ADVANCED CELL TECHNOLOGY, INC. 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.
