Small molecules induce efficient differentiation into insulin-producing cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells

► We developed a protocol for generating insulin-producing cells from hiPS cells. ► Multiple compounds that induced pancreatic differentiation were identified. ► The differentiated cells secreted c-peptide in response to insulin secretagogues. ► The differentiated cells expressed various islet-enriched transcription factors. ► Five hiPS cell lines showed efficient differentiation into insulin-producing cells.