Cellular Dynamics International has strengthened its grip on the stem cell market, as the company announced today that it received a U.S. patent on the automated production of human pluripotent stem cells, including pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

“This patent is further evidence of our continued leadership in the field,” CEO Bob Palay said in a statement. “The issuance of this patent helps assure our customers that CDI will be able to provide them access to manufactured human cells in the quantity, quality, purity and diversity that meets their drug discovery, stem cell banking and cell therapy research and development needs.”

According to a release, the patent also covers research, cellular therapy development and stem cell banking.

CDI now has more than 800 patents either awarded, pending or in-licensed.