Sekisui XenoTech expands test systems with rodent, monkey hepatocytes
CryostaX hepatocytes are liver cells prepared using a patented process to produce cryopreserved cell pellets. According to the contract research organization (CRO), the single-freeze preparation process increases convenience for researchers, provides flexible pooling options, and minimizes freeze-thaw injury to the cells.
Sekisui XenoTech explained that a customer comment helped influence the decision to expand CryostaX beyond human hepatocytes: “Whoa, I love the cryo pellets. That really takes the 'art' out of thawing. You guys should do that with all of your cryo, I'm not kidding.”
The pooled Sprague-Dawley rat hepatocytes became available in July and CD-1 mouse hepatocytes were released this week. Cynomolgus monkey hepatocytes are expected in October.
“We’re excited about the convenience our CryostaX hepatocytes offer for our customers. We have hepatocytes available from numerous species in many formats to fit the needs of different types of research, but the patented, unique format of CryostaX is truly a game-changer for the increased efficiency and greater utility they provide for drug development,” Dr. Chris Bohl, global technical support manager, told us.
Sekisui XenoTech hired in record numbers last year and anticipates 10% or higher growth to continue over the next couple of years fueled by demand for drug-drug interaction studies.
As per the company’s CryostaX hepatocytes, CEO Toshinari Ohara, PhD, told us that requests have increased following a recently awarded cryopreservation patent.
In addition to hiring new employees, the company has also been focusing on ongoing training and career advancement for its existing staff, as it experiences an increasing demand for its products and services.
Geographically, the company has seen the most sales growth over the last year in North America – a trend which it expects to continue in 2018.
