The Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology

Collaboration aims to develop scalable GMP-grade iPSC manufacturing processes and therapeutic candidates to facilitate research leading to translation of novel cellular immunotherapies. Launch of the joint labs builds on existing license, research collaboration and Memorandum of Understanding between SCG Cell Therapy and A*STAR. SINGAPORE, April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SCG Cell Therapy (SCG) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) announced the launch joint laboratories for cellular immunotherapies. This collaboration, at a combined funding of close to S$30 million supported under Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan (RIE2025), aims to advance the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to produce novel cell therapies that meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The collaboration will also establish a talent development programme to train the next generation of experts in this field, in accordance with current GMP and regulatory requirements. The research and application of new technologies are essential for addressing growing healthcare needs and maintaining long-term sustainability. However, turning laboratory innovations into practical clinical solutions poses significant challenges. These often involve developing manufacturing processes, validating analytical methods, and implementing automation and digitalisation to guarantee the stability and scalability of products. The joint laboratories, established at SCG's GMP facility and A*STAR's research facility, leverage SCG's and A*STAR's proprietary technologies to develop scalable GMP-grade iPSC and therapeutic products. SCG contributes its specialised, automated cell therapy manufacturing technologies, while A*STAR brings its unique monoclonal antibody assets, iPSC banks, and expertise in process scaling and analytics. This collaboration bridges the expertise between public sector research and development (R&D) and industry, consolidating resources from SCG Cell Therapy and A*STAR's Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) and Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) to advance innovative R&D towards GMP manufacturing. Additionally, it immerses researchers in the rigorously controlled GMP environment, facilitating the progression from research to clinical application. "Cellular immunotherapies herald a new era of regenerative medicine, offering hope for patients with cancers and other serious illnesses. As a key player in T cell receptor (TCR) T cell therapeutics, SCG has developed in-house cGMP manufacturing capabilities to supply high-quality cell therapy products to patients. Through this first-of-its-kind joint collaboration with A*STAR, we bring together A*STAR's advanced iPSC technology and bioprocessing capabilities with our expertise in GMP cell therapy manufacturing and clinical development, furthering our mission to provide affordable off-the-shelf cell therapy treatment options to patients", said Christy Ma, Chief Strategy Officer of SCG Cell Therapy. "The discovery of iPSCs has revolutionised regenerative medicine, offering the potential for standardised, off-the-shelf cell therapies. Through this collaboration with SCG Cell Therapy, we aim to accelerate the translation of iPSC research into clinically viable therapies and strengthen Singapore's position as a global leader in cell therapy innovation. By leveraging our complementary expertise and resources, the joint labs will not only advance iPSC technology for scalable, GMP-compliant cell therapy production but also serve as a platform for nurturing the next generation of talent in this transformative field," said Prof Koh Boon Tong, Executive Director, A*STAR's BTI. About iPSC Induced pluripotent stem cells (also known as iPS cells or iPSCs) are a type of pluripotent stem cell that can be generated directly from adult cells. The iPSC technology was pioneered by Shinya Yamanaka's lab in Kyoto, Japan, who showed in 2006 that the introduction of four specific genes encoding transcription factors could convert adult cells into pluripotent stem cells. He was awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize along with Sir John Gurdon "for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent". Pluripotent stem cells hold great promise in the field of regenerative medicine. Because they can propagate indefinitely, as well as give rise to every other cell type in the body (such as neurons, heart, pancreatic and liver cells), they represent a single source of cells that could be used to replace those lost to damage or disease. About SCG Cell Therapy SCG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on the development of novel immunotherapies in infections and its associated cancers. The company targets the most common cancer-causing infections: helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus, and hepatitis B, and develops a broad and unique pipeline against infections and to prevent and cure its associated cancers. Established and headquartered in Singapore, SCG combines regional advantages in Singapore, China and Germany, covering the entire value chain from innovative drug research and discovery, manufacturing, clinical development and commercialization. For more information about SCG, please visit us at . About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit . Follow us on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SCG Cell Therapy Pte Ltd

