Health Canada Approves ONUREG® (azacitidine tablets), First Maintenance Therapy for Patients in Remission from Acute Myeloid Leukemia
ONUREG® has shown clinically meaningful increase in overall survival for patients
MONTREAL, Jan. 12, 2021 /CNW/ - Bristol Myers Squibb Canada (BMS) announced today that Health Canada has approved ONUREG® (azacitidine tablets) for use as the first and only maintenance therapy for adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who achieved complete remission (CR) or complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) following induction therapy with or without consolidation treatment, and who are not eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).1
AML is a heterogeneous clonal disorder characterized by immature myeloid cell proliferation and bone marrow failure, and is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults, accounting for approximately 80 per cent of adult cases.2,3,4 An estimated 40-60 per cent of patients aged 60 years and older and 60-80 per cent of patients under 60 years old will obtain complete remission through induction chemotherapy (IC); however, 50 per cent will relapse within a year.5,6 Once a relapse occurs, long-term survival averages at six months.7 In 2015, an estimated 1,235 Canadians were diagnosed with AML and the overall incidence rate in Canada is 3.46/100,000 people.8,9
"While the majority of patients with AML achieve a complete remission with intensive chemotherapy, many remission patients will experience disease relapse, especially if they were not eligible for a stem cell transplant. Until now, there has been no established standard of care for Canadians who are in remission from AML, but are not eligible for a stem cell transplant," noted Dr. Andre Schuh, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto. "The approval of ONUREG® is significant because it gives transplant ineligible patients with AML in remission a new treatment option that may improve their survival".
ONUREG® is a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor that is taken orally and works by preventing cancer cells from growing. ONUREG® becomes incorporated into the building blocks of cells (deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA)), which interferes with the production of new DNA and RNA. This is thought to kill cancerous cells in leukemia.10
"The approval of ONUREG® is an extension of our ongoing commitment to Canadians living with blood cancer," said Al Reba, General Manager, Bristol Myers Squibb Canada. "We are proud that this therapy will help to fill a significant need for Canadians living in remission from AML and hope that it will have a positive impact on their everyday life."
Health Canada's approval of ONUREG® is based upon findings from the QUAZAR AML-001 clinical trial. The QUAZAR study, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase III study, involved adult patients 55 years or older living with AML. In the study, patients were randomized to Onureg or placebo within four months of achieving first CR/CRi following intensive induction chemotherapy and were not eligible for a stem cell transplant.11 In the study, results showed the median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer with ONUREG® versus placebo: 24.7 months versus 14.8 months [HR 0.69 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.86); p=0.0009], indicating a 31 per cent reduction in the risk of death in the ONUREG® arm. Relapse-free survival (RFS), the key secondary endpoint in the study, supports the OS results. The median RFS was 10.2 months for ONUREG® versus 4.8 months for placebo [HR 0.65 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.81); p=0.0001].12
About Bristol Myers Squibb Canada Bristol Myers Squibb Canada Co. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb Company, a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb global operations, visit www.bms.com. Bristol Myers Squibb Canada Co. delivers innovative medicines for serious diseases to Canadian patients in the areas of cardiovascular health, oncology, and immunoscience. Bristol Myers Squibb Canada Co. employs close to 400 people across the country. For more information, please visit www.bms.com/ca.
About Bristol Myers Squibb Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Caprion-HistoGeneX Expands its Histological Biomarker Franchise by Joining Forces with Mosaic Laboratories
MONTREAL, Jan. 12, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Caprion-HistoGeneX, a leading global contract research laboratory services provider backed by Arsenal Capital Partners ("Arsenal"), announced today the acquisition of Mosaic Laboratories LLC ("Mosaic"), a California-based company offering histology and immunohistochemistry services to global pharmaceutical clients. The addition of Mosaic further strengthens the North American base for Caprion-HistoGeneX's histopathology assay development and deployment, expands the volume of pathology services and consolidates the company's position as a world-leading service provider of histopathology biomarker analysis for global clinical trials.
