CellProthera has acquired full rights to the transendocardial catheter originally developed by Celyad Oncology, securing a key enabling technology as it prepares for pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials in heart failure following myocardial infarction. The acquisition includes all intellectual property and technical documentation associated with the device.

The catheter enables targeted delivery of processed CD34+ stem cells directly into damaged cardiac tissue, a core component of CellProthera’s regenerative approach. It has demonstrated a strong safety and performance profile in over 100 patients, ensuring precise cell distribution while minimising procedural risk.

“This acquisition allows CellProthera to fully own its key processes – from cell production to delivery at the damaged tissue,” said Matthieu de Kalbermatten, CEO of CellProthera. “The catheter developed by Celyad offers our patients exceptional safety and precision, ensuring targeted cell distribution in the affected areas of the heart. Novel catheter injection technology and imaging will play a central role in effective delivery during our upcoming pivotal Phase 3 trial.”

Michel Lussier, co-founder and board member of Celyad Oncology, said: “We are pleased to see this technology continue its journey toward clinical and patient impact. CellProthera is ideally positioned to take this innovation forward, building on the promising results of its Phase 2 program and its imminent Phase 3 trial.”

Under the terms of the agreement, CellProthera will make milestone-based payments of up to €5 million, along with future royalties on net sales. By securing full ownership of the catheter, the company aims to integrate the full value chain, from autologous stem cell manufacturing to precise cardiac delivery, which is expected to enhance clinical execution and streamline development.

The company’s therapy is designed to support regeneration of cardiac tissue and improve heart function following severe myocardial infarction. The acquisition of the catheter technology strengthens the robustness and scalability of the clinical programme, positioning CellProthera as a leader in regenerative cardiology.