Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. (‘CDI’), a recently acquired business arm of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (OTC:FUJIY) , launched a new venture, ‘Opsis Therapeutics’. The move is in sync with Fujifilm’s aim to underpin regenerative medicine business over time.
Formed on Jul 31, 2016, Opsis Therapeutics would be focusing on inventing and developing medicines to restore vision to patients suffering from variable retinal diseases. The venture is in partnership with David Gamm, M.D., Ph.D. and is aimed at developing novel cell therapeutic programs. Gamm is a global leader and pioneer in the transplantation and differentiation of iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell)-based retinal cells.
Cellular Dynamics has expertise in the creation and development of iPSC-derived cell therapeutics. In partnership with Opsis Therapeutics, CDI aims to expand its cGMP iPSC bank for reinforcing its therapeutics pipeline. This would aid in the creation of first-in-class cell therapies, required for the treatment of various retinal diseases.
Fujifilm Regenerative Medicine Business
Fujifilm offers diversified categories of products in the market. In order to sustain or boost market competency, premium technology companies, like Fujifilm, Photronics Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAB) , Xerox Corporation (NYSE:XRX) and Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) , undertake incessant efforts to solidify or widen their existing product portfolios.
In Mar 2015, Fujifilm acquired CDI for roughly $307 million. This investment was made by the company to fortify its regenerative medicine business. Cellular Dynamics has formed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the U.S. National Eye Institute for developing medicines required for the treatment of retinal degenerative disease. We perceive that CDI’s new partnership venture will further strengthen its iPSC-derived cell therapeutics solutions’ expertise.
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