CA21151 - GENERATION OF HUMAN INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELLS FROM HAPLO-SELECTED CORD BLOOD SAMPLES (HAPLO-iPS)

HAPLO-iPS aims to create a collaborative network to provide a framework for hiPSC generation of hiPSC homozygous for frequent HLA haplotypes, compatible with a significant percentage of the population to be used for cell therapy clinical trials and to create a data collection system (REGISTRY) for such lines.

HAPLO-iPS will establish an European-based excellence network on hiPSC-derived cell-based medicines that not only will boost the state-of-the-art of this research field if not will also contribute to Europe worldleadership through the medical, scientific, economic, and social development of Europe and strengthening
Europe’s competitiveness capacities. This network includes all the relevant stakeholders: hiPSC generation/banking centres, CB banks that will supply cord blood units; manufacturing centres (GMP complying), immunology experts, chemistry and manufacturing controls, regulatory bodies, National Agencies, and ethics experts. The challenge will be approached essentially by networking with all the stakeholders involved sharing knowledge, standardizing methodology and developing an educational training programme for researchers.

HAPLO-iPS is also promoting the participation of researchers from less research-intensive countries as a significant percentage of the members are from ITC countries. ITC participants will have access to research facilities, training courses, mentoring of ITC young researchers and will participate spreading excellence and widening participation programme. Furthermore, Key leadership positions in the Action Management are reserved to COST ITC.

Overall, this proposal will pioneer new approaches that will foster the progress of a haplo-selected hiPS generation of therapeutics by the development, implementation and exploitation of a registry with all the information for the benefit of patients.