Dr. Crystal Nyitray, CEO and co-founder of Encellin, outlined the company’s emerging cell technology for the treatment of chronic endocrine diseases, hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia.
Why did you start this company?
Encellin was founded because we have a unique opportunity to help millions of patients. The technology developed by UCSF requires a way forward, so we created Encellin. Starting a company also gives you the opportunity to create a dedicated team dedicated to pushing the treatment forward. We can create a culture of caring and helping patients and have the courage to try new ways of thinking.
Crystal Nitra
We recently Announced closure $5.9 million in seed round financingThe round of financing was jointly led by Khosla Ventures and SV Latam Capital, followed by Sandhill Angels and Y Combinator.
What needs are you seeking to solve in the healthcare sector?
There are 10 trillion cells in our bodies working hard to keep us healthy. When these cells are damaged or missing, the patient becomes sick. Cell-based therapies begin to solve these problems by restoring missing or damaged cell function. In order to safely transport cells to the body, the host needs to:
A) Immunosuppression in order to protect foreign body tissue or
B) Administer with immune shielded cells so that the recipient is not protected by the cell line that continues to grow.
Encellin has developed a method to protect implanted cells and protect the host from rogue cells. We are protecting cells and protecting humans. With our technology, we can make cells a living medicine in the body, which can provide treatment anytime, anywhere.
What does your product do? How does it work?
Encellin invented a soft cell encapsulation device (CED), which functions like a small bag that can hold and help cells survive in the body. Encellin’s CED allows closed cells to operate like smart molecular factories, releasing therapeutic agents when needed. Our new CED allows cells from different sources to be loaded into the CED and implanted into the recipient. Once implanted, the cells within the CED are able to maintain their normal functions and exchange the required biomolecules with the host environment to provide therapeutic benefits.
Is this your first healthcare startup? What is your background in healthcare?
Encellin was my first startup, but before joining Encellin, I helped set up dozens of companies at the University of California, San Francisco. I work for Sanofi’s external science and cooperation company. Before that, I was studying for a PhD. The core Encellin technology was developed at UCSF. I want to help patients and build my career where I can promote breakthrough technologies.
What is your company’s business model?
Encellin is building a series of cell-based therapies, focusing on highly unmet clinical needs with a clear mechanism of action.
Who are your customers?
Our end customers are patients. However, we will also work with hospitals and payers to ensure that these products can be covered well to ensure patient access.
How do you generate income?
Encellin is developing cell-based therapies and will follow standard therapy revenue generation models.
Is your product clinically validated?
Encellin is a preclinical stage company that has conducted proof-of-concept in animals. Our leading plan before entering the clinic.
