Axiogenesis AG and Pluriomics B.V. are combining forces to form Ncardia, the new global authority in cardiac and neural applications of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Founded in 2001, Axiogenesis AG has Cologne (DE) and Philadelphia (USA) facilities, while Pluriomics B.V. has facilities in Gosselies (BE) and Leiden (NL). By entering into this merger, these European leaders will become the global leader in hiPSC drug discovery and development field, making Ncardia the partner of choice for scientists conducting cardiovascular and neural safety and efficacy projects.
By combining their global client base, the merger of Axiogenesis and Pluriomics will position Ncardia as a leader in standardized, validated iPSC assays for safety, phenotypic screening and disease modelling. For scientists conducting cardiovascular and neural safety and efficacy projects, Ncardia will provide tools to facilitate accelerated development of drugs, while replacing animal studies and putting a “human” aspect back into drug discovery.
According to Felix Haniel, VP Business Development & Sales of Ncardia: “Our vision is to develop products and services that are a complete solution. We will produce human iPSC derived cardiovascular and neuronal cell types and realize validated electrophysiology, biochemistry and contraction based assays. By combining over two decades of experience, Ncardia will offer iPSC assays for safety pharmacology, toxicology testing, drug efficacy screening, phenotypic screening, and disease modelling.”
Founded in 2001 as a spin-off of the University of Cologne, Axiogenesis initially focused on generating mouse embryonic stem cell derived cells and assays. After Yamanaka’s groundbreaking iPSC technology became available, Axiogenesis was the first European company to license and adopt Yamanaka’s iPSC technology in 2010. Now Axiogenesis specializes in human induced pluripotent stem cell products, including in vitro models of healthy and diseased cell types and tissues. In 2014, Axiogenesis founded its American subsidiary in Philadelphia, PA. [Read more…]