delphistem is an innovative stem cell biotech company dedicated to eliminating diseases caused by biological aging. Having established stem cell storage and genetic screening services, they are now able to focus their efforts on specific projects. Their current focus is on curing diabetes by using patients’ own stem cells to generate large quantities of the cells affected in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that is growing uncontrollably and is ineffectively managed by current medications. To learn more about the company, Pulse 2.0 interviewed delphistem co-founder and chief operating officer (COO) Danae Moya.
Danae Moya’s Background
What is Moya’s background? Moya said:
“I was born in Greece to a family of accounting and financial consultants, which instilled in me a strong work ethic and analytical mindset from a young age.”
“At 16, I moved to the US, where I finished high school and pursued my education at Central Michigan University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising. I later obtained a Master’s degree in Media Communications from City University of London.”
“Following my education, I worked in international media agencies in London and later in marketing strategy leadership roles in Dubai, UAE. My journey led me to Munich, Germany in 2018, where I met my co-founder, Dr. Noel Moya Ph.D., whose biomedical vision deeply resonated with me, particularly after nearly losing my mother to cancer.”
“As Chief Operations Officer, I oversee operations management, sales, and marketing, leveraging my diverse background and expertise to drive the success of our business. I am deeply passionate about promoting employee well-being, ensuring equal access to innovative medical technologies, and contributing to the pursuit of longevity for present and future generations.”
Formation Of delphistem
How did the idea delphistem come together? Moya shared:
“After completing business school, I explored various business opportunities while still working in the corporate world, patiently waiting for the right fit.”
“It wasn’t until I crossed paths with my co-founder that everything fell into place.”
“My co-founder, an accomplished scientist with a PhD in stem cell science, possesses extensive experience from renowned labs around the world, including California, Germany, and Atlanta. He has a track record of research published in top-tier scientific journals. His vision to democratize stem cell technology and provide preventive, personalized cell replacement therapy solutions resonated deeply with me. This vision became even more meaningful when I reflected on a traumatic experience: almost losing my mother to cancer.”
“That experience reshaped my worldview and highlighted the critical importance of proactive health management. It motivated me to adopt a proactive mindset to my health, a perspective that aligns perfectly with delphistem’s vision. We aim to empower individuals to take control of their health by storing their stem cells early in adulthood, thereby enabling them to mitigate future health risks and achieve longevity.”
“In essence, delphistem embodies our bold vision of helping people live 100 healthy years. We’re driven by the belief that preventive and personalized care can revolutionize our approach to our health, and we’re committed to making this vision a reality.”
Favorite Memory
What has been delphistem’s favorite memory working for the company so far? Moya reflected:
“One of my favorite memories working for the company so far has been meeting with clients and prospective clients. I truly enjoy the opportunity to connect with individuals on a personal level, understanding their motivations and aspirations when it comes to protecting their health.”
“These interactions not only allow me to build meaningful relationships but also reaffirm the importance of our mission in providing innovative health solutions.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Moya explained:
“At delphistem, we specialize in offering innovative health solutions through our cell reprogramming and stem cell storage service. This service involves the reprogramming of urine cells into stem cells, which are then cryogenically stored for future preventive, personalized, and cell replacement therapy healthcare options.”
“We provide three convenient membership options tailored to varying needs and preferences:
- Monthly Membership: Priced at $39 per month, this option includes the cost of the sample kit, shipping, processing, reprogramming, and cryostorage of stem cells (iPSCs).Annual Membership: Available for $399 per year, this membership includes all the features of the monthly membership, along with stem cell storage for one year.
“Additionally, members receive a 50% discount on our genetic screening service once it becomes available.”
“Lifetime Longevity Membership: Priced at $9,999, this comprehensive package includes everything offered in the annual membership, with the added benefit of lifetime cryostorage for iPSCs. Members also receive a complimentary genetic screening service once it is available.”
