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STEMCELL Technologies helps sequence COVID-19

STEMCELL Technologies Inc.

Canadian biotechnology company STEMCELL Technologies has provided critical support to sequence the coronavirus, accelerating vaccine development

8 Apr 2020
Tom Casburn
Associate Editor

Industry news

Canada’s largest biotechnology company, Vancouver’s STEMCELL Technologies, has been making significant contributions to the fight against COVID-19.

Human tissue culture systems developed by STEMCELL were used by researchers at China’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to grow lung airway cells that could successfully propagate the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Scientists were then able to isolate the virus, obtain the viral gene sequence, and quickly make the data available to researchers globally. This viral gene sequence is essential for increasing our understanding of the virus, accelerating vaccine development. STEMCELL is now supporting this groundbreaking research by providing COVID-19 researchers in China with complimentary cell culture media and ongoing technical support from in-house scientists.

“I was very proud when I first heard that our China CDC customer isolated and identified the novel coronavirus using the PneumaCult™ media that my team developed,” said Dr. Juan Hou, senior scientist at STEMCELL Technologies. “It took researchers 3 months to identify the SARS virus 17 years ago. This time the virus was isolated, sequenced, and published within weeks! As a scientist, it is deeply fulfilling that my team was able to support China's novel coronavirus investigation and the research team at the China CDC to help resolve this pandemic.”

In the coming weeks, STEMCELL’s products will play a critical role in enabling researchers to develop treatments for COVID-19. STEMCELL is committed to developing additional advanced cell culture systems for modeling various lung cell types, which will provide a deeper understanding of the infection method of respiratory viruses. These human cell culture systems will provide access to fundamental information in virology, both accelerating the discovery of effective treatments and vaccines, as well as enhancing the ability to be prepared with rapid-response systems in the case of future outbreaks.

“At STEMCELL, we are scientists helping scientists,” explained Dr. Allen Eaves, founder, president and CEO of STEMCELL Technologies. “We work collaboratively alongside researchers around the world as partners in their research programs. We are both thrilled and humbled to be able to support the effort to combat this global crisis and are committed to continuing our support to prevent this from happening again.”

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Cell / Tissue CultureCell culture or tissue culture is used to study the biology of cells or tissues and to isolate cellular products in an environment which can be manipulated and well defined. Accurately control your culture environment with bioreactors or culture incubators, bind your cells to a surface or together with an extracellular matrix. Distinguish cell types with differential media or proliferate cells with certain characteristics using selective media. Enrich your media with supplements such as growth factors, sera and vitamins. Find the best cell and tissue culture products, kits and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Vaccine DevelopmentVaccine development focuses on creating immunizations to protect against infectious diseases. The process involves identifying antigens, developing and testing vaccine efficacy, and ensuring safety through preclinical testing and multiple clinical trial phases. Scientists use various approaches, including weakened or inactivated viruses, protein subunits, or mRNA. Advanced platforms and rapid diagnostic tools aid in vaccine research and testing. Explore vaccine development solutions in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, read reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers. Cell CultureCell culture involves growing cells under controlled conditions, typically outside of their natural environment, to study cellular behavior, drug response, and disease models. Cell culture is crucial in biotechnology and biomedical research. Explore cell culture products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.CoronavirusCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like COVID-19. Research into the biology, transmission, and treatment of coronaviruses has become a global priority, particularly since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the virus�s structure and behavior is essential for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and antiviral treatments. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the latest research tools, diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments for coronavirus, compare products, read reviews, and receive pricing directly from manufacturers.

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STEMCELL Technologies helps sequence COVID-19