DefiniGEN, a UK-based biotechnology company and Atelerix, a cell preservation specialist, have successfully shipped in vitro liver models from the UK to a pharma customer in the US without the need for freezing or cryopreservation.
The agreement between the companies combines DefiniGEN’s mechanistically relevant iPSC hepatocytes (Opti-Heps) with Atelerix's hydrogel preservation technology.
This prevents loss of function and enables even sensitive samples to remain stable at ambient temperatures for up to two weeks.
Reducing industry reliance on cold chain logistics
In vitro liver models are laboratory-created liver cells or tissues that mimic the natural behaviour of the liver in the human body.
These models allow scientists to study liver functions and diseases while reducing the need to use live animals.
Additionally, these models provide a controlled environment for testing the effects of drugs on the liver, supporting the development of safer and more effective medications.
Samples are shipped fresh to customers in assay ready plates for screening and analysis, enhancing the quality of functional assays.
This saves research time, as cells do not need to be thawed; avoiding the need for cold chain logistics.
DefiniGEN CBO Heidi Kingdon Jones said: "This collaboration marks an industry first in R&D, enabling higher quality functional assays without the reliance on cold chain logistics.”