Cerecin and IMCB signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in the areas of neurometabolism, neurodegeneration, metabolic regulators, and brain health and function. SINGAPORE and DENVER, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cerecin Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company at the forefront of developing innovative neurotherapeutics, is pleased to announce the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB). This collaboration aims to accelerate research and treatment initiatives for neurological disorders and diseases to enhance overall health and brain function. Continue Reading Cerecin and A*Star Sign MOU Worldwide, there are about two billion cases of neurological and mental health diseases. Unlike other therapeutic areas, 80% of these patients are completely unserved or have been inadequately served by current medicines with which to treat their conditions. This makes brain health one of the medical fields with the highest unmet need. In Singapore alone, more than one in four will suffer from a neurological condition within their lifetime. It is becoming increasingly clear that neurometabolic dysfunction is a driver of many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, and that metabolic and brain health are closely intertwined. Hence, in their collaboration, A*STAR's IMCB will combine preclinical modelling tools with multi-omics approaches to analyse bio samples in neurological diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease) from Cerecin's clinical cohorts. The goal is to understand the fundamental causes of these neurological diseases, especially their metabolic origins, to identify new treatment targets and disease indicators, and to develop innovative treatment approaches. "We are very pleased to embark on this collaborative journey with A*STAR's IMCB, focused initially on working with its Neurometabolism division" said Dr Charles Stacey, CEO and President of Cerecin. "This partnership represents a further step in our commitment to driving advances in neurometabolism and underscores our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions. Singapore has a rapidly ageing population. As age is the leading risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, we are proud to form one of the first public-private collaborations in brain health." Dr Su Xinyi, Acting Executive Director at A*STAR's IMCB said, "Public-private partnerships are key enablers in translating science into impact. IMCB's expertise in neurometabolism, cell biology, transformational biotherapeutics and diagnostics, coupled with Cerecin's expertise, will help pave the way for innovative developments in neurotherapeutics and contribute to better health outcomes for Singapore and beyond." About Cerecin: Cerecin is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing drugs that target the metabolic bases of central nervous system diseases. Cerecin is supported by two multinational partners, Nestlé S.A. (NSRGY) and Wilmar International Limited (SGX: F34), as well as a syndicate of leading institutional investors. By bringing together the deep expertise of its leadership team, Cerecin is becoming a global leader in bioenergetics and neurometabolism. Forward looking statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Cerecin. Such statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "possible," "will" and other words and terms of similar meaning. All statements, except for statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward- looking statements, including but not limited to: (i) sources and availability of third party financing and investments and the projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, drug development programs and joint ventures; (iii) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future growth; and (iv) new developments with respect to the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. Forward-looking statements are not guaranties of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from projections of future performance or any result that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of Cerecin believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance or guarantee that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Cerecin undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For more information visit . For further information, please contact: pr@cerecin.com © 2023 Cerecin AC-23-976 SOURCE Cerecin

[25-October-2023] MINNEAPOLIS and LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) today announced that Lunaphore, a Bio-Techne brand, will have its technologies featured in several presentations by prominent research centers at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer's (SITC) 38th Annual Meeting, taking place in San Diego, November 1-5, 2023. The recent studies will demonstrate the unmatched spatial biology capabilities of the company's universal, end-to-end COMET™ product suite, addressing complex biological questions from various research areas. COMET™ is the only fully automated, high-throughput, hyperplex platform ensuring scalability and reproducibility without the need to conjugate primary antibodies, making panel design much more flexible and faster than any other hyperplex solution. Lunaphore's sponsored symposia will provide novel insights into the optimization of innovative anti-cancer therapy approaches for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Researchers from the collaborative research project between the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute a division of Providence Cancer Institute, and Lunaphore will present the results of a hyperplex-based characterization of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in response to combined immunotherapy and stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (iSABR) neoadjuvant treatment of HNSCC, facilitated by the COMET™ platform. The presentation will discuss strategies for rapid hyperplex sequential immunofluorescence (seqIF™) panel development and optimization, as well as methodologies for high-throughput data analytics. The novel seqIF™ method allows an unprecedented analysis of the immune compartment and potentially increases the clinical success of such therapies. Additionally, poster presentations will highlight how research institutes use their off-the-shelf antibodies on COMET™ to map immune and tumoral cells in lymphomas and various cancer tissues with the seqIF™ approach. Furthermore, a poster of industry partnership will demonstrate proof-of-concept COMET™ workflow for same-slide, fully automated multiomics analysis of the TME. Lunaphore's scientists will be available at booth #530 to provide live demonstrations of the COMET™ system and access to raw staining images of various cancer types. Sponsored symposia details Using hyperplex immunofluorescence to characterize the immune response to iSABR in head and neck cancer Location: room 15AB Date & Time: November 3, 2023 | 12:15 - 1:15 PM EST Speakers: Dr. Brian Piening, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute a division of Providence Cancer Institute, USA Dr. Rom