Celularity Inc. Won $250 Million Investment, Applying to Accelerate Placental Stem Cell Technology for The Therapeutic Platform

Abstract

Celularity, a cutting-edge company that is independent of Celgene, announced that it has received a $ 250 million investment. The company plans to utilize the funds to develop placental stem cell technology for the treatment of many diseases, including cancer, and extend human life.

Why Choosing the Placenta?

Placental stem cells are not a newly mentioned idea. More than a decade ago, when embryonic stem cell technology remained controversial, it was pointed out that placental stem cells may be a viable alternative. Celgene also started a series of acquisitions during that period to develop the technology, and finally established with a low profile last summer after more than 10 years hard work.

About the reason for using the placenta, Celularity Inc. Offered compelling reasons. First and foremost, there are about 130 million infants born each year so that placenta cells are abundant, while the placenta utilization is almost zero. Second, Celularity states that placental stem cells are naturally safe and can be introduced into any human body without causing rejection. It is estimated that stem cells from a placenta are expected to bring 100,000 different treatments.

At present, Celularity has a product under study that is noticeable - researchers plan to develop a universal CAR-T regimen with placental cells. In contrast to the usual CAR-T therapy which can only use its own cells, theoretically, CAR-T therapy derived from placental cells will not limit the origin of T cells or cause serious immunological side effects. Taking CD38 as a target, this CAR-T regimen is seeking FDA approval for clinical trials.

Celularity is also trying to achieve the reshaping organs and tissue function, longevity via stem cells injection. According to reports, in the experiment of mice, the life expectancy of sexually mature mice can be extended by 30% -40% with injection of stem cells monthly. Of course, the experimental results of mice can not be simply analogized to humans. However, if calculated on a pro-rata basis, it is probably the life of a human for 20-30 years, which is enough to make people feel excited.

Strong management is expected to support the success of this cutting-edge company. Dr. Robert Hariri, Founder, President, and CEO of Celularity, also worked as

previously CEO at Celgene Cellular Therapeutics and co-founder of Human Longevity, having over 20 years of experience in the field of cell therapy.

Besides, Peter Diamandis, founder of XPRIZE, John Sculley, former Apple CEO, Bill Maris, former chief executive of Google Ventures, Dr. Andrew Von Eschenbach, former FDA Director, and Dr. Henri Ji, CEO of Sorrento Therapeutics all are in the Board list.

'Our goal is to help people easily achieve 100 years old,'  Dr. Hariri said,'and keeping the body function close to a decade ago.'