TeSR™-E5 is a defined, serum- and xeno-free medium that is based on the formulation of TeSR™-E8™, but does not contain transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or insulin. It may be used as a basal medium for differentiation of human embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, or other applications where removal of the above cytokines and insulin is desirable.