Leidner, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute a division of Providence Cancer Institute, USA Dr. Marco Cassano, Lunaphore – a Bio-Techne brand, Switzerland The symposia will take place during the lunch break. Lunaphore will provide lunch for the attendees. Poster presentation details Development and optimization of a broad hyperplex immunofluorescence assay for tumor immune microenvironment characterization Poster number: 65 Date & Time: November 3, 2023 | 12:15 - 1:15 PM | 5:10 – 6:40 PM EST Presenter: Racheli Ben-Shimol, B.Sc., Earle A. Chiles Research Institute a division of Providence Cancer Institute, USA Automated hyperplex staining and imaging system on various cancer tissues using off-the-shelf antibodies Poster number: 222D Date & Time: November 4, 2023 | 11:55 AM-1:25 PM | 7:00 – 8:30 PM Presenter: Ms. Li Yen Chong, Institute of Molecular Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore Immune landscape of adenoid cystic carcinoma using multiplex immunofluorescence and digital pathology Poster number: 102 Date & Time: November 4, 2023 | 11:55 AM-1:25 PM Presenter: Dr. Annie Li, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USA Profiling cytokeratins in the tumor microenvironment using multiplex immunofluorescence Poster number: 1475 Date & Time: November 3, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 5:10 – 6:40 PM Presenter: Danielle Fails, Spatial Biology Manager, Fortis Life Sciences, USA Adding space to TiME by sequential immunofluorescence: a new dimension for the spatial biomarkers painting in a clinical cohort of lymphoma case Poster number: 107 Date & Time: November 3, 2023 | 1:30 PM | 5:10 – 6:40 PM Presenter: Dr. Pedro Machado Almeida, Lunaphore – a Bio-Techne brand, Switzerland Research conducted in collaboration with École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research. Integration of RNA in situ hybridization and sequential immunofluorescence for same-slide fully automated multi-omics analysis of the tumor microenvironment Poster number: 71 Date & Time: November 3, 2023 | 2:00 – 1:30 PM | 5:10 – 6:40 PM Presenter: Dr. Alice Comberlato, Lunaphore – a Bio-Techne brand, Switzerland Research conducted in collaboration with ACD – a Bio-Techne brand, USA. The posters are available during the conference opening times of the given day. Presenters will hold the reception at the given time. Learn more about the event and book a meeting with Lunaphore here. To learn more about Lunaphore, please visit: About Lunaphore Lunaphore Technologies S.A. - a Bio-Techne brand, is a Swiss company born in 2014 with the vision of enabling spatial biology in every laboratory. Lunaphore provides solutions based on a game-changing chip technology that can extract spatial proteomic and transcriptomic data from tumors and other tissues, transforming any assay into multiplex spatial biology through a streamlined and easily integrated process. Lunaphore empowers researchers in immunology, immuno-oncology, and neuroscience to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and drug development. Lunaphore's technology enables the identification of biomarker "signatures" with clinical relevance to support the development of diagnostic tools and streamline clinical trials, to ultimately improve patient outcomes. For further information on Lunaphore and its products, please visit . About COMET™ COMET™ is the only fully automated, high-throughput, hyperplex platform ensuring scalability and reproducibility without the need to conjugate primary antibodies. COMET™ provides walk-away automation, integrating staining, imaging, and image preprocessing steps to obtain standard hyperplex images. COMET™ generates highly robust and reproducible data with full tissue preservation, allowing researchers to perform downstream modalities such as H&E or transcriptomics using the same slide. Its superior tissue profiling capabilities facilitate the analysis of 40 different spatial markers in each automated run on a tissue slide. In contrast to other spatial biology solutions, COMET™ works with off-the-shelf, label-free primary antibodies, making panel design much more flexible and faster than any other hyperplex solution. COMET™ works with regular glass slides from standard histology workflows; it is validated for human and mouse samples and is compatible with any other animal sample. The platform can be used for a wide range of research applications, allowing for a dramatic improvement in the understanding of disease pathology. To learn more about the COMET™ platform, please visit: About Bio-Techne Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) is a global life sciences company providing innovative tools and bioactive reagents for the research and clinical diagnostic communities. Bio-Techne products assist scientific investigations into biological processes and the nature and progress of specific diseases. They aid in drug discovery efforts and provide the means for accurate clinical tests and diagnoses. With thousands of products in its portfolio, Bio-Techne generated approximately $1.1 billion in net sales in fiscal 2022 and has approximately 3,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Bio-Techne and its brands, please visit or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube. About Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon Providence Cancer Institute is a leading provider of cancer care in Oregon and a global leader in immuno-oncology. We offer the latest in cancer services, including diagnostic, treatment, prevention, education, support and internationally renowned research. Through our Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a world-class cancer research facility located within the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, investigators lead more than 400 active clinical trials in key areas such as cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, lung, esophagus, liver and pancreas, head and neck, ovary, skin and blood. Learn more at Providence.org/ORcancer. For further information on Lunaphore contact: Lindsey Roger Lunaphore Corporate Communications Email: communications@lunaphore.com Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH) Contact: David Clair, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development david.clair@bio-techne.com 612-656-4416 Company Codes: NASDAQ-NMS:TECH