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Limula raises $6.8M to democratise access to life-saving Cell and Gene Therapies with Swiss-made manufacturing platform

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–News Direct–

Over the last decade, several breakthrough Cell and Gene Therapy products have been approved in the USA and Europe to turn stem cells and immune cells into living cures, bringing hope to millions living with life-threatening conditions. However, these treatments remain out of reach for 98% of patients suffering from what are now curable conditions. This is in part due to complex, manual and costly manufacturing processes.

Life science startup Limula announces today it has raised CHF6.2M ($6.8M) to take their solution for automating cell therapy manufacturing to the next stage of development. The oversubscribed seed round was led by LifeX Ventures, with participation from Verve Ventures, Zhlke Ventures, Oxford Seed Fund, Lichtsteiner Foundation, W.A. de Vigier Foundation, the founders, and a lineup of private individuals who have been supporting Limulas vision from its inception.

Limula founders: (L to R) Luc Henry, Yann Pierson and Tom Eaton
Limula founders: (L to R) Luc Henry, Yann Pierson and Tom Eaton

The company was founded in 2020 by Dr. Yann Pierson, Dr Luc Henry. Dr. Thomas Eaton to deliver a disruptive approach to the ex vivo manipulation of cells, based on a novel technology. The trio witnessed that outdated manufacturing methods were a speed bump to the adoption of Cell and Gene Therapy products like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells. Combining breakthrough discoveries in genetic engineering and medicine led to a revolution in medicine, but boosting the patients own cells to produce a dose in a laboratory still requires too many manual steps. Highly skilled labour and sterile infrastructures represent the majority of the costs of a therapy, leading to a price tag of $500,000 or more per dose. As a result, these treatments are inaccessible for a majority of eligible patients.

To combat this, Limula developed a modular solution for on-demand and at-scale manufacturing of cell therapies in a single device. By combining the functionalities of a bioreactor and a centrifuge into one single closed vessel, Limulas proprietary solution can handle a wide range of volumes and cell numbers, removing transfer steps and therefore limiting stress, losses, and potential contamination. With a potential for scalability, it can be used by cell therapy providers in their transition from pre-clinical evaluation to clinical trials, and later commercial scale manufacturing of clinical-grade cell products.

Luc Henry, co-founder and CEO of Limula said: "Our team is driven by the ambitious goal of developing tools that are based on a fundamentally novel way of manipulating cells outside of the body. Our technology supports manufacturing workflows that are impossible to automate with existing tools. We believe automation is the only route to scalability and digital traceability. These two aspects are keys unlocking the full potential of Cell and Gene Therapy, making them accessible to the many, not just the few.

The Limula team
The Limula team

Limulas founders built a high performing multidisciplinary team, most recently joined by domain experts Olivier Waridel, former CEO of Cytiva-owned Biosafe, Caroline Boudousqui, former Head of Process Development at the Center for experimental therapeutics (CTE) of the University Hospital in Lausanne, and Maria Elena Grisostolo, former VP Operations at Lunaphore.

After completing an initial proof of concept, the company launched a program to provide selected industry and academic partners access to the innovative platform ahead of its commercial launch. With the aim to broaden the scope of applications, Limula has signed partnerships with several research centres including San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy in Milan, Italy – a world-recognized centre of excellence for research and clinical translation of cell and gene therapy.

Prof. Bernhard Gentner at San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy said: We believe the solution Limula is advancing can support our current process development activities and later enable the manufacturing of these cell products at scale. We also see its potential in improving the status quo in Cell & Gene Therapy manufacturing in general, and in the field of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in particular.

Dr Inaki Berenguer, managing partner at LifeX Ventures added: "We're thrilled to stand with the Limula team as they reinvent cell and gene therapy manufacturing. It's evident that production tools have lagged behind scientific and clinical advancements, particularly in terms of price and scalability. Limula's commitment to addressing these bottlenecks is crucial to enhancing accessibility for patients.

