Posted: 23rd April 2025
AdAlta launched AdCella, a new subsidiary to bring advanced cellular immunotherapies from China to Western markets. This initiative was supported by SYNthesis BioVentures Fund (SYNBV), which saw great potential in AdCella’s strategy amid US-China trade tensions.
AdCella aimed to license and develop promising CAR-T therapies from China, targeting cancers like colorectal, lung, gastric, ovarian, and pancreatic. Early trials showed these therapies could be more effective than current treatments, with better safety and innovative manufacturing.
Dr. Tim Oldham, CEO of AdAlta, highlighted Australia’s strong cell and gene therapy ecosystem. “Australia’s experience in manufacturing CAR-T therapies and conducting clinical trials at a lower cost than the US positioned us uniquely to bridge the gap between Chinese innovation and Western regulatory standards,” Oldham said.
AdCella secured agreements for three CAR-T therapies and planned to conduct the first clinical trial under a US Investigational New Drug (IND) application in Australia. This approach validated Chinese therapies in Western patients and reduced geopolitical risks by keeping intellectual property within a Western entity.
SYNBV co-managing director Amir Zalcenstein noted the geopolitical benefits of AdCella’s strategy. “As US-China relations worsened, Chinese biotech companies needed Western pathways for their therapies. AdCella’s model provided a viable solution, making it an attractive investment,” Zalcenstein said.
With an initial $500,000 investment and potential for more funding, SYNBV aimed to own up to 25% of AdCella, supporting its mission to drive biotech value across borders.
