VitriCell

VitriCell SA is a biotechnology company operating in the cryopreservation market, providing solutions for the vitrification of sensitive cells and embryos. The company was established in June 2017 as a spin-off from the University of Liège, building upon research conducted within the university's Embryology unit of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The founding team, including Delphine Connan (CEO), F. Ectors, and L. Grobet, leveraged their expertise in embryology, cell biology, and Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) to develop the core technology. Their work on a method for cryopreserving Embryonic Stem Cells during the FP7 BEST stem Cells project (2011-2013) formed the foundation of the company.

The company's core business revolves around its proprietary aseptic vitrification technology. This method addresses a critical challenge in cryopreservation: damage to cell membranes caused by ice crystal formation during freezing. Vitrification solidifies the cells into a glass-like state without forming ice crystals, which is particularly beneficial for fragile cell types. VitriCell's process is designed to be quick, completing in a single 60-second step, a significant reduction from the multi-step processes of other products on the market. The technology allows for the preservation and handling of millions of cells at once, using sealed straws and bio-safe, chemically defined media. This results in higher recovery rates and better preservation of biological properties compared to conventional slow-freezing methods.

VitriCell targets several segments within the biopreservation market. Its primary focus is on cells used as tools in drug development, pharmacological screening, and toxicology. Additionally, the company serves the needs of Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP), cell therapy, and the animal artificial insemination sectors. Revenue is generated through the sale of vitrification kits and solutions designed for these applications. In late 2017, the company successfully closed a Series A funding round of over €1 million, from a combination of equity capital from investors like Spinventure SA and Gesval, and grants and loans from the Walloon Region and the WBC incubator, to facilitate the commercial launch of its first products and further research and development.

Keywords: cryopreservation, vitrification, cell therapy, biotechnology, Medically Assisted Procreation, aseptic vitrification, cell preservation, embryology, biopreservation, stem cells, drug development, toxicology screening, University of Liège spin-off, Delphine Connan, cell biology, animal artificial insemination, cryobiology, research tools, bio-safe media, cell viability