Orgenesis, a manufacturer, service provider and developer of advanced cell therapies, has announced that Kangstem Biotech, a biotechnology company specializing in developing cell therapies using mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood, has selected Orgenesis’ subsidiary, Masthercell Global Inc. (Masthercell), as its contract manufacturing partner for the European clinical trials of Furestem-AD, a cell therapy designed to treat atopic dermatitis.

Masthercell is a leading cell therapy Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with facilities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, which has been selected to manufacture Furestem-AD for Kangstem’s European clinical trial utilizing both Kangstem’s proprietary process, as well as cell manufacturing technologies/processes developed by Masthercell.

Kangstem is moving into late phase clinical trials on Furestem-AD in Korea, and in order to build on this foundation, Kangstem plans to enter Europe with its innovative cell therapy products.  “The European clinical trial of Furestem-AD will be a milestone for our company. We believe that Masthercell's expertise and experience are key to enabling our entry into this sizable market,” said Mr. Taehwa Lee, CEO of Kangstem.

“Kangstem’s allogeneic human umbilical cord blood-derived stem cell-based project fits perfectly with Masthercell’s long term strategy—to provide services across all segments within the cell therapy field,” said Romain de Rauville, Business Development Manager for Masthercell Global.  “Our selection by a leading Korean cell therapy company further validates Masthercell’s expertise and agility in assisting our partners with their globalization strategy.”

Vered Caplan, CEO of Orgenesis, further commented, “This partnership provides Kangstem access to Masthercell’s cell therapy manufacturing expertise, capabilities and state-of-the art facility in Belgium.  This facility will provide Kangstem with the most efficient set-up for its unique and large-scale manufacturing process.  Not only do we have local market experience in Korea and Europe, but Masthercell’s global platform could allow Kangstem to expand to other continents. We look forward to building upon this partnership, which we believe will help Kangstem accelerate its commercial program, in order to provide its innovative cell therapy products to more patients around the world.”