- ("Stem Cell Sciences", "SCS", "the Company")
Stem Cell Sciences plc (AIM:STEM, ASX:STC), a company focused on thecommercialisation of stem cells and stem cell technologies, announces that ithas licensed IRES technology to a leading provider of genetically modifiedrat and mouse models for medical and pharmaceutical research. Under the termsof the multi-year agreement, which is non-exclusive and retroactive, theundisclosed partner will gain access to the IRES technology for use in itsown research and development activities. Under the terms of the licence, SCSwill receive US$750,000 over six years plus royalties.
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SCS' IRES (Internal Ribosome Entry Site) technology enables researchersto monitor the activity of a particular gene of interest in living cells ortissues without blocking the normal function of the gene. In particular, IRESis important for evaluating the success of gene knock-outs or knock-ins instem cells, which is crucial for the successful creation of transgenic mouseand rat disease models.
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Dr Alastair Riddell, CEO of SCS, said "A key element of our commercialstrategy is to realise both immediate and longer-term value from ourextensive IP portfolio in the stem cell field through licence agreements suchas this. We are therefore very pleased to have signed this agreement with oneof the leading providers of transgenic animal models to the pharmaceuticalresearch industry. We are continuing discussions with other companies, whichmay benefit from the use of SCS technology in conjunction with their own, andare optimistic of signing further agreements in the coming months."
About Stem Cell Sciences plc
Stem Cell Sciences (SCS) is an international research and developmentcompany focusing on the commercial application of stem cell biologytechnologies for drug discovery and regenerative medicine research. Stem CellSciences is now focussing on building revenues through the sale of products,collaborative research and licensing deals with international biotechnologyand pharmaceutical companies.
Stem Cell Sciences has a substantial portfolio of patents and patentapplications in both adult and embryonic stem cell fields. The Company hasbeen active in the stem cell research field since 1994, principally focusedon technologies to grow, differentiate, and purify adult and embryonic stemcells. These include technologies to permit the generation of highly purifiedstem cells and their differentiated progeny (specialised tissue cell types)for use in genetic, pharmacological and toxicological screens. Moreover,these technologies may be able to provide pure populations of appropriatecell types for transplantation therapies in the future.
The Company has its main research base and headquarters in Cambridge, UKwith a second research base in Monash near Melbourne, Australia and abusiness development office in San Francisco, USA.
For further information on the company please visit:http://www.stemcellsciences.com.For further information, please contact: Stem Cell Sciences plc (United Kingdom) Alastair Riddell, CEO Tim Allsopp, Chief Scientific Officer +44(0)1223-499160 Stem Cell Sciences pty ltd (Australia) Paul Bello, Operations Manager +61(0)400-500-495 Citigate Dewe Rogerson (UK) Mark Swallow / Emma Palmer Foster / Amber Bielecka +44(0)20-7638-9571 Talk Biotech (Australia) Fay Weston, Director +61(0)422-206-036 Daniel Stewart & Company (NOMAD to SCS, UK) Simon Leathers / Simon Starr +44(0)207-776-6566
SOURCE Stem Cell Sciences plc
