Cellectis S.A. (CLLS): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered how gene editing is revolutionizing cancer treatment? Cellectis S.A. (CLLS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, stands at the forefront of this revolution, pioneering allogeneic Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (UCART) and gene-edited hematopoietic stem cells. With a strong cash position of $264 million as of September 30, 2024, and strategic collaborations with industry giants like AstraZeneca, how is Cellectis shaping the future of cell and gene therapies, and what makes their approach unique?

From its humble beginnings in 1999 to its current status as a Nasdaq-listed entity with a market cap of $122.11 million as of March 10, 2025, the journey of Cellectis is a testament to innovation and perseverance. But what exactly does Cellectis do, how does it generate revenue, and who are the key figures steering its strategic direction? Keep reading to find out!

Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) History

Cellectis S.A. Founding Timeline

Year established

The company was established in 1999.

Original location

The company was founded in Paris, France.

Founding team members

The founding team included:

• André Choulika
• David Sourdive

Initial capital/funding

The initial capital and funding details are not readily available in the provided search results.

Cellectis S.A. Evolution Milestones

Cellectis S.A. Transformative Moments

• Strategic Shift to Allogeneic CAR T-cell Therapies: A key transformative moment was the company's strategic focus on developing allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies. This decision allowed Cellectis to create off-the-shelf treatments, addressing some of the limitations of autologous CAR T-cell therapies, such as manufacturing time and patient-specific requirements.
• Development of TALEN Technology: The development and application of Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALEN) technology marked a significant advancement. TALENs provided a more efficient and precise method for genome editing, enhancing the company's capabilities in creating novel therapies.
• Navigating Clinical Trial Challenges: Cellectis has faced challenges typical of clinical-stage biotech companies, including setbacks and regulatory hurdles. Successfully navigating these challenges and adapting strategies have been critical in shaping its trajectory.
• Financial milestones: Successfully securing substantial funding through partnerships, collaborations, and public offerings has enabled Cellectis to advance its research and development programs.

To gain more insights into the investors and their rationale behind investing in Cellectis S.A., check out: Exploring Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) Ownership Structure

The ownership structure of the company reveals a mix of institutional, insider, and retail investors, shaping its corporate governance and strategic direction.

Current Status

The company is a publicly traded entity, listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol CLLS, allowing individuals and institutions to invest in its shares.

Ownership Breakdown

The following table provides an overview of the company's ownership structure:

Leadership

The leadership team is composed of experienced individuals who guide the company's strategic initiatives and operations. Some key members include:

• André Choulika, Ph.D.: Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
• Sébastien Couppé, Ph.D.: Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
• Bérangère Vasse: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

These leaders play crucial roles in steering the company towards its goals. For insights into the company's financial stability, consider reading Breaking Down Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) Mission and Values

The company focuses on developing innovative immunotherapies, with a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes through gene editing. Its core values emphasize innovation, patient focus, and scientific excellence.

[Company's] Core Purpose

Official mission statement

To develop life-changing gene editing therapies for serious diseases with unmet medical needs.

• Focuses on developing allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies, which are designed to be readily available 'off-the-shelf' for a broader patient population.
• Utilizes its proprietary TALEN® gene editing technology to create these therapies.
• Aims to overcome the limitations of autologous CAR T-cell therapies, which are patient-specific and require a lengthy manufacturing process.

Vision statement

To be a leader in the field of gene editing, transforming the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

• Strives to create a future where gene editing can provide curative options for patients with otherwise incurable diseases.
• Seeks to expand the application of its technology to a wider range of therapeutic areas.
• Aims to establish strategic partnerships to accelerate the development and commercialization of its therapies.

Company slogan/tagline

Though the company doesn't have a single, widely publicized slogan, its communications and publications emphasize innovation and a commitment to patients. Here are some key themes that capture the essence of the company's brand messaging:

• Gene editing innovation for life-changing therapies.
• Off-the-shelf CAR T-cells for all.
• Pioneering the future of immunotherapy.

To delve deeper into understanding who invests in the company and the motivations behind those investments, check out this insightful piece: Exploring Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) How It Works

Cellectis S.A. pioneers the field of allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies, utilizing its expertise in gene editing to develop off-the-shelf cancer treatments derived from healthy donors.

