LINCOLN, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2005--MultiCell Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MCET) announced today that it has entered into a research agreement to investigate a novel anti-apoptosis compound. MultiCell will fund research at Columbia University Medical Center, and will have an option to enter into an exclusive worldwide license for any invention resulting from the research. The project is designed to determine whether the compound can protect against retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in acute and chronic in vivo models of optic neuropathy. The underlying mechanisms of RGC death are not fully understood, though RGC apoptosis has been heavily implicated in many ocular neurodegenerative diseases. Given the delicate balance between the survival and death signals in neuronal cells, molecules that are capable of inhibiting apoptosis are strongly considered as future therapeutic options for the treatment of ocular neurodegenerative diseases. James C. Tsai, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, will direct the research program.
