Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from adult cells. iPSCs have the potential to develop into any cell type in the human body. These cells hold an enormous therapeutic potential in a variety of conditions. Including but not limited to cardiac diseases, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and diabetes.
A team of researchers from Lonza, developed clinical-grade iPSCs from human umbilical cord blood cells collected following a healthy birth. These cells, described in the study “cGMP-Manufactured Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Are Available for Pre-Clinical and Clinical Applications,” published in Stem Cell Reports. iPSCs are now available for order, which will facilitate more clinical research on iPSCs.
Clinical-Grade Stem Cells
Clinical-grade stem cells are different from the more common laboratory-grade cells. Which are used in most scientific animal- or cell culture-based studies. This is because they are manufactured according to strict regulation established by the U.S. FDA. This manufacturing is done in what is known as current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). By using cGMP guidelines, researchers ensure each batch of cells will meet quality and safety requirements for potential clinical application.
The development of this cell line was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund’s Regenerative Medicine Program. Also the cells will be distributed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Human Cell and Data Repository.
“The Common Fund aims to accelerate research progress by developing new tools and resources for the biomedical research community. Planning to achieve this through strategic investments in high-impact research,” James M. Anderson, MD, PhD, director of the NIH Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, which houses the Common Fund, said in a press release.
“Since meeting cGMP guidelines is very time-intensive and costly endeavor. Being able to provide access to clinical-grade stem cells removes a significant barrier in the development of cell-based therapies,” he said.
06/27/2016
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