Next-Generation iPSC Technologies: From Transplantable Organs to Advanced CNS Disease Models

Jiwu Wang, Ph.D.
CEO of Allele Biotech

Speaker Bio:

Founding CEO of Allele Biotech and President of the Scintillon Institute, he is an RNA molecular biologist advancing mRNA-based reprogramming and iPSC engineering. He develops high-potency transient mRNA tools, leads ARPA-H–funded stem cell and RNA engineering programs, and holds multiple Allele patents.

Talk Title:

Building Transplantable Organs Cell by Cell: mRNA Strategies for Multi-Lineage iPSC Differentiation

Abstract

The regenerative medicine field has advanced through organoid and organ-specific differentiation technologies. However, generating diverse cellular materials beyond single target cell types remains a key challenge. Dr. Wang will introduce mRNA-based strategies to precisely control gene expression, enabling multi-lineage differentiation from iPSCs. This approach supports the scalable production of various cell types from a single iPSC line, providing a powerful platform for building functional tissues and advancing organ transplantation strategies.

Irene Munk Pedersen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor at Scintillon Institute

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Pedersen develops innovative stem cell–based 3D brain-on-a-chip models. Her platforms integrate blood, blood–brain barrier (BBB), and CNS components, enabling robust CNS drug screening and advanced modeling of neurological diseases. These next-generation models offer transformative potential for understanding CNS biology and accelerating therapeutic discovery.

Talk Title:

Establishing Next-Generation BBB/CNS Interphase Disease Models

Abstract

To address bottlenecks and knowledge gaps in neuroscience and drug development, advanced blood-brain barrier (BBB)/CNS interphase microfluidic models are being developed. These 3D brain-on-a-chip culture systems allow in-depth investigation of disease pathophysiology and serve as late-stage drug screening platforms for CNS therapeutics. Dr. Pedersen will discuss how these next-generation models improve translational relevance and therapeutic evaluation.