LONDON, Ontario and WINDHAM COUNTY, Conn., Oct. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sernova Corp. (TSX:SVA) (OTCQB:SEOVF) (FSE/XETRA:PSH), a clinical-stage company and leader in cell therapeutics, today announced an update on its conformal coating immune protection technology program, that is used in combination with the Cell Pouch. The goal of the program is to eliminate the need for chronic immunosuppression medications, currently used in islet cell transplantation for type 1 diabetes (T1D) treatment.
The update was presented by Dr. Alice Tomei, of the University of Miami, at the International Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association (IPITA)-International Xenotransplantation Association (IXA)-Cell Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Society (CTRMS) Joint Congress, taking place from October 26-29 in San Diego, California.
The presentation showcased positive advancement in the refinement of the coating composition and process, outcomes of preclinical studies with the Cell Pouch as well as rationale and historical development of the technology.
The following summarizes key advancements presented:
We have made significant advancements in the evolution of the conformal coating technology in our collaboration with Sernova and are confident we have the final formulation. I look forward to our continuing studies and presenting more results, said Dr. Alice Tomei, Miami Engineering Career Development Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami and director of the Islet Immunoengineering Lab at the Miller School of Medicine Diabetes Research Institute.
We understand that eliminating the standard immune suppression regimen is key to Sernova delivering a functional cure for all T1D patients, said Cynthia Pussinen, Chief Executive Officer at Sernova. Our goal is to continue to drive this technology ahead and ultimately bring a local immune-protected cell product into the clinic combined with the Sernova Cell Pouch and iPSC islet-like clusters.
RELEVANT PRESENTATION DETAILS
Title: Transplantation of Conformal Coated Islets in a Pre-Vascularized Cell Pouch Device for Beta Cell Replacement in Diabetic Rats
Session: Islet Transplantation: Engineering the Islet Site Session
Date: Friday, October 27, 2023
ABOUT THE CONFORMAL COATING TECHNOLOGY
The conformal coating technology is a proprietary, mechanically stable, thin, biocompatible, and cross-linked polymer hydrogel that coats the outside of each individual islet housed within the Cell Pouch. The conformal coating technology offers selective permeability, with immuno-protective capability, while not interfering with the kinetics of insulin and glucose release. Importantly, the conformal coating configuration also allows for the physiological transfer of oxygen and nutrients needed for islet survival and long-term function within the pre-vascularized Cell Pouch.
ABOUT SERNOVA CORP. AND THE CELL POUCH SYSTEM PLATFORM FOR CELL THERAPY
Sernova Corp. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is developing therapeutic cell technologies for chronic diseases, including insulin-dependent diabetes, thyroid disease, and blood disorders that include hemophilia A. Sernova is currently focused on developing a functional cure for insulin-dependent diabetes with its lead asset, the Cell Pouch System, a novel implantable and scalable medical device with immune protected therapeutic cells. On implantation, The Cell Pouch forms a natural vascularized tissue environment in the body for long-term survival and function of therapeutic cells that release essential factors that are absent or deficient in the bodies of patients with certain chronic diseases. Sernovas Cell Pouch System has demonstrated its potential to be a functional cure for people with T1D in an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical study at the University of Chicago. Sernova is also advancing a proprietary technology in collaboration with the University of Miami to shield therapeutic cells from immune system attack with the goal to eliminate the need for chronic, systemic immunosuppression. In May 2022, Sernova and Evotec entered into a global strategic partnership to develop an implantable off-the-shelf iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) based islet replacement therapy. This partnership provides Sernova a potentially unlimited supply of insulin-producing cells to treat millions of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 and type 2). Sernova continues to progress two additional development programs that utilize its Cell Pouch System: a cell therapy for hypothyroid disease resulting from thyroid gland removal and an ex vivo lentiviral Factor VIII gene therapy for hemophilia A.
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical facts, may constitute forward-looking statements that involve various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, without limitation, statements regarding the prospects, plans, and objectives of the company. Wherever possible, but not always, words such as expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential for and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to management on the date such statements were made. Many factors could cause Sernovas actual results, performances or achievements to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended or to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Such factors could include, but are not limited to, the companys ability to secure additional financing and licensing arrangements on reasonable terms, or at all; ability to conduct all required preclinical and clinical studies for the companys Cell Pouch System and or related technologies, including the timing and results of those trials; ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals, or on a timely basis; ability to in-license additional complementary technologies; ability to execute its business strategy and successfully compete in the market; and the inherent risks associated with the development of biotechnology combination products generally. Many of the factors are beyond our control, including those caused by, related to, or impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Investors should consult the companys quarterly and annual filings available on http://www.sedarplus.ca for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Sernova expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Sernova Announces New Advancements of Conformal Coating ... - BioSpace
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