Celyad Oncology, a Belgium-based biotechnology company focused on unlocking the potential of its intellectual property, announced that CellProthera has acquired C-CATHez, the transendocardial catheter originally developed by Celyad. The transaction marks a strategic step for both companies, as CellProthera advances toward a Phase 3 clinical trial in ischemic heart disease.
The C-CATHez catheter is designed to deliver stem cells directly into damaged cardiac tissue via a transendocardial approach. It is expected to serve as a cornerstone of CellProthera’s therapeutic platform as the company prepares for late-stage clinical development. The agreement covers all intellectual property rights in the catheter and its associated technical documentation.
Under the terms of the deal, the consideration consists of a purchase price of up to €5 million, payable in instalments tied to predefined milestones, and future royalties on net sales. Because the consideration is entirely deferred and milestone-based, the transaction will not affect Celyad Oncology’s current cash runway, which the company anticipates will extend into Q3-2026.
Celyad Oncology, headquartered in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, is primarily focused on leveraging and monetizing its intellectual property assets. The company has been evolving its strategic business model to emphasize partnerships and value creation from its technology portfolio.
CellProthera, based in Mulhouse, France, is a regenerative cell therapy developer specializing in ischemic diseases, including myocardial infarction. The company has developed a GMP-compliant cell manufacturing process and proprietary automation technology for the in vitro production of purified, expanded CD34+ cells. Its lead therapy, ProtheraCytes, is an autologous cell therapy intended to regenerate damaged tissues, including cardiac tissue, and is registered as an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product by the European Medicines Agency.
