Cytomatrix® is a development stage biotechnology company focused on researching, developing and commercializing powerful new therapeutics based on the use of cells to help treat diseases that is being supported on its path to commercialisation by VCAMM.
Established in 2004 and restructured in July 2007, Cytomatrix Ltd ("Cytomatrix") is a an international company that focuses on the commercialization of adult stem cell technologies developed over more than 10 years by scientists at its wholly owned subsidiary Cytomatrix LLC (Boston USA) and at its Australian partners Barwon Biomedical Research ("BBR" - part of Barwon Health which is the largest Victorian Regional Health Service) and Deakin University.
The Company's core technology is a three-dimensional cell growth scaffold called "The Cytomatrix®", a unique, highly porous and highly biocompatible device that allows cells to grow in three dimensions the way they do normally in the body. Made from inert materials through a sophisticated manufacturing process, The Cytomatrix® provides an ideal environment for growing cells outside the body and implantation into the body.
The Cytomatrix® is made through a chemical vapor deposition process in which certain metals are layered onto an open pore carbon scaffold, creating a structurally strong device with unparalleled porosity. The Cytomatrix® has a many characteristics that are advantageous in maximizing high-quality cell growth.
The structural geometry and high porosity of The Cytomatrix® are particularly well suited for the growth of hematopoietic stem cells (HCSs). The geometry and architecture of The Cytomatrix® matrix provide an ideal microenvironment and conditions for the growth of HSCs, enabling their expansion and manipulation under conditions in which no cytokines are added while preserving their normal function.
Utilizing The Cytomatrix®, the Company is focusing on a series of applications in cell therapy and tissue engineering. The objective of cell therapy and tissue engineering is to deliver novel, effective therapeutics for unmet clinical needs using the bodies own, natural cells instead of foreign chemicals and compounds.
Cytomatrix's major cell therapy efforts are aimed at using cells of the immuno-hematopoietic (blood) system to treat diseases, for which the Company has several products under development. The products are all based on use of the Cytomatrix® as a cell culture system for growing cells outside of the body and then re-administering them to the patient. This includes providing patients with greater numbers of high-quality stem cells that can be given to patients via stem cell transplantation to help them recover from high dose radiation and chemotherapy treatment of their cancer.
The company's lead product under development is a kit for the expansion of cord blood stem cells for the treatment of leukaemia patients through bone marrow transplant. Currently, the majority of patients who are diagnosed with leukaemia, and who can be treated with a bone marrow transplant, are unable to find a matching donor. Cord blood stem cells can be used for transplants; however there are not enough stem cells in cord blood samples to enable treatment of adults. To address this, Cytomatrix intends to develop a cord blood stem cell expansion kit to provide sufficient stem cells to treat adults and to reduce patient treatment time. Both of these applications would represent new markets for Cytomatrix. It is anticipated that the kit will comprise a bag containing novel, patented advanced material 3-D scaffolds for stem cell attachment together with patented stem cell growth stimulating proteins.
VCAMM was introduced to Cytomatrix though its relationship with its consortia partner Deakin University. VCAMM was able to assist, firstly by transferring Intellectual property developed by VCAMM and then investing in infrastructure and staff to allow the development of the porous artificial bone materials, specifically Ti alloy foams, with architecture and mechanical properties that are close to those of bone.
Mark Kirkland, Chief Executive Officer of Cytomatrix said “We are pleased with our relationship with VCAMM and the support we are receiving from the Victorian State Government which will allow us to undertake additional research projects.
VCAMM works with Cytomatrix to access leveraged funding opportunities and critical projects. 
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