CiRA Foundation

The CiRA Foundation was spun out from the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University. Originally founded as a general incorporated foundation on September 6, 2019, and registered as a public interest incorporated foundation by the Cabinet Office on April 1, 2020.

Our mission is to bridge academia and industry by providing high-quality iPS cells for regenerative medicine and accelerating their clinical application.

Guided by the principle of delivering “top iPS cell technologies at affordable prices,” we are committed to reducing the cost and improving the quality of iPS cells. It provides iPS cell stock free of charge to academic institutions and at a reasonable price (JPY 100,000–200,000 per vial) to companies, making advanced cell technologies widely accessible.

The CiRA Foundation’s core activities include:

• Manufacturing and Quality Control: Operating GMP/GCTP-compliant facilities for clinical-grade iPS cell production, with rigorous quality evaluation and secure storage.

• HLA-Homozygous iPS Cell Stock: Supplying iPS cell lines derived from HLA-homozygous donors, which are less likely to cause immune rejection and cover approximately 40% of the Japanese population. These cells have been used in 17 clinical studies in Japan and 1 in the U.S..

• HLA Genome-Edited iPS Cell Stock: Developing iPS cells with reduced immunogenicity through genome editing technologies, enabling broader compatibility for transplantation. These cells also became available starting in 2023.

• Distribution Record: As of April 2025, the CiRA Foundation has provided iPS cell stock—both HLA-homozygous and genome-edited types—to over 100 institutions worldwide, including universities, hospitals, and companies.

• Research and Development: Under the “my iPS®” project, the CiRA Foundation is developing technologies to enable the rapid and cost-effective manufacturing of autologous (patient-derived) iPS cells. This includes research into automated closed-system devices that maintain sterility and scalability, aiming to make personalized regenerative therapies more accessible.

• Bridging and Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships among academia, industry, and medical institutions to support the industrialization of iPS cell therapies.

Looking ahead, the CiRA Foundation will continue to provide iPS cell stock tailored to the needs of users in Kyoto, while strengthening its research and manufacturing capabilities through new facilities in Osaka. Through these efforts, the Foundation aims to broaden the foundation of iPS cell-based regenerative medicine research, promote its global dissemination, and contribute to helping patients suffering from diseases with no effective treatments.