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Pharmacosmos Leads the Way Toward Safe and Efficient Cryopreservation with Pentahibe

Is it time to move beyond DMSO?
Discover how Pharmacosmos is shaping the future of safe, efficient cryopreservation with Pentahibe — a next-gen, biocompatible solution for cells, tissues, and organoids.

 April 2025 – Holbæk, Denmark

As regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies continue to evolve, the need for safer, next-generation cryopreservation solutions is more urgent than ever. For decades, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) has served as the industry standard in cryoprotection—but growing concerns over its cytotoxicity and patient safety implications are prompting a shift in scientific priorities.

 Pharmacosmos is proud to respond to this demand with Pentahibe: a portfolio of cryoprotectants designed to reduce or eliminate the use of DMSO, without compromising cryopreservation performance.

  

Why Rethink DMSO?

While DMSO is effective in preventing ice crystal formation during freezing, studies have shown its impact on:

  • Cell membrane damage1 – leading to reduced post-thaw viability

  • Altered signaling pathways2- potentially affecting cell function

  • Compromised differentiation and survival3 – limiting clinical utility

 In clinical settings, DMSO has also been linked to adverse events including cardiac and respiratory issues, neurotoxicity, and frequent gastrointestinal and allergic reactions.4

Introducing Pentahibe: A Safe Solution

 

At the core of Pentahibe lies pentaisomaltose—a patented5, carbohydrate-based cryoprotectant that is:

  • 100% natural

  • Biocompatible

  • Animal component-free

  • Low in endotoxins

 

Pentaisomaltose is well tolerated in humans, breaking down naturally into glucose and water and fully excreted via the kidneys without generating harmful metabolites.6

This enhances experimental integrity, ensures consistent and reliable results, and meets the highest safety and quality standards and makes Pentahibe a compelling solution for researchers, biobanks, and cell therapy developers looking to prioritize safety without compromising on functionality.

A Turning Point for Cryopreservation

 

With DMSO-free and reduced-DMSO options, the Pentahibe portfolio supports a wide range of cell types and workflows, including:

  • T cells

  • HSPCs

  • MSCs

  • CHO and HEK cells

  • Tissue preservation applications and generation of organoids

 

As the field advances, now is the time to rethink traditional protocols and embrace safe, more sustainable cryopreservation strategies.

 

🔗 Explore the Pentahibe Portfolio
📩 Contact us at pentahibe@pharmacosmos.com to learn more or request a quote.

1. Gironi B et al. Biophysical Journal, 2020 July; Vol 119(2): 274-286

2. Gibb SL et al. Cytotherapy, 2015 June; Volume 17, Issue 6, Supplement S46

3. Katkov II et al. Cryobiology, 2006 October; Vol 3(2): 194-205

4. Svalgaard JD et al. Transplantation and Cellular Engineering, 2016 May; Vol 56(5): 1088-1095

5. US Patent No. 11,484,025. Pharmacosmos A/S

6. Expert toxicity report, Dawa Consulting ApS, 2017

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