SB431542
SB431542 is a selective inhibitor of the TGF-β superfamily type 1 activin receptor-like kinase (ALK). It inhibits ALK4, ALK5, and ALK7.It is used in the process of inducing differentiation from human ES/iPS cells into neural and retinal cells.
We provide ISO9001-certified products developed for basic research in drug discovery and regenerative medicine, as well as products for the commercial production of regenerative medicine products in compliance with ICH-Q7 (GMP for APIs).
C22H16N4O3=384.39
| SB431542 Products | Size | Availability/Price |
|---|---|---|
| SB431542 (GMP-compliant) | 5 mg | |
| 25 mg | ||
| CultureSure® SB431542 | 5 mg | |
| 25 mg | ||
| 500 mg | ||
| CultureSure® 5mmol/L SB431542 DMSO Solution, Animal-derived-free |
1 mL | |
| SB431542 | 5 mg | |
| 25 mg |
Overview
SB431542 is a selective inhibitor targeting the TGF-β/Activin/NODAL signaling pathway. It acts by competitively binding to the ATP site, effectively inhibiting ALK5 (IC₅₀ = 94 nM), the activin type I receptor ALK4 (IC₅₀ = 140 nM), and the nodal type I receptor ALK7. It does not affect other ALK family members that bind bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).(Inman et al.).
Reprogramming
- SB431542 can substitute for Sox2 during the reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells (Ichida et al.).
- When combined with PD0325901 and Thiazovivin, it enhances the efficiency of converting human somatic cells into iPS cells (Lin et al.).
- In combination with CHIR99021, ISX-9, Forskolin, and SB431542 robustly facilitate induction of neuronal fates from mouse fibroblasts. (Li et al.).
Differentiation Induction
- Noggin and SB431542 induce rapid and complete neural conversion of hESCs (Chambers et al).
- SB431542 facilitates proliferation and sheet formation of ESC/iPSCs-derived endothelial cells (Watabe et al.).
- It enhances the differentiation of cardiomyocytes from human PSCs (Kattman et al.).

Chemical Information for SB431542
| CAS Number | 301836-41-9 |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C22H16N4O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 384.39 |
| Purity (HPLC) |
SB431542 (GMP-compliant) : ≧99.5% CultureSure® SB431542 : ≧98.0% SB431542 : ≧98.0% |
| Chemical Name | 4-[4-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-5-(2-pyridinyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-benzamide |
Product Information
SB431542 (GMP-compliant)
This product is complied with ICH-Q7 (GMP for APIs) and is intended as a raw material for the commercial production of regenerative medicine products. It has been tested for viable count, as well as bacterial endotoxins, mycoplasma contamination, and residual solvent.
- GMP compliant
- Process validation and analytical validation carried out
- No animal-derived ingredients are used as raw materials
About GMP-compliant Small Molecules
CultureSure® SB431542
This product was developed for basic research in drug discovery and regenerative medicine. It has been tested for bacterial endotoxins and mycoplasma contamination.
- ISO9001 compliant
- No animal-derived ingredients are used as raw materials
About CultureSure™ Small Molecules
CultureSure® 5 mmol/L SB431542 DMSO Solution, Animal-derived-free
This product is a 5 mmol/L DMSO solution of SB431542. It has been tested for sterility, as well as bacterial endotoxins and mycoplasma contamination. It has been 0.1 μm filter-sterilized and can be added directly to the culture medium.
- ISO9001 compliant
- No animal-derived ingredients are used as raw materials
SB431542
This product was developed for basic research in drug discovery and regenerative medicine.
- ISO9001 compliant
- No animal-derived ingredients are used as raw materials
SB431542 Comparison Chart
| ICH-Q7 | ISO9001 | Sterility test | Viable count test | No animal-derived ingredients used | Bacterial Endotoxin test | Mycoplasma test | Residual solvent | Powder/ Liquid | References* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB431542(GMP-compliant) | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Powder | - |
| CultureSure® SB431542 | - | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | Powder | |
| CultureSure® 5mmol/L SB431542 DMSO Solution, Animal-derived-free | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | Liquid | |
| SB431542 | - | ✓ | - | - | ✓ | - | - | - | Powder |
* Click to move to the PubMed Central® search results.
Applications
SB431542 is used for effective differentiation induction of iPS/ES cells.
Based on the latest findings reported in the literature, we introduce examples of the usage steps for our products.
