BRIEF — UK military deal for stem cell specialist

A developer of stem cell technologies and regenerative medicines has been contracted by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a pilot program to develop regenerative medicines for the treatment of injuries resulting from combat or terrorism.

Plasticell will use its combinatorial stem cell screening platform, CombiCult, to develop technologies for the conversion of pluripotent stem cells into platelets that promote tissue recovery and regeneration.

Yen Choo, founder and executive chairman of the UK company, said: “This defence-related work is an extension of Plasticell’s program for manufacture of universal platelets from stem cells in vitro, to supplement or replace donor-derived material which is perishable and in short supply.

“Platelet transfusions are used in a number of medical applications but could also be used to treat individuals exposed to high levels of radiation from civilian, military or terrorist sources. In addition to their key role in blood-clotting, platelets have been shown to promote wound-healing, nerve regeneration and musculo-skeletal regeneration, all of which are especially relevant to recovery from various forms of battlefield injury.”

As part of the program, Plasticell will expand its existing collaboration on artificial platelet biology with Kings College London. The MoD’s Defence and Security Accelerator, which develops technological innovations that provide an advantage to defence and national security, will fund the research and, if successful, may provide further support through to potential applications in the front line.