CytoMed Acquires Cord Blood Banking License to Enhance Allogeneic γδ T Cells Technology
CytoMed Therapeutics Acquires Cord Blood Banking License and Assets to Enhance Allogeneic γδ T Cells Technology for Solid and Liquid Cancer Treatments
Overview
CytoMed Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ: GDTC), a Singapore-based biopharmaceutical company, has acquired Cellsafe International Sdn Bhd (In Liquidation) (“CISB”), a Malaysian cord blood bank, for approximately RM 2.3 million or US$ 490,000. This acquisition includes a cord blood banking license issued by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, cryopreservation equipment with over 12,000 cord blood units (“CBUs”), and two freehold real estate properties totaling 189 square meters.
CytoMed’s Expertise
CytoMed aims to leverage its expertise in developing γδ T cells from three sources: adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells, induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), and now, cord blood.
Historically seen as medical waste, cord blood has gained significance in cell therapies, particularly for cancer treatment and anti-aging applications.
CytoMed plans to Innovation
• Traditionally, cord blood banks have primarily focused on cryopreserving CBUs for hematopoietic stem cell transplants in blood disorders, limited by factors like haplotype matching and cell adequacy.
• CytoMed plans to innovate by expanding the use of CBUs to treat a broader range of conditions, including solid cancers, using advanced stem cell technologies.
Behind Acquisition
The acquisition aligns with CytoMed’s strategy to unlock the therapeutic potential of umbilical cord blood, enhancing its position in developing cytotoxic γδ T cells for cancer therapy.
This move marks a significant shift in the traditional business model of cord blood banking, aiming to repurpose cryopreserved assets for advanced therapeutic applications.
From CytoMed
CytoMed, expressed, “This acquisition is a strategic step towards harnessing umbilical cord blood’s therapeutic potential and advancing γδ T cell technology for cancer treatment.”
Dr. Tan Wee Kiat, Co-CEO, highlighted the potential of mononuclear cells in CBUs as a versatile raw material for various cell therapies, emphasizing the focus on immune T cells to combat both hematological and solid cancers.
CytoMed’s Proprietary Technologies & Patents
CytoMed’s proprietary technologies and licensed patents, including the recently granted iPSC-derived hybrid γδ NKT cells technology targeting solid and hematological cancers, position the company at the forefront of innovative cancer therapies. This patent underscores CytoMed’s commitment to developing effective, targeted therapies using advanced cell science.
Future Plans: CytoMed
Looking ahead, CytoMed plans to expand its capabilities and seek strategic partnerships to grow its subsidiary focused on umbilical cord blood-derived immune cell banking, emphasizing γδ T cells and NK cells for cancer treatment.