Kincell Bio and Cellipont Bioservices merge to create Kincellis Advanced Therapies

USA—Kincell Bio and Cellipont Bioservices have completed their merger to form Kincellis Advanced Therapies (Kincellis), a US-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in cell therapies and other advanced treatments.

The new company combines Kincell’s expertise in immune-cell technologies with Cellipont’s experience in stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), dendritic cells, exosomes and emerging messenger RNA (mRNA) technologies.

The combined capabilities will enable Kincellis to support both autologous and allogeneic therapies across multiple cell types and treatment platforms.

Its services will span early-stage development through commercial manufacturing, providing customers with access to a broader range of scientific expertise and manufacturing capabilities.

Expanded capabilities and manufacturing capacity

The two companies have collectively released more than 150 good manufacturing practice (GMP) batches for clients and are supporting 10 investigational new drug (IND) filings in 2026.

Darren Head, chief executive officer of Kincellis, said the companies bring complementary scientific expertise, facilities and experience supporting therapies at different stages of development.

“Together, we can offer customers broader expertise and a more connected path from process and analytical development through late-stage manufacturing, while maintaining the responsiveness and hands-on partnership that are essential in cell therapy,” said Head.

Kincellis operates approximately 140,000 square feet of development and manufacturing infrastructure across Gainesville, Florida; Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and The Woodlands, Texas.

Across these three locations, the company has 16 operational, qualified GMP manufacturing suites supporting early development, clinical manufacturing, pivotal-stage programs and commercial supply.

The network will provide customers with greater flexibility and manufacturing capacity as their programs progress.

Kincellis will also be able to match projects with technical teams and manufacturing capabilities suited to their development stage and supply requirements.

Leadership and operational priorities

The combined organization brings together experienced personnel from both companies, with more than 200 team members across its operations.

Larry Pitcher, president of Kincellis Advanced Therapies, will lead the operational team.

He said the company’s immediate priorities include maintaining continuity for existing customers, integrating the capabilities of both organizations and establishing a platform that can expand alongside customer demand.

“This combination creates meaningful opportunities for our customers, our teams and the advanced-therapies industry,” said Pitcher.

Kincellis will also be supported by a board led by Mark Bamforth OBE, who will serve as executive chair.

Bamforth said the merger brings together the expertise, infrastructure and experience required to support advanced-therapy developers as their programs progress from clinical development toward commercial manufacturing.

He added that the company is building a more scalable organization designed around the practical demands of advanced-therapy development and supply.

Financing and transaction advisory

NewSpring Capital led the equity financing for the transaction, with support from existing investors Kineticos Life Sciences, HealthQuest Capital and Great Point Partners. J.P. Morgan provided a debt facility.

William Blair & Company served as financial advisor to Cellipont Bioservices. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction.

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