Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
to be capitalizing on the excitement around iPSC technology
generated by the belief that iPSCs avoid the ethical problems
associated with hESCs. The exponential growth of the field since the
principle of induced pluripotency was first established by Yamanaka's
group in 2006 is also partly attributable to the ease with which iPSCs
can be created. Taken together, these factors have created a demand
for capability in the stem cell field that the training programmes
offered by Cellular Dynamics International and StemGent are
specifically designed to meet. In addition to a creative blend of
available resources and well-trained staff, both companies are
capitalizing on their intellectual position as leaders in the iPSC field.
6.2.4 Supplementaryproductsandprocesses
A further commercial option being developed is significant investment
in developing the tools and reagents needed to work with iPSCs.
Stem Cells Inc. (
http://www.stemcellsinc.com
), Invitrogen (
http://
www.invitrogen.com
) and the Hamilton Company (
http://www.
hamiltoncompany.com
) are three examples of this commercial model
in action. Stem Cells Inc. sell a range of culture media and other
tools for use with iPSCs (
http://www.stemcellsinc.com
). In addition
to culture media, Invitrogen also supply a range of tissue samples -
advertised as being obtained with informed consent - for the
generation of induced pluripotency (
http://www.invitrogen.com
).
The Hamilton Company is a more traditional medical devices
company which has developed a three-dimensional culture system
that is particularly sensitive to the developmental needs of human
stem cells (
http://www.hamiltoncompany.com
).
The companies that provide the supporting materials to enable
iPSC research to develop are well placed commercially. The kinds of
products sold for support in the stem cell sciences generally include
media for differentiation and expansion, antibodies and reagents for
use in characterizing and identifying stem cells, apparatus for use in
the laboratory and software. One company also offers T-shirts with
a range of prints designed to appeal to scientists and lab technicians
(
http://www.stemcell.com
). There is a large number of companies
