Nucell GmbH

Bronze Sponsor

NuCell GmbH was founded in 2024 as a spin off from Capricorn Technologies GmbH to finalize the development of a new Vero Cell. It is located in Tulln, Austria, completely private owned and fully private financed. The focus of the company lies in biotechnology/ cell development.

The team of NuCell:

CEO: Helmut Schmutz, Mag.iur. , Private Investor for more than 30 years in Biotechnology
CSO: Andrej Egorov, Prof.Dr.; Scientist in the field of vaccine development with 35 years experience
Head of Laboratory: Artem Krokhin, Dr.; Biochemist with 25 years experience
Scientific advisor: Julia Romanova, Dr.; renowned Virologist with 30 years experience

The AEX-1 cell line was developed by co-culturing Vero cells with the amniotic membranes of chicken embryos in serum-free OptiPro medium. This innovative process resulted in a cell line with distinct morphology and properties compared to the original Vero cells.

A key feature of AEX-1 cells is their lower cytoplasmic pH, a trait that remains stable over at least 20 passages in serum-free conditions. Transcriptome analysis further revealed downregulation of genes involved in antiviral innate immunity, likely contributing to the significantly enhanced susceptibility of AEX-1 cells to influenza virus infection.

This enhanced permissiveness is evident in their ability to support robust replication of multiple influenza strains at exceptionally low infection multiplicities and facilitate high-efficiency rescue of influenza viruses via plasmid transfection. Notably, AEX-1 cells produce influenza A and B virus titers comparable to those obtained in embryonated chicken eggs, presenting a promising platform for efficient and scalable vaccine production.

Beyond vaccine manufacturing, AEX-1 cells serve as an excellent substrate for virus isolation from clinical samples, offering advantages in diagnostic applications. These adherent cells are available as a fully characterized working cell bank, with NUCELL holding a patent application for their development and commercialization.

Studies in nude mice demonstrated an absence of tumorogenic activity

NuCell is looking for a divestment partner for the product/ the company.

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