Looking ahead, Limula will use its new seed capital to significantly advance the development of the proprietary platform composed of a device and single use consumables, towards meeting good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements. The solution developed by Limula is an enabling tool for a rapidly growing market. The potential of Cell and Gene Therapies to save the lives of millions of patients globally has generated significant interest and investment leading to a significant pipeline and several recent approvals by health authorities. Both industrial and academic players are now eager to adopt next-generation automated and scalable solutions with the shared goal to significantly increase market reach and broaden accessibility.

About Limula

Limula SA is a Life Science Tools company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, looking to disrupt the status quo in the manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies. Their mission is to support rapid and cost-effective introduction of new advanced therapy products to the market. Their cell processing platform leverages a proprietary design and automation to bring all functionalities required for on-demand and at-scale manufacturing of cell therapies in a single device. www.limula.ch

About LifeX Ventures

LifeX Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm investing in global visionary entrepreneurs using software and AI to develop transformational solutions that will extend the life of humans and the planet. With its $100M debut fund, LifeX is targeting the two largest sectors in the world: People (bio/health) and Planet (climate), where Software and AI suddenly matter. www.lifex.vc

About Verve Ventures

Verve Ventures is one of the most active venture investors in Europe with over 140 science and technology-driven startups in its portfolio. Verve Ventures dedicated team helps startups with their most pressing needs such as hiring, client introductions, and an expert network of high-profile individuals. www.verve.vc

About Zhlke Ventures

Zhlke Ventures is an early stage venture capital investor with focus on HealthTech. Zhlke Venturess investment is paired with actionable expertise for finding product-market-fit, for developing and deploying novel products, and for entering international markets. www.zuehlke.com/en/about-us/ventures

About Oxford Seed Fund

Oxford Seed Fund, run by the Entrepreneurship Centre at Sad Business School is the largest student-led VC fund outside of North America, investing in top Oxford-affiliated technology enabled pre-seed and seed stage companies. Supporting them with access to funding, talent, skills and networks. The Fund deploys 600,000+ per year across 10+ companies. https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/research/centres-and-initiatives/entrepreneurship-centre/oxford-seed-fund

About Lichtsteiner Foundation

The Lichtsteiner Foundation supports pioneers and early-stage startups in the field of health (medical technology, biotechnology, life science, mental health, public health and wellbeing) in order to improve peoples health in a sustainable way. https://lichtsteinerfoundation.org/

About W.A. de Vigier Foundation

Since the foundations establishment in 1987, the goal of the W.A. de Vigier Foundation has been to actively invigorate business development and further provide direct financial support to young people with innovative business ideas wishing to build performance and growth-oriented businesses in Switzerland. Until today, the W.A. de Vigier Foundation has awarded CHF 14.3 million in seed capital to Swiss startups. https://devigier.ch/

Contact Details

Limula

Bilal Mahmood

+44 7714 007257

b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com

Company Website

https://limula.ch/

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/limula-raises-6-8m-to-democratise-access-to-life-saving-cell-and-gene-therapies-with-swiss-made-manufacturing-platform-241080141

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Press Release

Rescue Social CEO Fights for Justice for Those Wronged by Hollywood Figure

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California, US, 25th October 2024, ZEX PR WIRE, Christina Taft, CEO of Rescue Social Inc., has taken a bold step in advocating for those wronged by powerful figures in Hollywood. Filing a federal case in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Taft v. Paul Barresi and Adam Waldman, Case No. 5:24-cv-01930-TJH-DTB), Taft is calling for protections for witnesses and former clients, particularly in the entertainment industry, where coercion and intimidation often go unchecked.

The complaint alleges that Hollywood fixers Paul Barresi and Adam Waldman engaged in a scheme to manipulate and intimidate individuals within the film, music, and arts sectors. Taft, an entrepreneur, videographer, and humanitarian from Hawaii, claims the defendants’ actions have harmed witnesses, former clients, competitors, and herself, causing emotional distress and professional damage.

Advocating for Justice and Integrity in the Arts

Christina Taft, whose family has long-standing ties to Hollywood’s Golden Era, has dedicated her career to public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals in the arts. Her organization, Rescue Social Inc., works to create transparency and accountability across various industries, including film and music, where the power dynamics often leave smaller players vulnerable.

