Cellartis enters into a research collaboration with Pfizer
Stem cells company Cellartis has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Pfizer for the development of a novel model system for the detection of human toxicity in vitro. The collaboration aims to generate a predictive developmental screening model for new chemical entities using the unique patented Cellartis human Embryonic Stem (ES) cell platform.
It is important to identify toxic substances as early as possible in the drug development process. Through this collaboration, Pfizer and Cellartis are embarking on potentially pioneering work on human relevant developmental toxicity models, which may yield a solution long sought by the industry. While presumed human teratogens are presently identified using data from mouse, rat, or rabbit, the novel human ES cell-based system would enable the identification of genuine human developmental toxicity data at the pre-clinical in vitro stage.
Cellartis will take the lead in the development of the human ES cell model system and will conduct validation compound testing. Pfizer will provide expertise and capabilities in the design and optimization of the developmental toxicity prediction model.
The collaboration provides Pfizer with access to specific human ES technology, based on Cellartis´ patented human ES platform, for developing the toxicity screening system.
Cellartis receives an upfront fee as well as research funding from Pfizer. In addition, Cellartis retains the right to sublicense, to make, use, and sell the developmental toxicity screening model. Cellartis´ strategy is to accelerate product development by working in partnership with academia and industry.
Cellartis AB is a Swedish/British biotechnology company focused on human embryonic stem (hES) cells for drug discovery, toxicity testing and regenerative medicine with the main objective to develop hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes from these cells. The company is the world´s largest single source of defined hES cell lines, and has developed more than 30 well documented cell lines. Two cell lines are listed on the NIH Stem Cell Registry and 22 are approved by the UK Stem Cell Bank. The company was founded in 2001, has 49 employees and is located in Göteborg, Sweden and Dundee, UK.
