Sekisui XenoTech’s CryostaX® in vitro drug discovery and preclinical drug development test systems now includes pooled Sprague-Dawley rat and CD-1 mouse hepatocytes. Cynomolgus monkey hepatocytes will also be added soon.

CryostaX® hepatocytes are prepared using a patented process that produces unique cryopreserved cell pellets. This single-freeze process:
• provides greater convenience, since there is no need to thaw the hepatocytes to get them out of the vial, which can potentially lead to ‘over-thawing’ and cell damage,
• versatile pooling options in lot sizes that can last for years,
• and minimizes cryopreservation freeze-thaw injury to the cells for high viability, cell yield and enzymatic activity for longer-term, consistent test results.

Data indicates benefits to CYP, SULT and UGT activity and extended culture up to 48 hours without a medium change. Eliminating the need for water baths in or near culture hoods and incubators also eliminates a significant source of contamination. Due to the clear superiority of CryostaX® products, the company foresees the potential discontinuation of cryopreserved hepatocytes prepared from traditional methods.