In the lawsuit, Taft alleges that Barresi and Waldman orchestrated a series of unlawful actions designed to silence witnesses and suppress testimony. This scheme, which allegedly began in April 2020 and continued into 2024, involved harassment, exploitation of audio recordings, and financial manipulation. The impact on Taft’s work—especially her efforts to improve public safety systems in entertainment—has been significant.

Calling for Legislative Change

In addition to seeking relief for herself and others affected, Taft is advocating for new legislation in California to protect individuals from harassment and coercion. She is pushing for laws that mirror those already in place in New York, which offer stronger protections for witnesses and small businesses facing intimidation related to legal proceedings.

“We need to protect those who stand up for the truth, especially in industries where power and influence can silence important voices,” said Taft. Through this case, she aims to raise awareness about the lack of protections for witnesses and drive changes in California law that will benefit many.

Championing Public Safety After Personal Loss

Taft’s commitment to public safety is deeply personal. After losing her mother, Victoria Taft, a former socialite and model, in the devastating 2018 Paradise, California wildfire, Taft became passionate about improving safety systems for individuals in high-risk situations. Through Rescue Social, she works with interns from Chicago and other collaborators to analyze cases and implement solutions that protect people in the arts from harassment and exploitation.

Taft hopes this case will shine a light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry and spur much-needed reforms.

Seeking Accountability

Taft’s lawsuit also demands accountability from Barresi and Waldman for their actions, which allegedly caused lasting harm to individuals within the entertainment sector. The case is currently pending in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, Eastern Division. A trial date has not yet been set.

More information about the complaint can be found here.

Lucy Hana
Public Safety and Victims
+1 757-744-2527

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and is neither endorsed nor promoted by us. The purpose of this release is not to defame or discredit any individual or entity. Please conduct your own research and due diligence before engaging with any platform or service.

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Press Release

Blockchain Life 2024: the leaders of the crypto community from 120 countries gathered in Dubai

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Dubai, UAE, 25th October 2024, ZEX PR WIRE, The 13th edition of the Blockchain Life Forum, the premier gathering for cryptocurrency leaders worldwide, recently concluded with an astounding attendance of over 12119 participants.

The forum showcased over 200 esteemed speakers, featuring industry pioneers and executives from top companies, including OKX, CoinMarketCap, Bitmain, Bybit, Binance, Animoca Brands, Circle, BingX, ICP, Kraken, TON, Sandbox, Polygon, Litecoin, Sui, BNB Chain, Cardano, DYDX, VeChain, Osmosis, Chiliz, Algorand, Ether Fi, Manta, Mantle, Delysium, and many more.


The exhibition of crypto companies featured 125 amazingly beautiful booths. Major players such as OKX, Bitmain, BingX, KuCoin, Bitget, Listing.Help, and Uminers offered attendees an exclusive glimpse into the latest technologies and innovations shaping the crypto landscape.


As a spectacular finale to the forum, participants enjoyed the Legendary AfterParty at one of the world’s premier clubs, SKY2.0. This informal networking event provided a platform for top industry figures to connect, complemented by a dazzling live performance from internationally celebrated artist French Montana, who thrilled over 1,200 attendees with his chart-topping hits.


Looking ahead, the next Blockchain Life is scheduled to be held on October 28-29, 2025 in Dubai

Presale tickets and sponsorship applications for the upcoming Blockchain Life are currently available – please visit https://blockchain-life.com for more information.

The organizers of Blockchain Life 2024 – Listing.Help and Jets.Capital
General Sponsor of Blockchain Life 2024 – Uminers

General Sponsor of the Official AfterParty – Bitmain

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Diverse Metaphysical Courses at University of Metaphysical Sciences

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Michigan, US, 25th October 2024, ZEX PR WIRE, In an era where personal transformation and spiritual enlightenment are becoming priorities for many, the University of Metaphysical Sciences (UMS) stands out as a leading institution in metaphysical education. Founded by Christine Breese, UMS has emerged as a beacon in the metaphysical education landscape, offering an innovative approach that transcends traditional learning. Nestled within the serene redwoods of Arcata, California, UMS offers a sanctuary for those seeking profound spiritual truths and personal growth. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the university continues to empower students worldwide through a diverse range of courses and degree programs designed to nurture both intellectual and spiritual growth.

