11.01.2024

IKBFU Startup Develops Technology for Rapid Cell Culture Production

A new company of the IKBFU Startup Studio, Baltic-BiotechR LLC, will develop and manufacture a special nutrient environment additive for in vitro cell production. Cultured cells are vital for industry and science, and necessary both for fundamental and applied research. The main advantage of the technology is the possibility of microscopic observation of live cells. Using cell cultures, scientists develop antiviral vaccines, pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements; it is an essential part of regenerative medicine for tissue repair, anti-tumour cell therapies, and the treatment of autoimmune and allergic diseases. The proposed additive will significantly increase cell yield.

Valeria Shupletsova, General Director of BalticBiotechR LLC, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology at IKBFU:
The newly developed technology streamlines the additive production process. Manufacturing time has been reduced tenfold and, as a result, expenses such as electricity consumption, the number of laboratory hours, and consumable supplies have also reduced. We use residue from donor blood processing as a raw material for additive production, which allows us to obtain four times as much material compared to the conventional method of whole blood processing. The technology ensures complete preservation of biologically active components.

Valeria Shupletsova, General Director of BalticBiotechR LLC, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology at IKBFU:

The newly developed technology streamlines the additive production process. Manufacturing time has been reduced tenfold and, as a result, expenses such as electricity consumption, the number of laboratory hours, and consumable supplies have also reduced. We use residue from donor blood processing as a raw material for additive production, which allows us to obtain four times as much material compared to the conventional method of whole blood processing. The technology ensures complete preservation of biologically active components.

The Kaliningrad Region Blood Transfusion Station acts as a technological partner of BalticBiotechR LLC.

Technopreneurs obtained the first laboratory samples and examined how the product affects various human cells.

The findings show a beneficial effect on cell division, structure and function. At this stage, our team, which includes employees of the Centre for Immunology and Cell Biotechnology and Master’s students from the IKBFU Higher School of Business and Entrepreneurship, is developing a pilot production line and conducting marketing research.

According to Elena Kabakova, Deputy Director of the IKBFU Startup Studio, cell culture production is an integral part of medical research and pharmaceutical development.

The average annual growth rate of the cell culture market by 2027 is expected to reach 11%, with COVID-19 playing a significant role in boosting the biotech market. The development of effective vaccines and therapies to combat the pandemic has become a priority for pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and research institutions worldwide, with cell culture being a promising platform for creating new vaccines. We are confident that Baltic-BiotechR will be beneficial for domestic research and production companies involved in cell product and vaccine production and development.

The average annual growth rate of the cell culture market by 2027 is expected to reach 11%, with COVID-19 playing a significant role in boosting the biotech market. The development of effective vaccines and therapies to combat the pandemic has become a priority for pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and research institutions worldwide, with cell culture being a promising platform for creating new vaccines. We are confident that Baltic-BiotechR will be beneficial for domestic research and production companies involved in cell product and vaccine production and development.