Biotechnology Company Grants Commercial License for Cell Manufacturing Platform Use to Advance SCD Therapy

Xcellbio is a biotechnology company that develops cell- and gene-based therapies using its AVATAR proprietary cell manufacturing platform. The company announced in a press release that it has granted a commercial license for use of AVATAR to bluebird bio, Inc, as well as entered into a supply agreement with bluebird bio.

This collaboration was entered into by Xcellbio to advance commercialization of its LYFGENIA gene therapy, a treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients aged 12 years and older who have a history of vaso-occlusive events.

Xcellbio developed LYFGENIA using the AVATAR platform, and AVATAR features a proprietary incubation technology, HYPERPRESS, which can replicate the in vivo microenvironments in which the sickling associated with SCD takes place. Bluebird bio offers a potency assay that incorporates this HYPERPRESS technology, improving prediction of LYFGENIA’s effectiveness in patients with SCD and helping tailor the management approach.

“We’re humbled to play a small part in what is a transformative treatment option for patients suffering from sickle cell disease. This agreement advances our business strategy of supporting new modalities in order to bring transformative treatment options to patients,” commented Xcellbio chief executive officer Brian Feth, MBA.

Reference

Xcellbio announces commercial licensing & supply agreement to support commercial production of gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Press release. Business Wire. April 2, 2025. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402486138/en/Xcellbio-Announces-Commercial-Licensing-Supply-Agreement-to-Support-Commercial-Production-of-Gene-Therapy-for-Sickle-Cell-disease