Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics introduces blood-brain barrier Isogenic kit

Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, a leading global developer and manufacturer of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) announces the global commercial launch of its human iPSC-derived iCell® Blood-Brain Barrier Isogenic Kit for scientists engaged in neuroscience research and drug discovery for neuroactive drugs. The first-of-its-kind kit models the human blood-brain barrier and can advance drug discovery, drug development and medical research for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

The iCell Blood-Brain Barrier Isogenic Kit is an off-the-shelf, ready to use, human iPSC-derived cell model that has barrier integrity and functionality consistent with in vivo physiological properties. The kit consists of human iPSC-derived iCell Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells, iCell Pericytes, and iCell Astrocytes, as well as the critical culture media, which was jointly optimized through Fujifilm Irvine Scientific Inc.’s media optimization program and is manufactured by Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, Inc., and protocols necessary to provide a complete solution for creating a complex, 3D cellular model.

The blood-brain barrier consists of a specialized network of cells and is a semi-permeable boundary between the brain’s vasculature and other components that make up brain tissue. Its function is to maintain a tightly controlled microenvironment by regulating the passage of large and small molecules (and pathogens) into the brain. A robust and human relevant blood-brain barrier model is essential to further our understanding of CNS physiology and develop neurological disease treatments with improved permeability and pharmacokinetics.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three people will develop some type of neurological disorder during their lifetime. Further, roughly nine million people die each year from neurological disorders, which include stroke, migraines, dementia and meningitis.

“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,” said Tomoyuki Hasegawa, president and CEO, Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc. “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.”

“As a market-first, Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics is providing a ready-to-use kit for researchers and scientists to use a humanized system that will provide biologically relevant information about the ability of drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier,” said Dr Keith R. Olson, Ph.D., executive vice president of commercial operations, Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc. “Previously, research in this field has been limited to assay systems that either utilize animal cells or live animals, or do not include all relevant cell types.”

Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics currently provides over 20 iPSC-derived cell models for drug discovery globally, including human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes and microglia. The iCell Blood-Brain Barrier Isogenic Kit is commercially available and will begin shipping by the end of June 2023.
MB Bureau