a limitless number of transfusion-quality RBCs while obviating the need for donor recruiting, blood collection, testing, and processing, making it cost-effective and ensuring pathogen- and toxin-free RBCs with consistent antigen profiles. (Source) (Source)
Which Awards have been Received by Membio?
Membio was awarded first place and $5,000 in funding at the Spring 2018 Problem Pitch competition. (Source)
How many Patents does Membio have?
Membio has filed 8 patent applications. The startup has filed patents in the US, Canada, and Europe.
3. Allogene Therapeutics
| Website | https://www.allogene.com/ |
| HQ | United States |
| What innovation is Allogen Therapeutics bringing to the market? | AlloCAR T™ therapy uses T cells from healthy donors to destroy cancer cells and TurboCARs to boost T cell activation and improve efficacy, overcome exhaustion, and minimize cell dose requirements. |
What makes Allogene Therapeutics different from other Cell Therapy startups?
AlloCAR T™ Therapy – Allogene has revolutionary AlloCAR T™ therapy that uses T cells from healthy donors and is manufactured and engineered to express CARs to recognize and destroy cancer cells, as well as modified via gene editing to limit autoimmune response. (Source)
Applying Innovative Technology to Develop AlloCARSTM
TurboCAR™ – TurboCAR™ is a turbocharging car T cell developed by Allogene to selectively recapitulate cytokine signaling in CAR T. TurboCARs can be programmed with signaling domains from several cytokine receptors to boost T cell activation and improve efficacy, overcome exhaustion, and minimize cell dose requirements. They are also intended to overcome the inherent difficulties in solid tumors associated with the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and convert suppressive signals into favorable signals. (Source)
TurboCAR™: Turbocharging CAR T Cells
What type of Innovative Solutions does Allogene Therapeutics Offer?
AlloCAR T™ therapy – Allogene Therapeutics has developed an antigen receptor T cell AlloCAR T™ therapy that uses the same biological processes as the first-generation autologous CAR T therapies. It aims to deliver breakthrough clinical benefits, without any need to create a personalized therapy for each patient utilizing T-cells from healthy donors. (Source)
AlloCAR T™ Platform Created by Allogene
iPSCs: The Road to A Renewable Cell Source
How many Patents does Allogene Therapeutics have?
Allogene Therapeutics has filed 136 patent applications. The startup has filed patents in multiple jurisdictions.
Introducing Pharsight: To Track Expiring Drug Patents in Coming Years
4. BlueRock Therapeutics
| Website | https://bluerocktx.com/ |
| HQ | Canada |
| The innovation they are bringing to the market | A unique cell+gene platform that can restore fully differentiated adult cells from the blood to a pluripotent state. |
What makes BlueRock Therapeutics different from other Cell Therapy startups?
Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) – BlueRock has revolutionized and scaled technologies for manufacturing real cell types in neurology, cardiology, and immunology, based on the research of some of the world’s best specialists in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) biology. BlueRock developed the cell+gene platform, which reprograms mature, differentiated cells back to iPSCs. It uses advanced engineering to improve the cells’ therapeutic capabilities. In addition, uses the advanced bioprocesses to re-differentiate these iPSCs into new, authentic replacements for cells damaged or lost to disease, thereby improving their therapeutic effect. (Source)
The BlueRock – Authentic Cells
What type of Innovative Solution does BlueRock Therapeutics Offer?
Cell+Gene Platform – BlueRock offers a unique cell+gene platform that can restore fully differentiated adult cells from the blood to a pluripotent state full of potential and possibilities, allowing them to develop into a range of cell types. Cell+gene uses genetic engineering to enhance such real cells with certain capabilities in order to increase their therapeutic efficiency. (Source)
Cell+Gene
Which Awards have been Received by BlueRock Therapeutics?
In 2021, BlueRock Therapeutics won Best Company Culture 2021 based on 1,570 ratings and 54 participants. (Source)
How many Patents does BlueRock Therapeutics have?
BlueRock Therapeutics has 12 more patents in 5 family members. The startup has filed 7 patents in WIPO, 2 in Canada, and 1 patent in the US, Europe, and Australia.
