09.09.2025 15:10 Rita Longobardi
Harvard spin-off cellvie, a biotech company developing mitochondria-based therapeutics, has raised USD 5 million to advance its work in cell therapy.
The fresh capital will be used to accelerate the clinical translation of cellvie’s lead program in kidney transplantation and to advance its broader pipeline. A key portion of the proceeds will fund the transfer of the company’s proprietary mitochondria preparation process to a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-certified partner, an essential step before initiating clinical trials. The round was led by Taiho Ventures, with participation from Kizoo Technology Capital and Beiersdorf Venture Capital, combining support from both new and existing investors.
cellvie has developed off-the-shelf human cell line–derived mitochondria as a scalable biologic. Its lead program addresses ischemia-reperfusion injury, a critical condition that occurs when blood flow returns to tissue after a period of restriction, leading to cell and organ damage. The therapy initially targets kidney transplantation but may also be applicable to heart attacks, stroke, and complex surgeries—conditions affecting more than three million patients annually across the US and Europe.
In addition, with the support of a CHF 1.5 million Innosuisse grant, cellvie is advancing a mitochondria-enabled gene delivery platform that leverages the organelle’s biodistribution and efficient cellular uptake. Looking ahead, the company plans to initiate another financing round later this year to support the completion of a Phase I/IIa clinical trial in kidney transplantation.
cellvie participated in Venture Leaders Biotech in 2017.
