Amarantus Subsidiary MANF
Therapeutics Announces Publication in Science Magazine of Positive
Animal Data for MANF in Treatment of Retinal Damage and Issuance of
Retinal Patent in Japan Covering MANF and CDNF
- Data demonstrates MANF's role in
modulating the immune microenvironment in the retina and its
potential for treating retinal disorders
- Patent extends MANF Therapeutics'
exclusivity for MANF and CDNF treatment of retinal disorders in
Japan into 2031
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
-- December 14, 2017 -- InvestorsHub NewsWire
-- Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. (OTCPK:
AMBS), a US-based biotechnology holding company with
wholly-owned subsidiaries developing first-in-class orphan
neurologic, regenerative medicine and ophthalmic therapies, today
announced the publication of positive pre-clinical data for
mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) in the
treatment retinal damage in the prestigious peer-reviewed
scientific journal Science Magazine. In addition, Amarantus'
wholly-owned subsidiary MANF Therapeutics, Inc. was issued a patent
by the Japan Patent Office entitled "Method of Treatment for
Retinal Disorders" covering the use of MANF and cerebral dopamine
neurotrophic factor (CDNF) as treatments for retinal disorders,
including Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Glaucoma. The issued patent
extends coverage for MANF Therapeutics use of MANF and CDNF in the
treatment of retinal disorders in Japan into 2031. MANF has received orphan drug
designation from the FDA from the treatment of RP and retinal
artery occlusion (RAO).
The data published in Science
demonstrated a strong protective effect of MANF on retinal cells
and on retinal function in animal models of retinal damage. It was
determined that the effect was driven by MANF's capacity to
activate and modulate the retinal immune microenvironment, and
specifically its role in mediating retinal damage. The key findings
from the publication include:
- Hemocyte-derived MANF is activated
downstream of Pvf-1/PvR paracrine signaling to promote retinal
repair in Drosophila;
- MANF has immune modulatory
properties that are required for retinal repair in
Drosophila;
- Damage response associated
PDGF-A/MANF paracrine signaling is conserved in
mammals;
- MANF has a conserved
neuroprotective function in the mammalian retina;
- MANF-dependent modulation of
immune cell phenotypes mediates retinal protection;
- MANF promotes cell integration and
restoration of visual function in the mammalian retina.
"The publication of this
fundamental data adding to the wealth of information describing
MANF's critical importance in the improvement of cellular function
underscores the potential applications of the technology being
developed by MANF Therapeutics," said Gerald E. Commissiong,
Amarantus' President & CEO. "MANF's potential to treat retinal
disorders with this new mechanism of action brings hope to those
suffering from retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa
and glaucoma. MANF Therapeutics is preparing to launch operations
in 2018 for the purpose of re-initiating IND-enabling development
towards first-in-man studies in an orphan ophthalmic
indication."
A link to the abstract is available
here: http://science.sciencemag.org/content/353/6294/aaf3646.
About Amarantus Bioscience
Holdings, Inc.
Amarantus Bioscience Holdings
(AMBS)
is a biotechnology company developing treatments and diagnostics
for diseases in the areas of neurology, regenerative medicine and
orphan diseases through its subsidiaries. AMBS' wholly-owned
subsidiary Elto Pharma, Inc. has development rights to eltoprazine,
a Phase 2b-ready small molecule indicated for Parkinson's disease
levodopa-induced dyskinesia, Alzheimer's aggression and adult ADHD.
AMBS acquired the rights to the Engineered Skin Substitute program
(ESS), a regenerative medicine-based approach for treating severe
burns with full-thickness autologous skin grown in tissue culture
that is being pursued by AMBS' wholly-owned subsidiary Cutanogen
Corporation. AMBS' wholly-owned subsidiary MANF Therapeutics, Inc.
owns key intellectual property rights and licenses from a number of
prominent universities related to the development of the
therapeutic protein known as mesencephalic astrocyte-derived
neurotrophic factor (MANF). MANF Therapeutics, Inc. is developing
MANF-based products as treatments for brain and ophthalmic
disorders. MANF was discovered by the Company's Chief Scientific
Officer John Commissiong, PhD. Dr. Commissiong discovered MANF from
AMBS' proprietary discovery engine PhenoGuard. AMBS also owns
approximately 80 million shares of Avant Diagnostics, Inc. via the
sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary Amarantus Diagnostics, Inc.
that occurred in May 2016.
For further information please
visit www.Amarantus.com, or connect with the Amarantus on
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+.
About MANF Therapeutics,
Inc.
MANF
(mesencephalic-astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor) is believed
to have broad potential because it is a naturally-occurring protein
produced by the body to reduce/prevent apoptosis (cell death) in
response to injury or disease, via the unfolded protein response.
By administering exogenously produced MANF the body, Amarantus is
seeking to use a regenerative medicine approach to assist the body
with higher quantities of MANF when needed. Amarantus is the
front-runner and primary holder of intellectual property around
MANF, and is initially focusing on the development of MANF-based
protein therapeutics.
MANF's lead indication is retinitis
pigmentosa, and additional indications including Parkinson's
disease, diabetes and Wolfram's syndrome are envisioned. Further
applications for MANF may include Alzheimer's disease, traumatic
brain injury, myocardial infarction, antibiotic-induced ototoxicity
and certain other orphan diseases.
In April 2017, Amarantus
incorporated the wholly-owned subsidiary MANF Therapeutics, Inc. to
focus on progressing preclinical and clinical development of
MANF.
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Amarantus Investor and
Media Contact:
Ascendant Partners, LLC
Richard Galterio
+1-732-410-9810
rich@ascendantpartnersllc.com
Source: Amarantus Bioscience
Holdings, Inc.