Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) producer Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics has rolled out its human iPSC-derived iCell Blood-Brain Barrier Isogenic Kit for neuroscience research and drug discovery for neuroactive drugs.
Available commercially by the end of June, the iCell Blood-Brain Barrier Isogenic Kit is an off-the-shelf, ready-to-use cell model. It has barrier integrity and functionality consistent with in vivo physiological properties.
The first-of-its-kind kit models the human blood-brain barrier and can promote drug development, drug discovery, and healthcare research for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS).
Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, a biotechnology company of Japan-based Fujifilm, said that the kit has iCell Pericytes, human iPSC-derived iCell Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells and iCell Astrocytes.
Apart from that, the kit has the critical culture media, optimised via Fujifilm Irvine Scientific’s media optimisation programme and manufactured by Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, and protocols important to offer a complete solution to generate a complex, 3D cellular model.
Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics CEO and president Tomoyuki Hasegawa said: “As a longstanding leader and innovator in the field of iPSC technology, I am proud of the team at FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics for introducing another groundbreaking technology to advance the field of medical research.
“This kit will enable neuroscience researchers to deepen their knowledge of disease biology, improve the success rate of CNS therapies, and aid drug developers in drug discovery and toxicological studies to advance treatment options, providing more hope for patients and their caregivers.”
According to the iPSC maker, a reliable and human-relevant blood-brain barrier model is important to advance the understanding of CNS physiology. It will also help to create neurological disease treatments with enhanced permeability and pharmacokinetics.
Globally, Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics offers more than 20 iPSC-derived cell models for drug development, including microglia and cardiomyocytes made from human iPS cells.
In January this year, Novo Nordisk inked a deal with Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics to develop iPSC-derived cell therapies.
