WiCell

2025 was a year of significant momentum for stem cell research and translational medicine. At WiCell, this progress was marked by our first full year of operations in our dedicated cGMP laboratory, the continued expansion of our stem cell catalog, and the addition of new capabilities like our oncopanel assay focused on genomic integrity and start-to-clinic readiness.

As we look toward 2026, our focus remains on providing the starting materials, characterization services, and continuity required for your research.

Read the recap of our 2025 milestones and a look at where we're headed for the coming year in the year-end blog from our CEO, Robert Drape.

WiCell’s 2025 Year in Review » WiCell WiCell provides the stem cell community with high-quality cell lines as well as accurate and reliable characterization testing.

Happy Stem Cell Awareness Day / International Stem Cell Day! This day, always on the 2nd Wednesday in October, is a day marked to raise awareness of and celebrate the incredible potential of stem cell research in translational medicine and new drug discovery. It is an opportunity to educate the public about the potential of stem cells in research and dispel myths around their use.

Last week—on Pluripotency Day (OCT4/October 4, just four days ago!)—we kicked off a month of appreciation for the scientists doing this work. To support ongoing projects, we’re offering 15% off our pluripotency and undifferentiated status assays through October. Mention OCT4 when requesting a quote to receive the discount: https://hubs.la/Q03MM_KY0

For over 25 years, WiCell has been a proud leader in the supply and testing of ESCs and iPSCs. Today, we join the research community as a whole in celebrating the bright future of stem cell research in advancing cures and improving lives.

Happy Stem Cell Awareness Day!!! 🎉🔬

Happy (early) !!! Technically Pluripotency day is October 4 (OCT-4)...but we thought we would celebrate a day early—OCT-3/4!

What started as a playful nod to a transcription factor essential for maintaining the undifferentiated state has grown into an annual celebration of stem cell pluripotency.

October 4th, now recognized as "Pluripotency Day", gives the stem cell community a chance to recognize the positive impact of pluripotent stem cell research on healthcare.

Check out our latest blog to learn the story behind OCT4 and how it became synonymous with Pluripotency Day:
https://hubs.la/Q03M7S710

We also decided that this year, in celebration, we would offer 15% off both our pluripotency and undifferentiated status assays for the entire month of October. Just mention Oct-4 when requesting a quote!

Happy OCT-3/4!

From Oct(ober) 4 to OCT4: The Story Behind Pluripotency Day » WiCell WiCell provides the stem cell community with high-quality cell lines as well as accurate and reliable characterization testing.

The wait is almost over! begins tomorrow in Hong Kong, and WiCell is proud to be a bronze sponsor.

Dr. Tenneille Ludwig, Director of WiCell’s Stem Cell Bank, will be attending and participating in sessions throughout the week. If you're looking to connect and discuss how WiCell's cGMP and research grade testing and our diverse collection of over 1500 stem cell lines can help you in your research and path to the clinic, be sure to reach out through the partnering portal to meet with her.

We hope to see you there!

We’re excited to share that Dr. Tenneille Ludwig, Director of WiCell’s Stem Cell Bank, will be actively participating in multiple sessions at . If you are in Hong Kong, make sure you put these sessions on your schedule!

Clinical Trial Updates
📅 June 11 | 🕗 8:30–10:00 AM HKT | 📍 Theater 1, L1
Serving as Co-Chair, Dr. Ludwig will oversee discussions on the latest clinical breakthroughs from pivotal stem cell-based therapy trials.

Best Practices for the Translation of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Therapies
📅 June 12 | 🕗 8:30–10:00 AM HKT | 📍 Hall 3G, L3
Dr. Ludwig will be speaking in this session, focusing on the tools and technologies advancing the safety of iPSC- and ESC-derived products.

Manufacturing with Commercialization in Mind
📅 June 13 | 🕗 8:30–10:00 AM HKT | 📍 Hall 3G, L3
Dr. Ludwig will be speaking in this session, addressing strategies to bridge the gap between manufacturing processes and commercial application in stem cell therapies.

We’re proud to sponsor the Best Practices for the Translation of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Therapies session at , where ISSCR’s guide to accelerating the responsible clinical use of PSC-derived therapies will be highlighted.

WiCell supports this mission through our quality-focused testing services, including karyotyping, FISH, and STR profiling, which help confirm genomic stability and identity for clinical submissions and product characterization.

We’re honored to support best practices in stem cell research.

WiCell is excited to be a bronze sponsor of !

We’re looking forward to actively supporting the stem cell community and engaging in the conversations in Hong Kong.

If you’d like to connect during the conference, Dr. Tenneille Ludwig, Director of WiCell’s Stem Cell Bank, will be attending. Please reach out and schedule a time to meet through the conference partnering portal.

This Memorial Day, we take time to reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service. We honor their sacrifice and the lasting impact it has on the lives and freedoms of others.

From all of us at WiCell, thank you.

Preserving the integrity of your cell lines is essential to advancing your research and WiCell is here to help.

Our contract cell banking service supports ES and iPS cell line expansion, characterization, and cryopreservation under established Quality Systems.

While cell banking can be time-intensive, our team helps streamline the process so you can stay focused on your research.

Banking service includes:
-STR analysis
-Karyotyping
-Sterility
-Mycoplasma testing
-Thaw viability
-Morphology assessment

Additional testing options are available based on project needs. A Certificate of Analysis and complete final reports are provided with every bank.

Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q03nyjvK0

Last week was amazing to connect with everyone at ASGCT 2025. Thank you to those who stopped by to connect with the WiCell team. We’re proud to support the gene and cell therapy community through our trusted testing services, diverse stem cell line catalog, and long-term storage solutions.

If we missed you at the conference, feel free to reach out, we’re always here to help advance your next project. See everyone in Boston next year!

That’s a wrap on !

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the WiCell booth, chatted with our team, and joined us for insightful conversations throughout the conference. It was a great week of learning, connecting, and sharing ideas that drive the field forward.

A special thanks to those who attended Tenneille Ludwig’s talk on iPSC safety characterization. We appreciated the thoughtful discussion around the role of karyotype testing in development and translational workflows—and how tools like these continue to support safe and effective cell therapy innovation.

We’re grateful to be part of such a passionate and collaborative community!

WiCell is heading to ISCT 2025 next week!

Stop by booth #527 to learn how our cell characterization and cGMP services support regulatory submissions and clinical research.

See you in New Orleans!