Sexton Biotechnologies

Sexton Biotechnologies provides specialized bioproduction tools and reagents for the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector, aiming to streamline manufacturing processes and improve clinical outcomes. The company was established in 2019 as a spin-out from the life science incubator Cook Regentec, with initial seed funding from investors including BioCrossroads and BioLife Solutions. In September 2021, Sexton was fully acquired by BioLife Solutions, a firm that develops and supplies bioproduction products and services for the CGT market.

The business centers on developing and selling purpose-built tools to support companies in the CGT field, from early-stage development through to commercial manufacturing. Sexton's revenue model is based on the sale of consumable products and automated systems directly to cell and gene therapy developers. Its client base consists of pharmaceutical companies and research laboratories engaged in clinical trials for new therapies. The President of Sexton at the time of the acquisition was Sean Werner, who transitioned to Chief Technology Officer at BioLife Solutions. Werner's background includes a Ph.D. in Biology from Purdue University and roles at Cook Medical and Eli Lilly, with experience in regulatory affairs and medical device development.

Sexton’s product portfolio is divided into two main categories: cell performance supplements and processing/handling solutions. The supplement line features human platelet lysate (hPL) media such as Stemulate®, nLiven®, and T-Liven®, which serve as replacements for fetal bovine serum in cell manufacturing. These products are designed to support the expansion of various cell types, including mesenchymal stem cells and T-cells. The processing solutions include the CellSeal® platform of cryogenic storage vials, which are specifically designed for cell therapies and have been used as the final container for an FDA-approved product. To facilitate automation, the company offers the Signata CT-5, a flexible, semi-automated fluid handling system for processes like final formulation, and the AF-500, a larger-scale automated fill-and-seal system capable of processing up to 400 vials per hour.

Keywords: cell and gene therapy, bioproduction tools, human platelet lysate, cryogenic vials, cell manufacturing, fluid handling system, bioprocessing, fill-finish solutions, CGT, cell expansion, BioLife Solutions, Cook Regentec, Sean Werner, Signata CT-5, CellSeal, Stemulate, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, automated cell processing, clinical trial support, regenerative medicine