Nerves
Liver
Lung

■References
Hashimoto, R., et al.: Life Sci. Alliance, 8, e202402837 (2025).
Kakizaki, M., et al.: J Virol, 99, e0185324 (2024).
γδT Cells
Preparing Stock Solutions for SB431542
The powder SB431542 product has been confirmed to be soluble in DMSO. After dilution, filter sterilize before use.
Refer to the protocol at the top of this page for general usage in ES/iPS cell culture.
Amount of solvent and powder when preparing solution
| SB431542(powder) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | ||
| Concentration | 1 mmol/L | 2.602 mL | 13.008 mL | 26.015 mL |
| 5 mmol/L | 0.520 mL | 2.602 mL | 5.203 mL | |
| 10 mmol/L | 0.260 mL | 1.301 mL | 2.602 mL | |
| 50 mmol/L | 0.052 mL | 0.260 mL | 0.520 mL | |
| Solvent Volume | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mL | 1 mL | 5 mL | 10 mL | ||
| Concentration | 1 mmol/L | 0.192 mg | 0.384 mg | 1.922 mg | 3.844 mg |
| 5 mmol/L | 0.961 mg | 1.922 mg | 9.610 mg | 19.220 mg | |
| 10 mmol/L | 1.922 mg | 3.844 mg | 19.220 mg | 38.439 mg | |
| 50 mmol/L | 9.610 mg | 19.220 mg | 96.098 mg | 192.195 mg | |
Resources and Publications
Literature and Education
- Map of Culture Compounds and Cytokines
- Small Molecules Catalog
- On-demand webinar:Impact of ROCK inhibitor in suspension aggregate culture of iPS cells
- FUJIFILM Wako Life Science Webinar Series
| CultureSure® 5mmol/L SB431542 DMSO Solution, Animal-derived-free |
|---|
| Kawamura, S., et al.: Cell Rep. Med., 6, 102433 (2025). Modeling antithymocyte globulin-induced using human iPSC-derived vascularized liver organoids. |
| Murai, N., et al.: Stem Cell Reports, 18, 853 (2023). Re-generation of cytotoxic γδT cells with distinctive signatures from human ">γδT-derived iPSCs. |
| Kawakami, E., et al.: Cell Stem Cell. Author manuscript, 30, 1315 (2023). Complement factor D targeting protects endotheliopathy in organoid and monkey models of COVID-19. |
| Uehara, K., et al.: Stem Cell Reports, 17, 820 (2022). Epithelial-derived factors induce muscularis mucosa of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived gastric organoids. |
| SB431542 |
|---|
| Tsutsui, Y., et al.: Nat. Commun., 17, 1214 (2026). Human iPSC-based Modeling of Pulmonary Fibrosis Reveals p300/CBP Inhibition Suppresses Alveolar Transitional Cell State. |
| Sowa, N., et al.: EMBO Mol. Med., 17, 1902 (2025). MicroRNA-33 inhibition ameliorates muscular dystrophy by enhancing skeletal muscle regeneration. |
| Masui, A., et al.: Stem Cell Reports, 19, 545 (2024). Micro-patterned culture of iPSC-derived alveolar and airway cells distinguishes SARS-CoV-2 variants. |
| Fujita, S., et al.: EBioMedicine, 104, 105181 (2024). Virological characteristics of a SARS-CoV-2-related bat coronavirus, BANAL-20-236. |
Glossary
GMP
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a standard for manufacturing and quality control of pharmaceutical drugs, etc., and should be observed by manufacturers of pharmaceutical drugs, etc.
The GMP standards are based on the following three principles:
- Minimizing human errors during manufacture
- Preventing contamination and quality deterioration of pharmaceutical products
- Designing a system for high quality assurance
ICH-Q7 (GMP for APIs)
International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) is an international initiative to create guidelines on pharmaceutical regulations from scientific and technical perspectives by joint efforts of regulatory authorities and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry.
Among these guidelines, ICH-Q7 (GMP for APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients)) outlines the standard practices for manufacturing management and quality control related to active pharmaceutical ingredients.
ISO9001
ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, a non-governmental organization. The standards established by the ISO are referred to as ISO standards. These are internationally agreed-upon criteria established by experts, covering various areas such as product manufacturing, process management, service provision, and material supply.
ISO 9001 is a standard set out for quality management systems. Many companies and organizations are certified to ISO 9001 to ensure that their customers consistently receive good quality products and services.
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