IPSC-HEPs: hepatotoxicity and drug metabolism by biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

As a result of several finalized projects we developed a robust differentiation protocol for the generation of hepatic progeny from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with drug metabolisation enzyme function in the 30 percent range of primary plated (12h) hepatocytes. Furthermore we can now maintain these cells for =/> 2 weeks, allowing for the first time repeated dose metabolisation and toxicity studies. We also developed a robust 384 well PSC-hepatic progeny-screening platform, for which we have proof of principle evidence that it is suitable for drug toxicity and metabolisation screening.In iPSC-HEP we aim to validate the 384-well screening platform using the optimised PSC hepatic progeny to assess hepatotoxicity of drugs and drug-metabolisaton for for =/> 2 weeks (currently not possible with primary hepatocytes). We plan to have the platform validated by external organisations, such that at the end of 24 months the platform becomes a preferred human hepatocyte screening assay for biotech and pharma companies to use in drug toxicity and metabolisation assessment schemes. This would then form the basis for the creation of a CRO offering either an in house platform for drug metabolisation/tox studies on a fee for service basis towards pharma and biotech, or to sell cells and medium kits to pharma and biotech, or academic groups.

Keywords:IPSC-HEPs

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences