CELLINK Acquires Cytena to Integrate Cutting-Edge Single-Cell 3D Bioprinting Technology

On August 6, 2019, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that biotechnology company Cellink announced the acquisition of Cytena for €30.25 million. Following the completion of the acquisition, Cytena will continue to be led by its existing management team.

This acquisition will drive Cellink’s growth and expand its market presence in the pharmaceutical sector. Cellink will leverage Cytena’s technology platform to develop 3D bioprinting technologies.

Cytena, a biotechnology company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Freiburg, Germany, was established by the Laboratory for Microsystem Technology (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg. The company primarily develops products based on single-cell technologies. Cytena’s patented single-cell 3D printing technology enables researchers to isolate and culture individual cells in a gentle, sterile environment.

Cytena’s single-cell 3D printer has been manufactured in Germany since 2015 and exported to numerous countries worldwide. The device is primarily used for genomics research and clonal cell line development, assisting pharmaceutical companies in the production of biologics such as antibodies and vaccines.

In addition, Cytena offers the cy-Clone single-cell isolation device, which enables efficient isolation and culture of viable single cells. Single cells are essential for genetic analysis in cancer therapy and stem cell research, serving as a fundamental prerequisite for the development of advanced drugs and biologics. Leveraging automated imaging technology, cy-Clone encapsulates individual cells in specialized droplets and deposits them at designated locations for 3D bioprinting. This protective approach ensures cell viability post-printing, facilitating subsequent cellular analysis and clonal colony cultivation.

Cellink, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, is a publicly listed company specializing in the development of biotechnology. The company primarily leverages 3D printing technology to fabricate models of human tissues and organs for use in oncology research, drug testing, and cosmetic testing. Cellink maintains offices in Gothenburg, Sweden, and California, USA, and collaborates with numerous medical institutions and research institutes. Currently, the company’s products are exported to more than 50 countries and regions worldwide.

Cellink’s vision is to transform the future of medicine through 3D bioprinting technology. The company is dedicated to technological innovation and streamlining operational processes in 3D printing, enabling researchers to efficiently and rapidly “print” liver, cartilage, and skin tissues.

Cellink’s innovative biomaterial, Bioink, is patent-pending. This material combines the advantages of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and alginate, is compatible with various cell types used in 3D bioprinting, and facilitates the growth and proliferation of human cells in a natural environment. Bioink is the world’s first universal cell-compatible polymeric bioink.

Erik Gatenholm, CEO of Cellink, stated, “We aim to provide innovative technologies to researchers in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. By leveraging Cytena’s technology platform, Cellink will expand its product market, streamline current pharmaceutical research workflows, and enhance our influence within the pharmaceutical industry.”

Dr. Jonas Schoendube, CEO of Cytena, stated, “Cellink is an excellent partner, and we are delighted to join them. We believe this acquisition will further drive Cytena’s development.”

(Compiled by Xu Xiaoxue)