The European Bank for induced pluripotent Stem Cells launches a second project phase to become a self-sustainable repository for human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), extend the existing cell catalogue, and offer additional hiPSC-related services. EBiSC2 builds on the achievements of the European Bank for hiPSCs (EBiSC) giving academic and commercial researchers access to high quality hiPSCs from diverse disease and genetic backgrounds (cells.ebisc.org).

Launched on 1st March 2019 and focussed on the needs of the research community and scientific excellence, EBiSC2 will continue to distribute disease-relevant and high quality hiPSCs with freedom to operate for research, along with comprehensive datasets. Additional services such as bulk production of hiPSCs and delivery of pre-differentiated cell populations will be established to facilitate the use of hiPSC in research.

EBiSC2 aims to collaborate with other ongoing or future iPSC programmes in an effort to continue serving as a central hub for collection, banking, quality control and distribution of hiPSC lines, resulting in secured access for the research community to assets generated with public funds within these projects. Building on EBiSC’s established clinical network, EBiSC2 will also progress clinical engagement to support collection and appropriate management of disease-relevant patient data to support disease modelling and drug discovery activities.

Key partners of the initial EBiSC project are joining forces to build on EBiSC’s existing assets and establish EBiSC2 as a self-sustainable central bank for hiPSC lines, focused on satisfying user requirements.

Acknowledgments

The EBiSC2 project has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (IMI2 JU) under grant agreement No 821362. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA.