upcyte technology

The use of primary cells in vitro is compromised by the limited quantity of cells that can be isolated from one donor, a lack of or very restricted proliferation capacity (e.g. hepatocytes) and/or the change from a differentiated state to an activated state (e.g. hepatic stellate cells). The use of immortalized cell lines on the other hand, is compromised by their transformed, cancerous phenotype.

Therefore, upcyte® cells are available in sufficient quantities with a consistent quality that can be used for research, screening and drug development. We can expand up to 4000 vials per cell type and donor – data from different studies can now be compared while working with the same donor. upcyte® cells have a distinct advantage over commonly used cells with respect to the virtually unlimited availability of differentiated cells.

For each product a protocol for use and a certificate of analysis will be delivered. All cells have been tested for the absence of CMV, HIV, Hepatitis B and C and microbial contaminants (fungi, bacteria and mycoplasma). upcyte® cells are genetically modified cells (GMO, genetically modified organism) classified as risk group 1 and have to be handled in a genetic engineering facility carrying out genetic engineering work at Security Level 1 (e.g. S1 lab). upcyte® hepatocytes and upcyte® Endothelial Cells are officially classified as risk group 1 organisms by the German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) and the Central Committee on Biological Safety (ZKBS). For further information please use the following link and enter “upcyte” in the search box.

Nevertheless, the cells – like all products of human origin – should be handled as potentially infectious. No test procedure can completely guarantee the absence of infectious agents.