Collaborative Research Project on Stem Cells Launches

The Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) Foundation and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) have announced the launch of a new collaborative research project that will focus on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell characterization.

In a May 12, 2020 press release, it was revealed that the aim of the joint project will be to further the application of iPS cell technologies for the manufacture of regenerative medicine products. Collaboratively, the companies will explore novel methods of evaluating cell differentiation, with a target of establishing reliable tests to predict the potential of iPS cell differentiation bias.

“We are very pleased to start our first collaborative research project, since the launch of CiRA Foundation, with Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, an institution whose world-class expertise in the cell therapy field is dedicated to the stimulation of partnership between academia and industry,” said Shinya Yamanaka, MD, PhD, representative director, CiRA Foundation, in the press release. “We hope that results of this collaborative project aimed at the advancement of the clinical application of iPS cells will result in substantial progress towards commercialization of regenerative medicine.”

“We are honored to collaborate with CiRA Foundation, an organization with world-leading capabilities in iPS cell technology, and to be the first group to utilize CiRA’s innovative iPS cell lines outside of Japan,” added Matthew Durdy, CEO, CGT Catapult, in the press release. “This is a truly exciting project to help further the application and manufacture of iPS cells into cell therapies. We look forward to progressing this promising research together, which has potential benefits for the global advanced therapies industry.”

Source: CGT Catapult