Third IndiCell PhD student to complete their mid-term review, fall 2024.

“Completing the mid-term review of my PhD on developing iPSC-based cell therapies for neurological disorders feels encouraging. It is an important milestone, highlighting progress in refining the production of neuroepithelial stem cells (NES) for regenerative medicine and tackling key production challenges such as GMP compliance and scalability.

My research focuses on two core questions:

1. How can the production of iPSC-derived NES cells be optimized to improve scalability and reduce costs?

2. What are the most effective strategies to ensure consistent quality and safety of iPSC-derived NES cells for therapeutic use?

As I reflect on the work, from developing microfluidic platforms to implementing robust quality control, I see the foundation we are laying to address these issues. I am motivated by the progress and excited to keep moving forward, knowing that these innovations can bring us closer to clinical applications.” says Alice, who is doing her PhD in Anna Falk’s lab at Lund University after the mid-term review.

Second IndiCell PhD student to execute her half-time review, autumn 2024.

”Two years ago I started my PhD at Lund University, and a few weeks ago I reached an important milestone when I presented my half-time seminar. As part of IndiCell, my research focuses on investigating the therapeutic potential of patient-specific cell therapies based on iPSCs, with a focus on Parkinson’s disease. I was able to present my findings towards our common goal of advancing the efficacy and standardization of iPSC-derived cell products for autologous cell replacement therapies. I am grateful for the collaborative environment and the progress in both the scientific project and personal development and can’t wait to see what the next two years will bring. I look forward to continuing this exciting journey!” says, Jana, doing her PhD in the lab of Malin Parmar at Lund University after her halftime review.

First IndiCell PhD student to complete his mid-term review, fall 2024.

“This mid-term review is an important milestone towards my doctoral thesis. It not only marks two years of long evenings, short weekends and the experience of living abroad. Above all, it marks two years of intensive learning in the field of patient-specific cell replacement therapies and contributing to new therapies for previously incurable conditions, with my very first own publications on the way. It has been a great experience to work in such a collaborative environment, expanding my knowledge in the field of regenerative medicine and all its relevant aspects: from cutting-edge research in academia, to industry commercial and production challenges, and regulatory focus on patient safety in clinical settings. It’s definitely something I’m looking forward to continuing to work on as I approach my doctoral studies and beyond.” says Fred, who is doing his PhD in the lab of Fredrik Lanner at Karolinska Institutet after the mid-term review.

ISPPP, the international symposium and exhibition on the purification of proteins, peptides and polynucleotides takes place in Vienna, Austria from the 5th to the 8th of November. The ISPPP is a prime scientific meeting and driver of innovation and development on all aspects of bioseparation, ranging from analytical techniques to bioprocess operations.

We are representing our magnetic separation technology for the isolation cells and proteins in form of a talk titled: “scalable magnetic bead-based cell separation technology for the depletion of receptor positive cell subpopulations”. MAGic is specifically aiming to further promote magnetic separation for large scale isolation of cells and proteins. A constant exchange with manufactures and experts in the field helps to develop products further and anticipate further need in the field of cell therapy.

During the ISPPP MAGic BioProcessing will be on site with an oral presentation about our magnetic separation technology for the isolation cells and proteins which is titled: “Scalable Magnetic Bead-based Cell Separation Technology for the Depletion of Receptor Positive Cell Subpopulations”. Our talk is scheduled for November 5th from 13:30 to 13:50 within session 3 (Novel Bioseparation and Products).

The meeting is a place for the life science community to bridge the gap between academia and industry, covering the start to finish of biologics from discovery, through development, to manufacturing, clinical trials, and commercialisation. The festival encourages conversation across the entire industry to inspire change, champion innovation, and address complex challenges that the biologics industry is facing. MAGic BioProcessing is participating in from of the both S37 where we present our manufacturing tool to enable large magnetic bead-based purification, which can be utilized for the manufacturing of different biopharmaceutical modalities such as monoclonal antibodies or for the isolation of receptor positive cells.

The festival encourages conversations across the industry to inspire change, champion innovation and address complex challenges facing the biological industry. MAGic BioProcessing participates in both S37 where we present our manufacturing tool to enable large magnetic bead based purification, which can be used for the production of various biopharmaceutical modalities such as monoclonal antibodies or for the isolation of receptor positive cells.

