Cell-Based Assays Using Derived Human-Induced Pluripotent Cells in Drug Discovery and Development

The use of human-induced pluripotent cell lines in the differentiation of specific cell types and assay development has in recent years progressed significantly. In this introduction to the field, the rationale for using induced pluripotent stem cells in drug development is described and some of the advantages and drawbacks are discussed. The prospect of facilitating drug development by using stratified sources of cells from diverse patient groups and differentiating these to organ and tissue cells for their use in disease models, screening assays, and ADME testing is highlighted. The variety of methodologies and protocols presented in this volume provides a selected collection of experiences and practice. Here, these are discussed in a general perspective with references and comments to other similar protocols in the literature.