Transposagen and Cellular Dynamics International Cross-License Technologies for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Transposagen), a leader in genetic modification technology, announced today that it has entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with Cellular Dynamics International (CDI), the world's largest producer of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines and tissue cells for drug discovery and safety.

The license agreement allows CDI to use Transposagen's piggyBac technology in the creation of its products. The piggyBac technology is a highly versatile non-viral method for genetic engineering and stable transgene expression. "We are pleased to be partnering with CDI," said Dr. Eric Ostertag, President and CEO of Transposagen. "Like Transposagen, their products are revolutionizing the drug discovery process."

"CDI is committed to providing human cells derived from iPS cells in the quality, purity, and quantity required by customers, enabling them to concentrate on generating reliable, reproducible, and predictive data and not on creating the cells themselves," said Bob Palay, CDI CEO and chairman of the board. "Toward that end, CDI continues to seek and license in useful technologies, such as piggyBac, that may help improve our manufacturing capabilities." In addition to its iCell™ Cardiomyocytes product line, CDI is planning to launch hepatocytes, neurons, and endothelial cells in the next year.  

The two companies have also agreed to a research and development collaboration.  Transposagen was granted a research license to any cell or product developed by CDI that uses piggyBac for its creation.  Transposagen, the worldwide leader in genetically modified rats, may use CDI's cells to develop "humanized rats," rats that contain organs predominantly consisting of human-derived cells.  Transposagen is developing products expected to improve drug discovery and development by more accurately predicting human response to potential therapeutics at the pre-clinical stage.

About Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals

Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., a Lexington, KY based company, is the worldwide leader in the creation of unique genetically modified rat models.  The company's signature products, TKO™ Knockout Rat Models and TGEM™ Rat Models, mimic human diseases and are used for drug discovery and development research. The company also creates custom transgenic rat models to customer specifications. For more information or to request a custom rat model, visit www.transposagenbio.com.

About Cellular Dynamics International, Inc.

Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. (CDI) is a leading developer and marketer of next-generation stem cell technologies for drug development and personalized medicine applications. CDI harnesses the power of pluripotent stem cells and their ability to differentiate into any cell type for world-class drug development tools. In addition, it is the leader in iPSC technology, the production of pluripotent stem cell lines from adult tissue. CDI was founded in 2004 by Dr. James Thomson, a pioneer in human embryonic stem cells from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Tactics II Ventures, a Wisconsin-based private equity fund. CDI's facilities are located in Madison, Wisconsin.  See www.cellulardynamics.com.

SOURCE Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.