Cell Matters and Cryoport Systems will launch a joint service that will support the development, optimization and actual cryopreservation of leukopaks for preclinical, clinical and commercial use.
The alliance, they believe, will solve the main challenge of cell therapy manufacturers: the timely supply of high-quality manufacturing-ready leukopaks.
In terms of what each company brings to the partnership, Mark Sawicki, CSO, Cryoport, and CEO of Cryoport Systems, told BioPharma-Reporter that the US player will support all packaging, storage and distribution for cell and gene therapy products, while Cell Matters will be focused on the cryoprocess optimization and cryopreservation of the therapies.
Liege, Belgium and Morris Plains, New Jersey will be the first two locations supporting these services. “These capabilities will expand within our emerging supply chain network in the coming quarters and years,” said Sawicki.
EU footprint
Having a more significant presence in the EU is a priority for Cryoport.
Its CEO, Jerrell Shelton, weighed in on the new partnership: "The number of regenerative therapies continues, and will continue, to increase across the world. The strategic alliances we are forming, coupled with select acquisitions in services and products, are strengthening our comprehensive supply chain solutions for the life sciences and our capacity to serve the industry's evolving and growing needs."
CEO and cofounder of Cell Matters, Delphine Connan, said the combined technologies and expertise of the two firms will really benefit cell therapy developers. The CDMO has developed a platform dedicated to the cryopreservation of leukopaks with the first international cell therapy customers currently onboarding.