New FGFR1 Agonists Simplify Stem Cell Culture

Hello Bio announces the launch of a novel range of TCB compounds developed as a first-in-class small molecule alternative to recombinant FGF2.

FGF2 is widely used to maintain pluripotency in stem cells, organoids and neural precursor cells. However, FGF2 is highly unstable at 37°C, rapidly degrading in culture media and often requiring daily supplementation to maintain effective signaling.

Hello Bio's newly launched TCB compounds (TCB-32, TCB-541 and TCB-621) are chemically defined small molecule FGFR1 agonists designed to provide sustained FGFR signaling without the rapid degradation associated with recombinant growth factors. Published validation data show that TCB-32 remains active in culture media for over 13 days while delivering overall FGFR exposure comparable to heat-stable FGF2, potentially enabling researchers to extend media change intervals from daily feeding to once every 14 days.

By replacing unstable recombinant growth factors with stable small molecules, the TCB range has the potential to simplify stem cell culture workflows, reduce media change frequency and improve signaling consistency over extended culture periods.

The increased stability of the TCB compounds may also help support more reproducible stem cell culture workflows by reducing variability associated with repeated FGF2 supplementation and “feast-and-famine” signaling cycles. Improved workflow consistency and reduced feeding requirements may also support more scalable cell production workflows.

The range includes:

• TCB-32 - a robust and well-characterised compound
• TCB-541 - balanced potency for broad stem cell applications
• TCB-621 - the highest-potentcy analogue for lower working concentrations

Replacing unstable growth factors with small molecule alternatives is an important step towards improving reproducibility and scalability in cell culture. With the TCB range, we’re excited to offer researchers a practical solution that reduces media changes while maintaining consistent signaling and cell performance.

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