REPROCELL USA, a leader in the production of clinically relevant human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), has announced the receipt of funding from the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) for both of its proposals submitted in the January 2024 grant cycle.
These grants will significantly enhance the company’s capabilities in cell therapy and therapeutic cell product production.
Boosting Cell Therapy Production
The first grant, titled “Generation of human iPSC and MSC MCBs and derivative products in an enclosed GMP system,” will enable REPROCELL to produce two GMP-grade cell lines within the next 8 to 12 months.
These cell lines will be ready for commercialization, ensuring high-quality products available for off-the-shelf distribution and further differentiation by REPROCELL and other companies worldwide. This grant is part of MSCRF’s commercialization efforts aimed at bringing innovative stem cell products to market.
Expanding Manufacturing Capabilities
The second grant focuses on enhancing the capabilities of the existing Cytocentric® Xvivo System Model 2 from BioSpherix. This enhancement will increase the company’s capacity to generate Master Cell Banks (MCBs) from two per year to four to six per year by adding more incubators and processing chambers.
Additionally, the upgrades will allow REPROCELL to offer GMP differentiation and gene editing services. This grant, under MSCRF’s manufacturing assistance program, requires a 1:1 matching fund from REPROCELL, doubling the investment’s impact.
Advancing Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics
REPROCELL’s CEO, Rama Modali, emphasized the significance of these grants in accelerating the company’s goal of becoming a leading producer and supplier of clinical therapeutic cell products. The funding will not only improve production capabilities but also enhance the quality and accessibility of stem cell products globally.
About REPROCELL
Founded in 2002 and based in Yokohama, Japan, REPROCELL has laboratories in Beltsville, MD, USA, Glasgow, UK, and Hyderabad, India. The company provides a comprehensive range of services and reagents supporting the entire drug discovery pathway. Its portfolio includes BioServe-brand biorepository and molecular services, Stemgent-brand stem cell products, Alvetex-brand 3D culture products, and Biopta-brand human tissue assays.
With the new funding, REPROCELL is poised to make significant strides in stem cell research, offering advanced solutions to the medical and scientific communities. These developments underscore the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of regenerative medicine.