LEAP™ Cell Processing Workstation to be Used in Stem Cell Research Programs

SAN DIEGO — Cyntellect, Inc., a privately-held life sciences company commercializing products to advance the study of cell biology, stem cell research, biopharmaceutical production, and drug discovery, has entered into an agreement with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies to provide its researchers with the LEAP™ Cell Processing Workstation. The LEAP Workstation is an award-winning, microplate-based cytometry system used for in situ cell analysis, purification, and processing that will give Salk researchers the ability to progress research across a broad spectrum of stem cell projects.

The LEAP Workstation allows rapid and automated physical passaging of stem cells and consistent embryoid body generation, in addition to its unique in situ cell and colony purification capabilities. LEAP combines high-speed whole well plate imaging and ultra fast laser manipulation for selective and efficient processing of cells right where they grow. This non-disruptive in situ approach allows various adherent and non-adherent cell types, including stem cells, to be consistently processed in a closed sterile microplate environment with very high yield and purity as compared to conventional techniques. Salk researchers will initially utilize LEAP for non-destructive counting and characterization of embryoid bodies, passaging of stem cell colonies and removal of unwanted spontaneously differentiating areas, and derivation of new induced pluripotent stem cell lines.

According to Dr. Travis Berggren, Director of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies’ Stem Cell Core Facility, “We are thrilled to have access to the LEAP Workstation to support our research. The Salk Stem Cell Core Facility is dedicated to research involving human pluripotent stem cells. The versatility of these stem cells holds great potential for creating new models to study human diseases and determining their underlying molecular mechanisms to allow the development of new therapies. The unique capabilities of the LEAP technology will enable us to work with these delicate cells in powerful new ways.”

“We are excited by our relationship with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and expect LEAP to fuel new and innovative stem cell research,” said Dr. Fred Koller, Cyntellect’s Chief Technology Officer. “Stem cell research has the potential to revolutionize how we think of disease treatment. The cutting edge research being undertaken by Salk scientists is the starting point to unlocking the true potential of stem cells, and we are proud to play a small supporting role.”

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world’s preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.

Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent non-profit organization and architectural landmark.

About Cyntellect

Cyntellect is dedicated to setting new standards in cell analysis, purification, and processing technology. Cyntellect’s products support key applications to advance life science research, biopharmaceutical production, stem cell research and drug discovery. The Company’s technology employs in situ, microplate-based cytometry to analyze cells with minimal sample manipulation, and process cells with great precision and efficiency. Cyntellect’s expanding cellular analysis and processing portfolio is expected to play an enabling role in the coming age of advanced cell-based diagnostics and therapeutics. For additional information please visit www.cyntellect.com.