PL BioScience and DewCell sign LOI to Jointly Develop Artificial Human Platelets for Scalable, Animal-Free Cell Culture Media

PL BioScience and DewCell sign LOI to Jointly Develop Artificial Human Platelets for Scalable, Animal-Free Cell Culture Media

• PL BioScience and DewCell Biotherapeutics have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the development and supply of artificial human platelets
• Collaboration aims to support the fully scalable production of xeno-free cell culture media to meet growing demand driven by regulatory trends and cell- and gene therapy development
• The LOI builds on a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding, deepening the strategic partnership with Korea-based biotech DewCell

Aachen, Germany, 19 May 2025 – PL BioScience GmbH, a German life science company specializing in the production and development of Human Platelet Lysate (HPL) for cell expansion, today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Korean biotech company DewCell Biotherapeutics for the supply of artificial platelet raw material.

Under the terms of the agreement, DewCell will provide batches of artificial platelets for PL BioScience’s artificial HPL Solution, strengthening the company’s ability to meet global demand for high-quality, animal-free cell culture media.

“By combining DewCell’s pioneering artificial platelet technology with PL BioScience’s advanced manufacturing expertise, we aim to deliver a high-performance synthetic, animal-free culture medium that sets a new standard in the industry,” said Jungsoo Park, Vice President Marketing and Sales of PL BioScience. “This collaboration represents a significant step toward replacing conventional, animal-derived products.”

Global regulatory agencies—including the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency), WHO (World Health Organization), and PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency of Japan)—are driving the shift to animal-origin-free (AOF) solutions in cell therapy and vaccine manufacturing. The stated goal is to enhance product safety, standardize quality, and align with ethical considerations.

As a result, the use of platelet lysate containing high concentrations of growth factors from human platelets is expanding and attracting attention as a key ingredient for the production of cell-based pharmaceuticals.

“This LOI demonstrates the industrial potential of artificial platelet technology,” added Minwoo Lee, CEO of DewCell Biotherapeutics. “Our goal is to move beyond research applications and expand into GMP-compliant manufacturing and clinical use.”

DewCell produces artificial platelets by using a system to differentiate stem cells into megakaryocytes and optimize them for scalable platelet production.

This Letter of Intent follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 27, laying the foundation for close collaboration in developing the world’s first Artificial Platelet Lysate to respond to the increasing worldwide demand for animal-free cell culture media.

The signing ceremony was attended by Jungsoo Park (Vice President), Hatim Hemeda (CEO), and Christian Wilkes (CFO) of PL BioScience as well as Minwoo Lee (CEO) and Chihwa Kim (CTO) of DewCell.

About Human Platelet Lysate:

HPL is an innovative, human-derived cell culture supplement used to support the growth and expansion of cells in research and clinical development, particularly in cell therapy, stem cell, and regenerative medicine applications. Natural HPL is produced from donated human blood platelets that are no longer suitable for transfusion and would otherwise be discarded – making it a sustainable yet limited alternative to animal-derived cell culture supplements. A next-generation, fully artificial alternative made from lab-grown platelets has been developed by PL BioScience to secure the future supply.

In cell culture, HPL provides essential growth factors and nutrients that promote healthy, robust cell proliferation. Compared to conventional products such as Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), which is harvested from unborn calves, HPL delivers more consistent results in cell growth, is free from animal-derived pathogens, and aligns with the increasing demand for animal-free and ethically responsible laboratory practices.

ELAREM™, PL BioScience’s line of xeno-free HPL products, can be used from early-stage research to the production of cell-based therapies under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions for the treatment of patients.

About PL BioScience:

PL BioScience GmbH, a life science company located in Aachen, Germany, specializes in the production and development of Human Platelet Lysate (HPL). The Company has pioneered proprietary technology to produce fully artificial HPL allowing for a fully lab-made, scalable supply of HPL in the future.

PL BioScience currently offers a comprehensive portfolio of donor-derived, natural HPL products tailored for a range of applications. From academic and preclinical research to cell therapy and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, ELAREM™ ensures seamless translations of regenerative medicine breakthroughs – from the lab to patients in need. With ELAREM™ Ultimate-FD PLUS, PL BioScience produces the only globally patented gamma-irradiated HPL product. 

For more information on PL BioScience and the ELAREM™ product offerings, visit: www.pl-bioscience.com

About DewCell

DewCell is an innovative biotech company from Korea focused on developing artificial platelets for blood transfusion. Founded in October 2021, DewCell was established by CEO Minwoo Lee, who brings extensive experience in new drug development from companies such as Nokdu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Handok Co., Ltd., and First Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd., along with a strong background in R&D and management of early-stage biotech startups. Executive Director Chihwa Kim, a seasoned leader in pharmaceutical research, has directed new drug development efforts at Mokam Life Science Research Institute, Nokdu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Haple Science Co., Ltd.

Contact:
Dr. Hatim Hemeda, CEO
PL BioScience GmbH
+49(0)24195719-100
info@pl-bioscience.com
 

Media contact:
MC Services AG
Raimund Gabriel, Dr. Regina Lutz
+49 (0)89 210 228 0
US: Catherine Featherston
+1-203-444-4393
plbioscience@mc-services.eu