First synthetic HPL sets new benchmark for cell culture supplements

PL BioScience GmbH has announced the launch of the first artificial human platelet lysate (HPL), offering a groundbreaking cell culture supplement developed in partnership with Korean biotech DewCell Biotherapeutics. This synthetic HPL represents a major step forward in the development of safer, more sustainable, and scalable alternatives to animal-derived and donor-sourced reagents used in cell-based pharmaceutical production.

HPL is widely used in regenerative medicine, stem cell expansion, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing as an alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS). Traditionally, natural HPL is derived from expired human donor platelets, making it more ethical and sustainable than FBS, but inherently limited in supply. By using lab-grown artificial platelets from DewCell’s stem cell-derived platform, PL BioScience has created a fully synthetic HPL solution that overcomes these supply constraints while further improving performance and consistency.

Manufactured using PL BioScience’s proprietary method and specialised additives, the artificial HPL offers enhanced cell performance and safety. It provides essential growth factors for robust cell proliferation without the variability or contamination risks associated with animal-derived components. The product has been developed in Germany, with a patent filed for the novel manufacturing process.

“This artificial HPL marks a new era in cell culture,” said Dr Hatim Hemeda, CEO of PL BioScience. “It’s a scalable, high-performing reagent that meets growing demand for safe and ethical cell culture solutions in biopharma.”

PL BioScience’s synthetic HPL is set to complement its ELAREM™ range of xeno-free, GMP-compliant products designed for research through to clinical-grade cell therapy production. With this innovation, the company strengthens its position at the forefront of next-generation cell culture reagents.

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