Improved Haematopoetic Stem Cell Expansion

Microscopic image of the formation of blood stem cells (in green) in the dorsal aorta (in red).

LICENSING/COLLABORATIVE R&D OPPORTUNITY:

Professor Alexander Medvinsky and his team at the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Stem Cell Research, in the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, have developed a cell culture technique to rapidly generate Haematopoetic Stem Cells (HSCs) that give rise to all types of blood cells, including erythrocytes, lymphocytes and platelets.

These HSCs could improve the efficiency and success of transplants in cancer/leukaemia patients after high dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy and improve treatment options for various types of anaemia and immunodeficiency diseases.

This technology offers a potential means to expand the number of progenitor cells and HSCs in the laboratory prior to transplantation. Using a combination of cell manipulations and optimised culture conditions expansion levels of up to 50- and 150-fold are achieved for progenitor cells and HSCs respectively.

Work is currently on-going to evaluate the methodology in human cells, including human ES and iPS cells.

Key Benefits

A model culture system for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of HSC generation and expansion
Defined media for culturing and expanding HSCs in vitro
A non-invasive method to rapidly produce large quantities of HSCs from embryonic stem cells, umbilical cord blood and perhaps bone marrow

Applications

Model for studying mechanisms underpinning generation and expansion of HSCs
HSC expansion media
A potential source of HSC s for bone marrow transplants in cancer / leukaemia patients after high dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Blood transfusion treatments for various types of blood disorders including anaemia and immunodeficiency diseases

IP Status

The University of Edinburgh is looking for commercial partners to undertake further collaborative development work with Professor Medvinsky and/or licensing of the rights to use the methods for further internal research.

If you would like further information about this opportunity please fill out the form below. Your enquiry will be passed on to the relevant University who will respond to you directly.

OPPORTUNITY	Improved Haematopoetic Stem Cell Expansion
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