Pluricell Biotech

Initially founded as Pluricell Biotech and now operating as LizarBio Therapeutics, the company is a Brazilian biotechnology firm that has pivoted from providing stem cells for research to developing cell-based therapies for incurable diseases. The company was co-founded by Marcos Valadares, who has a Ph.D. in human genetics and stem cell biology, and Diogo Biagi. It originated from research conducted at the University of São Paulo.

LizarBio's primary focus is on regenerative medicine, specifically developing treatments for congestive heart failure and Rett syndrome. The company uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to produce functional human heart cells (cardiomyocytes) at an industrial scale. These cells can be cryopreserved for off-the-shelf use in transplants to regenerate heart tissue damaged by events like heart attacks. A key aspect of their business model is a proprietary end-to-end platform for cultivating and differentiating pluripotent stem cells, which they state is significantly less expensive than competing methods. Their approach is hybrid, involving the development of their own therapeutic pipeline while also forming partnerships and co-development projects to extend their technology's reach into other areas.

The company was initially incubated at the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (CIETEC) at the University of São Paulo. A significant milestone was receiving a US$1 million investment from Libbs to advance studies in regenerative cell therapy. In April 2021, the company rebranded to LizarBio Therapeutics to better reflect its new focus on the international market and the development of curative therapies.

Keywords: cell therapy, regenerative medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells, iPSC, cardiomyocytes, heart failure, Rett syndrome, stem cell manufacturing, allogeneic therapies, preclinical trials, biotechnology