MIT spin-out SQZ Biotech raises $5m in series A to develop cell squeezing technology.

SQZ Biotech, a spin-out of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has secured $5m in its series A to develop its cell squeezing technology.

The Boston-based company has now raised $7m in grants and venture funding, following the round. Polaris Partners led the series A, which was joined by 20/20 Healthcare Partners.

SQZ’s technology works by blasting cells with nitrogen and then pushing them through channels that can squeeze the cells. The team hypothesise that once squeeze, the cells can have drugs or new DNA introduced to them through small temporary pores that develop during the process. It’s hoped that the technology could be used to engineer cells to be able to identify threats to the body.

 

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