Sep 14, 2010 by Advanced Cell Techno;ogy
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. ("ACT"; OTCBB: ACTC), a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, announced today that it will be issued U.S. Patent Numbers 7,795,025 and 7,794,704 on Tuesday, September 14th, which continue to extend the company's patent portfolio covering its retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell programs. In particular, the claims that will issue in patent number 7,794,704 broadly cover methods for treating retinal degeneration using human RPE cells differentiated from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Issuing with 68 claims, this patent covers methods of treatment with hESC-derived RPE cells that includes, but is not limited to, Stargardt's disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and macular degeneration. The 41 claims issuing in US Patent 7,795,025 contribute to the development of the company's protection of the processes for manufacturing RPE cells from human ES cells. The patent covers fundamental methods for generating transplantable cells for treatment of human patients.
"Another wonderful milestone for ACT! These patents continue the recognition of the inventions and innovations resulting from our scientific team's ongoing research, and further protects the platform technology underlying our RPE program, one of our key therapeutic programs," said William M. Caldwell IV, ACT's Chairman and CEO. "A valuable addition to our strong intellectual property portfolio, these patents should help position ACT as the dominant player in this potentially very large market. Our RPE technology is safe and scalable, and has tremendous potential for treating some 200 or more diseases of the retina."
"ACT is developing first-in-class treatments for degenerative disorders of the retina," said Robert Lanza, M.D., ACT's Chief Scientific Officer. "The use of RPE cells created from human embryonic stem cells should open the door to potential treatments for many diseases of the retina that impact sight. According to the World Health Organization, macular degeneration alone is known to affect 30-40 million people worldwide, and this represents only a handful of the 200 diseases that may be treated using our RPE cells. We have worked hard to develop an efficient method for producing a renewable source of transplantable RPE cells that can be used to target diseases such as Stargardt's Disease and Age-related Macular Degeneration. For many of these patients there are no available treatments. We have demonstrated that our stem cell-derived RPE cells can rescue visual function in animals that otherwise would have gone blind. We are looking forward to starting our clinical trials with the hope that these cells will be similarly efficacious in patients."
"We believe that these patents are especially important as they extend the company's patent coverage of the scalable manufacturing of human RPE cells for therapeutic use, which are core to our technology and product portfolio," continued Mr. Caldwell. "This IP further expands our patent estate with respect to protecting the use of RPE cells in a wide range of treatments, offering additional validation of the strength and breadth of our patent portfolio. This development also dovetails nicely with the prospect of initiating our human clinical trial for our RPE program. We are optimistic that the methods-of-treatments and the culturing processes covered by these two new patents, along with the Company's proprietary detection technique for final product release, will establish a formidable barrier to entry for any potential competitors. Once we have begun to treat Stargardt patients, we plan to initiate another clinical trial relating to the use of RPE cells in the treatment of dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). At present there is no approved treatment for dry AMD, despite the fact that it represents a $20-30 billion potential market."
ACT's Single Blastomere technology used for isolating hESCs does not require the destruction of embryos. The RPE and other hESC-derived cells the company intends to produce for clinical use all begin with these "embryo-safe" stem cells. ACT does not rely on government funding for any of its research or development efforts, and accordingly has not been impacted by the recent court injunction against federal funding of hESC research. Nevertheless, the company's hESC lines and cells made for those lines (such as RPE cells) should fall outside the scope of the court order. While the injunction has been stayed, it is widely believed that this is only a temporary reprieve, with a permanent injunction a real possibility perhaps as early as the end of this month. Should that come to pass, ACT stands ready to offer its human stem cell lines to the research community, pending their approval by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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 http://www.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," "broad," "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, scope and enforceability 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, 2009.
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.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
How to prevent age-related macular degeneration
by Dr Pandula Siribaddana
Age Related Macular Degeneration or ARMD is a common condition seen in the elderly population and can be named as one of the commonest causes of visual loss among the same age group. The condition is characterized by the gradual loss of central vision and could be recognized as having two major categories.
In one form, which is the ‘dry’ macular degeneration, the retina and the layer below in the back of the eye would be separated by cellular debris and in the second form, which is the ‘wet’ macular degeneration, the two layers will be separated by enlarging blood vessels under the retina. In both instances, the peripheral vision would be spared and therefore, these individuals would be able to carry out their daily activities, although the functions such as reading would be impaired to a significant extent.
How to prevent ARMD in the elderly?
The prevention strategies related to ARMD would include avoiding the risk factors which would cause the condition in the first place. Therefore, following prevention strategies can be named as the most useful in order to achieve better vision in the elderly age.
