Osaka Team Generates Canine iPSC-Derived Red Blood Cells

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University working with commercial partner TOKIWA-Bio have developed a method for generating red blood cell-like cells from canine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine on 19 July 2026, the work targets a persistent gap in veterinary medicine, where blood bank systems are largely non-existent and canine transfusions depend on securing compatible blood from healthy dogs.

The team, led by Professor Shingo Hatoya at Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Veterinary Science, cultured canine iPSCs as cell clusters and induced them to develop into red blood cell-like cells, mimicking the natural process of blood cell development. Progenitor cells emerged during culturing and yielded cells containing haemoglobin. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, the team then targeted glycophorin A (GYPA), a red blood cell marker, and created canine iPSCs that glow green when GYPA is expressed, allowing real-time visualisation and tracking of red blood cell differentiation. Under optimised conditions, more than 96% of the analysed cells expressed GYPA.

The cells generated are not yet fully mature red blood cells suitable for transfusion. Only around 3% of the cells underwent enucleation, a key feature of mature mammalian red blood cells. Professor Hatoya said further work will focus on improving the generation of functional red blood cells and understanding differences between cell lines. Even so, the platform establishes a viable route to generating red blood cell-like cells from canine iPSCs, with implications for both veterinary transfusion medicine and human iPSC-derived blood product development, where dogs are increasingly used as translational models.

The commercial signal is a nascent veterinary transfusion medicine category taking shape at the intersection of stem cell biology and companion animal health. TOKIWA-Bio’s role as commercial partner positions the Japanese biotech within one of the fastest-growing veterinary sub-segments. Zoetis, Elanco and MSD Animal Health are all watching cell therapy adjacencies closely, and expect increased investment in this space through 2026 and 2027.

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