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Irvine Scientific Introduces Chemically-defined Natural Killer Cell Expansion Medium for Immunotherapy & Translational Research Applications
The first chemically-defined, animal component-free cell culture medium for natural killer (NK) cells
SANTA ANA, California – July 17, 2018: Irvine Scientific, an industry leader in the development and manufacture of cell culture media, today announced the introduction of PRIME-XV NK Cell CDM— the first commercially available chemically-defined (CDM), animal component-free (ACF) medium for the ex vivo expansion of NK cells. The advanced medium delivers natural killer (NK) cell expansion while preserving NK cell potency and functionality.
Current approaches to immunotherapy focus on harnessing the power of the body’s immune system to treat tumors with cell therapies. NK cells are one of the promising candidates as they have the potential to recognize and kill cancer cells. In fact, studies show NK cells possess the ability to identify certain tumor cells or virus-infected cells and destroy them by injecting cell-degrading proteins into the malignant cells. However, NK cells are not naturally abundant in vivo, which presents a significant obstacle to their use in NK-mediated therapies. The challenge is to produce sufficient numbers of cells ex vivo that are cytotoxic towards cancer cells to produce effective therapies.
Different protocols have been developed to generate potent NK cells in sufficient numbers, but many popular methods present challenges for developing clinical applications due to their use of animal-derived components, such as serum and feeder cells. Co-culture systems with feeder cells are highly complex and variable, and there are legitimate concerns about undesirable components or genetic material transferring to the therapeutic cells as a consequence of the process. PRIME-XV NK Cell CDM is the first commercially-available medium formulated to address this issue.
Designed for use in NK cell-based immunotherapy research and translational applications, this advanced medium delivers strong cell growth while also maintaining NK cell potency and functionality without the need for serum supplementation in either the presence or absence of feeder cells. The innovative formula offers scientists the option to avoid many of the disadvantages associated with the use of feeder cells while maintaining characteristic morphology and cytotoxicity of NK cells.
"Our research and development group has consistently delivered cell culture media solutions designed to advance emerging cell therapies," said Erik Vaessen, Ph.D., head of sales and marketing for ICC and cell therapy, at Irvine Scientific. "PRIME-XV NK Cell CDM continues that cutting-edge development by offering cell therapy scientists a chemically-defined, animal component-free medium that provides the robust expansion of potent NK cells, without or without the use of feeder cells."
PRIME-XV NK Cell CDM is the latest addition to the PRIME-XV portfolio of complete, chemically-defined, serum-free media solutions targeted to support cell therapy applications. It joins a range of products designed to facilitate the seamless transition from preclinical to clinical research. All products are manufactured using stringent raw material qualification and under Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for consistency and reliability.
Photo: PRIME-XV NK Cell CDM. For high-res image contact lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com
About Irvine Scientific:
Irvine Scientific, a member of Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, is a worldwide leader in the innovation and manufacture of cell culture media, reagents, and medical devices for researchers and clinicians. The company provides unrivaled service and quality to scientists working in cell therapy and regenerative medicine, assisted reproductive technology and cytogenetics, and industrial cell culture for the large-scale production of biotherapeutics and vaccines. Irvine Scientific adheres to both ISO and FDA regulations and operates dual cGMP manufacturing facilities in California, USA, and Tokyo, Japan. The company’s consultative philosophy combined with expertise in cell culture and compliance provides customers with unique capabilities and support. For over 45 years, Irvine Scientific has remained uniquely flexible and focused on media while becoming a strategic global leader in media products and services.
About Fujifilm:
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation in Tokyo, Japan, brings innovative solutions to a broad range of global industries by leveraging its depth of knowledge and fundamental technologies derived from photographic film. Its proprietary core technologies contribute to the fields of healthcare, graphic systems, highly functional materials, optical devices, digital imaging and document 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, 2018, the company had global revenues of $23.0 billion, at an exchange rate of 106 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.
Media contacts:
Lori Serles, Irvine Scientific
Phone: 949-261-7800 x145
Email: lserles@irvinesci.com
Lorna Cuddon, Zyme Communications
Phone: +44 (0)7811 996 942
Email: lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com
