The field of bio-medicine is evolving rapidly with the groundbreaking news that human stem cells have been used to grow “mini organs” for the first time. Despite controversy surrounding stem cell harvesting during pregnancy, a Swedish startup called Cellcolabs has raised $8.7 million in VC funding to pioneer a new method of generating stem cells from adult volunteer-donated bone marrow, aiming to address a range of medical conditions on an industrial scale.
Founded in 2021, Cellcolabs has now secured a total of $21.5 million in funding. The company is focusing on tapping into the potential of adult stem cells, post-termination foetal tissue, and other sources to accelerate their research and development efforts.
With distinguished origins at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Cellcolabs is led by founders Per Båtelson, Maria Rankka, and medically-trained CEO Mattias Bernow. The team specializes in Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) known for their therapeutic properties in promoting tissue healing and regulating immune responses. By harvesting MSCs from healthy volunteer donors, Cellcolabs aims to reduce the cost of these cells by up to 90% within the next decade through large-scale production.
Speaking about the potential impact of stem cells in disease prevention and treatment, Bernow expressed enthusiasm for the future and emphasized the importance of making MSCs more accessible. He highlighted Cellcolabs’ unique position in the market and their collaboration with renowned experts in the field.
While acknowledging potential competition from international players like TreeFrog Therapeutics, Bernow emphasized Cellcolabs’ focus on industrial-scale production and their dedication to supplying high-quality stem cells for research and patient care.
Investor Fredrik Österberg praised Cellcolabs for their innovative approach to stem cell research and healthcare, noting the company’s strong business case and potential to revolutionize the field. With a diverse team and a clear vision for the future, Cellcolabs is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the realm of stem cell technology and medical advances.
