Starting February 2, 2010, these materials can be ordered from the Wisconsin International Stem Cell Bank (the “WISC Bank”) operated by WiCell Research Institute, for delivery after February 28, 2010. Terms and conditions for orders through the Wisconsin International Stem Cell Bank will be different than those previously applied to orders under the auspices of the NSCB.

WiCell Research Institute (“WiCell”) is distributing several human pluripotent stem cell lines including human embryonic stem (hES) cell, modified human ES cell and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines to the stem cell research community.  All of the protocols for culture of the cell lines are available on the WiCell website and will be included with each shipment of cells from the Wisconsin International Stem Cell Bank (WISC Bank).

Please note that some cell lines, especially the iPS cell lines, are challenging to culture and we recommend that they only be requested by researchers with significant human ES cell culture experience.  The protocols for culture of the iPS cell lines are similar to human ES cell culture, however, more care and increased selection and maintenance will be required for successful propagation of these cell lines.  Researchers inexperienced with human ES cell lines are encouraged to attend WiCell’s Introduction to Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture course prior to receiving cells.

Each “Recipient Investigator” (PI) requesting cells will need to enter into an agreement with WiCell to receive the cell line(s).  After the appropriate agreement(s) is fully executed and WiCell has received the transfer fee of $1000 (shipping not included), the “Recipient Investigator,” as defined in the agreements, will be contacted to arrange for the shipment of the stem cells.  For domestic shipments, the Recipient Investigator must provide a Fed-Ex account number.  For international shipments, the Recipient Investigator must secure all necessary import documents prior to such shipments and supply both a Fed-Ex and a World Courier account number.  The WiCell shipping department will work with the Recipient Investigator to set-up a prompt shipment. 

Each Recipient Investigator will receive one (1) “seed” vial of the frozen cells of the cell line requested as well as technical support for the long-term establishment of these cells within Recipient Investigator’s laboratory.  Please contact the WiCell Research Institute Contract Administrator, at for more information or if you have questions concerning the information above.