Therapeutics Company Acquires Cord Blood Banking Licence and Assets
Therapeutics Company Acquires Cord Blood Banking Licence and Assets
CytoMed Therapeutics Acquires Cord Blood Banking Licence and Assets.
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CytoMed Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ: GDTC), a Singapore-based biopharmaceutical company, has recently made a acquisition aimed at bolstering its position in the allogeneic, off-the-shelf donor-derived gamma delta (γδ) T cells technology sector. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, IPSC Depository Sdn Bhd, CytoMed has acquired the licence and certain assets of Cellsafe International Sdn Bhd (In Liquidation) (“CISB”), a Malaysian cord blood bank. This acquisition, valued at approximately RM 2.3 million or US$ 490,000, was funded from CytoMed's internal cash resources.
The Acquisition Details
The transaction includes several key assets:
Cord Blood Banking Licence: Issued by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health.
Cryopreservation Equipment: With more than 12,000 cord blood units (CBUs).
Real Estate Properties: Two freehold properties totalling 189 square metres, situated in Malaysia.
This acquisition is a step for CytoMed, reflecting its commitment to developing novel donor blood-derived, cell-based allogeneic therapies targeting various cancers and aging-related diseases. Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are a rare subset of T cells that constitute about 1% to 5% of the total body T cells. Unlike conventional alpha beta (αβ) T cells, γδ T cells exhibit innate tumor recognition capabilities and robust cytotoxic activity against various cancer types. Clinical trials have increasingly supported the therapeutic potential of these cells, demonstrating their ability to target and destroy cancer cells effectively.
CytoMed's goal is to become a leading biotech company capable of producing clinically relevant quantities of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-grade γδ T cells. The company plans to source these cells from three primary origins:
Adult Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A source CytoMed has extensive experience with.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Another area where the company has expertise.
Cord Blood: A newly added source, thanks to the recent acquisition.
Cord blood, once regarded as medical waste, has emerged as a valuable raw material with immense therapeutic potential in cell therapies. Over recent years, researchers have made substantial progress in leveraging the unique properties of cord blood-derived cells to combat cancer and promote healthy aging. Traditionally, cord blood banks have cryopreserved CBUs primarily for the treatment of blood disorders. However, their usage has been limited, mainly restricted to haematopoietic stem cell transplants. This application faces challenges such as haplotype matching and the inadequacy of cell numbers.
With advancements in stem cell science and therapies, CytoMed aims to add significant value to CBUs by repurposing and broadening their use across a wider range of treatments, including solid cancer therapies. The company envisions that these expanded applications will address some of the limitations currently faced by cord blood banks.
Recent Advances in Cell Science
Recent advances in cell science and technology have paved the way for the production of specialized cellular therapies using mononuclear stem cells from CBUs. Among these, the expansion of immune γδ T cells stands out. These rare white blood cells can be expanded from CBUs and have shown immense therapeutic potential in treating life-threatening diseases, particularly solid cancers. Another promising cell type under investigation is cord blood-derived Natural Killer (NK) cells. These cells are also being explored for their potential to be expanded from CBUs, offering another avenue for innovative therapies.
Numerous international clinical trials are currently exploring the use of immune cells, including γδ T cells and engineered γδ T cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T cells). These trials, along with a growing body of scientific literature, highlight the potential of these cells in treating various diseases, with a particular focus on solid cancers. CytoMed has received approval and is conducting the ANGELICA Trial, an ongoing first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial in Singapore focused on CAR-T cell therapy.
CytoMed Therapeutics' acquisition of the cord blood banking licence and assets from Cellsafe International signifies a decision to enhance its capabilities in the field of allogeneic, off-the-shelf donor-derived γδ T cells technology. By expanding its sources to include cord blood, CytoMed is well-positioned to leverage the therapeutic potential of these cells in combating cancer and promoting healthy aging.
Through continuous research and development, CytoMed aims to unlock new possibilities for cell-based therapies, ultimately bringing hope to patients battling life-threatening diseases.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a professional advisor before making any investment decisions.
Real-time information is available daily at https://stockregion.net