Cell-Therapy Company Cellares Raises $255 Million

Solaris, a South San Francisco-based company, is expanding its high-tech cell therapy manufacturing to New Jersey, a key hub for biopharmaceuticals. The company raised $255 million in Series C funding to enhance its automated Cell Shuttle platform, aiming to increase production efficiency and patient access to life-saving therapies. Despite regulatory challenges, Solaris plans to expand globally, with sites in Europe and Asia. Strategic investors include Bristol-Myers Squibb and Coke Disruptive Technologies. The company focuses on overcoming manufacturing bottlenecks to meet patient demand.

Why did Solaris choose New Jersey for their new plant?

• It's the only available site.

• It's the cheapest location available.

• It's close to their headquarters.

• It's a hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

What is a major challenge in current cell therapy manufacturing?

• Lack of skilled labor.

• High cost and scalability issues.

• Limited market demand.

• Insufficient raw materials.

What is the Cell Shuttle?

• A fully automated manufacturing solution.

• A research project.

• A transportation vehicle for cells.

• A new type of cell therapy.

How does the Cell Shuttle improve productivity?

• By reducing the size of the facility.

• By increasing the number of workers.

• By automating the manufacturing process.

• By outsourcing production.

Who led the recent funding round for Solaris?

• Bristol-Myers Squibb

• Coke Disruptive Technologies

• Bloomberg's Family Office

• Eclipse 8V C

What is a potential regulatory challenge for Solaris?

• Patent issues with competitors.

• Clinical trials for their clients' therapies.

• FDA approval for their manufacturing platform.

• Approval for new plant locations.

What is Solaris' next step after establishing the New Jersey plant?

• Expanding within the US.

• Partnering with more pharmaceutical companies.

• Developing new cell therapies.

• Opening a site in Europe.