Kincell Bio launches with cash injection of $36M aiming to improve cell therapy development and manufacturing for early stage innovators
Kincell Bio (FL, USA), a contract manufacturing organization specializing in cell therapies has received a substantial injection of $36 million in fresh capital, after recently emerging from stealth. Kineticos Ventures (NC, USA) spearheaded Kincell’s launch funding.
Emerging from the foundations of Inceptor Bio’s manufacturing and quality divisions, Kincell Bio arises as an independent entity working to expedite innovative research and clinical trials. Kincell has recently acquired a facility alongside a fully staffed workforce situated at its Gainesville site and envisions expansion in Gainesville as well as strategic markets like Research Triangle Park, Boston and other locations where its main customers are situated.
Kincell provides services in analytical advancement, process enhancement and initial-phase GMP production, with a primary emphasis on immune cell therapies. These therapies incorporate autologous and allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M programs. The company’s strategy looks to create internal capabilities for mRNA development and expand GMP manufacturing potential. Additionally, Kincell aims to establish reliable collaborations for the supply of viral vectors and plasmid DNA, which are essential for facilitating all cellular engineering procedures.
Shailesh Maingi, the founder of Kineticos Ventures and Inceptor Bio, who will operate as chair of the Kincell Board of Directors states:
“Kincell represents a significant step forward in bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical development of cell therapies,” Mr Maingi commented “By addressing the manufacturing challenges faced by early-stage innovators, Kincell is playing a vital role in accelerating the progress of cell therapy innovation. We are excited to support their mission to make cell therapy manufacturing more accessible and streamlined, ultimately bringing life-changing treatments to patients in need.”
Taking the role of Chief Executive Officer at Kincell is Dr Bruce Thompson, who will additionally hold a position on the Board of Directors. Dr Thompson carries with him more than two decades of expertise in CMC strategy, product development, and cell therapy manufacturing. His extensive background includes prominent roles in cell and gene therapy manufacturing and development leadership at organizations such as National Resilience, Inc. (Resilience), Lyell Immunopharma, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Pfizer.
Dr Thompson comments:
“Kincell is at the forefront of innovative cell therapy manufacturing, and I am honored to lead this exceptional team. Our mission is to enable early-stage biotech companies to bring their life-changing therapies to patients by providing accessible and high-quality manufacturing services,” stated Dr Thompson. “With our technology-forward approach and focus on immune cell therapies, we are poised to accelerate the advancement of cell therapies from bench to bedside. I am excited about the potential impact we can make in the field and look forward to collaborating with our partners to drive innovation and improve patients’ lives.”
