Leuven (BELGIUM) – September 20, 2010 - TiGenix (NYSE EURONEXT: TIG)
announces that it has been awarded a new research grant for the development of its
collagen biomaterials platform bringing the total grant funding for its UK subsidiary
this year to GBP 0.8 million.
TiGenix Ltd, TiGenix’ subsidiary in the United Kingdom, has been awarded a research grant
of GBP 0.6 million from the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under their
Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme. The grant, in collaboration with the University of
Cambridge, will support the development of novel implants for meniscus repair, combining
collagen based scaffolds with cells and growth factors and further enable the company to
develop novel applications of its biomaterials platform.
The i4i award follows two earlier grants from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), under
their Regenerative Medicine Programme, for a total of GBP 0.2 million for therapeutics
feasibility studies: the preparation of a pan-European patient registry to generate additional
clinical evidence for ChondroMimetic, and the development and optimization of large scale
GMP manufacturing processes for ChondroMimetic. Both projects support the commercial
development of the ChondroMimetic product.
“We are pleased to have received these grants which highlight the quality of our UK
biomaterials research team. These additional funds will assist us in generating supporting
clinical evidence for our ChondroMimetic products and accelerate ongoing development
efforts of new combination products.” comments Gil Beyen, CEO of TiGenix.
For more information, please contact:
Gil Beyen Kris Motmans
Chief Executive Officer, TiGenix Corporate Development and Communication
T: +32 16 39 60 60
investor@tigenix.com
TiGenix NV • Romeinse straat 12 bus 2, 3001 Leuven, Belgium • 0471.340.123 RPR Leuven • tel +32 (16) 39 60 60
About TiGenix
Based in Leuven, Belgium, TiGenix NV (NYSE Euronext Brussels: TIG) is a public biomedical
company that focuses on „Regenerating Motion?. The company is exploiting the power of
Regenerative Medicine to develop durable treatments, validated through controlled clinical trials, for
damaged and diseased skeletal tissues. TiGenix now has two products approved for marketing and
sales in Europe:
ChondroCelect®, the company?s lead product for cartilage regeneration in the knee, is the first cell-
based product that successfully completed the entire development track from research, over clinical
development to central European registration as a medicinal product. ChondroCelect consists of
characterized cultured chondrocytes derived from the patient?s own cartilage and is used for
autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), a surgical procedure to treat cartilage defects.
ChondroCelect received European Marketing Authorization as the first Advanced Therapy Medicinal
Product.
ChondroMimetic™ is an off-the-shelf, collagen based implant for the treatment of small
osteochondral (cartilage and underlying bone) defects. ChondroMimetic received CE-mark approval
for the treatment of small chondral and subchondral lesions. It will be marketed as a procedure pack
with the collagen implant preloaded in an accurate, easy to use delivery device.
The company exploits a proprietary (stem) cell and biomaterials platform, which will continue to
generate candidate products that address specific musculoskeletal problems.
With a fully operational sales team in place, TiGenix is ready for commercial expansion and
reinforcement of its leading position in Europe in the regenerative medicine field.
Forward-looking information
This document contains forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated
future performance of TiGenix and the market in which it operates. Certain of these statements,
forecasts and estimates can be recognized by the use of words such as, without limitation,
“believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “may”, “will” and “continue”
and similar expressions. They include all matters that are not historical facts. Such statements,
forecasts and estimates are based on various assumptions and assessments of known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable when made but may or may
not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict and may depend upon factors that are
beyond the Company's control. Therefore, actual results, the financial condition, performance or
achievements of TiGenix, or industry results, may turn out to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements, forecasts and
estimates. Given these uncertainties, no representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of
such forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements,
forecasts and estimates only speak as of the date of the publication of this document. TiGenix
disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statement, forecast or estimates to
reflect any change in the Company?s expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events,
conditions or circumstances on which any such statement, forecast or estimate is based, except to
the extent required by Belgian law.