PECM Issue 15 2015 | Page 113

Pioneering research and skills A changing culture A n automated system which allows the culture of a large number of stem cells has been developed and systems worth £20.1 million sold. This was the result of research undertaken with Loughborough University where scientists looked at ways to improve the manual stem cell culture processes to enable automated therapeutic stem cell manufacturing which is regulatory compliant and hence commercially viable stem cell products. The product was launched by TAP Biosystems and has a global reach with 40% of the systems sold in Europe and 60% in the USA. Being able to manufacture stem cell based products is one of the key critical translational steps to allow therapies to reach large numbers of patients and the market for successful business investment and sector growth. To download the Growth Stories app visit www.epsrc.ac.uk/growth