Supporting iPS cell therapy research through reliable cryopreservation

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

 

iPS cell research
Cell therapy
Neural cells
Cryopreservation
Strex CytoSAVER controlled-rate freezer open with the cryovials inside
At Strex, we strive to learn how researchers are applying our technologies to advance science and medicine. Our team at Strex Japan spoke with Associate Professor Daisuke Doi of the Department of Clinical Application at the Kyoto University Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA).
Dr. Doi’s research focuses on generating neural cells from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for potential applications in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and stroke. As part of this work, his team relies on controlled-rate freezing to preserve valuable cell products throughout the research and development process.
The following interview has been edited for formatting and translated into English.

Key Takeaways

  • Supports preservation of iPS cell-derived neural cells
  • Helps meet workflow needs for clinical cell preparation research
  • Provides temperature recording and validation support
  • Supports future regenerative medicine applications

Advancing regenerative medicine with iPS cells

Human iPS cells have created new possibilities for regenerative medicine by allowing researchers to generate specialized cell types for therapeutic applications. Dr. Doi’s group is developing neural cells derived from iPS cells with the long-term goal of treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke.

As these cell manufacturing workflows advance toward clinical applications, reliable cryopreservation is essential for maintaining cell quality and enabling storage, transport, and future use.

The role of controlled-rate freezing

When asked how the team uses a controlled-rate freezer in their research, Dr. Doi explained that the system is used to cryopreserve the neural cells produced during the manufacturing process.

Because the laboratory also intended to use the system within a clinical cell preparation facility, validation and temperature-recording capabilities were important considerations during the evaluation process.

Before purchasing the system, the team conducted a demonstration to confirm that the freezer met their operational and documentation requirements.

Supporting future clinical applications

Looking ahead, the research team plans to continue evaluating cells prepared for clinical use through animal studies. If safety and efficacy can be demonstrated, the next step will be preparation for clinical trials.

The ultimate goal is to help establish cell transplantation therapies using cryopreserved cells as new treatment options for patients affected by Parkinson’s disease and stroke.

Strex USA and Strex Japan would like to thank Dr. Doi and the team at Kyoto University CiRA for sharing their experience.

Looking to improve consistency and control in your cell preservation workflow?

Our team can help you evaluate controlled-rate freezing workflows for your application.

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