Bring a disease question into a human cell model.

MuriPhys supports induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and cell-culture studies for therapeutic discovery, mechanism-of-action questions and preclinical decision-making. Our work connects the choice of cell system with the controls and measurements needed to interpret the response.

Discuss patient-derived iPSC models, suitable isogenic comparators, sensory-neuron differentiation and culture, and study-specific neural systems. We can work from an established protocol or define the readiness work needed to transfer and establish the model for the proposed study.

Scientific leadership

Anastasya Birger, Ph.D., Director, iPSC and Cell Culturing, leads this capability. Her research background includes human iPSC-derived neural systems, astrocyte–neuron interactions, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity.

Meet Anastasya Birger.

Cell culture beyond a single assay

Bring a client-supplied cell line, an established culture system or a disease-model question. We help connect culture and treatment design with cell viability, gene expression, imaging, protein measurements and functional readouts.

Human cell models within a NAM-informed plan.

Our iPSC and cell-culture capabilities provide a basis for human-relevant, non-animal research. We are working to connect suitable NAMs with animal models where needed, with readiness, controls and the intended use agreed for each study.

Our approach to NAMs and the 3Rs

Models, methods & readouts

Build the assay around the biology.

These workstreams can be combined into a focused experiment or a coordinated cell-based program. Methods and readiness work are defined for the chosen model.

Workstream	Capabilities to discuss	Planning focus
Model development & culture	Human iPSC-derived neural systems, sensory-neuron cultures and study-specific cell models.	Cell source, differentiation or transfer protocol, culture readiness and relevant comparator lines.
Cell identity & phenotype	Model characterization using appropriate lineage markers and molecular or imaging readouts.	Identity, phenotype, experimental consistency and acceptance criteria for the selected model.
Viability & cytotoxicity	Dose-response testing using assays such as MTS and complementary study-specific measurements.	Controls and interpretation that distinguish a treatment response from a loss of viable cells.
Gene expression	RT-qPCR and other suitable molecular assays for pathway activity and target-response questions.	Targets, reference genes, sample preparation and analysis plan.
Oxidative stress & lipid peroxidation	Fluorescence-based and flow-cytometric readouts selected for the cell model and hypothesis.	Probe specificity, assay controls, signal interpretation and planned comparisons.
Mitochondrial function & redox biology	Mitochondrial membrane-potential and glutathione redox-balance studies.	Model-appropriate assay conditions and positive and negative controls.
Inflammatory responses	Cytokine measurements, including ELISA-based readouts where appropriate.	Analyte, matrix, sampling plan and assay readiness.

A practical study plan

From culture readiness
to a useful comparison.

Agree on what the model must show before testing the treatment.

Define the model.
Review the cell source, disease relevance, comparator lines and available culture or differentiation methods.
Establish readiness.
Agree on identity and phenotype checks, assay controls, method-transfer activities and the point at which the culture is ready for the experiment.
Test the response.
Coordinate treatment comparisons, viability assessments and molecular or functional measurements.
Interpret the evidence.
Connect the readouts with the hypothesis, explain the model’s limitations and identify the next experiment.

One coordinated preclinical program

Connect cells with the next study.

Cell-based findings can inform model selection, endpoints and follow-up work in a broader preclinical plan.

In vitro & tissue assays Robotic CNS delivery Oncology research Startup & SBIR/STTR support

iPSC models.
Cell culture.
Relevant biological readouts.

Bring a disease question into a human cell model.

Scientific leadership

Cell culture beyond a single assay

Human cell models within a NAM-informed plan.

Build the assay around the biology.

From culture readiness
to a useful comparison.

Connect cells with the next study.

A cell model. A therapeutic question. Let’s plan the study.

iPSC models. Cell culture. Relevant biological readouts.

Bring a disease question into a human cell model.

Scientific leadership

Cell culture beyond a single assay

Human cell models within a NAM-informed plan.

Build the assay around the biology.

From culture readiness to a useful comparison.

Connect cells with the next study.

A cell model. A therapeutic question. Let’s plan the study.

iPSC models.
Cell culture.
Relevant biological readouts.

From culture readiness
to a useful comparison.