Cellular Dynamics International

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Cellular Dynamics International (CDI) is a biotechnology company that specializes in the production of fully functioning human cells in industrial quantities. These cells are used for drug discovery, toxicity testing, and regenerative medicine. CDI was founded in 2004 by James Thomson, a pioneer in the field of stem cell research.

History

CDI was established in Madison, Wisconsin and has since become a leader in the field of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The company was founded with the goal of harnessing the potential of iPSCs to create a wide variety of human cell types for use in research and therapy. In 2015, CDI was acquired by Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, a Japanese multinational conglomerate.

Technology

CDI's core technology revolves around the use of iPSCs, which are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state. This allows them to differentiate into any cell type in the human body. CDI has developed proprietary methods to produce large quantities of high-quality iPSCs and differentiate them into specific cell types, such as cardiomyocytes, neurons, hepatocytes, and endothelial cells.

Applications

CDI's products are used in various applications, including:

• Drug Discovery: Pharmaceutical companies use CDI's human cells to screen potential drug candidates for efficacy and safety.
• Toxicity Testing: Human cells from CDI are used to test the toxicity of new compounds, reducing the reliance on animal testing.
• Regenerative Medicine: CDI's cells have potential applications in regenerative medicine, where damaged tissues and organs can be repaired or replaced using lab-grown cells.

Products

CDI offers a range of products, including:

• iCell® Products: These are differentiated human cells derived from iPSCs, available in various cell types.
• MyCell® Products: Custom iPSC-derived cells tailored to specific research needs, including patient-specific cells for disease modeling.

Research and Development

CDI is actively involved in research and development to expand the capabilities and applications of iPSC technology. The company collaborates with academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and other biotechnology firms to advance the field of regenerative medicine and drug discovery.

See Also

• Stem cell
• Induced pluripotent stem cell
• Regenerative medicine
• Drug discovery
• Toxicity testing