ACT Reports the Publication of Research on the Scalable Generation of Universal Platelets from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem...
October 17 2014 - 9:09AM
Business Wire
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. ("ACT"; OTCBB: ACTC), a leader in
the field of regenerative medicine, reported today that its
proprietary iPSC Platelet technology is potentially capable of
producing large-scale quantities of universal donor platelets for
transfusion in almost any patient.
The research, which appears online (published-ahead-of- print)
in Stem Cell Reports − the official journal of the International
Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) and published by Cell Press
– by ACT scientists and their colleagues, shows that it is feasible
to generate megakaryocytes and platelets from iPSCs in a scalable
manner under feeder-free defined conditions. Universal platelets
were generated by removing a gene essential to expression of the
major histocompatibility (HLA) antigens, which are the main
molecules responsible for cell and organ rejection. The platelets
generated using this technology are functional and display features
that were indistinguishable from those of human blood
platelets.
The proprietary iPSC technology incorporates several discreet
intermediate cells including proprietary “hemogenic endothelium
like” cells. Unlike platelets this technology allows for long term
storage of cell material to be available and ready for transfusion
within a few days when needed to produce large quantities of
platelets from fully differentiated cells.
“Unlike other sources of platelets,” said Robert Lanza, M.D.,
Chief Scientific Officer at ACT, and senior author of the study.
“Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells can be propagated
indefinitely, providing a potentially unlimited source of cells for
therapeutic purposes. This study shows that platelets may be
produced from iPS cells without the need for serum and feeders and
thus removes potential risks associated with contaminants and
pathogens. The platelets generated with our technology are
functional and behave like normal human platelets. This technology
and these results represent an important step towards generating
unlimited supplies of universal donor platelets for
transfusion.”
Platelets play a critical role in stimulating clot formation,
repair of vascular injury and wound healing. The current supply of
platelets is limited due to their short five (5) day storage time.
Low platelet levels can occur in patients as a result of trauma,
chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or organ transplant surgery,
among other reasons. To circumvent risks associated with these
conditions, platelet transfusions have become a mainstay therapy;
yet high demand and limited shelf life have created a chronic
shortage in transfusion supplies. In addition, patients who receive
multiple platelet transfusions, such as those with various types of
cancer, often become refractory due to an immune response that
rapidly eliminates the transfused platelets. The availability of
non-immunogenic, high-quality platelets could help alleviate
chronic shortages in the supply of platelets as well as reduce the
incidence of platelet refractoriness in vulnerable populations.
“Our iPSC platelet technology has the potential to overcome
platelet shortages and possibly provide a readily available
treatment to millions of patients,” said Paul K. Wotton, Ph.D.,
President and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe iPSC derived
platelets will play an important role in providing a ready supply
that could also expand the therapeutic use of platelets in other
surgical settings e.g. joint replacements and cosmetic surgery.”
Dr. Wotton continued, “As we continue to focus on regenerative
ophthalmology, this scientific validation of one of our leading
non-ophthalmic programs enables us to seek collaborations with
external groups that have the resources necessary to bring the
results of our ground-breaking technologies to patients in
need.”
To review the article click on the link below:
http://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/abstract/S2213-6711(14)00295-1
About Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., (ACT) is a clinical stage
biotechnology company focused on the development and
commercialization of regenerative medicine and cell therapy
technology. The company’s most advanced products are in clinical
trials for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration,
Stargardt’s macular degeneration and myopic macular degeneration.
ACT’s preclinical programs involve cell therapies for the treatment
of other ocular disorders and for diseases outside the field of
ophthalmology, including autoimmune, inflammatory and wound
healing-related disorders. The company’s intellectual property
portfolio includes pluripotent stem cell platforms – hESC and
induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) – and other cell therapy
research programs. For more information, visit
www.advancedcell.com
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements, other than historical facts, contained in this
news release, including statements regarding the relevance and
applicability of the platelet technology, potential new
applications of and expanded indications covering ACT’s technology,
the effect of ACT’s products on the medical needs and quality of
life of study subjects or other patients, ACT’s potential product
pipeline and development efforts, and any other statements about
ACT’s future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, results or
prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of
historical fact (including statements containing the words “will,”
“believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” and
similar expressions) should also be considered to be
forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors
that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from
those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: the
fact that ACT has no product revenue and no products approved for
marketing; ACT’s limited operating history;, the need for and
limited sources of future capital; potential failures or delays in
obtaining regulatory approval of products; risks inherent in the
development and commercialization of potential products; reliance
on new and unproven technology in the development of products; the
need to protect ACT’s intellectual property; the challenges
associated with conducting and enrolling clinical trials; the risk
that the results of clinical trials may not support the Company’s
drug candidate claims; even if approved, the risk that physicians
and patients may not accept or use ACT’s products; ACT’s reliance
on third parties to conduct its clinical trials and to formulate
and manufacture its product candidates; and economic conditions
generally. Additional information on potential factors that could
affect our results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed
from time to time in ACT’s periodic reports, including the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2014. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs,
opinions, and expectations of ACT’s management at the time they are
made, and ACT does not assume any obligation to update its
forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions,
expectations, or other circumstances should change. Forward-looking
statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of
ACT’s management at the time they are made, and ACT does not assume
any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those
beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should
change. There can be no assurance that ACT’s future clinical trials
will be successful or that the results of previous clinical studies
will lead to commercialization or products or therapies.
Investors:Westwicke PartnersJohn Woolford,
443-213-0506john.woolford@westwicke.comorPress:Russo PartnersDavid
Schull, 858-717-2310david.schull@russopartnersllc.comorTony Russo,
Ph.D., 212-845-4251tony.russo@russopartnersllc.com