161: How to Achieve 85%+ Cell Recovery Without DMSO's Toxic Side Effects with Jeffrey Allen - Part 1

If you’ve ever worked in a cell therapy lab or handled biologics, you’ve probably experienced the pitfalls of cryopreservation. We’ve all mourned the loss of precious samples after a freeze-thaw cycle gone wrong or watched viability figures plummet, wondering where it all went awry. In this episode of The Smart Biotech Scientist Podcast, Jeffrey Allen, Chairman and CEO of Evia Bio, shares how nature-inspired solutions are changing the cell preservation game. With a background spanning finance, operations, and leadership across the biotech landscape, Jeffrey brings a unique perspective on bridging science and practical manufacturing needs. Inspired by the survival strategies of Minnesota’s frozen forests, a new wave of biotech innovation is transforming the way we freeze, store, and ship life-saving cells for therapies - and it all starts with a better understanding of nature. Here are the top three takeaways from this podcast episode: Cryopreservation shouldn’t be an afterthought: Building optimal cryopreservation strategies into your process development from day one can avoid costly setbacks and delays. Beyond cell viability - function matters: It’s not just about how many cells survive the freeze/thaw cycle, but whether those cells remain fully functional. Evia Bio’s new DMSO-free formulations are delivering >85% recovery on MSCs without compromising cell function. One size doesn't fit all: Every cell type has unique needs for freezing, thawing, and formulation. Leveraging tailored algorithms and customized protocols can drastically improve yield and reproducibility, potentially reducing the need for costly overfilling in manufacturing. If you’ve ever lost precious cell samples to a freeze-thaw mishap or questioned why you’re stuck with outdated, toxic cryopreservation methods, this episode is for you! Connect with Jeffrey Allen: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreydallen2 Website: www.eviabio.com Email: [email protected] Next step: Book a free consultation to help you get started on any questions you may have about bioprocessing analytics: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/call Develop bioprocessing technologies better, faster, at a fraction of the cost with our 1:1 Strategy Call: The quickest and easiest way to excel biotech technology development. Book your call at www.bruehlmann-consulting.com/call/ Free 5-day email course, The CMC Failure Chain: the five recurring CMC mistakes that put your promising program at risk → Get it here Support the show