The Cultivated B has announced a significant advancement in cell culture technology with the discovery of a new class of FGFR1 agonists that mimic the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on cell proliferation.

This breakthrough is set to provide a stable, low-cost alternative for cell-culture media, which could have wide-ranging implications for the cultivated meat, biopharmaceutical and regenerative medicine sectors.

The cultivation of cells for various applications often faces challenges such as high production costs, rapid degradation of growth factors, batch variability and complex storage requirements. Traditional bFGF, while effective, is known for its instability and high costs associated with its use in cell culture.

The newly identified guanylhydrazone-based small molecules offer a solution by remaining active for over 13 days, significantly enhancing stability and consistency in cell culture environments. This feature is particularly beneficial for both research and industrial applications, where reliable and scalable cell growth is essential.

By reducing the need for frequent media supplementation, the small molecules developed by The Cultivated B promise to lower operational costs and improve user convenience. The chemically synthesised nature of these molecules ensures batch-to-batch reliability, addressing a critical bottleneck in the biomanufacturing process.

This innovation not only enhances process efficiency but also supports the acceleration of commercial adoption of cell-based products.

As industries increasingly look to optimize their bioprocessing systems, the potential for improved scalability and cost-effectiveness could drive significant advancements in the production of cultivated meat and cell therapies.

The Cultivated B's latest discovery positions the company as a leader in biomanufacturing innovation. With a focus on scalable and sustainable solutions, the company is well-equipped to meet the growing demands of the biotechnology sector.

The announcement also opens avenues for collaboration, research partnerships and commercial licensing, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for advancing bioprocessing technologies.

Dr Hamid Noori, CEO and founder of The Cultivated B, said: “We are unlocking new possibilities for entire industries. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionise the scalability, consistency and cost-effectiveness of cell-based product manufacturing, including applications in cultivated meat and cell therapy.”

The findings have been made available to the scientific community via a preprint on bioRxiv, reflecting The Cultivated B's commitment to transparency and collaboration in research. The preprint and accompanying patent application are currently undergoing formal review, paving the way for further advancements in the field.

#TheCultivatedB #growthfactors #cultivatedmeat #technology #research