Women represent just 27% of the STEM workforce—a statistic that underscores both progress and the work still to be done. At Likarda, we’re proud to have Dr. Stella K. Vnook leading the way as our CEO and a trailblazer in the industry. 🔬 In her recent Drug Target Review interview, Dr. Vnook shares her journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and her thoughts on how mentorship and representation can shape the future of STEM. She also highlights actionable ways leaders can create more equitable opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering, and math. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that diversity and inclusion have on driving innovation. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3Zy60E1 🗣️ Join the conversation—how can we better support women in STEM? We’d love to hear your thoughts! #womeninstem #womenintech #womeninscience #investinwomen
Likarda
Biotechnology Research
Kansas City, Missouri 1,955 followers
Improving the Efficacy of Cellular Therapies
About us
Likarda is a biotech company developing enabling technologies to transform the way cell therapies are delivered and optimized. Our revolutionary method to coat cells with stealth hydrogels, called Core Shell Spherification® (CSS), protects cells from destruction, keeping them viable while maintaining them in the intended location within the body. Unlike our competitors, Likarda has developed a library of over 50 different hydrogel formulations that work with Core Shell Spherification®, resulting in the ability to uniquely tailor the coating molecules to the specific requirements of the therapeutic cells themselves. From durable and long-term coatings to degradable coatings that deliver cells over days, weeks, or months, we can create exclusive hydrogel formulations tailored for each therapeutic application. Likarda is the remarkable culmination of visionary leadership, science that is just as artistic as academic, and a compelling urge to do what’s right. As we move forward, we have well-defined, long-range goals with added opportunities for flexibility and growth.
- Website
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http://www.likarda.com
External link for Likarda
- Industry
- Biotechnology Research
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Type
- Privately Held
- Founded
- 2012
- Specialties
- Cell-based Therapies, Cell Therapy, Encapsulation, Microencapsulation, Cell-based Assay Development, Biotechnology, and Hydrogels
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
10330 Hickman Mills Dr
Kansas City, Missouri, US
Employees at Likarda
Updates
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A fascinating discussion led by Dr. Vincent Ling on the limitations of injecting stem cells into the body and hoping that they go to the right place. Instead, cells need excipients (inactive ingredients) just like traditional drugs, which is the focus of Likarda. If you have a cell therapy that needs immune protection or targeted delivery, reach out.
Enigmatic efficacy, erroneous economics. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy pulled from EU market. MSC therapy has long been controversial because of the mysterious origins of the therapy, its purported biological activity, and difficulty in clinical translation. No MSC product is available globally. 𝗠𝗦𝗖𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 as stromal cells (think liposuction) that stick to plastic upon in vitro culture. From this broad population of adherent cells, there is immense literature pertaining to these cells to elicit anti-inflammatory effects upon injection into animals and patients. Most common are uses against graft vs host disease and in one application, perianal fistulas found in Crohns disease. https://lnkd.in/eTMg8YcY 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘅 spearheaded clinical development of MSCs applied to inflamed fistulas by direct injection of millions of cultured MSCs into the walls of the fistula tract. EU clinical trials showed statistically weak, but yet positive results, and Tigenix was sold to pharma in 2016 for 520M EUR (~$750M). Soon Alofisel MSC therapy was launched into EU, however the FDA required a more robust repeat phase 3 for approval in the US. 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 8 years and the US clinical trial failed to meet endpoints for efficacy, and EU sales had only reached $20M per year. Alofisel has now been pulled from the market causing and impairment of $481M write down during same period. In effect, Alofisel disjointed foray into a globally approved MSC therapy could have cost over $1 Bn. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴? Beyond a simplistic view that murky MSCs simply dont work, there are other factors to consider. One aspect may be that application of a loosely effective anti-inflammatory should be in a dosage form where the desired effect matches location of inflammation. Direct injection of cells into to fistula walls does not necessarily mean the cells stay there. It is well known that cells migrate and could exit the site of injection within days. Biomaterial based cell anchoring scaffolds and fistula implants could have been considered for better localization via cell delivery system. Although dissapointing to patients with debilitating fistula disease, one hopes that the learnings from this pharma excursion into MSC therapies will lead to better therapeutic applications in the future for patients. https://lnkd.in/etC8BAey
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Saddle up and join us at Phacilitate's Advanced Therapies Week 2025 in Dallas, TX from January 20–23, 2025! Our CEO, Dr. Stella K. Vnook, and CCO, Shelly Adams, will be attending and exhibiting at📍Booth #681 with lots of exciting new Likarda news to talk about! At Likarda, we specialize in advancing cell and gene therapies through innovative encapsulation technologies. We have a proprietary Core-Shell Spherification (CSS) technology that uses hydrogels to create customizable microparticles that improve the delivery, functionality, and stability of therapeutic cells—addressing major concerns like immune rejection, targeted delivery, and cryopreservation. Want to learn more? Come see us at 📍Booth #681 or schedule a meeting with us at MeetUs@Likarda.com! #ATW25 #AdvancedTherapies #AdvancedTherapiesUS
