CT biotech offers stem cells

New Haven-based CellDesign Inc. today introduced its first set of commercially available human stem cells likely to be used in diabetes and obesity research at large pharmaceutical companies.

The adult stem cell lines can be used to generate unlimited quantities of human white and brown fat, CellDesign said. The tissue sources were obtained with donors' informed consent, the company said.

The stem cell offering is a milestone for Connecticut, the first state to award funds for stem cell research, said Paul Pescatello, CEO of Connecticut United for Research Excellence (CURE).

"CellDesign's work is tangible evidence that stem cell research is thriving in Connecticut," Pescatello said in a statement.

Former Pfizer Inc. researcher John Hambor launched CellDesign in 2008 to conduct the kind of research and development usually done at bigger companies.