FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc., a leading global developer and manufacturer of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) technologies, and Lonza Walkersville, Inc. (Lonza, a leading global GMP iPSC manufacturer), have entered into a worldwide agreement. The agreement enables drug developers to leverage both companies’ expertise and technologies for the generation of iPSCs through licensing agreements.
Under the agreement, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics grants Lonza a non-exclusive right to use their patents related to iPSC generation, including episomal vectors and reprogramming factors, for the clinical manufacture and differentiation of iPSC lines for cell therapies. Furthermore, Lonza grants FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics expanded use of its non-exclusive license to its innovative Nucleofector™ technology, to enable efficient transfection of cells, stem cell and cell lines.
Cell therapies have emerged as a promising treatment modality with the ability to augment, repair, or replace human biology, including organs, tissues and cells. Given their incredible capacity to self-renew and the ability to become many different cell types, iPSCs are a critical material used in the development and manufacture of cell therapies.
“FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics is a key global player with the technology and expertise in iPSC episomal generation enabling high quality, purity and reproducibility,” said Takeshi Yamamoto, chief executive officer, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics. “We are pleased to reach this outcome with Lonza to produce iPSC lines to better serve drug developers. We expect to grant additional patent licenses to pharmaceutical and biotech companies to support the growth of available cell therapies.”
“As true leaders in our field, both companies came to an agreement which benefits our customers and brings clarity to the industry.” said Alberto Santagostino, SVP, Head of Cell and Gene Technologies, Lonza. “It shows our common goal to make high quality iPSC therapies available at affordable cost to our customers. Additionally, we are pleased to expand the license-use of our innovative Nucleofector™ technology granted to FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics. This agreement further strengthens our leading end-to-end proprietary service offering for iPSCs. In combination with Lonza’s L7™ hPSC Culture System and non-viral 4D-Nucleofector™ Transfection Technology, this represents an excellent approach for reprogramming and culturing GMP grade iPSCs”
About FUJIFILM
FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) utilized in drug discovery and cell therapies. FCDI is using its expertise in iPSC technologies to develop a robust cell therapeutics pipeline to address unmet medical needs in areas such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and immuno-oncology. For its partners, FCDI utilizes its iPSC platform to advance the progress of therapeutic candidates in the clinic and provides contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services. In addition to cell therapy, FCDI also offers life science research tools including the company’s inventoried iCell® products, which are available in almost any cell type and are sourced from multiple cell lines which can be applied for target identification as well as toxicity testing. The company also offers custom cell services and cell banking. FCDI’s goal is to leverage the vast utility of iPSCs to advance human health and improve the quality of life for patients around the world.
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings cutting edge solutions to a broad range of global industries by leveraging its depth of knowledge and fundamental technologies developed in its relentless pursuit of innovation. Its proprietary core technologies contribute to the various fields including healthcare, highly functional materials, document and imaging products. These products and services are based on its extensive portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic and imaging technologies. For the year ended March 31, 2020, the company had global revenues of $21 billion, at an exchange rate of 109 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship.
About Lonza
At Lonza, we combine technological innovation with world class manufacturing and process excellence. Together, these enable our customers to deliver their discoveries in the healthcare, preservation, and protection sectors.
We are a preferred global partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets. We work to prevent illness and promote a healthier world by enabling our customers to deliver innovative medicines that help treat or even cure a wide range of diseases. We also offer a broad range of microbial control solutions, which help to create and maintain a healthy environment. Founded in 1897 in the Swiss Alps, Lonza today operates in 120 sites and offices in more than 35 countries. With approximately 15,500 full-time employees, we are built from high-performing teams and of individual employees who make a meaningful difference to our own business, as well as the communities in which we operate. The company generated sales of CHF 5.9 billion in 2019 with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 1.6 billion.