Mosaic is a pioneer in using multiplex immunohistochemistry with spectral imaging and is recognized for its outstanding services for the development, validation and implementation of complex immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and FISH assays, positioning itself as one of the most prominent and comprehensive providers in the field. Core Mosaic capabilities include study design, assay development and deployment, data interpretation, and services to support exploratory biomarker analysis at pre-clinical and clinical trial stages, thereby enabling timely decisions for patient selection.
"We are truly excited to join forces with Caprion-HistoGeneX. This partnership provides strong collaboration opportunities that will further support the programs of our clients and allow us to globalize our existing and future assays to support clinical trials," said Chris Kerfoot and Lisa Dauffenbach, Co-founders and Managing Members of Mosaic.
"The combination of Mosaic and Caprion-HistoGeneX strengthens our leadership position as a global provider of precision medicine services offering the full range of immunohistochemistry, immune monitoring, proteomics and genomics biomarkers" said Martin LeBlanc, CEO of Caprion-HistoGeneX. "Mosaic's excellent track record of developing and deploying complex immunohistochemistry assays will improve our ability to meet the rapidly expanding needs of our clients for histopathology services across our global network of laboratories in North America, Europe, and Asia, including China."
"The addition of Mosaic reflects Arsenal's commitment to support the development and international expansion of Caprion-HistoGeneX through continued investment in complementary capabilities, services and geographic coverage, and solidifies the company's leadership position in one of the fastest growing areas of biopharma R&D." said David Spaight, the Executive Chairman of Caprion-HistoGeneX and an Operating Partner of Arsenal.
In conjunction with this transaction and the recently announced acquisition of Clinical Logistics Inc., Caprion-HistoGeneX is also planning to unveil in the coming weeks its new corporate name and brand identity for the combined entities reflecting its vision and positioning as a leading global provider of precision medicine services.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisors to Caprion-HistoGeneX.
Intrepid Investment Bankers LLC acted as financial advisor, and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP acted as legal advisor to Mosaic.
About Caprion-HistoGeneX Caprion-HistoGeneX is a leading provider of specialized precision medicine laboratory services to the biopharmaceutical industry. Leveraging its integrated analytical platforms in immunology, histopathology, proteomics and genomics, as well as related specimen collection and logistics services, Caprion-HistoGeneX supports the entire drug development cycle, from discovery to late stage clinical trials. The company operates globally with 9 facilities located in Canada, USA, Belgium, Australia, and China. For more information: www.caprion.com and www.histogenex.com
About Mosaic Laboratories LLC Mosaic is a leader in providing preclinical and clinical services to the pharmaceutical industry and has pioneered multiplex chromogenic immunohistochemistry using multispectral imaging. Mosaic develops proprietary assays, tissue banks, and software algorithms to support data analysis. Leveraging this longstanding and highly differentiated multiplex IHC expertise, Mosaic has built a reputation as having the highest-quality validated assays, vivid multiplex IHC images, and rapid development and implementation of new assays, backed with an uncompromising service focus on speed, agility and customer service. The company has also developed a broader menu of central lab services, including histology, FISH, and ISH. For more information: https://www.mosaiclabs.com
About Arsenal Capital Partners Arsenal is a leading private equity firm that specializes in investments in middle-market healthcare and industrials companies. Since its inception in 2000, Arsenal has raised institutional equity investment funds of $5.3 billion, has completed more than 200 platform and add-on investments, and achieved more than 30 realizations. Arsenal invests in industry sectors in which the firm has significant prior knowledge and experience. The firm works with management teams to build strategically important companies with leading market positions, high growth and high value-add. For more information: www.arsenalcapital.com.
SOURCE Caprion Biosciences
Coconut Software providing free software to support COVID vaccination for First Nations communities in Canada
SASKATOON, SK, Jan. 11, 2021 /CNW/ - Coconut Software, the leading provider of customer engagement solutions for the banking and credit union industry, has announced that they'll be providing their appointment booking software completely free of charge to any First Nations communities in Canada in order to provide COVID-19 vaccinations.
