Cell-Freezing market to be transformed.
CryoLogyx, a new University of Warwick spin-out, wins Innovate UK funding.
The University of Warwick spin-out company, CryoLogyx, has been awarded £300k from InnovateUK to develop innovate cryopreservation agents with applications in the diagnostic, medicines discovery and cell-based therapy markets.
CryoLogyx will use research emerging from Professor Matthew Gibson’s laboratories to transform how cells, and cell-based therapies are stored and transported. CryoLogyx technology uses macromolecular cryoprotectants (polymers) which protect precious biological materials during freezing.
In order to store and transport cells for research, or as advanced medicines, it is essential to freeze them as they are not stable at room temperature for long periods. The traditional solution to this was to add organic solvent ‘antifreezes’, similar to what you might use in your car. Professor Gibson’s lab has learned from how organisms survive in the Earths coldest environments, and developed new macromolecular cryoprotectants which allow more cells to survive the freezing process and to replace the organic solvents.
“This new spin-out from Professor Matt Gibson and colleagues, which is set to transform how cells are stored and transported, is another example of the innovative translational environment at Warwick, and shows the crucial role of our University in stimulating new industries.”
CryoLogyx will use this platform technology to transform emerging, advanced, cell based therapies, simplify the medicines development process, and aid supply chains.
The polymer cryoprotectants are easy to use, can give up to 4 times increase in the number of recovered cells, and have been shown to work in a range of cell types.
Dr James Lapworth, Warwick Innovations, who is working with Professor Gibson to commercialise the technology, said:
“This award from Innovate UK recognises the potential for Warwick’s new cryopreservation technology to have a significant impact on the medicines discovery and cell therapy industries, both of which have been identified by the UK government as priority areas for economic growth.”
For further information, contact Dr James Lapworth : [email protected]
