CytoSolv
Cell-based therapeutics and protein delivery encapsulation systems.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
N/A | Acquisition | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
CytoSolv, Inc. was a biotechnology company focused on developing cell-based therapeutics. Founded in 2009 by Moses Goddard, Christopher Thanos, and John Mills, the firm initially concentrated on creating a therapy for wound-healing in diabetic foot ulcers. The founders, including bioengineer Briannan Bintz, had significant experience in cell encapsulation technology, which became the company's repositioned focus in 2014. This strategic pivot was driven by their expertise and the technology's roots in research by figures like Pierre Galletti, Patrick Aebischer, and Michael Lysaght.
The company's primary technology involved systems for the systemic delivery of proteins secreted by living cells. These encapsulation systems were designed to provide long-term therapeutic delivery for chronic diseases using stem cells, engineered cell lines, or primary tissue. A key application was the development of a cell-derived protein product to improve the healing of difficult wounds. The business operated in the biotech sector, backed by investors including the Slater Technology Fund, which invested $500,000, and Living Cell Technologies Ltd. In collaboration with Living Cell Technologies, CytoSolv further developed its encapsulation technology, which was crucial for porcine-based islet transplants for diabetes.
On November 16, 2015, CytoSolv was acquired by Semma Therapeutics, a Cambridge, MA-based firm founded to develop therapies for Type 1 diabetes patients. Semma Therapeutics, which had raised $44 million in Series A financing, acquired CytoSolv for its cell encapsulation technology. This technology was vital for Semma's goal of transplanting stem cell-derived beta cells into patients without requiring immunosuppressant drugs. Following the acquisition, CytoSolv's key personnel transitioned to Semma, with Dr. Moses Goddard becoming Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christopher Thanos appointed Vice President of Delivery, and Briannan Bintz serving as Director of Delivery. CytoSolv continued its operations in Rhode Island after being acquired.
Keywords: cell-based therapeutics, protein delivery, encapsulation systems, wound healing, chronic diseases, biotechnology, cell therapy, stem cells, regenerative medicine, diabetes treatment, Semma Therapeutics acquisition, Slater Technology Fund, islet transplants, drug delivery, tissue engineering, porcine choroid plexus, therapeutic delivery, biopharmaceuticals