Dr Raghu Babu

Technical Director

The field of cell and gene therapy holds immense potential for revolutionizing healthcare by offering innovative treatments for genetic disorders and chronic diseases. In India, the cell and gene therapy manufacturing market is still in its nascent stages, but the rapid growth and research in this field are paving the way for a promising future. 

One company at the forefront of this transformative industry is Acadicell. With a unique approach to training, research, and product development, this cell and gene therapy firm is bridging the gap between academia and industry, while addressing the challenges in the cell and gene therapy landscape.

“Acadicell understands that it must rigorously follow regulatory guidelines in the development of effective cell and gene therapies”, says Dr Raghu Babu (M.Sc, PGD (Stem cell Tech and Tissue Engg), PhD (Regenerative Medicine)), Technical Director, Acadicell. Although some may be put off by the stringent guidelines and documentation requirements, this new venture, however, is committed to following proper channels and adhering to ethical guidelines. By collaborating with medical colleges and establishing a research facility, they ensure a seamless transition from research to clinical trials and ultimately to product manufacturing. This approach not only addresses the regulatory challenges but also fosters a strong bond between academia and industry.

Adopting a Multifaceted Approach

Acadicell has developed a range of products with intellectual property rights, positioning them as a promising leader in the cell and gene therapy market. Their patented quadruple bag system for isolating hematopoietic stem cells should be a significant breakthrough for stem cell banking. “This innovative product enhances the isolation process, ensuring a higher yield of stem cells”, affirms Dr Raghu. Additionally, this promising cell and gene therapy startup has developed a placental amniotic membrane patch for corneal injury and wound healing applications. Further, a xenofree culture supplement from human platelets offers a safe and more efficient alternative for stem cell culture, addressing the need for avoiding animal-based components. By doing so, they eliminate the risk of zoonotic disease in their therapeutic products. A portable cord blood-anticoagulant mixer and a smart cord blood processing device are among other products in Acadicell’s portfolio.

Ensuring safety and long-term efficacy is a top priority for Acadicell. The firm’s class 10,000 cleanroom, equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, provides the optimum environment for cell and gene therapy research. This controlled environment minimizes contamination issues, ensuring reliable and accurate results.

Fostering Collaboration for Manufacturing Excellence

Acadicell's unique model combines training and research to accelerate translational research. They provide free training to academic institutions, attracting medical and life sciences students interested in cell and gene therapy. These students can then join Acadicell for long-term projects and internships, paying a fee to gain hands-on experience. Students from engineering disciplines have also taken up projects at Acadicell. The research projects conducted under the company’s guidance focus on product development, ensuring a direct application-oriented approach. Successful research outcomes are taken forward for clinical trials in collaboration with medical colleges. Once the clinical trials demonstrate positive results, the company collaborates with industry partners for largescale product manufacturing. “This collaboration between academia and industry is a core strength of Acadicell, facilitating the seamless integration of research and commercialization”, says Dr Raghu.

To optimize production capabilities and ensure scalability, Acadicell collaborates with industry partners. Acadicell transfers its technology to these partners, who possess strong manufacturing capabilities. By collaborating with multiple companies, this startup can leverage the expertise and competencies of each partner, ensuring efficient and scalable production for their diverse range of products.

Nurturing Future Professionals in Cell Therapy

Looking ahead, Acadicell has a clear roadmap for the future. “We aim to collaborate with potential industrial partners to take our products to the global market”, says Dr Raghu. By transferring their technology and collaborating with industries, Acadicell plans to expand its reach and impact. Furthermore, the firm has tied up with academic institutions to offer degrees in cell therapy, fostering the development of future researchers and professionals in the field. This integration of academia and industry positions Acadicell as a driving force in the cell and gene therapy landscape, with a focus on both academic development and product commercialization.

Acadicell, a pioneering company in the field of cell and gene therapy, is revolutionizing healthcare in India. This startup’s unique model of combining training, research, and product development has fostered strong collaborations between academia and industry. With a range of patented products, a commitment to safety, and scalable production capabilities, the company is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the cell and gene therapy landscape. As they expand their reach and nurture the next generation of researchers, Acadicell is poised to shape the future by bringing innovative therapies to the forefront.