Bioprocessing considerations for generation of iPSCs intended for clinical application: perspectives from the ISCT Emerging Regenerative Medicine Technology working group

Approval of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for the manufacture of cell therapies to support clinical trials is now becoming realized after 20 years of research and development. In 2022 the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT) established a Working Group on Emerging Regenerative Medicine Technologies, an area in which iPSCs-derived technologies are expected to play a key role. In this article, the Working Group surveys the steps that an end user should consider when generating iPSCs that are stable, well-characterised, pluripotent, and suitable for making differentiated cell types for allogeneic or autologous cell therapies. The objective is to provide the reader with a holistic view of how to achieve high-quality iPSCs from selection of the starting material through to cell banking. Key considerations include: (A) intellectual property licenses; (B) selection of the raw materials and cell sources for creating iPSC intermediates and master cell banks; (C) regulatory considerations for reprogramming methods; (D) options for expansion in 2D vs. 3D cultures; and (E) available technologies and equipment for harvesting, washing, concentration, filling, cryopreservation, and storage. Some key process limitations are highlighted to help drive further improvement and innovation, and includes recommendations that close and automate current open and manual processes.