Axxam and FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics announce strategic alliance to deliver integrated hiPSC drug discovery solutions

October 8, 2020 – Axxam S.p.A., a leading provider of integrated drug discovery services across life sciences industries, and  FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of human induced pluripotent stem  cell (hiPSC) models and therapies, announce a strategic alliance to improve the drug discovery process. The alliance will provide drug discovery researchers and scientists access to an integrated platform of hiPSC-based assays, through the application of the most advanced drug discovery technologies to enable target assessment, High-Throughput Screening (HTS), and High-Content Screening.   

Through collaboration with FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Axxam will increase its portfolio of human disease-relevant cellular models used in the development of new assays for target assessment and compound screening. FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics’ expertise in hiPSC development and manufacture, enables standardized and homogenous batches of hiPSC-derived cells, ensuring reproducible large-scale screens and long-term projects.

The strategic alliance will enable FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics to offer customers a broader range of applications for drug discovery screening by leveraging Axxam’s wealth of experience in setting up cell-based HTS assays and running Hit Discovery Programs for industrial partners. As part of the collaboration, Axxam will provide its deep understanding of the screening process, data analysis and hit selection criteria, for the development of new hiPSC-based applications.

Stefan Lohmer, chief executive officer of Axxam, commented: “hiPSCs derived cells are becoming increasingly important for the drug discovery process, representing a more physiologically relevant cellular environment with a big impact on translational aspects even in the very early phases of the drug discovery process, like target validation and compound screening. Therefore, we are very pleased to announce this strategic alliance with FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics. As the leading expert in the hiPSC field, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics has high-quality standards, which are fundamental for conducting robust discovery projects. The complementary technical know-how between Axxam and FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics along with a common philosophy based on scientific excellence will provide clients with tailor made cutting-edge solutions.” 

Nick Manusos, chief operating officer, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics Inc. stated: “Our scientists have devoted 13 years of collective effort to innovating in the field of hiPSCs and establishing processes that enable robust differentiation into over 16 different cell types. Today, we are pleased to offer even more hiPSC-based drug discovery solutions through our alliance with Axxam. Our new integrated hiPSC offering will enable scientists and researchers to approach even more drug discovery and early development projects with biologically-relevant cells, which will have a profound impact on the way research is conducted.”

About Axxam S.p.A.
Axxam S.p.A. is a privately owned iPRO (innovative Partner Research Organization) and discovery company located at the Science Park OpenZone in Bresso (Milan, Italy). The Company is a leading provider of discovery services for the entire life sciences industries including pharmaceuticals, crop protection, animal health, cosmetics and nutrition. Axxam has a strong expertise across a broad range of discovery disciplines and innovative technologies, including assay development, compound management, HTS, hit identification and hit validation. Axxam is also engaged in developing novel innovative therapies for diseases with a high unmet medical need. For more information, please visit www.axxam.com.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) utilized in drug discovery and cell therapies. The pre-clinical stage company is using its expertise in hiPSC technologies to develop a robust pipeline of cell therapeutics candidates. For its partners, FCDI utilizes its hiPSC platform to advance the progress of therapeutic candidates in the clinic and provides contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services. In addition to cell therapy, FCDI also offers life science research tools including the company’s inventoried iCell® products that are available in many cell types and sourced from multiple cell lines which can be applied for target identification as well as toxicity testing. The company also offers custom cell services and cell banking. FCDI’s goal is to leverage the vast utility of hiPSCs to advance human health and improve the quality of life for patients around the world. For more information, please visit: https://fujifilmcdi.com/

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings cutting edge solutions to a broad range of global industries by leveraging its depth of knowledge and fundamental technologies developed in its relentless pursuit of innovation. Its proprietary core technologies contribute to the various fields including 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, 2020, the company had global revenues of $21 billion, at an exchange rate of 109 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com. 
 

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