Posted by Curtis Lomax on June 27, 2003 at 11:48:26:
June 27, 2003
Advances in xenotransplantation reported - Diabetes Reversal
[NewsRx.com]
Drug Week via NewsEdge Corporation : BioTransplant, Inc., (BTRNQ.OB) announced that scientists from Immerge BioTherapeutics, the company's joint venture with Novartis Pharma AG, have recently reported results from two studies highlighting advances in xenotransplantation.
In one study, Immerge researchers have reversed insulin dependency in diabetic non-human primates through the transplantation of porcine islet cells. In another study, scientists identified the receptors for Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus (PERV), a virus that has shown the ability to infect some human cells in vitro.
"These promising studies reflect the significant achievements Immerge has made in the field of xenotransplantation research," stated Donald B. Hawthorne, president and CEO of BioTransplant. "The diabetic primate data underscore the potential applications for xenotransplantation, and the identification of PERV receptors is an important step forward in our efforts to develop xenotransplantation as a safe therapeutic option for humans."
At the American Transplant Congress 2003 meeting, researchers from Immerge BioTherapeutics, the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation, and the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota presented data showing reversal of diabetes in monkeys for more than 70 days after transplantation with porcine islet cells. In this study, diabetic cynomolgus monkeys were transplanted with islets purified from the pancreas of adult pigs or miniature swine.
The subjects were then treated with an immunosuppressive cocktail, including induction and maintenance therapy. All animals became insulin independent and reached normal glucose levels in the period after transplantation. A number of animals were insulin-free for up to 70 days after transplantation. None of the animals showed evidence of antibody-mediated rejection.
Immerge also announced the identification of the key molecule responsible for Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus (PERV) Infection in the The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. Immerge scientists, together with the academic groups of Professors Robin Weiss, University College, London, and Daniel Salomon, The Scripps Research Institute have identified the receptors that are used by PERV in order to enter and infect a cell. This study may allow scientists to begin to develop a strategy to prevent PERV replication.
BioTransplant also announced that it has entered into an agreement with Miltenyi Biotec GmbH for the sale of its Eligix HDM Cell Separation System.
In connection with this transaction, Miltenyi has agreed to acquire all intellectual property and physical assets associated with the Eligix business in exchange for an upfront payment of $450,000 and royalties of 4-10% of future sales. The Eligix HDM Cell Separation Systems use monoclonal antibodies to remove unwanted cells from bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cell and donor leukocyte grafts used in transplant procedures.
As previously announced, on February 27, 2003, the company and Eligix, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Boston Massachusetts. The sale of the Eligix assets is subject to approval by the bankruptcy court. "We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Miltenyi, which, if approved by the court, will provide us with both near term capital and potential down-stream royalty income," said Hawthorne This article was prepared by Drug Week editors from staff and other reports.
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