“These membership options cater to both individuals and businesses seeking to protect their future health, providing flexibility and peace of mind.”
“The collection process couldn’t be easier, and best of all, it’s completely non-invasive. Simply register and purchase your membership, and we’ll take care of the rest. Once you receive your collection kit, all you need to do is send back your sample. It’s as simple as that!”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Moya and the team faced in building the company? Moya acknowledged:
“The road to where we are today has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. Building a fully equipped stem cell and genetic lab on limited funding has been one of our greatest challenges. To overcome this challenge, we adopted a lean approach, focusing on resource optimization and prioritizing essential investments. This required perseverance, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to our mission of making stem cell technology accessible to all.”
“Furthermore, we have learned valuable lessons about resource management and the importance of prioritization in navigating such challenges. By being intentional with our limited resources and staying focused on our goals, we were able to overcome these obstacles and continue moving forward.”
“Despite these challenges, our pioneering approach and unwavering dedication to our mission set us apart in the industry. We remain fully committed to making stem cell technology easily accessible, whether through employer-sponsored programs, third-party partnerships, or direct engagement with our services.”
“Our journey thus far has been characterized by determination, creativity, and collaboration. We are excited about the future and remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting longevity and ensuring 100 healthy years become the norm for everyone.”
Evolution Of delphistem’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Moya noted:
“We just soft launched, and we’ve already achieved 2 scientific milestones that we were not expecting to achieve until later in the year.”
“We have developed a unique supplement, named Delphi Supplement, which, when added to a urine sample, ensures the cells remain viable for over five days. Typically, cells in urine would lose their viability within four hours of collection.” ”This innovation guarantees the safe transportation of cells from anywhere within the continental US to our facility in Atlanta, a technology exclusive to delphistem.”
“Our current focus is on curing diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a growing health crisis that current medications ineffectively manage. By leveraging our stem cell technology, we aim to restore insulin-producing cells, providing a groundbreaking solution to manage and potentially cure diabetes. We are actively preparing for human clinical trials with an upcoming NIH grant, and our efforts are aimed at making a significant impact on the lives of millions affected by this condition.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Moya cited:
“We have achieved several significant milestones since inception:
- Establishment of Our Scientific Lab: We are proud to operate our own fully equipped stem cell and genetic scientific lab, enabling us to conduct cutting-edge research and development.
- Rapid Client Onboarding: Since our soft launch earlier this year, we have successfully onboarded over two dozen clients, demonstrating the growing demand and confidence in our services.
- Expansion of Partnerships: We have forged strategic partnerships with private medical clinics in key locations in Atlanta, GA, and Miami, FL. These collaborations enhance our reach and facilitate greater access to our innovative healthcare solutions.
- Future Initiatives: Looking ahead, we are excited about several upcoming initiatives, including collaborations for clinical trials, securing NIH grants to support our research endeavors and the rollout of personalized treatment solutions. These endeavors underscore our commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes.”
“Each of these milestones reflects our dedication to innovation, collaboration, and ultimately, making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare.
Customer Success Stories
After asking Moya about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“While it’s still early in our journey since our soft launch, we’re thrilled to report that we’ve been receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from our early adopters. While we don’t have specific customer success stories to share just yet, our clients have expressed immense satisfaction with the accessibility of our technology and the peace of mind that comes with having their stem cells stored. We look forward to sharing more customer success stories as we continue to grow and serve our community.”
Funding/Revenue
After asking Moya about funding, she revealed:
“We are proud to have been purely angel-funded thus far. This means that we are supported by investors who share our vision of making life-saving technology accessible to the public. While we do not currently disclose specific revenue metrics, we remain focused on leveraging our funding to drive innovation, expand our services, and ultimately, fulfill our mission of improving healthcare outcomes for all. We are actively seeking additional funds to help grow and scale faster and are open to welcoming more angel investors on board. Get in touch with us to learn more.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Moya assessed:
“The total addressable market for delphistem’s services in the US is estimated to exceed 200 million people. This includes individuals who could benefit from our innovative stem cell storage and personalized healthcare solutions.”
