Singapore, Sep 2, 2010: ReproCELL, Japan, will launch a new line of products in the autumn of 2010, offering neuronal cells derived from human iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells. The company will be the first in the world to offer iPS cell derived neuronal cells, and more specifically, will provide dopaminergic neurons, motor neurons, and cerebral nerves.
Since April 2009, ReproCELL has been manufacturing iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes for drug toxicity testing, as the world's first drug discovery support business provider founded on iPS cells. The prospective new offering of neuronal cells is the second line of services to be introduced by the company, and is a considerable expansion of their scope of business.
ReproCELL's Representative Director and CEO Dr Chikafumi Yokoyama commented, "Despite the constant rise of patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, fundamental therapies are still sought after in this aging society. Through offering human iPS-cell derived neuronal cells to the pharma industry, we hope to enable more effective screening of various neuroactive therapeutic compounds, thereby contributing to the development of new medicines."
In addition, the company welcomes its new scientific advisor, Professor Sian Harding at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, a leading expert in pluripotent stem-cell derived cardiomyocytes. Through this new collaboration, the company aims to accelerate further research and development in the use of iPS cells in this field.
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