Abcellute’s lead product is the SureTran™ hepatocyte. Hepatocytes supplied in SureTran™ media maximise the shelf-life and utilisation of fresh hepatocytes thereby providing the biomedical researchers with a high quality, reliable and convenient research tool

SureTran™ hepatocytes

The hepatocyte has been adopted by biomedical researchers as a way of avoiding whole-animal testing during the “pre-clinical” stage of new drug development. Hepatocytes are used predominantly to predict the potential toxicity of new drugs when introduced into man in a clinical trial. The drug metabolising enzymes contained within the cell are monitored for dynamic changes during activation with a new drug candidate.

The key constraint in the adoption of the hepatotoxicity models is the use of fresh cells. A number of Pharmaceutical companies and Contract Research Organisations (CROs) are committed to the regular (in some cases, daily) procurement of fresh liver cells. The cryopreserved hepatocyte has been introduced as a possible alternative. Whilst there is significant reduction in the waste of unused cells, the cryopreserved cell does not provide a full profile of drug metabolising enzymes, particularly in Phase II metabolism. Hence cryopreserved cells are an unsatisfactory vehicle for the safe evaluation of toxicity.

The provision of hepatocytes in Abcellute’s SureTran™ transport media offers the first effective solution to the needs of this industry. The retention of total cell integrity and full profile of drug metabolising enzymes for 5 days after preparation significantly reduces the complexity associated with hepatocyte procurement and supply. The preparation provides a fully investigative and secure toxicity model and makes a significant contribution to decreasing the wastage currently seen in animal and human hepatocyte testing. Abcellute is fully aligned with the vision of the NC3Rs, the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research, which was established by the UK Government as an independent scientific organisation committed to reducing the use of animals in science.

Current Product Range

The SureTran™ technology has now been successfully applied to a comprehensive range of hepatocytes that are used in biomedical research. Our products are now routinely used by Pharmaceutical and Contract Research Organisations worldwide. Human hepatocytes are supplied by our sister Company, Abcellute Tissue Bank.

New applications

Abcellute is currently exploring the applicability of the SureTran™ technology in the following areas:

  • The provision of other cells that are used in new drug discovery, such as the heart and kidneys;
  • The development of cell-based assays that require or would benefit from fresh cells; and
  • The transport and shelf-life extension of whole organs or parts thereof that are used in surgical procedures

If you are interested in discussing potential collaborative opportunities please contact us.

Testimonials

“At Day 4 after preservation, all characteristics of preserved hepatocytes were comparable to that of freshly isolated cells, including Viability, ATP activity, Phase I and Phase II Biotransformation activity and Hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide and aflatoxin B1.” (major pharma evaluation)

“Even at Day 7, activities of CYP2C, 2B, Phase II enzymes and the potential of detecting CP-induced hepatotoxicity were retained.” (Evaluation by major Japanese pharma company)