Read insights from policy, academia, and industry. These blogs explore why the transition to human-specific research is accelerating, the importance of reproducibility, and how iPSC-derived cells are being used to improve drug discovery outcomes.

• Raising the bar for reproducibility in stem-cell based research: Standards, best practices, and programmed cells as a potential solution
• “When, not if” for animal-free science - WC13 reflections
• FDA’s landmark decision to phase out animal testing | A new era for drug discovery and human cell models
• Primary cells vs. cell lines: Is it not time for something better?
• Cell-based drug discovery: Why human iPSC-derived models are gaining ground

Funding opportunities to support the reduction and replacement of animal research across the UK, Europe, the US and Canada.

No, a standard 37^oC, 5% CO₂ incubator works fine. You will need to incorporate strict rules for cleanliness and humidity management, as iPSC-derived cells can be in culture for a long time (weeks to months). 

Cleanliness 

• Antimicrobial surfaces: An incubator with a solid copper interior is highly preferred. Copper has natural contact-killing properties that continuously suppress bacterial and fungal growth.
• Decontamination cycles: Look for models with a High-Heat Sterilisation cycle (typically 140^oC to 180^oC). You should run this cycle before starting a new culture to ensure a 'sterile baseline.'

Humidity management

Because these cultures stay in the incubator for long periods, even tiny amounts of evaporation can be fatal.

• Salt spikes: As water evaporates from your media, the concentration of salts and minerals increases (increasing osmolarity). Neurons are incredibly sensitive to this and will stop firing or detach.

To prevent increased osmolarity, ensure your incubator has a high-quality water pan (using sterile, ultra-pure water with an antimicrobial additive like Aquaguard) and minimise door-opening frequency to keep humidity at 95%.

The cell must be store in liquid nitrogen. 

Never store iPSC-derived cells in a -80^oC freezer for longer than 24 hours. Even a "stable" -80^oC can fluctuate, causing microscopic ice recrystallisation that kills post-mitotic cells.

The vapour phase of liquid nitrogen (-150^oC to -190^oC) is preferred over immersion to avoid the rare risk of "exploding vials" or cross-contamination through the vial caps.

Containment Level: Commercial human iPSC-derived cells are handled under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) containment. Even if the cells are "commercial," human-derived materials are treated as potentially infectious for bloodborne pathogens.

Cabinet Requirements: All cell handling, such as thawing, culture, and dissociation, should be performed in a Class II biological safety cabinet.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, lab coats, and gloves must be worn to prevent exposure to skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.