What's Happening?
Cellares, a San Francisco-based company, has successfully raised $257 million in series D financing to expand its cell therapy manufacturing capabilities. The funds will be used to complete the construction of manufacturing plants in Japan and the Netherlands, with the aim of supporting commercial-scale production by 2027. Cellares has developed the Cell Shuttle platform, an automated system designed to streamline the production of cell therapies, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. The company has already established a production facility in New Jersey and plans to enhance its global presence with the new facilities. Cellares has partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to produce CAR T cell therapies, a collaboration that includes a significant
capacity reservation and supply deal. The company also plans to support clinical production later this year and has set its sights on an initial public offering by the end of 2027.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Cellares' manufacturing capabilities is significant for the cell therapy industry, particularly in the production of CAR T therapies, which are crucial for cancer treatment. By reducing production costs and increasing efficiency, Cellares' innovations could make these therapies more accessible to patients. The partnership with BMS highlights the strategic importance of regional production facilities, as cell therapies are often personalized and time-sensitive. This expansion not only positions Cellares as a key player in the global cell therapy market but also supports the broader goal of advancing personalized medicine. The financial backing from prominent investors like BlackRock and Eclipse underscores the confidence in Cellares' technology and its potential impact on the healthcare industry.
What's Next?
Cellares plans to complete the construction of its new facilities by the first quarter of 2026, with operations expected to begin later that year. The company aims to offer commercial-scale manufacturing services by 2027, which will enhance its ability to meet the growing demand for cell therapies. The partnership with Cabaletta Bio is set to produce the first good manufacturing practice cell therapy product for clinical use on the Cell Shuttle platform, with patient infusions expected in the first half of 2026. As Cellares prepares for an initial public offering, the company is poised to further solidify its position in the cell therapy market, potentially influencing industry standards and practices.
