SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO.,LTD. (President and CEO: Keita Kato, hereinafter referred to as “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”) will promote the “SEKISUI Program: iPS Cell-derived Metabolic Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease Liver Organoids” through a donation to the Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis (Director: Prof. Hidekazu Tsukamoto, hereinafter referred to as “the research center”). Prof. Hidekazu Tsukamoto, the center director, who is a consultant to SEKISUI CHEMICAL, is leading the program. This activity is expected to accelerate the field of iPS cell research, particularly in the field of liver disease-related field.

1. Background to the research

  iPS cells have the ability to differentiate into various tissues and organs depending on the external environment. Organoids, which are three-dimensional structures created from iPS cells in vitro, such as in test tubes, are also called mini-organs, and are expected to be applied to the elucidation of pathological conditions and drug discovery. In particular, the liver has an extremely complex structure and function, and liver organoid research that mimics the organ is said to be a field of future development.

  The research center brings together 60 researchers from major academic institutions in Southern California and is leading the way in research into alcohol-associated liver and pancreatic diseases and cirrhosis. One emphasis of the research center efforts is aggressive chronic liver disease impacted by a combination of alcohol and obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction, for which a new nomenclature “MetALD” has internationally been adopted last year. The center has pioneered the development of pre-clinical models of MetALD for molecular research on multiple cell types which contribute to the pathologic processes and is now developing iPS cell-derived organoids with the similar phenotypes to gain translational insights via collaborations with the leaders in the field.

  To learn more, visit：Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis

  SEKISUI CHEMICAL is developing materials and processes to realize stable cultivation and differentiation of iPS cells through material technologies SEKISUI CHEMICAL have cultivated. Those technologies are expected to expand the scope of iPS cell research and contribute greatly to the industrialization of regenerative medicine. SEKISUI CHEMICAL have decided to make this scholarship donation in order to contribute to the development of the research center and, by extension, the field of iPS cell research related to liver diseases.

  To learn more, visit : Cell Culture Solution｜SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO.,LTD.

2. Purpose of the Research Program

  The aim of the research program is to develop and use iPS cell-derived liver organoids for the study of MetALD. A combination of alcohol and metabolic dysfunction often results in worse clinical outcome and this condition is increasing worldwide, but its treatment options are limited. Novel cellular and molecular pathways identified by the research center in preclinical models will be reflected in the human liver organoids to be developed and tested as potential therapeutic targets. SEKISUI CHEMICAL are committed to donate funds for the research program over the two-year period of 2024-2025 in support of its ultimate mission of gaining critical insights into new therapeutic strategies.

Prof. Tsukamoto (Univ. Southern California) and Dr. Haneda (SEKISUI America Corp.)

About SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group

Headquartered in Japan, SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (TSE: 4204) and its subsidiaries make up the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group. 26,000 employees in over 156 companies throughout 20 countries and regions aim to contribute to improving the lives of the people of the world and the earth’s environment. Thanks to a history of innovation, dedication and a pioneering spirit, SEKISUI CHEMICAL now holds leading positions in its three diverse business divisions as well as top global market share in interlayer film, foam products, conductive particles and more.