Production and nonclinical evaluation of an autologous iPSC-derived platelet product for the iPLAT1 clinical trial

Blood Adv. 2022 Dec 13;6(23):6056-6069. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008512.

Abstract

Donor-derived platelets are used to treat or prevent hemorrhage in patients with thrombocytopenia. However, ∼5% or more of these patients are complicated with alloimmune platelet transfusion refractoriness (allo-PTR) due to alloantibodies against HLA-I or human platelet antigens (HPA). In these cases, platelets from compatible donors are necessary, but it is difficult to find such donors for patients with rare HLA-I or HPA. To produce platelet products for patients with aplastic anemia with allo-PTR due to rare HPA-1 mismatch in Japan, we developed an ex vivo good manufacturing process (GMP)-based production system for an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platelet product (iPSC-PLTs). Immortalized megakaryocyte progenitor cell lines (imMKCLs) were established from patient iPSCs, and a competent imMKCL clone was selected for the master cell bank (MCB) and confirmed for safety, including negativity of pathogens. From this MCB, iPSC-PLTs were produced using turbulent flow bioreactors and new drugs. In extensive nonclinical studies, iPSC-PLTs were confirmed for quality, safety, and efficacy, including hemostasis in a rabbit model. This report presents a complete system for the GMP-based production of iPSC-PLTs and the required nonclinical studies and thus supports the iPLAT1 study, the first-in-human clinical trial of iPSC-PLTs in a patient with allo-PTR and no compatible donor using the autologous product. It also serves as a comprehensive reference for the development of widely applicable allogeneic iPSC-PLTs and other cell products that use iPSC-derived progenitor cells as MCB.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Human Platelet*
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • Platelet Transfusion / adverse effects
  • Rabbits
  • Thrombocytopenia* / etiology

Substances

  • Antigens, Human Platelet