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§ Private Profile · San Diego, CA, USA
ViaCyte is a technology company.
ViaCyte has raised $248.4M across 9 funding rounds.
Key people at ViaCyte.
ViaCyte has raised $248.4M in total across 9 funding rounds.
ViaCyte develops advanced stem cell-derived cell replacement therapies, primarily targeting insulin-requiring diabetes. Its core technology differentiates pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic beta cells, delivered via proprietary encapsulation devices. This innovative approach aims to restore the body's natural glucose regulation, potentially eliminating the need for external insulin.
Initially known as Novocell, the company was founded in 1999. It stemmed from the insight that regenerative medicine, leveraging stem cell technology, could offer transformative solutions for cellular dysfunction. Paul Laikind served as a key leader, guiding the development of its pioneering science to create a replenishable source of therapeutic cells.
ViaCyte's therapies are designed for individuals with Type 1 and other insulin-dependent forms of diabetes. The company's mission is to free patients from daily management by providing durable, functional cures. It envisions a future where stem cell-based treatments offer sustained physiological benefits, significantly improving affected individuals' quality of life.
ViaCyte is a regenerative medicine company that developed stem cell-derived cell replacement therapies aimed at providing a functional cure for type 1 diabetes and treatments for insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes.[1][2] It creates pancreatic beta-cell precursors from stem cells, encapsulated for subcutaneous implantation to produce insulin in response to blood sugar levels, targeting insulin independence and reducing complications like hypoglycemia and cardiovascular issues.[1][2][3] The company serves patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, addressing the core problem of insulin production loss due to beta-cell destruction.[1][2] ViaCyte raised $341.6M before being acquired by Vertex Pharmaceuticals in July 2022 for $320M, integrating its technologies into Vertex's ongoing clinical programs like VX-880, which has shown insulin independence in trials.[1][3]
Founded in 1999 in San Diego, California (originally as Novocell), ViaCyte emerged from preclinical research focused on differentiating stem cells into pancreatic beta cells to treat diabetes.[1][4] The idea stemmed from advancing stem cell technologies to replace lost insulin-producing cells, with early efforts building toward encapsulation devices for safe implantation.[2][3] Pivotal moments included developing multiple therapies to clinical stages, such as collaborations with CRISPR Therapeutics for gene-edited cells eliminating immunosuppression needs, and achieving proof-of-concept in animal studies where implanted cells maintained health and insulin response.[2][3] By 2022, these advancements led to its acquisition by Vertex, combining resources to accelerate a type 1 diabetes cure.[1][3]
ViaCyte rides the wave of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy trends, particularly in cell replacement for chronic diseases like diabetes, amid advances in CRISPR and encapsulation to overcome immune rejection.[1][2][3] Timing aligns with growing demand for functional cures, as traditional insulin therapies fall short against rising diabetes prevalence and complications; market forces include scalable stem cell sources (e.g., iPSCs) and biotech M&A, exemplified by its Vertex acquisition.[1][3] It influences the ecosystem by validating allogeneic beta-cell transplants—now advanced via Vertex's VX-880—and inspiring competitors like IntelCell in cell culture tech, pushing toward donor-independent treatments.[1][3]
Post-acquisition, ViaCyte's assets bolster Vertex's stem cell programs, accelerating hypoimmune cell therapies toward commercialization for type 1 diabetes cures.[3] Trends like gene editing and improved encapsulation will shape progress, potentially expanding to type 2 and reducing global insulin dependence.[2][3] Its influence evolves through Vertex, humanizing biotech by targeting root causes of diabetes over symptom management.[1][3]
Key people at ViaCyte.
ViaCyte has raised $248.4M across 9 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $45.0M Series D in June 2021.
ViaCyte has raised $248.4M in total across 9 funding rounds.
ViaCyte's investors include Adage Capital Management, Asymmetry Ventures, Bain Capital Life Sciences, Invus, RA Capital Management, Sanderling Ventures, TPG, 5AM Ventures, Bain Capital, Pfizer Venture Investments, Red Tree Venture Capital, Heath Lukatch.
