Bio-Techne Releases GMP ROCK Inhibitor and CHIR 99021

Bio-Techne has further added to its cell therapy portfolio by expanding the range of Tocris Bioscience-branded cGMP small molecules to include the commonly used stem cell compounds, Y-27632 (ROCK inhibitor) and CHIR 99021. Y-27632 is a ROCK inhibitor used in stem cell cryopreservation, expansion and differentiation protocols to enhance stem cell survival and viability. CHIR 99021 is a GSK-3 inhibitor commonly used in various small molecule cocktails designed for the reprogramming of adult cells into iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into functional cells such as neurons.

Sean Kevlahan, Senior Director of Cell and Gene Therapy at Bio-Techne, commented, “We are proud to be the first company to offer cGMP ROCK inhibitor and CHIR 99021, as these are important compounds for the future of stem cell therapy manufacturing. We are looking forward to launching these small molecules this December at the ‘Translation of Stem Cells to the Clinic’ Symposium in Los Angeles, where our full cell and gene therapy portfolio will be on display.” 

Tocris-branded cGMP small molecules have been developed following a quality system based on guidelines from ICH Q7 and specifications from USP <1043> and are recommended for use as ancillary reagents (raw materials) in the further manufacturing of cell therapies. The use of cGMP reagents early in the manufacturing process is highly advantageous, as it eases the cell therapy transition from bench to clinic by preventing the need to switch to cGMP at a later stage, when the cost of change is higher, and the freedom of change is lower.

Dave Eansor, President of Bio-Techne’s Protein Sciences Segment, also commented, “We are excited to expand our range of cGMP small molecules to support cell therapy manufacturing worldwide. This is a prime example of how Bio-Techne continues to lead the way in the production of innovative cGMP reagents for cell therapy manufacture and development.”

About Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH)

CONTACT: Dave Eansor, President, Protein Sciences Segment, 612-379-2956