Axxam S.p.A., a provider of integrated drug discovery services across life sciences industries, and Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics Inc., a developer and manufacturer of human induced pluripotent stem  cell (hiPSC) models and therapies, have announced 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 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.
 
“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,” commented Stefan Lohmer, chief executive officer of Axxam. “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., added, “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.”