Pep talk - June 2024

Complete transition to animal origin-free recombinant protein manufacturing
We are excited to share that we have successfully transitioned to a fully animal origin-free manufacturing process for all our recombinant proteins. This ensures the highest quality and consistency for researchers and industry professionals relying on these critical components and smooths the transition to scale-up for translational studies.
Our commitment to improving the reproducibility of stem cell culture
By eliminating animal-derived components, we address both:
- the biochemical challenge of contamination of mammalian expressed proteins by closely related proteins, a common source of variability
- regulatory and ethical demands for reduction of the use of animals and removal of animal-derived components for clinical applications
Looking Ahead
Qkine’s move to animal origin-free manufacturing is a testament to our dedication to innovation and quality. For more details on this transition, please click on the link below. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey towards more sustainable and consistent scientific practices!
BLOG
Understanding FDA’s Draft Guidance On Human- And Animal-Derived Materials In The Manufacture Of Cell & Gene Therapy Products
This article provides a clear and insightful summary of the FDA’s new draft guidance on using human- and animal-derived materials in cell and gene therapy manufacturing.


APPLICATION NOTE
Neural growth factors for enhanced iPSC derived neuronal cultures
In collaboration with Felix Buchner, Joshua Thomas, and Natalia Rodriguez-Muela, Rodriguez-Muela Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE).
Discover our latest application note on the use of animal origin-free BDNF and GDNF for neural stem cell differentiation. Discover how these growth factors can be a game-changer for your neural stem cell research.
NEURAL PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
Animal origin-free BDNF (Qk050)
BDNF (Qk050) plays a crucial role in neural development, maintenance, and function.
Qkine animal origin-free BDNF is a reliable neural growth factor for enanced iPSC-derived neuronal cultures.
Animal origin-free GDNF (Qk051)
GDNF (Qk051) has been extensively tested by researchers for neuronal differentiation.
This protein is highly bioactive, animal-free (AOF), carrier protein-free, and tag-free to ensure its purity with exceptional lot-to-lot consistency.
All our growth factors are manufactured within a stringent quality framework, ensuring high-quality proteins that maintain robust, reproducible, and physiologically relevant stem cell and organoid cultures that adhere to our Nine-point Quality Commitment.

APPLICATION NOTE
Weekend-free human induced pluripotent stem cell culture using thermostable FGF-2 (bFGF) and animal origin-free TGF-β1 for improved colony homogeneity
This application note describes how to maintain, grow, and test the pluripotency of iPSCs using E8-like media containing Qkine thermostable FGF2-G3 and TGF-β1 PLUS growth factors.
iPSC PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
Thermostable FGF-2 (Qk053)
Thermostable FGF-2 (Qk053) helps refine protocols and working practices for more reliable and automation-friendly stem cell culture.
Uniquely Qkine thermostable FGF-2 contains no protein tags, smoothing the transition to preclinical manufacture.
AOF TGF-β1 PLUS (Qk010)
TGF-β1 PLUS (Qk010) is the only animal origin-free TGF-ß1 available for optimized and chemically -defined stem cell maintenance and differentiation media.
The bioactivity is higher or equivalent to mammalian cell-expressed TGF with absolutely no contamination from related proteins.
Upcoming Events
- TCES // Joint CDT Conference 2024 | June 19-21, 2024 | Glasgow, UK
- UEA Colloquium | July 2, 2024 | Norwich, UK
- ISSCR 2024 | July 10-13, 2024 | Hamburg, Germany