American CryoStem signs up two
Company announces agreements with UHV Technologies for cancer research, HIT Hong Kong for cosmetic applications
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EATONTOWN, N.J.—In developing and marketing stem cell technology, “it’s not worth it to go outside the lines,” emphasizes Anthony Dudzinski, chief operating officer of American CryoStem Corp., a strategic developer, marketer and global licensor of patented adipose tissue-based cellular technologies for the regenerative and personalized medicine industries, as the company announced two new agreements.
The first of the two is with the nanoRANCH Division of UHV Technologies Inc. for the development of methods for the delivery of therapeutics and drugs focused upon cancer treatments utilizing adipose-derived adult stem cells. The company will be working with Dr. Dan Dimitrijevich to create new treatment delivery methods utilizing a combination of nanoRANCH’s unique technology and American CryoStem’s clinically processed ATCELLs. UHV Technologies is a high-tech nanotechnology company focused on the development of advanced materials and devices, including vacuum-coating equipment, carbon nanotube coatings, nanocrystalline coatings, fiberoptical coating, nano-material-based and nanobiotechnology devices.
The company’s research collaboration into cancer research and cancer-related applications utilizing American CryoStem’s clinically processed ATCELL products expands relationships and potential applications to treat a wide range of diseases in the growing regenerative and therapeutic cellular therapy markets. “It’s in the research stage now,” observes Dudzinski, “but ultimately we’re working toward approval for stem cell therapies.”
“We are noticing a sharp increase in demand for our cutting-edge, clinically prepared cells and ancillary products for use in scientific development,” adds Dudzinski. “Further, we believe that the repeatable results that can be achieved with our ATCELL products are important to the development of the comparative data necessary to advance the use of adipose-derived stem cells in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies.”
“Accurate targeting of pharmaceuticals is a continuing hurdle in drug delivery and particularly important are selectivity and specificity of anticancer agents,” said Dimitrijevich. “There is much to be learned from the trafficking and homing properties of immune system cells and stem cells as they navigate through the body. We are very fortunate to have available from American CryoStem ATCELL well-defined and characterized stem cells that will serve as an excellent model system.”
In the second development, American CryoStem announced that it has made a major step in establishing a global footprint for its cellular technology and laboratory processing platform by entering into an agreement to license its ATGRAFT adipose tissue processing and storage technologies with Health Innovative Technology Corp. Ltd. (HIT), a Hong Kong corporation. HIT currently operates a cellular processing and banking platform and a chain of medical centers, offering comprehensive healthcare solutions to clients in Hong Kong.
HIT will now have the exclusive rights to utilize the company’s standard operating procedures to create and market the ATGRAFT tissue storage service in Hong Kong. The financial terms call for annual minimum licensing payments as well as additional royalty payments based on gross revenue. HIT will also purchase American CryoStem’s ACSelerate storage media and other products necessary for clinical collection, processing and storage of adipose tissue. Upon execution, American CryoStem received the initial payment of the minimum annual licensing fee, with the balance of first-year licensing payments due prior to full commercial launch of the ATGRAFT service in Hong Kong. The formal licensing agreement was scheduled for finalization within 90 days.
“We believe our adipose tissue platform will be the foundation for establishing licensed laboratory facilities for future stem cell applications developed and deployed by American CryoStem and others globally,” commented John Arnone, CEO of American CryoStem. “HIT’s current platform of antiaging and cosmetic healthcare services makes ATGRAFT an excellent addition to their list of services.”
Kenneth Chan, chairman of HIT commented, “We have been a long-term admirer of American CryoStem’s adipose tissue research since visiting their laboratory facility in the U.S. We believe their validated tissue processing and storage protocol will create a natural alternative to artificial fillers in the Asian marketplace. Creating an inventory of stored fat tissue for patients to use will greatly increase patient retention and loyalty to their physician, thus allowing a sustainable business model. [T]his technology gives us great potential to expand our network of doctors and medical facilities to cryopreserve their patient’s adipose tissue. We believe that the introduction of American CryoStem’s technology and their ATGRAFT product will create a tremendous business opportunity for us.”
American CryoStem’s “core business is aseptic collection, processing and storage of adipose tissue and cells,” notes Dudzinski, who adds that beyond research use, some applications are legal now, with potentially scores of others in the future. The company mantra, he states, is to always work well within all regulations, and HIT will be required to prove as much concerning regulations that apply in Hong Kong. The company has applied for patents on DMSO-free storage of tissue and is working on the same at the cellular level. Through its ACS Laboratories division, the company operates a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-registered, cGMP-compliant human tissue processing, cryo-storage and cell culture and differentiation media development facility in Mount Laurel, N.J.
