Nexell Therapeutics Broadens Cell Selection Research Antibody Portfolio Through Agreements With Diaclone; Supports Application of Isolex Technology to Multiple Cell Types
IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Jan. 26, 2000--Nexell Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: NEXL), one of the world's leading suppliers of therapeutic and diagnostic products based on stem cell technology, announced today that it has entered into two worldwide licensing agreements with Diaclone, SA, giving Nexell access to a suite of seven monoclonal antibodies for use in ex vivo cell therapy. Terms of the agreements were not
disclosed.
"These agreements are consistent with our strategic vision to expand the potential of the Isolex(R) Magnetic Cell Selection System for the collection, purification or removal of many specific cell types beyond CD34 stem cells," said L. William McIntosh, President and COO of Nexell Therapeutics. "As we broaden our research antibody portfolio for cell selection, we get closer to our goal of achieving effective and efficient graft engineering. This will
allow investigators access to a variety of cell products that may have significant therapeutic benefits. These antibodies will be made available to investigators engaged in research studies or conducting FDA-approved trials."
The first agreement grants Nexell an exclusive license to Diaclone's CD2 antibody, the marker for all T cells. The second agreement provides access to six additional antibodies, including CD138, useful for purging myeloma cells; CD25, a T cell activation marker that may facilitate the removal of alloreactive cells from a stem cell graft prior to transplant; CD56 and CD16, markers for NK (natural killer) cells; CD14, a monocyte marker; and CD4, the
marker for T-helper cells.
"Nexell is in a position to translate what the medical community is learning about the specific roles of different cells in the immune system into clinical scale cell therapy products," said Dennis Van Epps, PhD, Vice President, Research, Nexell Therapeutics. "Our work with these Diaclone antibodies will contribute to our progress in several important research programs aimed at new clinical applications for cell selection, including allogeneic
(donor) transplants and dendritic cell vaccines."
Diaclone, SA
Located in Besancon, France, Diaclone SA is a biotechnology company well known for the development of clinical grade monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic, diagnostic and research purposes. Founded in 1986 as a laboratory for the Besancon Blood Bank, Diaclone is now a fully-owned subsidiary of the Biotest Group.
Nexell Therapeutics Inc.
Located in Irvine, California, Nexell Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:NEXL) is a cell therapy company whose mission is to put the healing power of the cell in the hands of physicians. Nexell is developing and marketing innovative ex vivo cell therapies and in vitro diagnostics for cancer, autoimmune, metabolic and genetic diseases. Nexell's lead product, the Isolex(R) 300i Magnetic Cell Selection System, is the only FDA approved device commercially
available for the selection of hematopoietic stem cells and the removal of tumor cells from autologous peripheral blood as a component of aggressive cancer treatment. In addition, Nexell markets the Cytonex(TM) ICC Staining Kit and an extensive line of cell therapy preparation, storage and expansion products including the Cryocyte(TM), SteriCell(R) and Lifecell(R) brands.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from current expectations. Among the factors which could affect either Company's actual results and could cause results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements
contained herein are: the timely commencement and success of either Company's clinical trials and other research endeavors, delays in receiving FDA or other regulatory approvals, the development of competing therapies and/or technologies, the terms of any future strategic alliances, the possible need for additional capital, and any additional factors described from time to time in either Company's periodic reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q, and any
prospectus describing either Company's securities.
NOTE TO INVESTORS AND EDITORS: Nexell Therapeutics Inc. press releases are available on the Internet through www.nexellinc.com and through Business Wire's Web site at businesswire.com. The releases are also available at no charge through Business Wire's fax-on-demand service at 800/411-8792.
CONTACT:
Nexell Therapeutics Inc., Irvine
Tad Heitmann, 949/470-6516
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
BW1165 JAN 26,2000
5:31 PACIFIC
8:31 EASTERN
|
