Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, a global developer and manufacturer of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), has launched human iPSC-derived iCell Sensory Neurons for scientists engaged in neuroscience research, drug discovery of novel pain medications, and analysis of neurotoxicity side effects.
 
Sensory neurons that innervate the skin and internal organs are responsible for relaying sensory information to the central nervous system, including noxious/painful stimuli. These neurons are also sensitive to off-target toxicity for many common chemotherapeutic treatments for cancer, resulting in acute or chronic peripheral neuropathies. The use of highly relevant human neurons promises to improve drug predictability compared to animal models and provide investigators with better models to improve pain research outcomes. Consistent and effective human cell culture models are needed to speed up and improve translational success of next-generation pain therapeutics and chemotherapeutics.
 
“Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics continues its strong commitment to innovation and our mission to provide our clients with the highest quality cellular material to advance the field of medical research,” said Dr. Keith R. Olson, executive vice president, Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics, Inc.
 
The iCell Sensory Neurons are an off-the-shelf, ready to use, human iPSC-derived cell model that has demonstrated expression and function of key drug discovery targets for nociception. These neurons offer significant advantages for use in discovery research, including functional responses to sensory agonists within 21 days of culture, low spontaneous activity, consistent lot-to-lot purity, and support from Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics as the industry standard for large scale iPSC-derived cell manufacturing. The cells, which are available from both male and female iPSC backgrounds, can be purchased as a kit that contains the company’s proprietary media formulation for optimal cell maintenance, or purchased as a standalone product.