EMD Millipore Launches Simplicon RNA Reprogramming Technology For Efficient Generation Of Virus-Free iPSCs

• Enables easier reprogramming using a single transfection step
• Creates integration- and virus-free induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
• Allows controlled elimination of reprogramming factors

EMD Millipore, the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, recently launched Simplicon RNA Reprogramming Technology, which uses synthetic self-replicating RNA to create large numbers of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using a single transfection step. This efficient reprogramming of somatic cells is accomplished without viral intermediates or host genome integration, offering a more defined and safer system for iPSC generation.

"For stem cell researchers using iPSCs to study disease, differentiation and regenerative medicine, there's a real need for a reprogramming method that's as efficient as virus-based techniques yet as safe as non-viral methods," said Christophe Couturier, Head of Bioscience, EMD Millipore. "Simplicon technology meets this need, with a single-transfection protocol that's significantly easier than other approaches."

The Simplicon RNA Reprogramming Technology uses a single synthetic, polycistronic self-replicating RNA strand engineered to mimic cellular RNA. The RNA strand contains the four reprogramming factors, OCT-4, KLF-4, SOX-2 and GLIS1, and enables the creation of integration- and virus-free iPSCs using only one transfection step. Once the cells are generated, the RNA and reprogramming factors can easily be eliminated from the cell culture medium in a controlled manner.

EMD Millipore is launching the Simplicon RNA Reprogramming Technology at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) annual meeting being held June 18-21 in Vancouver, Canada. Attendees can learn more about the technology at the following ISSCR events:

• Innovation Showcase: Virus-free, Efficient Reprogramming Using a Single Transfection of a Synthetic, Polycistronic Self-Replicating RNA
  • Friday, June 20; 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
  • Vi Chu, Ph.D., Manager II, R&D, Stem Cells/Cell Biology
  • West Ballroom C/D
• Poster Presentation: Single Transfection of a Synthetic Polycistronic Self-Replicative RNA with Small Molecules Yields High Numbers of Human iPSCs
  • Thursday, June 19; 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
  • Min Lu, R&D Scientist III
  • Poster T2155

For more information, visit www.emdmillipore.com/simplicon.

About EMD Millipore
EMD Millipore is the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of Germany and offers a broad range of innovative, performance products, services and business relationships that enable our customers' success in research, development and production of biotech and pharmaceutical drug therapies. Through dedicated collaboration on new scientific and engineering insights, and as one of the top three R&D investors in the Life Science Tools industry, EMD Millipore serves as a strategic partner to customers and helps advance the promise of life science.

Headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts, the division has around 10,000 employees, operations in 66 countries and 2013 revenues of €2.6B. EMD Millipore is known as Merck Millipore outside of the U.S. and Canada.