"We believe it is critical to help First Nations communities battle against the COVID-19 pandemic - it's imperative that we help ensure vaccinations are scheduled in a timely manner." states Katherine Regnier, CEO of Coconut Software.
Coconut Software will equip these communities with software to quickly schedule, measure and manage in-person vaccine appointments. Individuals will simply visit an online scheduling link and select the most convenient date and time slot. The solution will also provide community groups with the ability to add in custom questions to be answered during the appointment booking process, as well as reminders through SMS and emails for upcoming appointments.
"The orchestration of the vaccine deployment to keep our healthcare workers and communities safer is something Coconut can help with - we're thrilled to do our part."
Coconut Software is a leading provider of customer engagement solutions for modern banks and credit unions and is backed by investments from Conexus Venture Capital Fund, Information Venture Partners, SaskWorks Venture Fund, Bay Partners, ScaleUp Ventures, PIC Investment Group, with additional financing by CIBC. By providing technology that elevates the customer experience while improving operational efficiencies, Coconut's solutions consistently improve satisfaction scores, decrease churn, and increase sales.
SOURCE Coconut Software
Health Canada Approves BAVENCIO® for the Maintenance Treatment of Patients with Advanced Bladder Cancer
BAVENCIO is the first and only maintenance therapy for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) approved by Health Canada
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 11, 2021 /CNW/ - EMD Serono Canada, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the US and Canada, and Pfizer Canada ULC announced that Health Canada has approved BAVENCIO® (avelumab) for the maintenance treatment of patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic UC whose disease has not progressed following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.
"UC arises from the urinary tract and is the fifth most common cancer in Canada, accounting for 11,800 new cases and 2,500 deaths in 2019. In patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC, treatment options are limited and outcomes are poor," says Dr. Srikala Sridhar, MD MSc FRCPC, Head of the Genitourinary Medical Oncologists of Canada, Associate Professor and Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. "Health Canada's approval of BAVENCIO in this setting is great news for our patients and one of the most important treatment advancements in the field in over 15 years."
"This is wonderful news for bladder cancer patients across Canada who now have another treatment option," says Ferg Devins, Board Member of Bladder Cancer Canada. "This approval for a maintenance therapy will help provide more options to Canadian patients and provide hope to their loved ones."
Reviewed under Health Canada's Priority Review of Drug Submissions policy, BAVENCIO has been granted a notice of compliance (NOC) based on data from the Phase III JAVELIN Bladder 100 study.1 The Phase III JAVELIN 100 study, an open-label, parallel-arm, multi-centre study conducted in 700 patients treated with BAVENCIO plus best supportive care (BSC) versus BSC alone in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic UC whose disease had not progressed following first-line platinum-containing chemotherapy.1
"We are proud to advance treatment options to Canadian urothelial carcinoma patients," says Manuel Zafra, Managing Director of EMD Serono. "This represents a significant milestone for the continued partnership between EMD Serono and Pfizer Canada ULC."
"Our Alliance and the approval of this urothelial carcinoma indication demonstrates our commitment to meeting the needs of patients," says Cynthia Di Lullo, Oncology Lead, Pfizer Canada ULC, "We look forward to bringing this new treatment option to a patient population who needed to see advances in science in this area of unmet need."
About Urothelial Carcinoma in Canada Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Canada.2 In 2019, approximately 11,800 individuals were diagnosed and an estimated 2,500 died from bladder cancer.2 Bladder cancer has a recurrence rate of 60-70 per cent in patients.3
About BAVENCIO® (avelumab) BAVENCIO is a human anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody and is part of a class of immunotherapy drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors. BAVENCIO was discovered by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and is co-developed and co-commercialized by EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the US and Canada, and Pfizer Canada ULC. BAVENCIO is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC who have disease progression during or following platinum-based chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.
