Clean Cells has acquired Xegen, a bioinformatics company specializing in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis, for an undisclosed amount. The transaction brings Xegen’s analytical capabilities under the ownership of Clean Cells, a contract testing organization focused on cell and gene therapy products. The deal was finalized through a share purchase agreement, with Xegen’s operations and team now integrated into Clean Cells’ broader service portfolio.
Xegen provides automated, high-value bioinformatics analyses for NGS data processing, supporting clients and partners in resolving complex sequencing issues. Its proprietary suite, Polypheme, is designed for the analysis of complex genes, including polymorphism detection and allelic typing. Polypheme is particularly noted for its application in HLA typing across classic genes such as HLA-A, -B, -C, DRB1, and DQB1, as well as non-classic genes like HLA-E, -F, -G, and -H, and it is also used for the discovery of new alleles.
For Clean Cells, the acquisition adds a specialized computational layer to its existing laboratory services. The company, which focuses on biosafety testing and characterization of biological products, gains in-house expertise in NGS data interpretation. This is strategically relevant as regulatory expectations for advanced therapies increasingly require detailed genetic characterization, including HLA-related analyses for immunogenicity assessments. The move allows Clean Cells to offer a more integrated workflow, from sample processing to data-driven conclusions, without relying on external bioinformatics partners.
The combination is expected to shorten turnaround times for clients who previously had to coordinate between separate testing and analysis providers. By owning both the wet-lab and dry-lab components, Clean Cells can streamline quality control and data management processes. For Xegen, the acquisition provides access to a larger commercial infrastructure and a steady pipeline of sequencing projects generated by Clean Cells’ existing client base.
The merged entity will continue to develop Polypheme, with plans to expand its application beyond HLA typing into other complex genomic regions relevant to cell therapy safety. Clean Cells intends to market the suite as a standard offering alongside its testing services, targeting both current customers and new biopharmaceutical developers. The integration of Xegen’s team is expected to be completed within the current quarter, with no disruption to ongoing client projects.