“Our current focus on curing diabetes significantly expands this market. The International Diabetes Federation estimates a 35% increase in diabetes cases to 750 million people worldwide by 2045. However, when considering not only diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals but also their loved ones and those who witness the challenging lifestyle of diabetic patients, we believe the potential market could increase fivefold to 2.5 billion people globally. These individuals are motivated to prevent the disease from manifesting, highlighting the immense scope and impact of our solutions.”
“As we continue to expand our reach and offerings, we remain committed to tapping into this vast market potential to bring our life-saving technology to as many people as possible.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Moya affirmed:
“delphistem stands out from its competition in several key ways, particularly in our approach to curing diabetes:
- Expert Leadership: CEO & Co-founder Dr. Noel Moya, PhD, has a doctorate in pancreatic stem cell science with honors (Magna cum laude) and over 15 years of experience at renowned institutions. Notably, he has spent 10 of those years specifically researching pancreatic islet cells capable of producing insulin. This level of expertise is exceptionally rare, with only about a dozen scientists worldwide having similar expertise. Dr. Moya is the only one among them who has co-founded a company dedicated to curing diabetes.
- Unique Collection Method: Unlike traditional methods that often involve invasive procedures, such as bone marrow extraction, delphistem offers a non-invasive collection method. Our urine-based collection process is simple, painless, and requires no anesthesia, setting us apart from competitors like Forever Labs.
- Comprehensive Service Offering: While umbilical cord storage services are limited to newborns and primarily target blood-related diseases, delphistem offers a comprehensive solution for individuals of all ages. Our services extend beyond blood-related diseases, thanks to the reprogramming of urine cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), enabling personalized treatments for a wide range of health conditions.
- Innovative Technology Integration: We leverage iPSC technology and AI-predictive algorithms to enhance disease detection and treatment efficacy. This unique integration increases predictability and effectiveness in early disease detection, setting us apart from other solutions in the market.
- Market Potential and Growth: With the global market for disease prevention and personalized treatments expected to reach $130 billion by 2050, there is a significant demand for innovative solutions like ours. While existing B2C solutions may be costly, invasive, or lack innovative technology, delphistem offers a comprehensive and effective alternative.
“Furthermore, there are only five academic and research labs in the world with the know-how to carry out this level of research. Two companies have attempted clinical trials and failed, highlighting the difficulty and complexity of this work. Our core team is exceptional, driven, and motivated to cure diabetes, positioning us uniquely in the market.”
“Overall, delphistem is poised to lead the way in revolutionizing preventive healthcare and personalized treatments. Our unique approach, combined with the growing demand for innovative solutions, positions us as a frontrunner in the market.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Moya concluded:
“We have ambitious goals for the future, including the rollout of personalized services for critical diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and various types of cancer.”
“Currently, we are actively collaborating with a medical provider to conduct clinical trials for diabetic patients. It’s important to note that such projects, including clinical trials, typically take a minimum of 3-5 years to carry out. This is a lengthy and rigorous process, but we are committed to seeing it through to bring effective solutions to market. Additionally, we are finalizing internal processes to offer personalized treatments for pancreatic patients. These initiatives reflect our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to address significant healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes.”
Additional Thoughts
“Adopting a proactive mindset to health is crucial, and there are two actions you can take today by the click of a button:
- Genetic Screening Service: Information is power, and knowing the level of risk we all carry is vital in proactively managing our health. Genetic screening could be covered by insurance.
- Stem Cell Storage: You’re at your youngest today. Stem cell storage memberships start at $39/month and could be a wellness benefit. Talk to your employer today.
Lastly, we are always on the lookout for funding and collaboration opportunities to help get more people access to lifesaving technology. We’re open to discussing any questions or topics you may have regarding this exciting development or any other aspect of our company’s vision, values, or future direction.”
