17.06.2026

Cell therapies - Main Research and Development Activities Conducted in 2025

Founded in 2006, the Swiss Stem Cell Foundation (SSCF) has established itself as a cornerstone in the field of non-profit scientific research, driven by a clear mission: to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world medical applications. For nearly two decades, the Foundation has dedicated its efforts to applied and clinical research, striving to develop innovative methods that directly improve patient care.

Main Research and Development Activities Conducted in 2025

Peripheral Blood Banking and iPSC Reprogramming

In 2025, the project on adult peripheral blood storage and reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), developed in collaboration with Eternacell, entered its active operational phase. Sample collection was initiated in Italy and Switzerland, alongside process optimization activities. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are isolated and cryopreserved at ≤ −150°C under GMP-compliant conditions to ensure long-term viability. Reprogramming protocols have been implemented to enable efficient conversion of stored PBMCs into iPSCs, supporting future applications in neurodegenerative and age-related diseases.

Cryopreservation of Intermediate Products for CAR-T Therapies

In partnership with Enable Biotech, SSCB is developing a GMP-compliant process for the cryopreservation of intermediate cell products intended for future CAR-T therapies. The project aims to preserve high-quality T cells collected from healthy donors prior to immune system impairment. Activities include blood collection, T-cell isolation and selection, controlled cryopreservation, and long-term storage in liquid nitrogen vapor phase, supporting faster and more effective personalized CAR-T treatments.

Advanced Therapy for Pressure Ulcers

SSCB continued in 2025 its collaboration with HMG Biologics Srl to develop an innovative therapy for pressure ulcers based on allogeneic chemotactic factors derived from fibroblasts. A proprietary GMP-compliant process for fibroblast isolation and culture from surgical skin tissue has been established, resulting in a hyaluronic acid–based gel for local delivery at the wound site. Validation manufacturing has been completed, and the full Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier (IMPD) finalized. The clinical study has been submitted to AIFA, the Italian Medicines Agency, with patient recruitment expected in 2026.

Medical Device Manufacturing: RegenoGel™

In collaboration with ProCore Ltd, SSCB is implementing the GMP-compliant manufacturing of RegenoGel™, a hyaluronic acid–fibrinogen conjugated gel for the treatment of joint disorders. During 2025, product validation activities were completed, and SSCB successfully passed the first stage of the ISO 13485:2016 audit. The next phase includes the production of RegenoGel™ batches for foreign markets where the device is already commercially available.

Public Funding and Cross-Border Research (InterReg Italia–Svizzera)

In 2025, SSCB secured funding under the InterReg Italia–Svizzera program as part of a cross-border Swiss-Italian consortium. The project focuses on the development of 3D-printed biomaterials functionalized with antimicrobial natural products for bone regeneration and orthopedic infection management. The project started in January 2025, with the first Work Packages underway. SSCB acts as consortium coordinator and contributes to data generation and harmonization, supporting the groundwork for a future IMPD and potential clinical translation.

Hybrid Cord Blood Banking Model

The hybrid cord blood banking project, launched in 2020, integrates private storage with potential inclusion in public donation registries, establishing a private–public partnership model aligned with clinical and transplant standards. In 2025, the clinical network expanded with new collection centers at Ente Cantonale Ospedaliero (EOC) and Universitätsspital Basel. Further expansion is planned for 2026 with Clinica Sant’Anna in Lugano, which would become the first private, non-university center to join the model. Ref: Laue J, Mariotta L, Fluri M, et al., Transfusion, 2025.

Pilot Clinical Study on Autologous Adipose Tissue for Chronic Epicondylitis

SSCB is supporting a pilot clinical study, expected to start in the first quarter of 2026 and led by Dr. Ivan Tami in collaboration with the Swiss Stem Cell Foundation, investigating the use of autologous adipose tissue for chronic lateral and medial epicondylitis. Twelve adult patients will be enrolled and treated following minimally invasive adipose tissue collection, processing, and ultrasound-guided injection. The study primarily evaluates feasibility and safety, while also exploring early signs of clinical benefit.

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