20th Nov 2006 07:00
ReNeuron Group plc20 November 2006 ReNeuron and Millipore announce market launch of ReNcell(TM) neural stem celllines Guildford, UK, 20 November 2006: ReNeuron Group plc (LSE: RENE.L) and MilliporeCorporation (NYSE: MIL), announce the market launch of ReNeuron's patentedReNcell(TM) neural stem cell lines for non-therapeutic applications. Theseproducts are the only immortalised human somatic neural stem cell lines on themarket today. The launch follows the establishment of a manufacturing and distributionagreement signed by ReNeuron and Chemicon International, Inc., now part ofMillipore, earlier this year. Under the terms of this multi-year agreement,Millipore will exclusively manufacture and supply ReNeuron's ReNcell(TM) CX andReNCell(TM) VM cell lines and cell media to the worldwide stem cell researchcommunity within academia and the pharmaceutical industry. ReNeuron willreceive royalty payments on cell line and media sales made by Millipore. The ReNcell(TM) lines have been specifically generated by ReNeuron forapplication as models for regenerative medicine. The cell lines and media areavailable either individually or as a kit and represent a convenient solutionfor scientists needing reproducible results with neurons easily derived fromhuman cells. The cell lines are particularly useful in drug discoveryapplications, where the development of these pathways can be monitored duringdrug screening. Further information concerning the ReNcell(TM) neural cell lines may be found bycontacting Millipore Tech Service at +1 951 676 8080 (or 1 800 548 7853 in theUS), or by visiting www.millipore.com. Michael Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of ReNeuron, said: "We have been encouraged by the level of enquiries from potential customers forthe ReNcell(TM) lines leading up to market launch, and we look forward to ourcontinuing collaboration with Millipore as the scientific research andcommercial potential of these cell lines is realised in the months and yearsahead." Michelle Greene, Millipore Marketing Director, said: "The ReNcell(TM) neural cell lines have the ability to readily differentiateinto neural cell types and will replicate indefinitely. The cells display thesame marker patterns as normal cells and are able to grow and remain stable,even after prolonged culturing. Neurons derived from these cells show thephysiological properties of mature neurons, a valuable characteristic whenvalidating research results using these ReNcell(TM) products." Enquiries: ReNeuron Tel: 44 (0)1483 302 560Michael Hunt, Chief Executive OfficerJohn Sinden, Chief Scientific Officer Financial Dynamics Tel: 44 (0)20 7831 3113David YatesNicola Daley Notes to Editors About ReNeuron Group plc ReNeuron is a leading, UK-based adult stem cell therapy business. The Group isapplying its novel stem cell platform technologies in the development ofground-breaking stem cell therapies to serve significant and unmet or poorly-metclinical needs. ReNeuron has used its c-mycERTAM technology to generate genetically stableneural stem cell lines. This technology platform has multi-national patentprotection and is fully regulated by means of a chemically-induced safetyswitch. Cell growth can therefore be completely arrested prior to in vivoimplantation. The Group's lead stem cell therapy, ReN001 for chronic stroke disability, is inlate pre-clinical development. The Company plans to file for approval tocommence a Phase I clinical study in stroke by the end of 2006, with the studycommencing as soon as possible thereafter. There are an estimated 50 million1stroke survivors worldwide, approximately half of which are left with permanentdisabilities. The healthcare costs of caring for these patients is estimated toamount to $45 billion2 in the US alone. ReNeuron has also leveraged its stem cell technologies into non-therapeuticareas - its ReNcell(TM) range of cell lines for use in research and in drugdiscovery applications in the pharmaceutical industry. ReNeuron's shares are traded on the London AIM market under the symbol RENE.L,and its warrants are traded under the symbol RENW.L. Further information on ReNeuron and its products can be found atwww.reneuron.com. 1. MOSES (Morbidity and mortality after stroke - Eprosartan vs nitrendipine for secondary prevention) study, Feb 2006 2. American Heart Association, Reporting Standards for Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stent Placement, (Stroke, 2004; 35:e112). About Millipore Corporation Millipore is a leading provider of products and services that improveproductivity in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and in clinical, analytical andresearch laboratories. The Company is organized in two operating divisions. ItsBioprocess Division helps enables pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies tooptimize their manufacturing productivity, ensure the quality of drugs, andscale up the production of difficult-to-manufacture biologics. Its Biosciencedivision helps to optimize laboratory productivity and workflows. Its products and enabling technologies that are used in the laboratory areessential for the research and development of biologically based life sciencetherapeutics. Millipore has a deep understanding of its customers' research andmanufacturing process needs, and offers reliable and innovative tools,technologies and services. The Company is part of the S&P 500 index and employsapproximately 5,800 employees in more than 47 offices worldwide. For additional information on Millipore Corporation, please visit its websiteat: www.millipore.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements with respect to thefinancial condition, results of operations and business achievements/performanceof ReNeuron and certain of the plans and objectives of management of ReNeuronwith respect thereto. These statements may generally, but not always, beidentified by the use of words such as "should", "expects", "estimates","believes" or similar expressions. This announcement also containsforward-looking statements attributed to certain third parties relating to theirestimates regarding the growth of markets and demand for products. By theirnature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because theyreflect ReNeuron's current expectations and assumptions as to future events andcircumstances that may not prove accurate. A number of factors could causeReNeuron's actual financial condition, results of operations and businessachievements/performance to differ materially from the estimates made or impliedin such forward-looking statements and, accordingly, reliance should not beplaced on such statements. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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