Franklin Biolabs Achieves CLIA Certification for AAV NAb Testing
Learn more
iPSC Identity and Purity Analytics for ATMP Regulatory Submissions
PROVEN INTELLIGENCE ACCELERATING NEXT-GENERATION THERAPIES
iPSC Identity and Purity Analytics for ATMP Regulatory Submissions
CELL & GENE | RNA | BIOLOGICS
Proven Intelligence in Somatic Cell Therapy Characterization.


Executive Summary
For induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived therapeutics, establishing definitive product identity and purity is a primary determinant of clinical and regulatory success. A data package for an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) requires a multi-parametric analytical strategy that uses orthogonal assays to confirm the desired differentiated phenotype, quantify functional potency, and detect residual pluripotent cells or process-related impurities that present significant safety risks. Franklin Biolabs provides phase-appropriate analytical development under GxP conditions to support IMPD and IND submissions for complex somatic cell therapy programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are specialized analytical methods required for iPSC-derived cell products compared to other biologics?
iPSC-derived products present unique risks related to genomic instability, incomplete differentiation, and tumorigenicity. Standard analytical panels are insufficient. A tailored approach is needed to create a comprehensive profile that confirms the identity of the final cell type while simultaneously proving the absence of harmful residual pluripotent cells, a key requirement for ATMP submissions to bodies like the MHRA.
What are the MHRA’s expectations for identity and purity data in an Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier (IMPD) for a cell therapy?
Regulatory authorities expect a robust characterization package using orthogonal methods. For identity, this includes flow cytometry for cell surface markers and gene expression analysis. For purity, this involves highly sensitive assays to detect process-related impurities and requires sensitive detection of undifferentiated stem cells to mitigate tumorigenicity risk. The data must provide a clear link between the manufactured product and its proposed mechanism of action and safety profile.
How does Franklin Biolabs ensure analytical assays for iPSC therapies are developed under the correct GxP conditions for regulatory filings?
We develop and qualify or validate all immunogenicity and bioanalytical assays in a phase-appropriate manner, adhering to GxP guidelines. Our process ensures that the methods used to characterize your iPSC-derived product will generate data suitable for inclusion in global regulatory submissions, supporting an 18-24 month timeline to get candidates to IND.
The clinical potential of iPSC-derived therapeutics is matched by their manufacturing and analytical complexity. The final product is a living cell population whose safety and efficacy depend entirely on its precise identity, purity, and functional competence.
A one-size-fits-all testing template does not exist. A data-driven preclinical strategy must be tailored to the specific cell type, target indication, and delivery route. This requires a deep understanding of the potential failure modes, from incomplete differentiation to immunogenic reactions against process residuals.
Multi-Parametric Identity and Potency Characterization
Confirming that an iPSC-derived population has achieved the correct terminal differentiation state is the foundational analytical objective. Our approach utilizes a matrix of orthogonal methods to build a comprehensive product profile.
-
Cell Surface Marker Analysis: High-parameter flow cytometry to confirm the presence of desired lineage-specific markers and the absence of pluripotency markers (e.g., SSEA-4, TRA-1-60).
-
Gene Expression Profiling: Quantitative PCR (qPCR) or targeted NGS panels to verify the expression of key functional genes and the downregulation of stemness-associated genes.
-
Functional Assays: In vitro cell-based assays designed to measure the biological activity and mechanism of action relevant to the therapeutic hypothesis.

Mitigating Risk Through Rigorous Purity and Safety Analytics
The most significant risks associated with iPSC-derived products are immunogenicity and tumorigenicity. Drawing lessons from the complex immune responses observed in other advanced therapy fields (PMID: 21119617), our analytical strategy is built to detect any component that could trigger an adverse host reaction. This includes residual undifferentiated cells, helper viruses, or other process-related impurities.
The potential for high-dose toxicity, as seen in other modalities where cellular injury can be a limiting factor (PMID: 38327046), also informs our focus on purity. The presence of even a small fraction of residual pluripotent cells can lead to teratoma formation. Our analytical services are designed to provide the highest level of sensitivity to ensure product safety and de-risk clinical translation. These robust analytical packages are developed within our >100,000 sq ft of specialized laboratory and preclinical facilities.
This rigorous approach to CMC analytics, integrated with preclinical program management, underpins the 100% successful IND rate achieved by our core scientific leadership since 2019, even as Franklin Biolabs as a brand was formally launched in 2024. Our expertise is detailed further within our comprehensive Vector | CMC | Analytics Services offerings.
This content is for informational purposes. For guidance specific to your therapeutic program, please contact our team for a consultation.