I8*
ChemCell - Creating a Universal Anchoring Point on Living Cells for Conjugation of Functional Molecules
Dr Milan Vrabel, IOCB ; Dr Katarina Psenakova, IOCB Tech - PharmTheon
IOCB Tech
Challenge
Targeted delivery of biologics and cell-based therapies is limited by poor spatial control, lack of modularity, and reliance on irreversible genetic modification. Existing cell-surface engineering approaches are often permanent, poorly controllable, immunogenic, and difficult to scale, contributing to limited efficacy beyond hematologic malignancies, antigen escape, high manufacturing costs, and severe toxicities such as CRS, ICANS, and on-target/off-tumor effects. There is a critical need for a safe, reversible, and modular technology enabling precise functionalization of living cells without compromising viability or genome integrity.
Technology
ChemCell is a platform technology enabling metabolic installation of a synthetic, bioorthogonal sugar on the surface of living cells, creating a universal anchoring point for conjugation of functional molecules. The sugar is metabolically incorporated and displayed on the cell membrane, where it can be selectively coupled to antibodies, fluorophores, drugs, or other biomolecules via click-chemistry–based reactions. Key features include non-genetic and reversible cell surface engineering, modular conjugation of diverse payloads, preserved cell viability and function, and applicability to immune cells (e.g. NK cells), cancer cells, and primary cells. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated using NK cells functionalized with rituximab, enabling targeted killing of human lymphoma cells in vivo with real-time tumor tracking.
Commercial Opportunity
ChemCell addresses multiple high-value markets including cell-based immunotherapies, where rapid, non-genetic functionalization may enhance targeting, safety, and adaptability; targeted drug delivery and diagnostics using living cells as programmable carriers; and research tools as a plug-and-play cell labeling platform for pharma, biotech, and academic users. The technology is well-positioned for licensing, co-development, or spin-out formation, particularly for partners seeking alternatives to genetic cell engineering. The ChemCell project is supported by internal institutional funding and is actively seeking industrial and investment partners to support business development strategy, indication prioritization, and commercial translation.
Development Status
The technology has been validated in vitro, with stable surface display and preserved cell function, and in vivo proof-of-concept demonstrated in mouse lymphoma models. The chemistry is scalable and compatible with translational workflows. Current TRL: 3–4.
Patent Situation
Publication No. 20240293556
Further Reading
Key literature covers metabolic glycoengineering and bioorthogonal chemistry, non-genetic cell surface engineering for immunotherapy, limitations of CAR-T and NK therapies in solid tumors, and scalability challenges in cell therapy manufacturing. (Agatemor et al., 2019; Csizmar et al., 2018; Dudchak et al., 2024; Kaur et al., 2021; Li Tong and Liu, 2025; Liu et al., 2019; Maalej et al., 2023; Peng et al., 2024; Srinivasan et al., 2025; Ying et al., 2022; Yu & Ho, 2025) ChemCell internal in vivo proof-of-concept data, optimization studies, and IP details are available under NDA.
