[BobbyB]

Sigma-Aldrich Introduces Stemline(TM) Neural Stem Cell Expansion Medium
Main Category: Stem Cell Research News
Article Date: 18 Oct 2006 - 0:00am (PDT)






Sigma, a division of Sigma-Aldrich (Nasdaq: SIAL), a leading $1.7 billion Life Science company, has introduced Stemline(TM) Neural Stem Cell Expansion Medium, a new serum-free stem cell medium optimized specifically for expansion of human neural stem cells. In an ongoing collaboration led by Clive Svendsen of the University of Wisconsin's Waisman Center in Madison, Wisconsin, Stemline Neural Stem Cell Expansion Medium has been developed for superior neurosphere as well as monolayer NSC expansion.

"We're very excited about the introduction of this new member of the Stemline media platform," said Lisa Masterson, Cell Culture Product Manager at Sigma-Aldrich. "Our previous efforts have focused primarily on hematopoietic and bone marrow-derived stem cell expansion. Stemline Neural Stem Cell Expansion Medium is the first that will specifically support research in the area of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). It has shown very promising results in animal models, and we look forward to this medium playing a role in future advancements in this extremely important area of research."

This new culture medium offers a consistently high neural stem cell yield in a serum-free environment. In order to be regulatory friendly, the formulation was designed to be entirely animal component-free as well as complete and ready to use, requiring only supplementation with the desired growth factor cocktail (not included). The elimination of serum effectively reduces performance variability and removes safety risks associated with possible adventitious agents in serum. In addition, expanded neural stem cells cultured in Stemline Neural Stem Cell Expansion Medium consistently yield a healthy, high-density, neural stem cell population that maintain their differentiative capacity.

For more information on Stemline Neural Stem Cell Expansion Medium and to review other Stemline Media, please visit http://sigma-aldrich.com/stemline.

About Sigma-Aldrich: Sigma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High Technology company. Its biochemical and organic chemical products and kits are used in scientific and genomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and as key components in pharmaceutical and other high technology manufacturing. The Company has customers in life science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals, and in industry. Over one million scientists and technologists use its products. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 35 countries and has 7,200 employees providing excellent service worldwide. Sigma-Aldrich is committed to Accelerating Customer Success through Leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service. For more information about Sigma-Aldrich, please visit its award- winning Web site at sigma-aldrich.com.

Cautionary Statement: This release contains forward-looking statements relating to future performance, goals, strategic actions and initiatives and similar intentions and beliefs and other statements regarding the Company's expectations, goals, beliefs, intentions and the like, which involve assumptions regarding the Company's operations and conditions in the markets the Company serves. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Sigma-Aldrich
http://www.sigma-aldrich.com