Overview
Likarda is a cell therapy and delivery R&D company with expertise in cell-based products. We have developed a number of innovations in this area over the years and are moving many in our pipeline to the clinic as therapeutics in addition to growing our platform.
Likarda’s foundational technology is based on cell encapsulation and delivery in hydrogels using our patented Core-Shell Spherification(TM) (CSS) system. Unlike technologies that utilize alginate or modify alginate (which is basically a bandaid for a temporary solution), Likarda utilizes readily available and biocompatible hydrogel materials such as hyaluronic acid, PEG, and a number of other chemistries to microencapsulate cells. These hydrogels are already being used and successful in wound healing, cosmetics, as dermal fillers, and in join viscosupplements.
This can produce superior biocompatible cell-based treatments by either:
(1) Durable: coating the cells in an immunoprotective barrier for injection/transplant for long-term treatments, or;
(2) Degradable: injectable cell therapies in a slow-release, degradable formulation enabling localized cell release over time and increased efficacy.
CSS if versatile, enabling both durable and degradable versions, and can be applied to several cell therapy indications for pets and humans.
Likarda also has expertise in hydrogels in other formats as well. Our team has experience with chemistries of these materials and how to modify them in both microencapsulants and as bulk hydrogels to fit your needs.
Likarda hasn’t just developed a platform for partnering and collaboration, we are also working on our own therapeutic pipeline. Likarda’s lead product in development is an injectable, low-cost therapy for diabetic companion animals (cats and dogs), along our pathway to humahs. Our product incorporate insulin-producing cells in a single administration injection by the pet owner’s veterinarian as opposed to the burden of twice-daily insulin injections currently required to treat the disease. The technology is also in pre-clinical development for human health. We are also developing our degradable version in osteoarthritis for the slow-release of stem cells in the location of injection. In all cases, we are seeking partners and open to investment as well.