In February 2018, Universal Cells Inc was acquired by the Japanese firm Astellas. Universal Cells Inc had functioned as a therapeutic genome editing company focused on regenerative medicine through creating stem cells that are universally compatible. The company technology is based on intellectual property licensed from the University of Washington and included methods for genome editing in human stem cells via homologous recombination with recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors, as well as specific HLA-engineering strategies. The firm's stem cell therapies are focused on overcoming immune rejection and can be used to create true off-the-shelf therapeutic products. Using the company's proprietary genome editing approach, the company engineers stem cells to prevent expression of polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, removing the cause of donor tissue rejection and creating Universal Donor Stem Cells that are compatible with every patient.
