Animal-Free Blood Thinner: Dutch-based ExCulture Secures Funding to Develop Life-Saving Alternative

• Dutch-based ExCulture secures funding from Dutch Industrial Biotech Seed Fund and Medtech TTT to produce animal-free alternative to life-saving blood thinner
• Funding round follows previous investments from UNIIQ, Delft Enterprises, and Libertatis Ergo Holding in 2023
• ExCulture, founded by Aisling Foley and Ilaria Poledri, focuses on developing a novel fermentation bioprocess for biopharmaceutical production
• Goal is to create a safer, more sustainable animal-free heparin substitute to address global shortages and contamination risks
• Capricorn Industrial Biotech Fund and MedTech consortium support ExCulture’s mission for responsible and reliable production of essential biomedical compounds

Dutch-based ExCulture Secures Funding to Produce Animal-Free Alternative to Life-Saving Blood Thinner

Leiden-based ExCulture, a biotechnology startup, has recently made headlines by securing funding for the development of an animal-free alternative to the widely used blood thinner, heparin. The Dutch company has received investment from the Dutch Industrial Biotech Seed Fund and Medtech TTT, signaling a significant step forward in the field of biopharmaceutical production.

Revolutionizing Biopharmaceutical Production with Animal-Free Innovation

ExCulture, founded by Aisling Foley and Ilaria Poledri, is pioneering a new fermentation bioprocess that promises efficient and reliable production of complex biopharmaceuticals. At the forefront of their research is the creation of an animal-free heparin substitute, aimed at providing a safer and more sustainable alternative to the current animal-derived version. With heparin being one of the most widely used blood thinners globally, the development of an animal-free substitute holds immense promise for the medical industry.

Aisling Foley, the CEO of ExCulture, emphasizes the importance of moving away from traditional methods of heparin production, stating, “It’s surprising that in the 21st century, such an essential medicine is still produced as a by-product of pig slaughter. This production method has led to global shortages and contamination crises. Our goal is to utilize our novel, animal-free bioprocess to create a more future-proof method of producing biopharmaceuticals.”

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Support from Key Investors and Industry Experts

The recent funding secured by ExCulture from the Dutch Industrial Biotech Seed Fund and Medtech TTT underscores the industry’s confidence in the company’s innovative approach to biopharmaceutical production. The Dutch Industrial Biotech Seed Fund, backed by Capricorn Partners, DSM-Firmenich, and InnovationQuarter, aims to provide early-stage funding and guidance to ventures with industrial biotechnology applications.

Damien van der Bijl, Investment Director at Capricorn Partners, acknowledges ExCulture’s contribution to the responsible production of heparin, stating, “ExCulture shows the power of industrial biotech to bring benefits to the production of heparin, improving its reliability and availability for patients worldwide.”

On the other hand, the Thematic Technology Transfer (TTT) MedTech consortium, a collaborative effort between Dutch Technical Universities, academic medical centers, and Innovation Industries, has recognized ExCulture’s potential to revolutionize biopharmaceutical production. Pleuni Hooijman, investment manager at Innovation Industries, highlights ExCulture’s scalable technology and female entrepreneurial spirit as key differentiators that make them a valuable addition to the consortium.

Impact on the Medical Industry and Beyond

The development of an animal-free heparin substitute by ExCulture has the potential to disrupt the current landscape of biopharmaceutical production. By offering a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional animal-derived heparin, ExCulture is paving the way for a future where essential medicines are produced in a more ethical and environmentally friendly manner.

The implications of ExCulture’s research extend beyond the realm of biopharmaceuticals, setting a precedent for innovation in the broader biotechnology sector. As the company continues to advance its novel fermentation bioprocess, the possibilities for creating animal-free alternatives to other complex biomedical molecules are within reach, promising a more sustainable and responsible future for the healthcare industry.

ExCulture’s mission to develop animal-free substitutes for life-saving medications like heparin exemplifies the transformative power of biotechnology in addressing critical healthcare challenges. With the support of key investors and industry experts, ExCulture is poised to make a significant impact on the medical industry and beyond, heralding a new era of innovation in biopharmaceutical production.