Versant, Bayer bet big on iPS cells to tackle price, efficacy of CAR therapies

Looking to tap allogeneic iPS cells to address the shortcomings of CAR cell therapies, Bayer and Versant Ventures launched Century Therapeutics on Monday with $250 million in funding.

It’s the second time the partners have teamed up to create a new company with a megaround. In 2016, Versant and Bayer AG (Xetra:BAYN) launched stem cell play BlueRock Therapeutics L.P. (Cambridge, Mass.) with a $225 million series A (see “Starting Up Stem Cells”).

Monday's news also signals Bayer's commitment