Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of stem cell with anti-inflammatory, regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, widely researched globally for decades. They can promote the healing of damaged tissue and regulate immune responses to reduce inflammation, an underlying cause of many diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs have also brought them into focus in the field of longevity, as inflammation is considered a significant factor in the aging process.
Currently, high-quality MSCs are scarce and prohibitively expensive. Swedish biotech Cellcolabs seeks to change this by slashing prices by up to 90% within the next decade through large-scale production.
Raises $8.7M funding
In a recent development, Cellcolabs raised $8.7 million in an oversubscribed round. The investment came from well-known business profiles and unicorn founders, including Fredrik Österberg and Jens von Bahr. The round also saw participation from previous investors – Norrsken Launcher and Avito founders Jonas Nordlander and Filip Engelbert.
With this raise, the total funding secured by Cellcolabs amounts to $21.5 million. The latest funding will be used to scale up R&D, operations, and business development.
Produces high-quality stem cells
Cellcolabs was founded in Stockholm in 2021 and originates from the stem cell research of Professor Katarina Le Blanc at the Karolinska Institute. Recognising the potential of Professor Le Blanc’s research, serial health entrepreneurs Per Båtelson and Maria Rankka, and impact investor Norrsken joined forces to create Cellcolabs.
The biotech company aims to transform healthcare by industrial-scale production of high-quality stem cells. It works with the mission to prevent and cure diseases by making high-quality stem cells available and affordable through industrial-scale production and collaborations.
MSCs used in Cellcolabs’ product development and clinical research activities are produced at its laboratory in Stockholm from the bone marrow of healthy volunteer donors. Cellcolabs supplies stem cells to external research projects and initiatives. This includes collaborations with world-renowned university hospitals and biotechnology companies.
Mattias Bernow, CEO of Cellcolabs, stated: “We are really pleased with the overwhelming response from investors as part of this round. Our mission is to produce high-quality stem cells on an industrial scale and for a fraction of the current cost, and it is encouraging to see such fantastic support for our work. MSCs have in multiple studies shown great potential for alleviating symptoms and even potentially curing and preventing disease. Making stem cells available and affordable for more people could be a game-changer for healthcare.”
Fredrik Österberg commented, “When it comes to investments, our focus is on companies that boast a strong business case and contribute positively to society. With the 25 years of research of Professor Le Blanc, the promising potential of MSCs for healthcare, and an exceptional team at the helm, Cellcolabs is well-positioned to revolutionise the field of stem cells and healthcare.”
Clinical trials
By making high-quality MSCs available at scale for research and future patients, Cellcolabs hopes to develop products that will cure, alleviate, and prevent a wide variety of medical conditions.
Cellcolabs sponsors and supports clinical trials in the Bahamas through its subsidiary, Cellcolabs Clinical. These trials assess the use of MSCs focused on the prevention of cardiovascular disease and in individuals experiencing musculoskeletal injuries. The treatment is carried out either through a local injection or systemic infusion.
As per the company, every trial is approved by local Ethics Committees and Regulatory Authorities and compliant with Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), the international ethical and scientific quality standard for designing, recording, and reporting trials in humans.