During the Festival of Biologics, MAGic BioProcessing will be present with both a stand and a start-up pitch presenting our work, applications and products. In booth number S37 you are welcome to visit us and see our latest products for scalable isolation of receptor positive cells, ranging from ready-to-use kits to pilot scale separators. In addition to the stand, MAGic BioProcessing will present a start-up pitch on October 11th from 12:50 to 12:55.

At this conference technology leader gather from pharma and biotech discussing and sharing insights on case studies and interactive breakouts towards commercial progress focusing on current blockbuster pharmaceuticals, like monoclonal antibodies, and future blockbusters, like cell therapy products.

We are representing our magnetic separation technology for the isolation cells and proteins in form of a talk titled: “one-step clarification and recovery process for biological modalities based on magnetic separation”. MAGic is specifically aiming to further promote magnetic separation for large scale isolation of cells and proteins. A constant exchange with manufactures in the field helps to develop products further and anticipate further need in the field of cell therapy.

During the World Smart Bioprocessing Summit: 4.0 Pharma MAGic BioProcessing will be on site with an oral presentation about our magnetic separation technology for the isolation of cells and proteins which is titled: “One-Step Clarification and Recovery Process for Biological Modalities based on Magnetic Separation”. Our talk is scheduled for September 29th from 13:35 to 14:15 within the breakout Continuous & Integrated Processing.

Research-based development and cooperation – strengthening Sweden’s competitiveness

With ATMPs – advanced therapies based on cells, genes and tissues – diseases can be treated in completely new ways, but this requires close cooperation between industry, teaching hospitals and universities. The proximity to research distinguishes advanced therapies from traditional drug development. Developing these cutting-edge but expensive and complex treatments therefore requires an industrial policy environment that favors development and research. ATMPs can treat and cure serious diseases. What are the roles of government, regions and companies in bringing new advanced medical treatments to patients across the country? How do we harness the power of all of Sweden so that excellent researchers can drive development?

Participants

Anna Falk, Professor at the Stem Cell Center at Lund University.

Stefan Volk Jovinge, Professor and Head of Research and Development at Skåne University Hospital.

Anna Sandström, Senior Director Science Policy and Relations Europe at AstraZeneca

Marie Morell (M) Vice Chair of SKR’s healthcare delegation and Chair of the Regional Board in Region Östergötland.

Niclas Nilsson, project engineer by day and previously treated with gene therapy for hemophilia.

Moderator: Göran Hägglund, Reform Society Company

See the event in the Almedalen official program

Professor Anna Falk, who is also IndiCell’s scientific project manager, briefly reported on IndiCell’s Dr. Herland presentation at the plenary session at ISSCR in Boston!

Fantastic talk!

With an enthusiastic demeanor, Alice led the students through the IndiCell project, which focuses on developing patient-specific cell therapies. Students were given an overview of stem cell technology and its potential to revolutionize medical treatment.

Alice spreads knowledge about IndiCell in the classroom

The highlight of the day was an interactive workshop where students got hands-on experience with the techniques of cell culture in plates. Under the guidance of Alice, students ‘grew’ their own cells and learned the basic steps of laboratory work. They also had the opportunity to use microscopes to study real transplants of dopamine-producing brain cells for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, which sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm.

Another important topic that Alice touched on was the ethical considerations in stem cell research. Students engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the moral dilemmas that can arise when working with donated stem cells for medical use. These dilemmas included issues of donor consent, ownership of cells and potential commercialization situations.

Alice further developed the discussion by raising the controversial issue of animal testing in research. The students gained an in-depth understanding of why and how animal testing is necessary today to evaluate stem cell-based treatments before they are tested on humans, but also how researchers are constantly working actively to replace and reduce the number of animal tests. (Read more about the 3Rs “Replace, Reduce, Refine”, an important basis in Swedish and European law.) The discussion led to an increased awareness of the complex issues facing researchers in this field.

In summary, it was a rewarding day at Ystad Gymnasium with Alice Hägg and her PhD project. Students gained insight into cutting-edge research and laboratory work while reflecting on the ethical aspects of stem cell research. A memorable day that will hopefully inspire the next generation of young researchers and science enthusiasts!