Asymmetrex® has secured a $1.8M NIH-NHLBI grant to develop an automated device for providing accurate differential tissue stem cell counts. This technology aims to address the current limitations in stem cell counting methods, improving precision in research and medical treatments. The project is expected to deliver a validated prototype by 2026, with wide-reaching implications for regenerative medicine and drug development.
Breaking Ground in Stem Cell Science: Asymmetrex®’s Major Milestone
Asymmetrex® recently secured a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH-NHLBI) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II program. This funding marks a significant achievement for the Boston-based biotechnology company, pushing forward their mission to create the first automated differential tissue stem cell counter. With the grant, Asymmetrex® is now in a position to tackle one of the long-standing challenges in tissue stem cell research—accurate and efficient stem cell quantification.
The grant will support the design and manufacture of this cutting-edge instrument, which aims to provide researchers and clinicians with more reliable data when evaluating stem cell samples. By automating the process, Asymmetrex® seeks to improve the accuracy of stem cell therapies and streamline the process for regenerative medicine, drug development, and related fields.
Why Tissue Stem Cell Counting Matters Now More Than Ever
Accurate stem cell counting is a critical factor in ensuring successful outcomes in both clinical and research settings. Current methods for stem cell counting, such as the widely used CD34 count, often fail to provide a clear picture of the actual number of stem cells present in a tissue sample. CD34 counts tend to include various types of cells that are not stem cells, leading to overestimation. This can result in treatment failures when the expected stem cell numbers are inaccurate.
The lack of differential tissue stem cell counting poses significant risks. It can cause the unnecessary waste of valuable donor samples, limit the effectiveness of stem cell transplants, and compromise the overall success of treatments. In research and drug development, inaccurate data delay progress and increase costs. There is an urgent need for more precise tools that can count only the relevant stem cells in any given sample.
Inside the $1.8M Project: What Sets Asymmetrex®’s Technology Apart
Asymmetrex® stands out due to its patented kinetic stem cell counting (KSC) method, first published in 2020. This technology enables the accurate determination of the differential stem cell count in any tissue sample. Unlike traditional methods, which estimate total cell populations, KSC focuses solely on the specific subset of tissue stem cells.
The differential tissue stem cell counter being developed will automate this process, making it easier for labs to adopt. Currently, performing differential counts requires technical expertise, specialized equipment, and extensive time—barriers that the automated system intends to eliminate. Asymmetrex®’s solution is expected to sit on a benchtop and offer quick, reliable results without extensive manual intervention.
The project is backed by a well-experienced team, including engineers from Looma Design, who are spearheading the instrument’s design and validation. Their goal is to deliver the automated stem cell counter by 2026, positioning it as a breakthrough tool for clinicians and researchers alike.
How the Grant Propels the Future of Stem Cell Medicine
The $1.8M Phase II grant provides the financial resources needed to bring Asymmetrex®’s vision to life. It will fund not only the engineering and manufacturing of the automated counter but also essential testing and validation phases. These steps are crucial to ensuring the device meets regulatory standards and is ready for widespread use in clinical and laboratory environments.
Beyond the technical advancements, this grant enables Asymmetrex® to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications. By simplifying the stem cell counting process, the company aims to expand the accessibility of precise stem cell data. In the long term, this could lead to more effective treatments, fewer wasted samples, and more accurate research outcomes in drug development.
The funding highlights the importance of public and private investment in pioneering technologies that address fundamental challenges in healthcare and life sciences.
What’s Next for Asymmetrex® and the Medical Community?
Work on the automated stem cell counter is already underway. The design phase is progressing, and the team expects the first validated prototype to be available by the end of 2026. This timeline includes rigorous testing and collaboration with researchers to refine the device for accuracy and ease of use.
Once completed, the counter will be able to serve multiple areas of the medical field, from stem cell transplants to drug testing and tissue regeneration studies. Researchers will benefit from quicker, more accurate cell counts, enabling them to make better decisions about the samples they work with.
The device’s impact extends beyond researchers to clinicians involved in regenerative medicine. Having access to precise stem cell data could improve patient outcomes by ensuring that transplants are performed with the appropriate number of stem cells, minimizing the risk of failed procedures.
The Bigger Picture: How Accurate Stem Cell Counting Shapes Tomorrow’s Treatments
The development of Asymmetrex®’s automated stem cell counter reflects a growing demand for more reliable and efficient tools in the life sciences. As stem cell therapies continue to advance, the need for precise data becomes even more critical. Accurate stem cell counting will likely play a pivotal role in advancing treatments for conditions that involve tissue repair or regeneration, including heart disease, neurological disorders, and blood conditions.
By providing a tool that enhances the reliability of stem cell counting, Asymmetrex® is addressing a key limitation that has held back progress in the field for years. This advancement has the potential to improve the quality of research, enhance clinical treatments, and ultimately lead to better patient care in regenerative medicine and beyond.