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Based in Houston, Texas, Cellenkos is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops allogeneic, off-the-shelf T regulatory cell therapies derived from umbilical cord blood to treat rare inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The organization maintains an active clinical pipeline of four distinct products targeting severe conditions such as aplastic anemia and myelofibrosis, which have collectively been used to treat more than 75 patients to date. The enterprise launched through a collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and secured an initial $10 million investment from Golden Meditech Holdings, later raising an additional $15 million in Series A funding. Expanding its international footprint, the firm recently established a strategic partnership with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Saudi Arabia to further advance its specialized cellular therapies. Cellenkos was founded in 2016 by Dr. Simrit Parmar.
Cellenkos has raised $15.0M across 1 funding round.
Cellenkos has raised $15.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Cellenkos has raised $15.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Cellenkos's investors include BVCF (Bioveda China Fund).
Cellenkos has raised $15.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $15.0M Series A in November 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2021 | $15M Series A | Bvcf (bioveda China Fund) | — | Announced |
Cellenkos, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of allogeneic, off-the-shelf T regulatory cell (Treg) therapies derived from umbilical cord blood. Their proprietary CRANE platform enables the creation of tissue-targeted immune Treg therapies designed to treat rare inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myelofibrosis, aplastic anemia, and lupus nephritis. These therapies aim to restore immune balance by suppressing harmful inflammation and T cell attacks on the body, offering a novel approach to diseases with limited treatment options. Cellenkos serves patients with rare inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders, addressing the critical unmet need for effective, scalable, and accessible cell-based therapies. The company has demonstrated clinical safety and preliminary efficacy, with ongoing trials advancing next-generation Treg products optimized for targeted tissue migration and outpatient administration[1][2][3][4].
Founded in 2016, Cellenkos originated from a licensing agreement with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, leveraging a proprietary umbilical cord blood Treg platform. The company was founded by Dr. Simrit Parmar, a physician-scientist with a background in regulatory T cell research focused on mitigating complications from allogeneic transplants such as graft-versus-host disease. Dr. Parmar’s transition from academia to biotechnology led to the development of the CRANE technology platform, which programs Tregs to home precisely to inflamed tissues. Early pivotal moments include the successful expansion and cryopreservation of cord blood Tregs and the initiation of clinical trials demonstrating safety and potential efficacy in ALS and other inflammatory diseases. The company has evolved its focus to include multiple rare inflammatory and autoimmune indications, supported by collaborations with MD Anderson and funding from Golden Meditech Holdings Ltd[1][2][4].
Cellenkos is positioned at the intersection of cell therapy, immunology, and precision medicine, riding the wave of increasing interest in regulatory T cell therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The timing is critical as advances in cell engineering, cryopreservation, and scalable manufacturing converge to make off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies feasible and clinically practical. Market forces such as the growing prevalence of autoimmune disorders, unmet medical needs in rare diseases, and demand for non-invasive, outpatient treatments favor Cellenkos’ approach. By pioneering tissue-targeted Treg therapies, Cellenkos influences the broader biotech ecosystem by demonstrating the potential of immune modulation beyond traditional small molecules or biologics, potentially reshaping treatment paradigms for chronic inflammatory conditions[1][3][4].
Looking ahead, Cellenkos is expected to advance its clinical pipeline with next-generation Treg therapies like CK0803 and CK0804, targeting additional indications and improving tissue specificity and efficacy. Trends such as personalized cell therapy, immune system modulation, and scalable off-the-shelf products will shape their trajectory. Their influence may expand as they validate clinical benefits, potentially enabling broader adoption of Treg therapies in autoimmune and inflammatory disease treatment. Continued innovation in manufacturing and delivery could further reduce costs and improve patient access, solidifying Cellenkos’ role as a leader in immune cell therapy. Their progress offers renewed hope for patients with rare and difficult-to-treat inflammatory diseases, tying back to their mission of transforming immune regulation through cutting-edge cell therapy technology[1][4][6].
