Cryo-Cell International and EndGenitor Technologies Announce Research Collaboration
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Research Study Will Explore Therapeutic Cellular Platform Utilizing Cord
Blood and Menstrual Blood Derived Stem Cells in the Formation of Emergent
Vascular Structures
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. (OTC Bulletin Board: CCEL)
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.
Contacts:
Cryo-Cell, General Media Inquiries
Kristin O'Neill
312-233-1295
kristin.oneill@edelman.com
EndGenitor
Marsha Hippensteel
317-278-1563
info@endgenitor.com
SOURCE Cryo-Cell International, Inc.
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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
