Stem Cell Sciences to test neural stem cells for spinal cord injury

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Stem Cell Sciences to test neural stem cells for spinal cord injury

LONDON (AFX) - Stem Cell Sciences PLC said its Neural Stem Cells (NS cells) are to enter pre-clinical testing for spinal cord injury in a collaboration with Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

The initial study, whose results are expected in the first quarter of 2007, will examine the ability of the NS cells to provide functional improvements in models of spinal cord injury at REMEDI, the biotechnology company said in a statement.

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'It's a really exciting opportunity for us to test our NS cells in preclinical models of spinal cord injury' said SCS's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Tim Allsopp. 'We will examine how the cells remain viable, engraft and support natural repair processes. We are really pleased to be collaborating with NUI Galway's Regenerative Medicine Institute'.

Stem Cell Sciences' NS cells are unique in that they can be grown in serum-free and feeder-free cell culture conditions. Potentially, this makes them very effective when used in a variety of cell-based therapeutics.

Professor Frank Barry, REMEDI's Scientific Director and a world-leading scientist in stem cell therapy, said: 'For REMEDI to be able to evaluate a 'best in class' neural stem cell in conjunction with a world-leading company is a great opportunity for us, and underscores the efforts we are making in Ireland in finding novel therapeutic solutions for currently incurable conditions.'

Initial study results are expected in the first quarter of 2007. If this study proves successful, Stem Cell Sciences and REMEDI plan to expand the collaboration with more extensive testing.

'It would be a great step forward if we demonstrate efficacy for our NS cells in this model' said Dr Peter Mountford, Chief Executive Officer of SCS. 'With our capabilities in novel cell culture media development and stem cell uses in drug discovery, our next step was always to move into pre-clinical trials of illness and disease, using the NS cells.'

Dr Daniel O'Mahony, Director of Technology Transfer at NUI Galway said, 'We are bringing together two technology leaders in their respective fields in the development of new treatments for spinal cord injury. This collaboration between REMEDI and SCS reinforces our commitment to industrial collaborations and to progressing technologies from the laboratory to the market place.'

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For further information, please contact:

Stem Cell Sciences plc 0131 662 9829 Hugh Ilyine, Chief Operating Officer Sue Furber, Director of Finance & Company Secretary

Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) +353 (0)91 495198 Ita Murphy MSc, Communications and Outreach Manager

Weber Shandwick | Square Mile 020 7067 0700 James White

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