An Overview and Summary of all Cellular Therapy Reagents and Assays from Preferred Cell Systems™

 
Assay/Reagent Family Assay Name Description Variations Availability as:
         
Growth Medium HemoGro™ Base, serum-free medium for all instrument-based assays   100mL and 500mL
         
Cell Expansion Media CellExpand™ Lympho-hematopoietic cell expansion reagents For multiple cell populations  40mL ready-to-use reagents
         
HALO® Assays     STEMpredict™     3-day stem cell triage quality assay     96- or 384-well assay Standardized ATP bioluminescence
  HALO® QC Cell processing quality control assay 1 or 2 stem cell assay 96-well, standardized ATP bioluminescence
  HALO® SC-IPS Cell potency assay 2 stem cell assay 96-well, standardized ATP bioluminescence
  HALO® TE Time to Engraftment assay     Eythroid and/or granulocyte and/or platelet 96-well, standardized ATP bioluminescence
  HALO® PMT Patient Monitoring after Transplantation 4-Population
5-Population
7-Population		 96-well, standardized ATP bioluminescence
         
HemoGLO™ Assays HemoGLO™ PCA Progenitor Cell Assays 96-well ATP bioluminescence (optional standardization)
  HemoGLO™ TE Time to Engraftment assay Eythroid and/or granulocyte and/or platelet 96-well, ATP bioluminescence with optional standardization
  HemoGLO™ PMT
Patient Monitoring after Transplantation
4-Population
5-Population
7-Population		 96-well, ATP bioluminescence with optional standardization
         
HemoFLUOR™ Assays HemoFLUOR™ PCA Progenitor Cell Assays 96-well Fluorescence 
  HemoFLUOR™ TE Time to Engraftment assay Eythroid and/or granulocyte and/or platelet 96-well, fluorescence
  HemoFLUOR™ PMT
Patient Monitoring after Transplantation
4-Population
5-Population
7-Population		 96-well, fluorescence
  MultiCellGro™ Detection of hematopoietic progenitor cells   96-well, fluorescence
         
Cell Differentiation Media HemaFlo™ Differentiation assay to replace CFU assay Erythroid, granulocyte/macrophage, platelet Detection by flow cytometry
         
HemoLIGHT™ Assays HemoLIGHT™ PCA Progenitor Cell Assays 96-well Absorbance 
  HemoLIGHT™ TE Time to Engraftment assay Eythroid and/or granulocyte and/or platelet 96-well, absorbance
  HemoLIGHT™ PMT
Patient Monitoring after Transplantation
4-Population
5-Population
7-Population		 96-well, absorbance

 

Transition of Preferred Cell Systems™: A New Era in Hematopoietic Research and Cellular Therapy

From Colony-Forming Assays to Instrument-Based Assays

In the realm of scientific research, precision and reproducibility are paramount. The legitimacy of scientific findings hinges on the accuracy and repeatability of the assays employed. This principle is especially critical in the fields of hematopoietic research and cellular therapy, where the stakes are high and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries is immense. Recognizing this imperative, Preferred Cell Systems™ has made a transformative decision to cease offering its traditional colony-forming assays and reagents as of January 1st, 2025. Instead, the company has embraced its proprietary, non-biased, instrument-based assays, heralding a new era in the study and application of hematopoietic and cellular therapies.

The Rationale for Change

The decision to pivot from colony-forming assays to instrument-based assays was not made lightly. It was driven by several compelling factors that underscore the need for more advanced and reliable methodologies.

Inherent Limitations of Colony-Forming Assays

Colony-forming assays have long been a staple in hematopoietic research. These assays involve culturing hematopoietic cells in a semi-solid medium to allow the formation of colonies, which are then counted to assess the cells' differentiation potential. Despite their widespread use, colony-forming assays are susceptible to several limitations:
  • Subjectivity: The interpretation of colony-forming assays can be highly subjective, with variations in colony counting and classification among different researchers.
  • Variability: These assays are prone to variability due to differences in culture conditions, reagents, and operator techniques.
  • Time-Consuming: Colony-forming assays require extended incubation periods, up to 14 or more days, delaying the acquisition of results.

