GSK, Plasticell sign deal to produce haematopoietic cells

GlaxoSmithKline and Plasticell have signed a collaboration agreement to produce haematopoietic cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Under the deal, Plasticell will use its CombiCult technology to screen combinations of molecules provided by GSK to identify and optimise iPSCs differentiation protocols.

According to Plasticell, its proprietary technology will allow the simultaneous screening of multiple iPSC lines, facilitating the development of a robust protocol that is applicable across lines.

"During the course of developing its therapeutic programmes, Plasticell has acquired considerable expertise in pluripotent and hematopoietic stem cells, the derivation of specific hematopoietic cell types and the use of small molecules to drive stem cell differentiation," said the firm’s founder and executive chairman, Dr Yen Choo.

"Moreover, Plasticell’s combinatorial and multiplexing technologies are an ideal solution for iPSC differentiation where high developmental potency and variability between different patient-derived cell lines often frustrates the search for robust and efficient differentiation protocols."