ACT Issued Broad Patent for Human RPE Cells Derived From All Types of Pluripotent
Stem Cells
New Australian Patent Covers Human RPE Cells Made From Range of Pluripotent Stem
Cells, Including Both Embryonic Stem Cells and induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS)
Cells
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Jul 26, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Advanced Cell Technology,
Inc. ("ACT"; OTCBB: ACTC), a leader in the field of regenerative medicine,
announced today that it has been issued a patent in Australia, patent number
2005325753, "Improved modalities for the treatment of degenerative diseases of
the retina." The patent broadly covers the use of human retinal pigment
epithelial (RPE) cells generated from pluripotent stem cells in the manufacture
of pharmaceutical preparations of RPE cells, and the use of those preparations to
treat patients with degenerative diseases of the retina such as Age-related
Macular Degeneration. The patent covers the pharmaceutical formulation of human
RPE cells made from a range of pluripotent stem cells, including both human
embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
"We continue to make great progress with our patent estate covering RPE
therapies," said Gary Rabin, chairman and CEO of ACT. "Our ongoing success in
securing broad patent protection around the world, including this newly-issued
Australian patent, is a testament to our innovative chief scientific officer, Dr.
Robert Lanza, and the rest of our scientific team."
The efficient production of highly pure RPE cell preparations represents a
critical step in the creation of renewable sources of transplantable cells that
can be used to target degenerative diseases of the eye such as Stargardt's
Macular Dystrophy (SMD) and dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (dry AMD).
"Our current embryonic stem cell trials pave the way for other pluripotent stem
cell therapies," commented Dr. Lanza. "ACT's cellular reprogramming technologies
using iPS cells are in an advanced stage of development, and we hope to be in a
position to move toward clinical translation in the not-too-distant future. Since
iPS cells can be made from the patient's own cells such as skin or blood cells
they may allow us to expand our cell therapies beyond immune-privileged sites
such as the eye without the risk of immune rejection."
Mr. Rabin concluded, "We are aggressively pursuing patent protection for a
variety of aspects of our programs. Our intellectual property strategy includes
both vigilance in pursuing comprehensive coverage from our initial patent
filings, such as this new Australian patent, and filing for protection around our
scientific team's various innovations. At the same time we are paying close
attention to including within our patent coverage those ways others may wish to
adapt our technology for commercial use, such as through the choice of stem cell
source, or the use of solid supports or cell suspensions for delivery. Following
this strategy, we are establishing both formidable barriers-to-entry for
potential competitors, as well as strong potential licensing opportunities for
others, translating into solid revenue generation possibilities for the company."
About Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., is a biotechnology company applying cellular
technology in the field of regenerative medicine. For more information, visit
advancedcell.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this news release regarding future financial and operating results,
future growth in research and development programs, potential applications of our
technology, opportunities for the company and any other statements about the
future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, 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: limited
operating history, need for future capital, risks inherent in the development and
commercialization of potential products, protection of our intellectual property,
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 the company's periodic reports, including the report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2011. Forward-looking statements are based on the
beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the company's management at the time they
are made, and the company 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 the company's management at the time they are made,
and the company 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 the Company's clinical trials will
be successful.
SOURCE: Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.
Investors:
CEOcast, Inc.
James Young, 212-732-4300
or
Press:
ACT Corporate Communications
Bill Douglass, 646-450-3615
or:
Russo Partners
Martina Schwarzkopf, Ph.D., 212-845-4292 |
