Hadassah, provider of "Regulatory-Ready" pluripotent clinical-grade stem cell banks.

The Hadassah hESC Research Center's aim is to be a supplier of clinical and research-grade human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines. In 2012, we derived the first three entirely GMP-compliant and xeno-free, fully-characterised, feeder-dependent (human umbilical cord) hESC lines developed under cleanroom conditions. In 2018, we established four new GMP and xeno-free, feeder-independent MCB hESCs under GMP conditions using commercially available reagents, media and matrix. All cell lines were derived under Israeli Ministry of Health's National Ethics Committee for Genetic Research in Humans and the ethical considerations that guided the development of the hESCs strictly followed Israeli law. Hadassah has provided its clinical-grade hESC lines to commercial entities of which two are already in clinical trials, establishing Hadassah as a key provider of clinical-grade hESC lines.

Derivation of xeno-free and GMP-grade human embryonic stem cells--platforms for future clinical applications.

Clinically compliant human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) should be developed in adherence to ethical standards, without risk of contamination by adventitious agents. Here we developed for the first time animal-component free and good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant hESCs. After vendor and raw material qualification, we derived xeno-free, GMP-grade feeders from umbilical cord tissue, and utilized them within a novel, xeno-free hESC culture system. We derived and characterized three hESC lines in adherence to regulations for embryo procurement, and good tissue, manufacturing and laboratory practices. To minimize freezing and thawing, we continuously expanded the lines from initial outgrowths and samples were cryopreserved as early stocks and banks. Batch release criteria included DNA-fingerprinting and HLA-typing for identity, characterization of pluripotency-associated marker expression, proliferation, karyotyping and differentiation in-vitro and in-vivo. These hESCs may be valuable for regenerative therapy. The ethical, scientific and regulatory methodology presented here may serve for development of additional clinical-grade hESCs.

Stable genetic modification of human embryonic stem cells by lentiviral vectors.

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of the early preimplantation embryo. An efficient strategy for stable genetic modification of hES cells may be highly valuable for manipulating the cells in vitro and may promote the study of hES cell biology, human embryogenesis, and the development of cell-based therapies. Here, we demonstrate that vectors derived from self-inactivating (SIN) human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are efficient tools for stable genetic modification of hES cells. Transduction of hES cells by a modified vector derived from SIN HIV-1 and containing the woodchuck hepatitis regulatory element (WPRE) and the central polypurine tract (cPPT) sequence facilitated stable transgene expression during prolonged (38 weeks) undifferentiated proliferation in vitro. Southern blot analysis revealed that the viral vector had integrated into the host cells' DNA. Transgene expression was maintained throughout differentiation into progeny of all three germ layers both in vitro and in vivo in teratomas. Thus, the transduced hES cells retained the capability for self-renewal and their pluripotent potential. Genetic modification of hES cells by lentiviral vectors provides a powerful tool for basic and applied research in the area of human ES cells.