Control blood sugar levels
This has shown to have an influence in the manifestation of macular degeneration and since it is prevalent abundantly, adhering to good glycaemic control would be essential to reduce the disease burden of ARMD.
Avoid smoking
Among the many influences it makes on health, macular degeneration is one and therefore its avoidance would greatly help susceptible individuals to maintain better visual health. According to statistics, there seems to be a threefold risk among the smokers than in non-smokers to develop ARMD during the elderly life.
Control hypertension and cardiovascular diseases
Researchers have identified these two as influencing the occurrence of macular degeneration and controlling of the same would reduce the risk of ARMD in susceptible individuals.
Avoid direct sun light
Sun light, particularly the blue light in the sun’s rays, have shown to influence the functioning of the retina and thus can lead to the development of ARMD. Therefore, using special eye glasses and avoiding such exposure would be recommended for people whom are constantly at risk of being exposed.
Include carotenes in the diet
Carotenes containing foods or else supplements have shown to be effective to a certain extent in reducing the risk of macular degeneration and therefore steps should be taken to include such foods and to take a balanced diet as much as possible.
Add omega 3 fatty acids
Similar to carotenes, omega 3 fatty acids are suggested as being supportive in the prevention of ARMD and should be included in the diets of all ages.
Lastly, due to the fact that there are other factors which are not modifiable and may lead to the development of ARMD, it is always best to screen and initiate treatment as early as possible in order to prevent progression of the disease and to avoid the occurrence of complete blindness.
Age Related Macular Degeneration or ARMD is a common condition seen in the elderly population and can be named as one of the commonest causes of visual loss among the same age group. The condition is characterized by the gradual loss of central vision and could be recognized as having two major categories.
In one form, which is the ‘dry’ macular degeneration, the retina and the layer below in the back of the eye would be separated by cellular debris and in the second form, which is the ‘wet’ macular degeneration, the two layers will be separated by enlarging blood vessels under the retina. In both instances, the peripheral vision would be spared and therefore, these individuals would be able to carry out their daily activities, although the functions such as reading would be impaired to a significant extent.
How to prevent ARMD in the elderly?
The prevention strategies related to ARMD would include avoiding the risk factors which would cause the condition in the first place. Therefore, following prevention strategies can be named as the most useful in order to achieve better vision in the elderly age.
Control blood sugar levels
This has shown to have an influence in the manifestation of macular degeneration and since it is prevalent abundantly, adhering to good glycaemic control would be essential to reduce the disease burden of ARMD.
Avoid smoking
Among the many influences it makes on health, macular degeneration is one and therefore its avoidance would greatly help susceptible individuals to maintain better visual health. According to statistics, there seems to be a threefold risk among the smokers than in non-smokers to develop ARMD during the elderly life.
Control hypertension and cardiovascular diseases
Researchers have identified these two as influencing the occurrence of macular degeneration and controlling of the same would reduce the risk of ARMD in susceptible individuals.
Avoid direct sun light
Sun light, particularly the blue light in the sun’s rays, have shown to influence the functioning of the retina and thus can lead to the development of ARMD. Therefore, using special eye glasses and avoiding such exposure would be recommended for people whom are constantly at risk of being exposed.
Include carotenes in the diet
Carotenes containing foods or else supplements have shown to be effective to a certain extent in reducing the risk of macular degeneration and therefore steps should be taken to include such foods and to take a balanced diet as much as possible.
Add omega 3 fatty acids
Similar to carotenes, omega 3 fatty acids are suggested as being supportive in the prevention of ARMD and should be included in the diets of all ages.
Lastly, due to the fact that there are other factors which are not modifiable and may lead to the development of ARMD, it is always best to screen and initiate treatment as early as possible in order to prevent progression of the disease and to avoid the occurrence of complete blindness.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Limited Retinal Translocation for Wet Macular Degeneration
by Samantha Power
August 31st, 2010
Limited Retinal Translocation-Limited retinal translocation is another treatment aimed at wet macular degeneration. In this procedure the retina is actually moved somewhat to allow laser treatments to be applied more successfully to abnormal blood vessel growth. The procedure is still in the macular degeneration treatments developmental stages in terms of approval for commercial applications. Surgical options for dry macular degeneration are proposed periodically. The methodologies change from procedure to procedure, but the general idea is the same.
August 31st, 2010
Limited Retinal Translocation-Limited retinal translocation is another treatment aimed at wet macular degeneration. In this procedure the retina is actually moved somewhat to allow laser treatments to be applied more successfully to abnormal blood vessel growth. The procedure is still in the macular degeneration treatments developmental stages in terms of approval for commercial applications. Surgical options for dry macular degeneration are proposed periodically. The methodologies change from procedure to procedure, but the general idea is the same.
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