ACT Reports the Publication of Research on the Scalable Generation of Universal Platelets from Human Induced …

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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 companys most advanced products are in clinical trials for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration, Stargardts macular degeneration and myopic macular degeneration. ACTs 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 companys 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 http://www.advancedcell.com

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ACT Reports the Publication of Research on the Scalable Generation of Universal Platelets from Human Induced ...