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Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc to Support Research in "Universal Donor" Stem Cell Drug
SAN DIEGO, CA, USA I February 20, 2012 I Medistem Inc. (Pinksheets: MEDS.PK - News) announced today initiation of joint efforts with the Chinese conglomerate, Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc, in developing the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC) "universal donor" stem cell product for the Chinese market. The initial focus of the collaboration will be treatment of critical limb ischemia, an advanced form of peripheral artery disease. Medistem has previously received FDA clearance to begin a Phase I clinical trial using the ERC stem cells in this patient population. A scientific publication providing the rationale and supporting data for utilization of ERC in treatment of critical limb ischemia may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf.
"Medistem has over 10 peer-reviewed scientific papers published with academic groups from China over the past 5 years. The Team is very eager to expand our collaborations with China not only in science, but now in product development," said Thomas Ichim, CEO of Medistem. "Given that Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc is actively working in the area of clinical translation of cellular therapy, we believe this group is an ideal partner for our entry into development of therapeutics for the Chinese population."
Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc currently has commercialized autologous cytokine activated killer cell therapy for cancer, as well as autologous bone marrow for treatment of critical limb ischemia; the company is interested in exploring expansion into allogeneic "off the shelf" products. As part of the initial collaboration, Medistem will provide ERC stem cells for research use and Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc will support ongoing experiments. All data generated will be provided to Medistem.
"This is an example of a 2 +2 = 8 synergy," said Mr. Wei Zhang, CEO of Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc. "By leveraging cutting edge technology developed by Medistem in the context of our existing cell research and therapy infrastructure, we hope to accelerate Medistem's development program, while at the same time bring new research to China."
About Medistem Inc.
Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company's lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a "universal donor" stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia.
SOURCE: Medistem |
