[Epistra] Epistra Co., Ltd. and Shimadzu Corporation launch jointly developed cell culture optimization support software “CellTune” *Epistra*
Press release: September 4, 2024
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Epistra Co., Ltd. and Shimadzu Corporation launch jointly developed cell culture optimization support software “CellTune”
* Epistra Co., Ltd. (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and CEO)
Yosuke Ozawa (hereinafter referred to as “Epistra”) is President and Representative Director of Shimadzu Corporation (located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture).
We are pleased to announce that CellTune, a cell culture optimization support software jointly developed with Yasunori Yamamoto (hereinafter referred to as “Shimadzu”), will be released by Shimadzu.
CellTune uses Epistra’s experimental condition search AI “Epistra”. Equipped with “Accelerate”, it improves efficiency in considering conditions at research and development sites using cell culture technology, such as production of biopharmaceuticals such as antibodies, production of therapeutic cells in regenerative medicine, and industrial fermentation production of useful substances. Realize. In addition, as user support for this product, Epistra plans to provide experiment planning consulting and support for statistical analysis of culture experiment data, etc. *
Product name: Culture optimization support software “CellTune” Suggested selling price: 6 million yen (excluding tax)
Product page:
https://www.an.shimadzu.co.jp/products/life-science-lab-instruments/cell-research/celltune/index.html
* ■ Overview of CellTune *
CellTune uses Shimadzu’s liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS) and the LC/MS/MS method package for cell culture profiling. Using data such as culture supernatant components (144 components) measured by “Ver. 3”, Epistra’s experimental condition search AI Epistra Accelerate
Estimate the culture state and generate experimental conditions based on that estimate.
Antibody drugs and cell drugs that use cell culture technology have long culture periods and high cost of culture media, which are challenges in mass production for commercial use. In order to achieve low-cost, high-quality cell culture, it is important to set optimal parameters (parameter variables) that enable efficient culture. The main parameters related to cell culture include the concentration of nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins, and the temperature and pH of the culture environment. However, there are nearly 100 types of medium components alone, and when considering the composition and concentration of the medium that differs for each cell, there are trillions of possible combinations. Previously, cell culture conditions were considered by experienced researchers and engineers, but there were still issues with the culture results and work efficiency.
In order to solve these issues, Epistra and Shimadzu Corporation began collaboration in February 2022 to identify parameters that have a large impact on culture results from culture supernatant components (144 components) measured with Shimadzu LC-MS. A feature extraction module and an AI automatic optimization module that proposes optimal culture conditions based on these features (
We co-developed CellTune, which uses Epistra Accelerate).
CellTune culture optimization approach
* ■Characteristics of CellTune*
1. Analysis results can be obtained without deep knowledge of statistical analysis.
CellTune
provides a set of “analysis recipes” that are a series of processing programs necessary for statistical analysis of culture medium components and culture environment parameters. Users can obtain analysis results such as extraction of important components for evaluation indicators by simply selecting the analysis recipe to be used and setting analysis parameter values (thresholds, etc.). 2. Propose optimal conditions that are difficult for people to imagine
When researchers consider experimental conditions, it is common to optimize one component before considering the next. However, the experimental conditions that combine the optimal values examined individually for each component are not necessarily the best conditions.
The AI automatic optimization module installed in CellTune allows you to consider conditions for multiple components at once and search for optimal experimental conditions while evaluating interactions between components.
3. Efficiently search for optimal conditions with a small number of culture experiments
CellTune
utilizes data from experimental conditions and culture experiment results to generate predictive models for culture performance. Based on this prediction model, we search for conditions that can be expected to improve culture results and output them as the next experimental conditions. This prediction model is updated each time data on experimental conditions and culture experiment results is input, improving prediction accuracy, allowing for efficient exploration of experimental conditions.
* ■ CellTune user support by Epistra*
CellTune
As user support, we have a support plan provided by Epistra, which has a proven track record in culture optimization consulting. Depending on the customer’s issues, Epistra’s engineers provide consulting on experimental planning and support for statistical analysis of culture data. With Epistra’s support, even customers who are concerned about statistical analysis can comprehensively and effectively analyze culture data.
Inquiry: https://www.epistra.jp/inquiry
List of support plans by Epistra
* ■ Automatic optimization solution for experimental conditions Epistra Accelerate*
Epistra
Accelerate is an AI that searches for experimental conditions and specializes in issues in the life science field, based on Bayesian optimization, which has been attracting attention in the experimental science field in recent years. Our uniquely developed algorithms solve problems in life science research and development, such as
“performance not reaching targets,” “research and development takes a long time,” and “cost costs increase,” and efficiently provide excellent experimental conditions. Explore. To date, we have succeeded in improving the productivity of our customers in a wide range of fields, including drug development, optimization of culture medium composition, and biomanufacturing, and we boast an industry-leading track record in the field of productivity improvement in the life science industry.
Website: https://www.epistra.jp/service
Experiment automatic optimization solution Epistra Accelerate
* Overview of Epistra Co., Ltd. *
Company profile: Targeting companies conducting research and development in the life science field, such as pharmaceutical companies, we offer the experimental condition search AI “Epistra” that makes full use of proprietary AI technology.
We provide hands-on research support services using “Accelerate”. It has already been introduced in more than 50 cases, including major pharmaceutical companies, and in joint research with RIKEN, we succeeded in increasing the differentiation efficiency into retinal pigment epithelial cells by more than 80%, and it was selected by the international journal “eLife”. has been done.
Address: 2-2-15 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://epistra.jp