EAST NORRITON, Pa., Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Tengion, Inc. (Nasdaq: TNGN) today announced the publication of key preclinical data for its Neo-GI Augment program in the scientific journal Regenerative Medicine. Using its proprietary Organ Regeneration Platform, Tengion has demonstrated that smooth muscle cells seeded on its biological scaffolding and then implanted in rodents exhibit functional regeneration of both the inner lining of epithelial cells and the surrounding layers of small intestine smooth muscle cells in as little as eight weeks post-implantation. These findings build upon Tengion’s proprietary organ regeneration approach, first pioneered for the Neo-Bladder Augment program, and support the Organ Regeneration Platform as a method of regenerating multiple, functionally disparate tubular organs.
“We are excited to see the continued success of our product candidates in the laboratory and in multiple organ models,” said Tim Bertram, D.V.M., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Science and Technology and Chief Scientific Officer of Tengion. “The regeneration of small intestine from smooth muscle cells using our technology platform represents an important step forward in the development of functional, regenerated organs. Our goal is to translate preclinical data and proof of concept findings into clinical programs that could represent a broad range of medical treatment possibilities for patients in need of new bladders, kidneys and other organs.”
In this preclinical study, patch and tubular constructs were implanted in rodent small intestines and histologically evaluated for evidence of regeneration of the neo-mucosa and muscle layers. In as little as eight weeks post-implantation, laminarly organized neo-mucosa and muscle layer bundles were demonstrated, supporting the approach of using autologous smooth muscle cells and biomaterial combination products to spur regeneration of the small intestine. Patients with short bowel syndrome have typically undergone extensive small intestine resectioning and may become dependent on parenteral nutrition, a costly treatment associated with multiple complications, and could potentially benefit from a regenerative medicine approach.
The paper entitled, “Regeneration of rodent small intestine tissue following implantation of scaffolds seeded with a novel source of smooth muscle cells” is available online at the Regenerative Medicine website - http://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/abs/10.2217/rme.11.78 - and will appear in the Nov. 2011, Vol. 6 (6) print issue.
About Tengion
Tengion, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has pioneered the Organ Regeneration Platform that enables the Company to create proprietary product candidates that are intended to harness the intrinsic regenerative pathways of the body to produce a range of native-like organs and tissues. Tengion’s product candidates seek to eliminate the need to utilize other tissues of the body for a purpose to which they are poorly suited, procure donor organs or administer anti-rejection medications. An initial clinical trial is ongoing for the Company’s lead product candidate, the Neo-Urinary Conduit, an autologous implant that is intended to catalyze regeneration of native-like bladder tissue for bladder cancer patients requiring a urinary diversion following bladder removal. The Company’s lead preclinical candidate is the Neo-Kidney Augment, which is designed to delay or prevent the need for dialysis or transplantation in patients at risk for kidney failure. Tengion has also applied its technology in two Phase II clinical trials for Tengion’s Neo-Bladder Augment for the treatment of neurogenic bladder. Tengion has worldwide rights to its product candidates.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements set forth above may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to the Company’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates. Although Tengion believes that these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there are a number of factors that may cause actual results to differ from these statements. For instance there can be no assurance that: (i) data from the Company’s ongoing preclinical studies will continue to be supportive of advancing its preclinical product candidates; (ii) the Company will be able to progress its product candidates that are undergoing preclinical testing into later stage preclinical testing or clinical trials and (iii) the Company will be able to obtain the capital it needs to develop its product candidates and continue its operations. For additional factors which could cause actual results to differ from expectations, reference is made to the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward looking statements in this release are made only as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating predictions or expectations in this release.
SOURCE Tengion, Inc.
