The Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics (referred to as Mayo Clinic hereafter) and CiRA Foundation (referred to as CiRA_F hereafter) have signed an agreement allowing Mayo Clinic to expand, culture, and store CiRA_F’s iPS Cell Stock for research use and provide them to Mayo Clinic’s research groups.

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, nonprofit medical group practice in the world. In 2024, Mayo Clinic cared for patients from all 50 states and 135 countries. Mayo Clinic operates hospitals and clinics that provide medical care while conducting research and other activities, including using iPS cells to advance research on various diseases.

The CiRA Foundation’s research-grade iPS cell stock was transferred to Mayo Clinic, where it will be expanded, cultured, stored, and made available to its 11 research groups through its extensive network.

This agreement will allow for the ready distribution of iPS cells in the U.S. while avoiding the risk and expense of transporting iPS cells. We hope this collaboration will lead to the research and development of new therapies using the iPS cell stock.

On February 22, 2025 (Japan time), a signing ceremony was held online to sign a joint research agreement between Mayo Clinic and CiRA_F. At the signing ceremony, Julie G. Allickson, the Mayo Clinic Otto Bremer Trust Director of Biomanufacturing and Product Development in the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, and Shinya Yamanaka, President of the CiRA_F, gave remarks touching on the significance of the occasion, signed the agreement, and took a commemorative photo.

CiRA_F President　Shinya Yamanaka
This collaborative research agreement is a significant milestone of our iPS cell stock project, initiating a symbolic partnership between the hospital with a long history of providing cutting-edge medical care in the U.S. and iPS cells, which were “born” in Japan. We believe this collaboration is highly beneficial for both parties by enhancing basic research and the medical application of iPS cells and broadening our reach to deliver much-needed advanced clinical treatments and hope to patients in our respective nations and around the world.

Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics
Director　Julie G. Allickson
We are truly honored to join forces with the CiRA Foundation to embark on a collaborative research effort toward the future of regenerative medicine, taking a crucial step forward in our mission to realize the full potential of iPS cells and develop innovative therapies for patients in need. Together, we will harness the power of this groundbreaking technology to transform healthcare and save patients’ lives.