About EMD Serono, Canada EMD Serono, Canada, is the Canadian biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. EMD Serono, Canada has integrated cutting-edge science, innovative products and devices, and industry-leading patient support and access programs. EMD Serono, Canada has deep expertise in neurology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as a robust pipeline of potential therapies in neurology, oncology, immunology and immuno-oncology. EMD Serono, Canada has more than 100 employees across Canada with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.
About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 57,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live.
From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2019, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 16.2 billion in 66 countries.
The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Since its founding 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company.
About Pfizer Canada Pfizer Canada ULC is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified health care portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most prescribed medicines and vaccines. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
For further information:
Karley Ura Director, Healthcare, NATIONAL Public Relations 416-858-0537 kura@national.ca
I have been up to something. Although it is not fully launched yet I want to give you all a look into what I have been working on.
We all know that in person training, posing etc has been effecting all of us. So I wanted to create an online resource to help everyone with posing no matter where in the world you are!
Figure Posing Canada was created to provide quality posing content for figure competitors.
I found that there was a lack of good quality content to learn the ins and outs of figure posing for both beginner and advanced athletes.
Posing is a craft. The ability to show you're physique at its best is always evolving. My goal is to help all figure athletes learn and continuously improve on their posing techniques for both mandatories and routines.
NordicTrack Unveils VAULT™ the Complete Fitness Mirror Powered By iFit Interactive Training
VAULT unlocks traditional strength training at home with a suite of premium fitness gear, stealthily stored behind its sleek mirror
(Logan, UT) - NordicTrack powered by iFit shatters industry benchmarks of at-home fitness mirrors with the launch of VAULT, a world-class personal home gym featuring an all-in-one unit with a full-length mirror, immersive HD touchscreen, and suite of premium dumbbells, kettlebells, and other fitness accessories.
NordicTrack VAULT:
Features a full-length, 60 x 22-inch mirror and 32-inch HD touchscreen display for immediate visual feedback, allowing you to match the form of the iFit trainer for a better workout
Ships with premium fitness accessories, including six pairs of NordicTrack knurled-handled, rubber-coated dumbbells, which pack away beautifully into VAULT’s hidden vertical storage cabinet
Stands vertically and stable without wall mounting, within a compact footprint
Syncs with Bluetooth audio
Includes iFit workouts for weight training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), sculpt & tone, stretching and mobility, full-body and muscle-specific strength workouts, Pilates, yoga, mindfulness and more
Includes 1-year iFit family membership, valued at $468 for up to five adult profiles
The elegantly designed, carbon steel VAULT features a 32-inch HD touchscreen covered by a sweeping, rotating mirror, allowing a user to work out virtually anywhere in their home while feeling as though their iFit trainer is right there with them.
The first truly comprehensive mirrored fitness studio, VAULT unlocks traditional strength training at home with a suite of premium fitness gear, including six pairs of dumbbells (5 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb, 30 lb), two kettlebells (20 lb, 30 lb), three loop resistance bands and three superbands. All equipment, including two yoga blocks and an exercise mat, packs away conveniently into VAULT’s stealthy storage hold—a reimagined vertical dumbbell rack—concealed behind its sleek mirror.
“In this growing category, NordicTrack sets the new industry gold standard with this innovative yet practical design” said Colleen Logan, VP, Marketing of NordicTrack parent company ICON Health & Fitness. “VAULT launches with iFit connected fitness content, a comprehensive suite of strength fitness equipment, and proudly carries NordicTrack’s legacy as the global leader in game-changing at-home fitness.”
Fully integrated with iFit, the leader in interactive connected fitness technology, VAULT is equipped with a growing library of on-demand iFit Studio Workouts led by the world’s top trainers. iFit Trainers offer users versatility across cardio, strength training and recovery workouts, providing both visual and audio cues on form and technique, facilitated by the oversized mirror.