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Announcement | Likarda is partnering with VitalTE LifeSciences Inc to redefine hormone replacement therapy (HRT). By leveraging our Core-Shell Spherification® (CSS®) technology, we’re creating extended-release injectable hormone therapies that combine the efficacy of long-term solutions with the convenience of a single injection. “This partnership with VitalTE is an ideal match of technology and capabilities, combining CSS and our chemistry expertise with VitalTE’s deep understanding of extended-release HRT,” said Stella K. Vnook, Likarda CEO. Dr. Charles Virden, Founder and CEO of VitalTE, added, “Offering injectable extended-release hormones could reshape the market, improving the health and vitality of a broader range of patients.” This innovative approach addresses the challenges of traditional HRT methods, such as patches, creams, and surgical implants, by enabling slow and steady hormone release. Together, we aim to make treatment more accessible and improve the lives of millions within this $10 billion market. With IND-enabling studies underway and Phase 1 trials beginning in 2025, we’re moving closer to unlocking the full potential of this game-changing technology. 👉 Read the full Press Release here: https://bit.ly/3VvaRoo #HRT #HormoneTherapy #HealthcareInnovation
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Dive into the groundbreaking work by Likarda's experts, Dr. Stephen Harrington and Dr. Francis Karanu, featured in the latest issue of European Pharmaceutical Review. The article explores the transformative potential of hydrogel encapsulation in advancing cell therapies, tackling key challenges in drug delivery, and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. From protecting cells against immune rejection to improving bioavailability and cryopreservation, this piece highlights how hydrogels are unlocking innovative solutions in targeted treatments. It's a must-read for those passionate about the future of cell therapy and biotechnology! 👉 Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4f6Yt4F #CellTherapy #Hydrogel #Pharmaceuticals #Cryopreservation
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Ready to elevate your cell therapy game? Meet Likarda at BIO Partnering 2024 to learn how! Our patented, customizable hydrogel technology isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a game-changer. Likarda's Core-Shell Spherification revolutionizes cell therapy delivery, storage, and transport, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, boosting success rates, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Interested in learning more? 👇 Connect with our team right now on LinkedIn: 🔹 CEO: Stella K. Vnook 🔹 CCO: Shelly Adams 🗓️ And then let's schedule a meeting through the conference platform or reach out via email at meetus@likarda.com. #BIOPartnering #JPMWeek2025 #jpmweek #celltherapy
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I am so grateful to work with these amazing people every day. The best team does the best work. Happy Thanksgiving.
This Thanksgiving week, the Likarda team wants to take a moment to express our gratitude. We are incredibly thankful for: 🔬 This opportunity to pioneer technologies that will improve and save lives 🤝 Meaningful partnerships that keep us pushing ourselves to be better 🌟 The passion and dedication of our team, making every breakthrough possible As we reflect on the year’s progress, we are filled with optimism for the future. Thank you to our clients, partners, and supporters who share our vision of advancing life-changing therapies. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday filled with joy, gratitude, and warmth. 🧡 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Likarda!
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So proud to be partnered with Cold Chain Technologies, a leader in the field of sustainable shipping. Congratulations CCT!!
The Best-In-Class CCT EcoFlex™ was again recognized, being named a Sustainability Finalist at the 2024 CPHI Pharma Awards in Milan! CCT offers the industry’s most proven, flexible, simple, and sustainable reusable parcel shipper that happens to join the most comprehensive suite of Digital Applications to Plan, Ship & Track, and Optimize your shipments through CCT Smart Solutions. For more information, visit: Reusable Cold Chain Packaging | Cold Chain Technologies https://hubs.la/Q02Zq9xZ0 #ColdChainTechnologies #CCT #CPHI #lifesciences #coldchain #pharmalogistics #PharmaSupplyChain #lifescience #CCTSmartSolutions #Pharma #SustainablePackaging
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This Thanksgiving week, the Likarda team wants to take a moment to express our gratitude. We are incredibly thankful for: 🔬 This opportunity to pioneer technologies that will improve and save lives 🤝 Meaningful partnerships that keep us pushing ourselves to be better 🌟 The passion and dedication of our team, making every breakthrough possible As we reflect on the year’s progress, we are filled with optimism for the future. Thank you to our clients, partners, and supporters who share our vision of advancing life-changing therapies. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday filled with joy, gratitude, and warmth. 🧡 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Likarda!
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A great article by Likarda's CEO, Stella K. Vnook, on running a successful biotech company.
The Synergy of Science and Business
themedicinemaker.com