Nexel, a specialized company in hiPSC-derived 2D and organoids, announced on the 11th that it recently signed a technology partnership with Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) in Japan for the cultivation of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.

Nexel has agreed to transfer hiPSC-related technology to DNP in the form of technical support and to continue further business discussions after the completion of the technical support. Through this technology partnership, Nexel and DNP aim to combine their strengths to establish mass production methods for cells used in new drug research and development and to develop a microphysiological system (MPS) that simulates human organs on a biochip. They plan to proactively respond to market changes related to ex vivo new drug screening and alternative animal testing methods.

Nexel has established a collaborative relationship with DNP, a partner that can accelerate the development of iPSC cell products and the organoid business in the future. DNP expects this to be an opportunity to secure new value in the medical and pharmaceutical fields by developing methods for the mass production of high-quality cells and MPS.

Founded in 1876, DNP is a global company that provides various products and services in a wide range of fields such as independent publishing, commercial printing and packaging, industrial materials, electronic components, and medical and healthcare. DNP has designated medical and healthcare as one of its main business areas and is progressing with business development. In 2017, it pursued support for regenerative medicine and new drug development, such as being the first in the world to create a mini intestine in a test tube.

Nexel is a specialized company in hiPSC-derived 2D and organoids that commercialized the production of functional stem cell-derived somatic cells for the first time in Korea and the evaluation platform for drug safety and efficacy using them. It is actively preparing for overseas expansion, including signing a business cooperation agreement with CMIC, the first clinical trial contract research organization (CRO) in Asia, along with strategic investment.

Han Choong-sung, CEO of Nexel, said, "This technical support agreement is a rare example of transferring domestic stem cell technology to a large overseas company," and added, "We will do our best to establish a future-oriented partnership with DNP."

Last month, Nexel submitted a preliminary examination application for listing on the KOSDAQ.