The VAULT Complete is sharply priced at $2,999, or $1,999 for a standalone version excluding weights and other workout accessories. Pre-order now for January shipping exclusively at Nordictrack.com. Both VAULT models include a one-year iFit family membership, which supports up to five adult users, valued at $468.
About NordicTrack and iFit
iFit, the patented connected fitness technology that powers NordicTrack equipment, pioneered interactive, connected fitness and was issued its first of many patents in 1999. Founded with the belief that the majority of consumers would benefit from an interactive, personal training experience at home, iFit’s trainer-led, streaming workouts are now trusted by millions of consumers around the globe.
iFit offers workout options for every fitness level and interest. Try everything, from bodyweight training and yoga to connected fitness workouts on NordicTrack home equipment. Patented interactive technology allows iFit Trainers to create highly personalized workouts for iFit members and automatically adjusts the user’s incline, decline, speed and resistance. iFit interactive workouts are available on NordicTrack treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, rowers, strength machines and the iFit app.
ICON Health & Fitness is a global health and fitness leader and owner of iFit, NordicTrack, ProForm, Freemotion and other fitness brands. Based in Logan, Utah, the 43-year old company has a multi-decade heritage of innovation, quality and profitability. ICON and iFit currently hold more than 330 technology patents, with 80 pending, and its products are present in 116 countries. iFit workouts are streamed in English, Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese, with more languages planned for 2021.
Healthy food choices have an allure of well-being and vitality, and make unspoken promises of making you fit. What you may not realize is that these foods top the list of healthy myths that will knock you right out of the diet ballpark and disrupt your plans to be slim and trim. Nicolette M. Pace MS, RDN, CDE, CBC,CDN, CFCS, FAND is available for interviews.Granola: Granola grew its roots during the health food movement and started off as a simple mixture of whole grains without all of the added sugars and fats that are found in supermarket brands. Just one cup will deliver the equivalent carbohydrate load found in a jumbo bagel or a large plate of spaghetti! Studies also show that eating a breakfast that is super-high in carbohydrates may not be the best choice, as it will lead to an increased appetite throughout the day. Hummus: While made from nourishing chick peas, packaged hummus carries a calorie and fat profile that rivals some mayonnaise, with many varieties containing 60 percent of the calories from fat. Be wary of the appeal of a seemingly small, personal-size package and stay mindful of the recommended serving, because using this vegetarian spread liberally opens the calorie door to extra pounds. Smoothies: Today’s smoothies slide their way in with the appeal of wholesome fruit, dairy and friendly probiotic bacteria. Unfortunately, they have become a venue for lots of added sugars and are a concentrated source of calories. Couple that with the enormous serving sizes found in chain restaurants and you’ve got a great recipe for weight gain. Peanut Butter: Even if it's "reduced fat," don't be fooled by labeling. While peanut butter is naturally cholesterol free, low in sodium, and contains some protein and carbohydrates, it also contains ingredients that will undoubtedly set your diet back. Some products contain palm oil and added sugar, which are jam-packed into a ping-pong-ball-sized dollop, so gobbling up this fat will cause calorie chaos and may disrupt healthy blood fat levels. Wraps: These dense flatbread shells will roll up more calories than you bargained for, with some sizes having the equivalent carbohydrates and fat as three slices of bread with two pats of butter. Fiber may do little to redeem the value of using this starch due to a large surface area that can hold more stuffing and dressing than a regular sandwich. Be sure to wrap it up right by using healthy veggies and low fat proteins, and ask for dressing on the side. About Nicolette M. Pace MS, RDN, CDE, CBC,CDN, CFCS, FANDNicolette founded NutriSource Inc. ( www.nutrisource.org ) in 2002 to provide high quality education, counseling and nutrition services for a diverse community population. Prior to founding NutriSource Inc, she served as Director of Clinical Nutrition at the NYHQ/Silvercrest Center where she provided both administrative and direct care for sub-acute and chronically ill patients. Nicolette was a key member of performance improvement projects and as Chair of the Nutrition Committee; significant positive changes were made in the standard of care. Nicolette has been featured in CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox News, the New York Times, Seventeen, Fitness, Men’s Journal, More, Dr. Oz, Everyday Health, AOL, IVillage, Health, Shape and other magazines. She is also a contributing writer for Minerva Place, as well as an adjunct professor of Nutrition at CUNY and Touro Colleges. She believes in emphasizing a holistic approach toward food, nutrition and preventative healthcare. Nicolette Pace Demo Reelhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmwoVzGu1Ic
Antimalarials Save Lupus Patients' Lives
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 8, 2021 /CNW/ - New Arthritis Research Canada study reveals systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who take their antimalarial medications regularly have a 71 per cent lower risk of death than those who do not take them regularly and an 83 per cent lower risk than those who discontinue use altogether.
