McEwen Stem Cell Institute at the University Health Network (UHN) is a global leader in stem cell research and regenerative medicine
Vancouver, BC, Canada - November 30, 2021 - Aspect Biosystems, a biotechnology company pioneering the development of bioprinted cell therapies as medicines of the future, is pleased to announce a research agreement with the University Health Network (UHN). Through this collaboration, Aspect Biosystems will combine its bioprinting technology with UHN’s protocols for differentiating stem cells into hepatocytes with the goal of developing bioprinted cell therapies for multiple genetic and acquired liver diseases. The agreement provides Aspect Biosystems an option to commercialize the technology as well as the methods of differentiating stem cells into hepatocytes.
UHN is Canada’s largest research hospital and includes the McEwen Stem Cell Institute: a recognized leader in stem cell research and regenerative medicine with an aim to unleash the potential for stem cell therapies. UHN is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.“I’m very excited to start this collaboration with Aspect Biosystems,” said Dr. Shinichiro Ogawa, Assistant Professor at University of Toronto, Affiliate Scientist and Director of the Liver Regeneration Program at the McEwen Stem Cell Institute. “As a former liver transplant surgeon in Japan, I absolutely see the potential for the development of implantable stem cell-derived liver tissues to treat a variety of acute and chronic liver conditions as an alternative to liver transplant. I believe that working with Aspect’s unique bioprinting technology will enable us to manufacture functional liver tissues at a scale necessary to treat patients.”
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Dr. Shinichiro Ogawa and his team at the McEwen Stem Cell Institute, a Canadian global leader in regenerative medicine,” said Tamer Mohamed, CEO of Aspect Biosystems. “By combining their cutting-edge advances in hepatic stem cell research with our bioprinting technology, we will be that much closer to making a real difference for patients suffering from genetic and acquired liver diseases.”
About McEwen Stell Cell Institute
Since 2007, the McEwen Stem Cell Institute has been a recognized leader in stem cell research and regenerative medicine with an aim to unleash the potential for stem cell therapies.
Made possible through the generosity of Rob and Cheryl McEwen, the McEwen Stem Cell Institute brings scientists, investors and philanthropists together. Part of the University Health Network, the institute collaborates with research institutions around the globe and have forged ground-breaking partnerships to move theory to therapy.
About Aspect Biosystems
Aspect Biosystems is a biotechnology company creating bioprinted therapeutics as medicines of the future. Aspect is applying its microfluidic 3D bioprinting technology internally to develop these advanced cell therapies and partnering with leading researchers and industry innovators worldwide to tackle the biggest challenges in regenerative medicine. Learn more at www.aspectbiosystems.com.
Contact
Natalie Korenic
Aspect Biosystems
+1-604-263-0502
media@aspectbiosystems.com