Licensing opportunity
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed and patented a cell culture technique to produce haematopoietic stem cells (which give rise to all types of blood cells) rapidly. The university is seeking commercial partners to undertake further collaborative development work and/or to license the rights to use the methods for internal research.
According to the university, the technology offers a non-invasive method to produce rapidly large quantities of haematopoetic stem cells from embryonic stem cells, umbilical cord blood and perhaps bone marrow. Using a combination of cell manipulation and optimised culture conditions, the university claims that expansion levels of up to 50 fold and 150 fold can be achieved for progenitor cells and haematopoetic stem cells, respectively.
Possible applications include a means to produce haematopoetic stem cells for bone-marrow transplants for patients with cancer or leukaemia who have undergone high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The cells could also be used to improve treatment options for various types of anaemia and immunodeficiency diseases.
The cell culture method was developed by Professor Alexander Medvinsky at the Institute for Stem Cell Research, part of the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine. Work is under way to evaluate the methodology in human cells, including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells.
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