"The results of this study call attention to the need for improved strategies to boost antimalarial adherence among SLE patients to increase survival and prevent premature death," said Hui Xie, a Research Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that leads to serious organ complications and premature mortality when not managed.
Antimalarial medication is considered the first-line drug in managing SLE for most patients. These medications have been shown to improve SLE symptoms and reduce inflammation of the lining of the heart and lungs, the development of kidney inflammation, central nervous system impairment, and flares in disease activity.
"This study is one of the first to examine antimalarial adherence in SLE patients," Xie said. "It is a big step forward in improving life expectancy for patients with this disease."
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada's scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose world recognized research is creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and is affiliated with five major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, and McGill University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.
SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada
Accelerating cell-based therapies by providing safe therapeutic MSC products
TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2021 /CNW/ - panCELLa's intent to develop therapeutic products in the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and pancreatic islet space has recently led to the creation of Implant Therapeutics.
Implant Therapeutics, under the guidance of Dr. Mahendra Rao, is engineering iPSC-MSC cells containing panCELLa's FailSafe™ and induced Allogeneic Cell Tolerance (iACT Stealth Cell™) technologies. These iPSC MSC cells are hypo-immunogenic and are an ideal choice for bone, cartilage and tendon replacement strategies combining the advantages of allogeneic and autologous cells as well as allowing them to be used as ex-vivo gene therapy vehicles.
Implant is pleased to announce a definitive cross licensing agreement with RxCell. The collaboration will allow both companies to rapidly move forward in their respective fields with enhanced technology platforms, access to cGMP grade iPSC lines and the ability to generate a wide variety of therapeutic grade products.
"RxCell's hypo-immunogenic cell platform complements our cloaking platform and allows us to develop novel tissue-specific hypo-immunogenic cell lines" said Dr. Andras Nagy, the inventor of the cloaking technology otherwise known as panCELLa's iACT (Stealth Cells™). Dr. Zeng added that she was particularly pleased to have access to cGMP grade engineered Master Cell Banks that utilized Sigma/Merck CRISPR-based technology to incorporate the safe harbor technology.
Dr. Rao CEO of Implant Therapeutics added "I believe that the MSC platform developed by the two companies combines the proven power of MSC with the engineering expertise of panCELLa and this will make RxCell and Implant leaders in their respective fields."
About Implant Therapeutics
Implant provides hypoimmunogenic and safe harbor engineered IPSC derived cells in order to deliver the ultimate therapeutic MSC products. To learn more, visit https://www.implant-rx.com/
About panCELLa
Founded in 2015, panCELLa is a privately-held early-stage biotechnology firm based on the innovative technology developed in Dr. Andras Nagy's lab at the Sinai Health System (SHS). panCELLa has created platforms that allow for the development of safe, universal, "off-the-shelf" cell lines. To learn more, visit https://pancella.com.
About RxCell
RxCell is a biotechnology company focused on therapeutic applications of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). We have developed several therapeutic grade iPSC line seed banks and are in the process of manufacturing a large Master Cell Bank to support our activities. To learn more, visit https://www.rxcellinc.com/
SOURCE panCELLa Inc.
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