SAN DIEGO, November 17, 2008 – Dr. Gail Naughton, CEO of Histogen, Inc., a regenerative medicine company developing solutions based on the products of newborn fibroblasts, today addressed attendees at the 6th Annual Commercial Translation of Regenerative Medicine conference, taking place November 17-18, 2008 in London.
Dr. Naughton examined the growing bioaesthetic medicine industry, as well as shared Histogen’s business plan for near-term regenerative medicine products focused on anti-aging and post-resurfacing treatments, at the event.
“Due to long timelines in the development of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, Histogen is taking advantage of the unique opportunity to enter the growing $4.5 billion global aesthetic medicine market, to help generate early revenues and allow the Company to continue to fund the development and clinical evaluation of future products,” said Dr. Lawrence Rheins, President of Histogen Aesthetics LLC. “The newly formed Histogen Aesthetics division addresses this market, offering scientific and clinically-proven products based on Histogen’s proprietary technology, for skin hair and nail products dispensed by physicians.”
Histogen Aesthetics’ initial product line will be focused on ReGenicaTM, the Company’s unique complex made up of the naturally secreted growth factors, antioxidants and other synergistic bio-products that are produced by newborn fibroblasts. Product launches in the areas of anti-aging and post-resurfacing are scheduled for early 2009.
In addition to ReGenica, Dr. Naughton spoke to Histogen’s plan to bring their human embryonic-like extracellular matrix product, ExCeltrixTM, into clinical trials as an injectable for wrinkles and deep furrows.
“ExCeltrix, Histogen’s unique human extracellular matrix which is grown in a simulated embryonic environment, is currently being evaluated for a variety of applications, from dermal fillers to implant coatings,” said Dr. Robert Kellar, VP of Research and Development at Histogen. “Intriguing preliminary results from ongoing ExCeltrix research shows promise of in the field of oncology.”
Dr. Naughton presented data for the first time supporting the ability of ExCeltrix to diminish or eliminate tumor load in preclinical trials. Studies were performed with three rapidly growing human tumor cell lines: melanoma, adenocarcinoma, and glioma. Cancer cells were either mixed with ExCeltrix or delivered alone in two preclinical models. In the CAM model (chollioallantoic membrane) tumor mass was significantly reduced by the presence of ExCeltrix. In the nude mouse model, cells with ExCeltrix showed little to no tumor growth, in comparison to the control which did form palpable tumors.
Dr. Gail Naughton has spent more than 15 years extensively researching the tissue engineering process, and holds more than 90 patents in the field. Dr. Naughton founded Histogen in 2007, and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board for the Company, in addition to her position as Dean of the College of Business at San Diego State University.
About Histogen
Histogen, launched in 2007, seeks to redefine regenerative medicine by developing a series of high value products that do not contain embryonic stem cells or animal components. Through Histogen’s proprietary bioreactors that mimic the embryonic environment, newborn fibroblasts are encouraged to naturally produce the vital proteins and growth factors from which the company has developed its rich product portfolio. Histogen has two product families - ExceltrixTM, Histogen’s human Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and ReGenicaTM, Histogen’s proprietary liquid formula. For more information, please visit http://www.histogeninc.com.
