OLDSMAR, Fla., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cryo-Cell International, Inc. and EndGenitor Technologies, Inc. are pleased to announce a new research collaboration to co-develop a combined cellular platform therapeutic for rapidly forming vasculature in injured tissues. Currently, intense research into the mechanisms of initiation of angiogenesis and the repair of damaged vasculature is underway in order to identify the participating molecular and cellular components involved. Greater understanding of this highly-complex process is paving the way to identify novel potential therapeutics for treating cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The research will focus on the utilization of cord blood and menstrual blood derived cells, known as ECFCs(R) and MenSCs, respectively. ECFCs(R) are cord blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cells. ECFCs(R) are currently in pre-clinical development by EndGenitor for cardiovascular and other therapeutic applications. MenSCs, which were discovered and developed by Cryo-Cell, are primitive mesenchymal progenitor cells found in menstrual blood and are easily retrievable without invasive techniques.
“We think the project has significant potential, as both ECFCs(R) and MenSCs contribute to angiogenesis in vivo, which underscores the importance of further study into the potential synergy of these cells in the formation of vasculature,” said Dr. Julie Allickson, Vice President of Laboratory Operations and Research and Development at Cryo-Cell, which developed and maintains proprietary intellectual property (IP) on MenSCs.
“EndGenitor is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Cryo-Cell International in the development of its regenerative medicine product lines. The synergy resulting from Cryo-Cell and EndGenitor’s joint research efforts, and complimentary expertise, is expected to significantly impact pre-clinical development timelines,” said Dr. Paul Hyslop, Vice President of Research and Development at EndGenitor, which has developed and maintains IP on ECFCs(R).
About Cryo-Cell International, Inc.
Based in Oldsmar, Florida, with over 150,000 clients worldwide, Cryo-Cell is one of the largest and most established family cord blood banks. ISO 9001:2000 certified and accredited by the AABB, Cryo-Cell operates in a state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Tissue Practice (cGMP/cGTP)-compliant facility. Cryo-Cell is a publicly traded company. OTC Bulletin Board Symbol: CCEL. For more information, please call 1-800-STOR-CELL (1-800-786-7235) or visit http://www.cryo-cell.com.
About EndGenitor Technologies, Inc., http://www.endgenitor.com
EndGenitor is a private company based in Indianapolis, IN. The Company’s goal is to develop novel adult stem cell therapeutics, and is in the pre-clinical development stage, with a focus on cardiovascular, hematological, and related therapeutic indications. EndGenitor also sells adult stem cell products to the research market via its distribution partner, Dynacell Life Sciences, LLC. For more information about purchasing EndGenitor’s cells, please contact Dynacell at (215) 813-8775, or visit http://www.dynacellsciences.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
Statements wherein the terms “believes”, “intends”, “projects” or “expects” as used are intended to reflect “forward-looking statements” of the Company. The information contained herein is subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in such forward-looking statements or paragraphs, many of which are outside the control of the Company. These uncertainties and other factors include the uncertainty of market acceptance of any potential service offerings relating to types of stem cells other than cord blood stem cells, including the C’elle service, given that menstrual stem cells and other new stem cells have not yet been used in human therapies, and treatment applications using such stem cells are not likely to be developed and commercialized for many years and are subject to further research and development; the need for additional development and testing before determining the ultimate commercial value of the Company’s intellectual property relating to the menstrual stem cells; the need to complete certain developments, including completion of clinical validation and testing, before any new process other than C’elle can be commercialized, and the Company’s development of its final business and economic model in offering any such service; any adverse effect or limitations caused by recent increases in government regulation of stem cell storage facilities; any increased competition in our business; any decrease or slowdown in the number of people seeking to store umbilical cord blood stem cells or decrease in the number of people paying annual storage fees; any adverse impacts on our revenue or operating margins due to the costs associated with increased growth in our business, including the possibility of unanticipated costs relating to the operation of our new facility; any technological breakthrough or medical breakthrough that would render the Company’s business of stem cell preservation obsolete; any material failure or malfunction in our storage facilities; any natural disaster such as a tornado, other disaster (fire) or act of terrorism that adversely affects stored specimens; the costs associated with defending or prosecuting litigation matters and any material adverse result from such matters; decreases in asset valuations; any continued negative effect from adverse publicity in the past year regarding the Company’s business operations; any negative consequences resulting from deriving, shipping and storing specimens at a second location; and other risks and uncertainties. The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and the Company disclaims any obligations to subsequently revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB and any Current Reports on Form 8-K filed by the Company.
CONTACT: Kristin O’Neill, +1-312-233-1295, kristin.oneill@edelman.com for
Cryo-Cell International, Inc.; or Marsha Hippensteel of EndGenitor
Technologies, Inc., +1-317-278-1563, info@endgenitor.com
Web site: http://www.cryo-cell.com/
http://www.endgenitor.com/
