Stem Cell Sciences to develop novel muscle stem cells for drug discovery and toxicology

25-Oct-2007

Seamlessly Digitize Your Quality Management

Fast and accurate headspace gas analyzer for reliable quality control

Experience the Power of spinning disc benchtop confocal – Compact, Capable, and Ready for Discovery

Stem Cell Sciences plc announced the signing of an exclusive agreement with San Raffaele Scientific Institute (Milan, Italy) covering assay validation and future commercialisation of novel human muscle stem cells for drug discovery and toxicology applications. Financial terms were not disclosed.

These muscle stem cells, a subset of pericytes (cells located around the circumference of small blood vessels), can be extracted from skeletal or heart muscle and retain the capacity to turn into muscle cells on demand. The cells were discovered by Professor Giulio Cossu, Director of the Stem Cells Institute, and his team at the San Raffaele.

Pericytes can be readily grown in the laboratory and represent a significant addition to SCS's growing platform of renewable cell types originating from embryonic, neural and adipose stem cell sources. Pericyte-derived muscle cells are believed to be capable of providing the functionality and consistent quality needed for the discovery and testing of new drug candidates on human cells.

SCS will initially conduct in-house technology development of the pericytes at its Cambridge, UK, automated cell production facility. Once consistent, automated and cost-effective muscle cell production is confirmed, the technology will be made available to the pharmaceutical industry via a range of commercial options, including assay-ready formats or under license for in-house use.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/72434/stem-cell-sciences-to-develop-novel-muscle-stem-cells-for-drug-discovery-and-toxicology.html