Comparability & reimbursement for the translation of scalable, automated stem cell cultures ArchibaldPeter R.T. 2016 The research in this thesis focuses primarily on two critical challenges that inhibit the late stage translation of cell-based therapies and Regenerative Medicines (RMs). These include product comparability after a change in manufacturing process or site; and the reimbursement of RMs, in particular those which target multiple simultaneous indications, or Multimorbidity . The automation and standardisation of stem cell cultures also represent key themes of this thesis, which may facilitate the development of scalable, reproducible manufacturing processes for cell-based therapies. Furthermore, given the current uncertainty regarding the characterisation and potency of Human Mesenchymal Stromal (or Stem) Cells (hMSCs) that has inhibited the successful clinical translation of hMSC-based products, understanding the characterisation and putative modes of action of these cells was also a priority throughout this research. Also, due to the increasing number of Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) derived therapies progressing towards market, and the industry-wide shift towards Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSC) as an alternative to hESCs, the measurement of the growth and characterisation of these cells types represents an important method of demonstrating product comparability after alternative manufacturing process steps in the present thesis. Finally, due to the potential of hiPSCs as a source of large numbers of hMSCs, the culture conditions required to direct the differentiation of hiPSCs to hMSCs are explored.