5. TreeFrog Therapeutics
| Website | https://treefrog.fr/ |
| HQ | France |
| Total Funding Amount | $86.9 Million |
| Investors | Bpifrance, Bpifrance, European Commission, XAnge |
| The innovation TreeFrog Therapeutics has worked on | C-Stem allows for the safe and efficient scaling-up of therapeutic cell manufacturing. |
What makes TreeFrog Therapeutics different from other Cell Therapy startups?
C-Stem™ Technology – TreeFrog Therapeutics has created a revolutionary approach for mass-producing pluripotent stem cell-based cell therapeutics. This patented process, known as C-Stem, allows for the safe and efficient scaling-up of therapeutic cell manufacturing, due to an encapsulation device capable of producing over 5,000 stem cell capsules per second. When combined with regular bioreactors, this technique has cut production costs by 10-fold and aims to reduce them by 100-fold by 2026. (Source)
C-Stem™ creates scale-independent cell culture micro-environments, allowing for the transition to larger bioreactors without changing essential parameters. It produces functioning microtissues, which increase transplant integration and shorten time-to-effect. (Source)
What type of Innovative Solution does TreeFrog Therapeutics Offer?
C-Stem™ – TreeFrog Therapeutics’ proprietary C-Stem™ technology allows the mass production of induced pluripotent stem cells. The C-Stem™ process includes high-throughput stem cell encapsulation with throughputs of more than 1,000 capsules per second and self-organization in vivo-like stem cell microtissues.
Further, it includes exponential stem cell expansion and differentiation in bioreactors with >100-fold hPSC amplification per week, including single-batches of over 10 billion cells in a 10L bioreactor. (Source)(Source)
Treefrog’s lead program is to use mature dopaminergic neuron micro tissues to cure Parkinson’s disease. C-Stem™ technology creates mature dopaminergic neurospheres in 3D that reveal best-in-class outcomes. TreeFrog Therapeutics is developing a cell therapy pipeline to conduct a first-in-human study in 2024. (Source)(Source)
Which Awards have been Received by TreeFrog Therapeutics?
TreeFrog Therapeutics won the 2020 Galien Medstartup Award, which rewards exceptional achievements in science and innovation. (Source)
How many Patents does TreeFrog Therapeutics have?
TreeFrog Therapeutics has 4 patents in 2 family members. The startup has filed 2 patents in France and 2 in the WIPO.
6. Ixaka
| Website | https://www.ixaka.com/ |
| HQ | United Kingdom |
| Total Funding Amount | $72.7 Million |
| Investor | ZenPharma Limited, Innovate UK |
| The innovation Ixaka is bringing to the market | The Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Technology is a feasible therapy option for Chronic limb-threatening Ischemia |
What makes Ixaka different from other Cell Therapy startups?
Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Technology – The Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Technology developed by Rexgenero, which distributes many immune and progenitor cells directly to the damaged arteries of the lower leg, is a feasible therapy option for Chronic limb-threatening Ischemia. REX-001 is being developed as patient-specific cellular immunotherapy that would transport numerous immune and progenitor cells directly to the damaged lower leg arteries.
This enhances the quantities of beneficial immune modifying cells, which are only found at trace levels in peripheral blood and are further reduced in diseased patients. Combining multiple immune and progenitor cells resolves the immunological imbalance that leads to atherosclerotic plaques and non-healing ulcers. (Source)
Multi-cell therapies (MCTs) are obtained from natural tissue extracts that have been chosen for the most active cells while eliminating components (such as red blood cells and platelets) that could impair the cells’ therapeutic efficacy. (Source)
Targeted Nanoparticles (TNPs) – Ixaka’s targeted nanoparticles (TNPs) are immunotherapies that stimulate the patient’s immune system to eliminate cancer cells by improving the body’s natural defenses, as compared to chemotherapies, which attack cancer cells directly. Ixaka’s TNP platform allows therapeutic cells to be targeted and genetic modifications to be performed directly inside the body, and their nanoparticle contains a lentiviral vector that allows in vivo genetic modification of T cells and drives expression of the CAR, enabling recognition and elimination of cancer cells. (Source)
Targeted Nanoparticles (TNPs)
What type of Cell Therapy Innovative Solution does Ixaka Offer?