A Unique Educational Model

At the heart of this Metaphysics University is a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Unlike conventional institutions, UMS employs a distance learning model, enabling students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from the comfort of their own homes. This flexibility caters to today’s learners, who often juggle multiple responsibilities and seek education that aligns with their personal lifestyles.

The curriculum at UMS is a rich tapestry of ancient wisdom and modern insights, covering diverse topics such as Chakras, Auras, Meditation, and Astral Projection. Each course is meticulously crafted by a team of over 40 writers, teachers, and healers, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience. This holistic approach not only facilitates profound personal transformation but also nurtures intellectual growth.

The Bachelor’s Program in Metaphysics

One of the flagship offerings at this metaphysics college is an immersive experience designed to take students on a deep inner healing journey. Through exploring metaphysical techniques such as meditation, shadow work, and chakra clearing, students engage in a transformative process that fosters spiritual development and self-discovery.

The program consists of 40 core metaphysical courses encompassing over 1500 pages of content, and 10 electives that allow students to tailor their learning to suit their interests. Additionally, the program includes 50 guided meditations, providing an experiential aspect to the material covered. Upon completion, students earn a Bachelor’s Degree title, with options including Bachelor of Metaphysics (B.M.), Bachelor of Metaphysical Sciences (B.Msc.), and Bachelor of Divinity (B.Div.).

A Closer Look at the Curriculum

The extensive curriculum in the Bachelor’s program is divided into various categories, each designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for personal and professional growth.

Meditation Skills: This segment includes metaphysical courses such as MS101 – Meditation Skills, which explores the history and methods of meditation across cultures. It provides students with concentration and visualization practices to experience the divine within themselves.

World Spiritualities: Metaphysical courses like WR102 – Great Spiritual Masters & Teachers offer an introduction to renowned spiritual teachers and their teachings, enhancing students’ understanding of global spiritual traditions.

Intuitive Skills I: This category features metaphysical courses such as IT102 – Psychic Skills, where students learn about ESP and how to access their psychic abilities through engaging games and techniques.

Health Studies I: HS103 – Herbs: A Spiritual Approach introduces students to the medicinal uses of herbs, teaching them how to make tinctures and formulas as part of a spiritual practice.

Consciousness I: This area includes metaphysical courses like CS105 – Shadow Work, guiding students in exploring their subconscious and transforming their personalities for improved emotional well-being.

Miscellaneous Courses: DR100 – Dreams & Dreaming covers the historical and philosophical aspects of dreaming, providing students with techniques for dream recall and interpretation.

The Power of Metaphysical Education

The University of Metaphysical Sciences stands as a testament to the power of earning a metaphysics degree in the path of spiritual growth and enlightenment. Its mission is rooted in the belief that humanity can coexist peacefully through a spiritual awakening—an awakening that involves recognizing the oneness of all creation and living with love, compassion, and respect.

UMS empowers students to explore their spiritual paths, develop confidence in their unique gifts, and contribute meaningfully to the field of consciousness research. Many graduates have gone on to become influential spiritual teachers, healers, and guides, impacting lives around the globe.

Building a Community of Conscious Seekers

Beyond its robust curriculum, UMS fosters a vibrant community of conscious seekers. Through initiatives like the brand new University of Metaphysical Sciences Reddit Community, students can connect with like-minded individuals and share their experiences and insights. This sense of belonging enhances the learning experience, providing a space for collaboration and growth.

The university’s advisors play a crucial role in this community, offering guidance and support to students throughout their educational journeys. Their deep connection to the school’s mission creates an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement, making each student feel valued and understood.

Conclusion

The University of Metaphysical Sciences offers a unique approach to learning that transcends traditional boundaries, creating a world where individuals live with love, compassion, and respect for all. Its rich curriculum, expert curation, and commitment to personal transformation provide a pathway for students to engage in profound personal and spiritual growth.

Join the vibrant community of learners at UMS and experience the joy, gratitude, and transformation that come with engaging in metaphysical studies. Whether you’re seeking personal enlightenment or professional development, the University of Metaphysical Sciences offers the resources and support needed to achieve your goals.

To learn more visit: www.metaphysicsuniversity.com

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