New Breakthrough in Cell Transplantation Therapy: Applied StemCell’s Patent for HLA-Engineered Universal Donor Cells Approved
October 01, 2024 10:00 AM PST
MILPITAS, Calif. – Applied StemCell, Inc. is proud to announce the successful approval of its latest U.S. patent which covers HLA-F engineered universal donor cells, marking a significant advancement in cell transplantation therapy and the first step towards an allogeneic cell therapy development platform. This innovation not only addresses one of the biggest challenges in transplant medicine—immune rejection of donor cells—it also opens up new possibilities for regenerative medicine.
Applied StemCell’s patent outlines novel methods for engineering hypoimmune induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through expression of HLA-F. iPSCs are a type of stem cell that can be generated directly from adult cells and can differentiate into any cell type, making them a typical starting point for cell therapy development. By expressing HLA-F and modifying other HLA molecules in iPSCs, Applied StemCell will be able to provide cell therapy developers with a starting point for the creation of a cell-based medicine that can be used in any patient without the need for HLA matching.
“Our patented technology represents a major leap toward making cell therapies more accessible and scalable by overcoming the immune rejection hurdle,” said Dr. Ruby Tsai, CEO of Applied StemCell. “We’re excited about the potential impact this could have on regenerative medicine.”
“We are thrilled to have George and Tim as valuable additions to the ASC leadership team,” expressed Dr. Ruby Chen-Tsai, CEO of Applied StemCell. “As a CDMO specializing in cell manufacturing, we affirm our dedication to make cell therapy affordable and ready-to-use, and most importantly to save human lives. With George and Tim joining us and with our foundational stem cell and proprietary gene editing technologies, we now offer unique, fully integrated solutions from research, process engineering, early clinical phases, all the way through commercial manufacturing.”
This cutting-edge platform will also incorporate a landing pad for our patented TARGATT™ gene editing technology, making these cells adaptable to a range of therapeutic applications.
A leader in the industry with over 15 years of gene-editing and iPSC experience, Applied StemCell offers expert CRO and GMP services that support basic, discovery, and early drug development research for advanced therapeutics. The company’s unique platform of GMP-grade iPSCs and its proprietary TARGATT™ gene editing technology provides its clients with several advantages, including shorter manufacturing timelines, non-viral gene editing, and genomic stability and safety.
About Applied StemCell, Inc.
Applied StemCell (ASC) is a CRO/CDMO based in the California Bay Area that leverages our TARGATT™ gene editing technology and iPSC expertise to enable the discovery and development of advanced therapeutics such as cell therapy, gene therapy, and therapeutic antibody modalities. In addition to our services, we offer cGMP iPSC lines that comply with FDA and EMA regulations for cell therapy product development.
About TARGATT
TARGATT™ gene editing technology revolutionizes gene editing with fast and precise integration of large DNA fragments (up to 20 kb) into a specific safe harbor locus. Our proprietary TARGATT™ platform offers versatility for various applications, including the development of cell lines with large fragment knock-ins, bioproduction, library construction, and cell therapy development.
Media Contact
Pia Abola
Marketing Director, Applied StemCell, Inc.
pia.abola@appliedstemcell.com