REX-001 – The REX-001 from Rexgenero is based on the well-established biology of utilizing cells from a patient’s bone marrow to treat persistent limb-threatening ischemia. This enhances the quantities of good immune-modulating cells, which are only found in trace amounts in peripheral blood and are further depleted in ill patients. Progenitor cells and immune cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes) involved in immunological regulation and regeneration are found in the product. (Source)
CELTIC (Chemically Encapsulated Lentiviral Vector for Targeted In vivo CAR T-cell therapy) – CELTIC is Ixaka’s lead TNP program for CD19 hematological malignancies. It is made up of a polymeric nanoparticle that contains a bald lentiviral vector that encodes for a T-cell specific promoter and the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The nanoparticle is coated with a CD3 binding molecule (aptamer), which allows Vivo targeting and transduction. The total construct may be administered systemically into the circulation to target and genetically change T-cells throughout the body. (Source)
Ixaka’s Cell and Gene Therapy Pipeline
Which Awards have been Received by Ixaka?
Rexgenero was shortlisted as a Finalist for the Clinical Trial of the Year Lifestars Award in 2019. (Source)
How many Patents does Ixaka have?
Ixaka has 13 patents with 1 family member. (Source)
7. Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc.
| Website | https://asherbio.com/ |
| HQ | United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $163.3 Million |
| Investors | Wellington Management, Third Rock Ventures, Y Combinator |
| Innovation brought to the market by Asher Biotherapeutics | IL-2 immunotherapy to increase the activity of tumor-specific vaccinations. AB248 CD8-targeted IL-2 immunotherapy selectively stimulates the essential drivers of anti-tumor effectiveness. |
What makes Asher Biotherapeutics different from other Cell Therapy startups?
IL-2 Immunotherapy – IL-2 immunotherapy is a strong T cell activator that increases the activity of tumor-specific vaccinations and causes potent antitumor effectiveness. In preclinical models, IL-2 improves CAR-T engraftment, persistence, and function.
Due to the severe toxicity of high-dose IL-2 and the insufficient selectivity of existing engineered IL-2 variations, the clinical potential of employing IL-2 with CAR-T treatments is restricted to present molecules.
Increasing IL-2 activity on CD8+ T cells while decreasing activity on immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and NK cells will likely result in better on-target pharmacology, antitumor immunity, and tolerability. (Source)(Source)(Source)
CIS-Targeted Immunotherapies
CIS-Targeting Platform
CIS-Targeted IL-2 For Cell Therapies
IL-21 Platform – IL-21 is a cytokine that is responsible for anti-tumor activity while avoiding the activation of other cells and limiting toxicity. The IL-21 activating cytokine enhances cytotoxicity, memory cell development, survival, and reinvigoration of CD8+ T cells, all boosting anti-tumor activity. CD8-IL-21 also has the potential to be used in conjunction with AB248, the CIS-targeted IL-2, to improve efficacy by combining a proliferation signal with one that enhances functioning and reduces T-cell depletion. (Source)
Wild Type LD-21
CD8- IL 21 (AB821)
What type of Innovative Solution does Asher Biotherapeutics Offer?
AB248 – AB248 CD8-targeted IL-2 immunotherapy selectively stimulates the IL-2 pathway in CD8+ T cells, which are essential drivers of anti-tumor effectiveness. AB248 has a highly differentiated profile and compelling activity in multiple preclinical tumor models, demonstrating an unprecedented level of selectivity and expansion of CD8+ T cells, and has different therapeutic benefits when combined with cell therapies, vaccines, and other immuno-oncology modalities. (Source)
AB821 – AB821 CD8-targeted IL-21 immunotherapy is a cytokine that stimulates STAT3, a master transcription factor involved in a wide range of adaptive and innate immune responses. AB821 is more than 1000 times selective for CD8+ T cells. (Source)
How many Patents does Asher Biotherapeutics have?
Asher Bio has 5 patents with 1 family member. (Source)
Conclusion
While startup data is the key to making decisions related to possible collaborations, it can be overwhelming. As a result, we believe in personalized reports for you to provide actionable innovation intelligence to achieve your goals faster. The 7 cell therapy startups showcased above are promising examples from the 300 we analyzed for this article. To identify the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria, contact us here.