The Advantages of Instrument-Based Assays

Instrument-based assays, in contrast, offer a host of benefits that address the shortcomings of colony-forming assays:
  • Objectivity: These assays leverage automated instrumentation to provide unbiased, consistent measurements, eliminating subjective interpretation.
  • Precision: Instrument-based assays deliver high precision and reproducibility, ensuring reliable and trustworthy data.
  • Efficiency: These assays significantly reduce the time required to obtain results, accelerating the pace of research and decision-making.

Preferred Cell Systems™' Proprietary Instrument-Based Assays

Preferred Cell Systems™ has developed a suite of proprietary instrument-based assays specifically designed for hematopoietic research and cellular therapy. These innovative assays represent a significant advancement in the field, offering enhanced accuracy and reproducibility.

Key Features and Benefits

The proprietary instrument-based assays from Preferred Cell Systems™ incorporate cutting-edge technology and are optimized for a range of applications:
  • Non-Biased Measurements: The assays utilize automated systems to ensure non-biased data collection, minimizing human error and variability.
  • High Throughput: Capable of processing large sample volumes, these assays facilitate high-throughput screening and analysis, expediting research workflows.
  • Comprehensive Data Insights: The advanced instrumentation provides detailed and comprehensive data insights, enabling researchers to make informed decisions and draw robust conclusions.

Applications in Hematopoietic Research

In hematopoietic research, the proprietary instrument-based assays are poised to revolutionize the study of blood and bone marrow cells. Key applications include:
  • Stem Cell Characterization: Accurate identification, characterization and regulation of hematopoietic stem cells, critical for understanding their role in blood formation and regeneration.
  • Drug Screening: High-throughput screening of potential therapeutics for hematopoietic, immune and other disorders, accelerating the discovery of new treatments.
  • Functional Analysis: Detailed functional analysis of hematopoietic cells, providing insights into their behavior and response to various stimuli.

Advancements in Cellular Therapy

Cellular therapy is a rapidly evolving field that stands to benefit immensely from the adoption of instrument-based assays. Key advancements include:
  • Quality and Potency Control: Rigorous quality and potency control of cellular products, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and consistency for therapeutic use.
  • Process Optimization: Enhanced process optimization for the expansion and differentiation of therapeutic cells, improving the efficiency of cell manufacturing.
  • Patient-Specific Therapies: Development of patient-specific cellular therapies, tailored to individual needs and conditions, enhancing treatment outcomes.

The Future of Hematopoietic Research and Cellular Therapy

The transition to instrument-based assays marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Preferred Cell Systems™ and underscores the company's commitment to advancing scientific research and clinical applications. By providing researchers and clinicians with more accurate, reliable, and efficient tools, Preferred Cell Systems™ is paving the way for new breakthroughs in hematopoietic research and cellular therapy.

Commitment to Innovation and Excellence

Preferred Cell Systems™ remains steadfast in its dedication to innovation and excellence. The company's investment in proprietary instrument-based assays reflects a proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities in the field. As the scientific community continues to explore the complexities of hematopoietic and cellular biology, Preferred Cell Systems™ is positioned to support and drive these efforts with cutting-edge solutions.

Supporting Researchers and Clinicians

The adoption of instrument-based assays is not only a technological advancement but also a strategic move to support researchers and clinicians in their pursuit of excellence. Preferred Cell Systems™ is committed to providing comprehensive support, including technical assistance, and collaborative opportunities, to ensure the successful integration and utilization of these advanced assays.

Conclusion

The decision by Preferred Cell Systems™ to transition from colony-forming assays to proprietary instrument-based assays represents a forward-thinking approach to advancing hematopoietic research and cellular therapy. By embracing technology that ensures accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency, the company is setting new standards in the field and empowering researchers and clinicians to achieve greater success. As we look to the future, Preferred Cell Systems™ will continue to lead the way in innovation, excellence, and support for the scientific community.