Cell Therapy Preclinical Studies:
Accelerating Discovery to Clinical Success
Expert-led preclinical studies to de-risk your therapeutic journey and expedite regulatory approval.
World-Class Cell Therapy Preclinical Expertise
Veranex preclinical services brings unparalleled expertise in cell therapy preclinical development, combining decades of scientific leadership with cutting-edge facilities and regulatory acumen. Our comprehensive approach to cell therapy testing encompasses everything from early-stage feasibility studies to complex GLP studies that support IND submissions.
Our team has successfully conducted preclinical studies across diverse cell therapy modalities including autologous, heterologous and allogeneic cell therapies, CAR-T cells, stem cell therapies, and tissue regeneration applications.
Years of combined cell therapy preclinical experience
FDA-inspected and validated GLP facilities
State-of-the-art biosafety Level 2 containment capabilities
Regulatory submission success rate for completed studies
The Result
Specializing in large preclinical models and advanced imaging, we deliver essential data to move your cell therapy from preclinical proof-of-concept to first-in-human trials.
Our Experts Driving Preclinical Cell Therapy
Over the past decade, our team has supported preclinical studies across a diverse range of cell therapies, including autologous, homologous and heterologous, in both porcine and rodent models. Our cell therapy preclinical expertise is built on a foundation of scientific excellence, two of our Preclinical Senior Vice Presidents, Dr. Luc Behr and Dr. Nicolas Borenstein, earned their PhDs in cell therapy research, bringing unmatched depth of knowledge and expertise in surgical delivery techniques, translational large-animal models, and GLP-compliant execution to partner with clients developing next-generation cellular interventions.
Nicolas Borenstein, DVM, MsC, PhD
Senior Vice President, Preclinical Services
Nicolas Borenstein serves as co-president of preclinical services, with extensive expertise in surgical and transcatheter preclinical science, particularly in cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular medical devices. A widely published author and peer-review journal reviewer, Nicolas combines academic excellence with hands-on surgical experience. He completed his veterinary medical and surgical training in Paris and Fort Collins, CO, earned his MSc in Surgical Science under Professor Alain Carpentier at Broussais Hospital, and received his PhD summa cum laude in stem cell research from University Paris Cité. His additional qualifications include specialized certifications in microsurgery, experimental surgery, and animal research from prestigious French institutions.
Luc Behr, DVM, MsC, PhD
Senior Vice President, Preclinical Services
Luc Behr serves as co-president of preclinical services, bringing more than 20 years of experience as a recognized thought leader in preclinical science. His deep expertise in surgical and transcatheter medical device design, combined with advanced medical imaging competencies, has helped hundreds of companies innovate sophisticated medical technologies and implant procedures. Luc's comprehensive understanding of the preclinical regulatory landscape complements his technical expertise. He completed his veterinary medicine degree and surgical residency at École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, followed by both his MSc and PhD in stem cell research from University Paris Cité, with additional training at The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.
Sherry Farrugia
Senior Vice President
Sherry Farrugia serves as senior vice president of preclinical services at Veranex, bringing exceptional leadership experience in healthcare and life sciences innovation. Her distinguished career includes serving as CEO of T3 Labs and a decade at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she led both the Global Center for Medical Innovation (GCMI) and the Pediatric Technology Center (PTC). Under her leadership, she has driven the commercialization of numerous medical devices, secured 90 funded projects, and generated multiple patents. A five-time Georgia Bio Award winner, including the prestigious Industry Growth Award, Sherry was named Women of the Year in Technology in 2018 and received the President's Award for Excellence in Multidisciplinary Team Research. She holds a BS in Chemistry and Physics from Auburn University and a certificate in global innovation from the University of Oxford.
Michael Sweet
Director, Preclinical Study Management
Based at Veranex PCS Atlanta, Michael Sweet brings over 18 years of specialized experience in preclinical research and medical device testing. As Testing Facility Manager, he ensures comprehensive GLP compliance and regulatory adherence to FDA 21 CFR Part 58 requirements while providing strategic leadership to preclinical study management operations. A biomedical engineer by training, Michael possesses extensive expertise in study design, management, and execution across cardiovascular and interventional device models. His technical proficiency encompasses advanced medical imaging modalities including echocardiography, MRI, CT, and micro-CT. His work has contributed to numerous regulatory submissions through meticulous study design, data analysis, and GLP-compliant report authoring.
Comprehensive Cell Therapy Preclinical Services
From Early Feasibility to Regulatory Submission
Our cell therapy preclinical services are designed to address the unique challenges and regulatory requirements of cellular therapeutics. We provide end-to-end support throughout your preclinical journey, leveraging our specialized expertise and advanced capabilities to accelerate development timelines while ensuring the highest standards of scientific rigor.
Early Feasibility & Proof-of-Concept Studies
Early Feasibility & Proof-of-Concept Studies
Initial safety and efficacy assessments in relevant animal models to establish therapeutic potential and optimize delivery methods for your cell therapy approach.
Dose-Ranging & Optimization Studies
Dose-Ranging & Optimization Studies
Comprehensive dose-response studies to identify optimal cell numbers, administration routes, and treatment protocols using advanced tracking and monitoring techniques.
GLP Safety & Toxicology Studies
GLP Safety & Toxicology Studies
Regulatory-compliant safety assessments including biodistribution, tumorigenicity, and immunogenicity studies designed to support IND submissions and regulatory approval.
Advanced Cell Tracking & Analysis
Advanced Cell Tracking & Analysis
Cutting-edge immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques to track cell fate, engraftment, differentiation, and therapeutic function in vivo.
Delivery Device Integration
Delivery Device Integration
Combined testing of cell therapies with specialized delivery devices, catheters, and injection systems to optimize therapeutic delivery and clinical translation.
Cell Therapy Device Development & Engineering
For clients developing cell therapy collection, processing, and delivery systems, Veranex's Product Design and Engineering group offers comprehensive device development services including automation of cellular processing workflows, cell isolation and sorting technologies, and therapeutic delivery platforms. Our integrated approach allows seamless coordination between device development and preclinical testing to accelerate your complete cell therapy solution.
Not every CRO is
built for innovation.
Veranex is.
Scale from molecule to market, including the device.
Your therapy may require delivery, monitoring, or a diagnostic. We build and de-risk those solutions.
- Concept development through clinical-ready builds
- Device-specific regulatory, preclinical, and clinical
- Commercial strategy and market access
All integrated into one team aligned to your goals.
Case Studies
Proven Success in Cell Therapy Preclinical Development

Cardiovascular Cell Therapy: Extracellular Matrix Technology Development
Situation
Supporting the development of extracellular matrix technology for cardiovascular regeneration applications across multiple therapeutic indications.
Success
The ECM technology has been successfully used in over 160,000 cardiovascular procedures across 975 hospitals in the U.S., including compassionate-use approval for pediatric applications.
Services by Veranex
- GLP and non-GLP preclinical services
- Biomaterial evaluation
- Regulatory support