Cellectis S.A.'s Product/Service Portfolio

Cellectis S.A.'s Operational Framework

Cellectis S.A.'s operational framework is built upon a foundation of innovation in gene editing and cell therapy manufacturing. Key aspects include:

• Research and Development: Cellectis S.A. invests significantly in R&D to advance its pipeline of UCART product candidates and improve its gene editing technologies.
• Manufacturing: The company focuses on developing scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes for its allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies.
• Clinical Trials: Cellectis S.A. conducts clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its UCART product candidates in patients with various cancers.
• Partnerships: Strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions are crucial for expanding the development and commercialization of its therapies.

Cellectis S.A.'s Strategic Advantages

Cellectis S.A. possesses several strategic advantages that contribute to its market position and potential for future growth:

• Pioneering Technology: The company's TALEN® gene editing technology offers a highly precise and efficient method for modifying genes, providing a competitive edge in the development of cell and gene therapies.
• Allogeneic Approach: Cellectis S.A.'s focus on allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies addresses the limitations of autologous therapies, such as manufacturing complexities and patient-specific variability, offering a more accessible and scalable treatment option.
• Strong Intellectual Property: Cellectis S.A. maintains a robust intellectual property portfolio protecting its gene editing technologies and allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy platform.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies provide Cellectis S.A. with access to resources, expertise, and market reach, accelerating the development and commercialization of its products.

To gain more insights into the investors and their motivations, check out: Exploring Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) How It Makes Money

Cellectis S.A. primarily generates revenue through strategic partnerships and licensing agreements related to its allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies, along with research funding and milestone payments tied to the advancement of its clinical programs.

Cellectis S.A. Revenue Breakdown

Cellectis S.A. Business Economics

Cellectis S.A.'s business economics are significantly influenced by the high-risk, high-reward nature of pharmaceutical development, particularly in the field of allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies. The company invests heavily in research and development (R&D) to advance its pipeline of drug candidates.

• Pricing and Reimbursement: The potential for high prices upon market approval, typical in the CAR-T therapy space, is a key factor. Successful therapies command high prices (potentially in the hundreds of thousands of dollars per treatment), but this is counterbalanced by challenges in securing favorable reimbursement terms from healthcare providers and insurers.
• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Manufacturing CAR-T cell therapies is complex and expensive, impacting the COGS. Streamlining manufacturing processes and achieving economies of scale are critical for improving profitability.
• Operating Expenses: A substantial portion of expenses relates to R&D, clinical trial costs, and regulatory compliance.
• Partnerships: Strategic partnerships help offset costs and provide funding, but also involve sharing potential future revenues.

More insights about the company can be found here: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Cellectis S.A. (CLLS).

Cellectis S.A. Financial Performance

Cellectis S.A.'s financial performance reflects its position as a clinical-stage biotechnology company. Key aspects include:

• Revenue: As of the fiscal year 2024, Cellectis S.A. reported total revenues of $18.2 million, a significant decrease compared to $31.2 million in 2023. This decrease was primarily due to lower revenue recognition from existing collaborations.
• Cash Resources: As of December 31, 2024, Cellectis S.A. had $73 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. The company believes these funds will support operations into the second quarter of 2026.
• R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses totaled $114.9 million in 2024, down from $143.4 million in 2023. The decrease was mainly due to reduced manufacturing costs and lower clinical trial expenses.
• Net Loss: Cellectis S.A. reported a net loss of $124.1 million for 2024, compared to a net loss of $154.5 million in 2023.
• Financial Strategy: Cellectis S.A. actively manages its financial resources through various means, including collaborations, equity offerings, and careful control of operating expenses, to extend its cash runway and support the development of its CAR-T cell therapies.

Cellectis S.A. (CLLS) Market Position & Future Outlook

Cellectis S.A. is strategically positioned in the competitive field of clinical-stage biotechnology firms, with a focus on developing allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies for cancer treatment. The company's future outlook hinges on the successful clinical development and regulatory approval of its pipeline candidates, alongside strategic partnerships and financial stability to support ongoing research and development.

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

Cellectis is a key player in the allogeneic CAR-T therapy space. Here's how they stand within the industry:

• Pioneering Technology: Cellectis is at the forefront of developing allogeneic CAR-T therapies, which have the potential to offer off-the-shelf treatment options.
• Clinical-Stage Focus: As a clinical-stage company, Cellectis is dedicated to advancing its pipeline through clinical trials, aiming to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its CAR-T candidates.
• Strategic Collaborations: Strategic partnerships are crucial for Cellectis to leverage resources and expertise, enhancing their development and commercialization capabilities.
• Financial Runway: Maintaining a strong financial position is essential for Cellectis to fund its research and development activities, especially as it progresses through clinical trials.

To gain more insights into the company's core values, explore Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Cellectis S.A. (CLLS).