CellProthera Collaborates with Quintessence Biotech to Industrialize Cell Manufacturing Processes Ahead of Stroke Clinical Trials

CellProthera will use Quintessence’s DACSTM flotation‑based cell sorting platform for its potential to enhance therapeutic purity and preserve stem cell phenotype for CD34+-based cell therapy 

Mulhouse, France – April 28, 2026 – CellProthera announces a new collaboration to optimize manufacturing processes using Quintessence’s technology, preparing its cell therapy to advance into clinical trials for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Quintessence Biotech, a developer of cell processing technologies, has completed proof-of-concept testing for its DACS platform with ProtheraCytes®, CellProthera’s proprietary processed CD34+ cells, utilizing a novel approach to cell sorting. The goal of the collaboration is to better preserve the stem cell phenotype, achieve a higher‑quality therapeutic product, and increase cell yields for indications requiring large doses. 

CellProthera is currently preparing for Phase 3 GMP manufacturing of ProtheraCytes for its lead indication following acute myocardial infarction, but the size needed for a therapeutic dose can vary depending on the indication. A key determinant is cell sorting, where it can be a challenge to collect enough of rare cells like CD34+ stem cells. Common separation methods depend on technologies like magnetic separation with steps that can impact cell yields.  

Quintessence Biotech’s DACS technology is designed to address this challenge, based on a biomimetic approach that reproduces natural cellular interactions. It enables process simplification with flotation-based cell sorting, integrating directly into existing cell culture environments without the need for heavy equipment or specific consumables such as magnet or column. The result is a simpler, faster, and more efficient manufacturing process. By leveraging the platform, CellProthera aims to accelerate the development of its cell technology for ischemic stroke with a frictionless workflow that does not require added hardware. 

“As we prepare to manufacture our ProtheraCytes® for a Phase III trial in patients following acute myocardial infarction, our data suggests the therapeutic approach holds promise following ischemic stroke as welli. Quintessence Biotech’s technology offers us the potential for higher yield and quality needed for this indication whilst enabling its integration into a streamlined and secure manufacturing process,” said Matthieu de Kalbermatten, CEO of CellProthera. “Despite advances in care, mortality and disability following stroke remain high, a constant reminder that new therapeutic approaches are desperately needed for these patients.” 

Following the successful proof of concept, the next phase of the collaboration will involve further testing and fine-tuning of the technology to the specific requirements of CellProthera’s manufacturing process. 

“Given CellProthera’s clinical success with CD34+ cell-based therapy following post-myocardial infarction, this collaboration will be an important demonstration of our platform’s effectiveness and universality,” said Charles Cavaniol, CEO of Quintessence Biotech. “In leveraging our technology with an experienced leader in the field, we are advancing our goal of making the democratisation and optimisation of cell therapies a tangible reality.” 

About CellProthera 

CellProthera is a regenerative cell therapy developer specializing in ischemic diseases, with a leading program in myocardial infarction. CellProthera has developed a unique GMP-compliant cell manufacturing process as well as proprietary automation technology for in vitro production of a large quantity of purified, expanded CD34+ cells. Its lead therapy ProtheraCytes®, is an autologous cell therapy targeted to regenerate various damaged tissues, including cardiac tissue. ProtheraCytes is registered as an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product – ATMP – by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). CellProthera’s proprietary technology platform comprises an automated expansion device called StemXpand® and its single use kit StemPack®. CellProthera is headquartered in Mulhouse, France. 

About Quintessence Biotech 

Quintessence Biotech is a French deeptech biotechnology company focused on making cell and gene therapy available to everyone, everywhere, by reinventing bio-separation. The company has developed its DACSTM technology based on a universal biomimetic lipid droplet platform that replaces traditional mechanical separation technologies with a biologically inspired, reagent-based approach. By simultaneously reducing manufacturing complexity and preserving cell functionality, Quintessence Biotech enables significant cost reduction and improved therapeutic performance, making advanced cell and gene therapies economically viable at commercial scale. The platform builds on the pioneering scientific work of Ass. Prof. Jacques Fattaccioli (ENS, ESPCI, Sorbonne) and is supported by leading innovation institutions including Ecole Normale Superieure Paris, PSL University, Agoranov, WILCO, Sorbonne University, Medicen, PMT Santé, Région Ile-de-France, Paris Saclay Cancer Cluster and Bpifrance. Founded in December 2024 by Charles Cavaniol (CEO), Mathieu Gonçalves-Venturelli (CSO), and Aurélien Lepoetre (CTO) and Jacques Fattaccioli, Quintessence Biotech combines deep expertise in cell therapy manufacturing, industrial development, and commercialization to build the infrastructure foundation for next-generation living medicines. 

https://www.quintessence-biotech.com/