Introduction:
Likarda, a company spun out of the University of Kansas in 2000, has developed an encapsulation technology called core-shell spherification (CSS) that allows cells and biologics to be transported in dry ice. This technology eliminates the need for specialist cryopreservation and provides a longer-acting drug product. Likarda is now expanding its use of CSS technology from veterinary clients to the field of advanced therapies in human health.
- Likarda has developed an encapsulation technology called core-shell spherification (CSS) that allows cells and biologics to be transported in dry ice without the need for specialist cryopreservation.
- CSS technology forms an instant hard shell around cells, allowing other substances such as polyethylene glycol hydrogels to harden around the cell. This can improve the survival of CAR-T cells and promote the delivery of cell therapies.
- The CSS platform eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen freezing and defrosting, saving time and resources.
- Likarda plans to use CSS technology in a human osteoarthritis product in 2024 and aims to expand its use to a wide variety of molecules and longer-lasting drugs.
Conclusion:
Likarda’s core-shell spherification technology offers a solution for transporting cells and biologics without specialist cryopreservation. This technology has the potential to improve the delivery and efficacy of cell therapies and may pave the way for the development of longer-acting drugs. Likarda’s expansion into the field of advanced therapies in human health demonstrates the growing interest in innovative encapsulation technologies for the transportation of cell-based treatments.
