NewsCiRA Foundation and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult set to launch new stem cell collaborative research
The companies will combine their expertise to explore novel methods to characterise pluripotent stem cells for the manufacture of regenerative medicine products.
Kyoto, Japan and London, UK, 12 May 2020 - CiRA Foundation and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) are launching a new collaborative research project focused on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell characterization. The project aims to further the application of iPS cell technologies for the manufacture of regenerative medicine products.
The potential of distinct iPS cell lines for differentiation into specific cell types, such as cardiac muscle cells or white blood cells, is usually biased toward some cell line-specificity which is very difficult to predict. In order to select an appropriate iPS cell line for clinical trials, it is currently necessary to differentiate several candidate cell lines, which requires a great amount of time and effort.
By combining their expertise, the companies will explore novel methods of evaluating cell differentiation and aim to establish reliable tests to predict the potential of iPS cell differentiation bias, a capability that would help to advance the use of iPS cells for regenerative medicine products.
The fourth from the left: Matthew Durdy, CEO, CGT Catapult
Center: Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, Representative Director, CiRA_F
The CiRA Foundation (CiRA_F) is a public interest incorporated foundation that started its activities independently from Kyoto University in April 2020 with the principle of delivering optimal iPS cell technology at a reasonable price. CiRA_F continues the iPS Cell Stock for Regenerative Medicine Project, started by the Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) since 2013. The aim of this project is to prepare multiple iPS cell lines, manufactured from healthy donors homozygous for human leukocyte antigen (HLA), which expands the number of people who can receive the cells in a therapy without a severe immune reaction, and provide them to academia or industries.
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult was established as an independent centre of excellence to advance the growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry, by bridging the gap between scientific research and full-scale commercialisation. With more than 200 employees focusing on cell and gene therapy technologies, it works with partners in academia and industry to ensure these life-changing therapies can be developed for use in health services throughout the world. It offers leading-edge capability, technology and innovation to enable companies to take products into clinical trials and provide clinical, process development, manufacturing, regulatory, health economics and market access expertise. Its aim is to make the UK the most compelling and logical choice for UK and international partners to develop and commercialise these advanced therapies. The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult works with Innovate UK. For more information, please visit the website below.
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Innovate UKPlanning Promotion Office, CiRA Foundation (CiRA_F)
TEL: 075-761-3363
Email: promotion-g*cira-foundation.or.jp Please change * to @
FTI Consulting for the CGT Catapult
Michael Trace +44 (0) 203 319 5674 / michael.trace*fticonsulting.com
George Kendrick +44 (0) 203 319 5674 / george.kendrick*fticonsulting.com
Please change * to @
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