The Waisman Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility at UW-Madison received an $8.8 million contract award from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The grant will help fund innovative stem-cell production technology in laboratories and clinical trials.
Derek Hei, biochemical engineer and technical director of the Waisman facility on campus, anticipates a greater understanding of the technical issues inherent in moving stem cells into the clinic.
An advantage, Hei said, in successfully manufacturing cells is the creation of matched research banks that allow researchers to work more efficiently and effectively without having to shift from one cell line to another. The differences between cell lines are seen at the genetic level, making it extremely important for investigators to work with the same cell line when taking research to clinical trials.
Such biological therapies require strict procedures. The facility is highly pressurized and equipped with air filters and working personnel must be completely covered in specialized clothing. These precautions must be taken because, if contaminated, there is no way to sterilize the cells at the end.
Timothy Kamp, director of UW-Madison's Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, said,""This highly competitive award recognizes the outstanding expertise in cell therapy of Derek Hei and his team… This grant reflects UW's continued commitment to bring the power of stem cell biology to exciting new therapies.""
In discussing the challenges ahead, Dei stressed the need for patience.
""It's going to be 10-15 years-plus before we have all the details worked out and stem cells are really going to reach their full potential.""
