Nexell Therapeutics Inc.

Maureen F Loudovaris

Stephen L Smith

James G Bender

Dennis E Van Epps

Susan M Maciukas

Xiaoying Qiao

Provided are serum-free, animal protein-free media formulations to be used in conjunction with hematopoietic growth factors for the in vitro growth of human neutrophil and megakaryocyte precursors. The medium contains a base medium, corticosteroid, transferrin, insulin, cholesterol, ethanolamine, and human albumin. Also provided are methods for preparing serum-free, animal protein-free suspensions of human hematopoietic precursor cells wherein the cellular component contains at least about 16% neutrophil precursors and at least about 1% megakaryocyte precursors. Serum-free, animal protein-free suspensions of human hematopoietic cells are provided wherein the cellular component comprises at least about 30%, preferably greater than 60% neutrophil precursors. The neutrophil precursors are comprised of blast cells, promyclocytes, neutrophilic myelocytes, and neutrophilic metamyelocytes. Serum-free, animal protein-free cells suspensions are provided wherein the cellular component comprises at least about 3%, preferably greater than 8% megakaryocyte precursors. Also provided are serum-free, animal protein free cell suspensions wherein the cellular component comprises colony-forming cells and cluster-forming cells.

Preparation of serum-free suspensions of human hematopoietic cells or

The invention provides a method of treating a patient having a reduced population of neutrophils following a myeloablative cancer treatment such as high dose chemotherapy. Following myeloablative therapy, a cell composition of at least 25% neutrophil precursors, i.e. promyelocytes, myelocytes, and metamyelocytes, is administered to the patient. Thereafter, the neutrophil precursors differentiate rapidly in vivo to replenish the supply of mature neutrophils for fighting infection. The method is used to reduce the neutropenic window between the time of myeloablative therapy and the time required for infused stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into mature neutrophils.

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Grayslake, IL, United States of America

Maureen F Loudovaris