Cognate BioServices, Inc  is collaborating with Astero Bio Corporation to increase the accessibility of automated cell thawing technologies. 

This collaboration will advance the development of life-saving therapeutics by improving overall product quality and reliability using Astero’s advanced cell thawing platform.

Under the collaboration, Cognate will serve as a technology reference partner for Astero’s AT6 Cell Thawing Platform allowing Cognate’s clients to evaluate a significantly improved and reliable method of controlling thaw cycles within various stages of the product’s lifecycle. Cognate’s facilities would also be a beta site for new technologies and their use in relevant client processes.

The results of this collaboration will enable Cognate’s customers to automate and control the cell thawing experience that, until now, has not been possible. Without automation, the cell thawing process has had the potential to create undesirable variability in the final product. Astero’s cell thawing technology platforms provide a consistent process, yet the units are portable meaning they can also be used remotely at the site of administration.

“Astero’s advanced cell thawing platform for precise thawing of cellular therapeutics is both state-of-the-art and unique, and Cognate is excited to be a center of excellence for both our prospective and current clients. One of our goals as a CDMO is to help improve safety and reliability of products administered in the clinic, and we are happy to be working with Astero to deliver on this goal.” -J. Kelly Ganjei, chief executive officer and chairman, Cognate BioServices

Samuel Kent, Astero’s co-founder and chief executive officer, said, “Astero welcomes the opportunity to work with a CDMO organization of Cognate’s caliber and is proud to contribute to Cognate’s mission to provide additional value-added products and services to clients. Cognate’s expertise and commitment to service combined with Astero’s technology can accelerate the access of the automated cell thawing platform to solve the manufacturing challenges the customers face as they move into clinical manufacturing.”