Tag Archives: Advanced Cell Technology

First Study Demonstrating Safety of Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC)-Derived Cells in Humans Reported by Advanced Cell Technology, Results Published in The Lancet

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Russo Partners | Leave a comment

For the first time, a study by Advanced Cell Technology (“ACT”; OTCBB: ACTC)

Dr. Steven Schwartz, a retina specialist at the University of California, Los Angeles, conducted the trial with two patients. (Monica Almeida/The New York Times)

demonstrated the safety of the transplantation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) derived from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) into patients. Additionally, the injected cells survived and continued to persist during the study period. Results were reported for two patients, the first in each of the Phase 1/2 clinical trials, and were published in The Lancet, representing an important milestone for the field of embryonic stem cell research.

A patient said her vision improved in a meaningful way after the treatment, which used embryonic stem cells. (Monica Almeida/The New York Times)

In the study, patients with Stargardt’s macular dystrophy (SMD) and dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) were treated with ACT’s embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived cells. Both patients were legally blind, and both had measurable improvements in their vision that persisted for more than four months. No treatments currently exist for either indication.

Through extensive media outreach coordinated by Russo Partners, coverage of this announcement was secured across all levels of print and broadcast media, including top tier, national, international, newswire, trade and regional outlets.

Below are links to samples of media coverage of the announcement:

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Tagged Advanced Cell Technology, AFP, Associated Press, BBC News, Bloomberg, CBS, CNN, Embryonic Stem Cells, FierceBiotech, hESC, Los Angeles Times, MedPage Today, Nature, New York Times, NPR, Reuters, Russo Partners, stem cells, The Lancet, The Scientist, The Telegraph, TIME, USA Today, WebMD

Russo Partners Attends the 30th Annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Russo Partners | Leave a comment

The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco’s Union Square

The largest healthcare investor conference of the year, the 30^thAnnual
JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, kicked off activities last week at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. The conference was attended by over 8,000 participants and 395 presenting companies.

Multiple clients presented at the conference, including Reata Pharmaceuticals, Cellular Dynamics International, Ambit Biosciences, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Puma Biotechnology, MorphoSys, Probiodrug and Amarin Corporation. Additionally, some of our clients presented at the adjacent Biotech Showcase 2012 held at the Parc 55 Wyndham Hotel, including Advanced Cell Technology, AssureRx Health, GlycoVaxyn and Sernova Corp.

Both conferences provided excellent forums for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies of all development stages and sizes to meet with investors, potential partners and buyers.

Russo Partners was involved with each step of the process, securing meetings with the media, investors, analysts and bankers. Russo Partners also supported other client communications activities related to the conference, such as news releases announcing client presentations and talking points for media meetings.

With over 100 meetings secured for our clients, we were extremely pleased with the connections made at this year’s JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, and we are looking forward to doing the same for next year as well.

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Tagged Advanced Cell Technology, Amarin Corporation, Ambit Biosciences, Arena pharmaceuticals, AssureRx Health, Biotech Showcase 2012, Cellular Dynamics International, GlycoVaxyn, JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, MorphoSys, Probiodrug, Puma Biotechnology, Reata Pharmaceuticals, Russo Partners, Sernova Corp.

Advanced Cell Technology, Leader in the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Space

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Russo Partners | 1 Comment

Two weeks ago our client, Advanced Cell Technology (ACT), strengthened their position as a leader in the field of embryonic stem cell research when Geron, citing economic conditions, announced that it would shift its focus to developing the company’s later-stage oncology therapeutics and no longer pursue its human embryonic stem cell (hESC) programs. Geron and ACT were the first two companies to initiate clinical trials in the United States using hESCs.

ACT recently initiated the first-ever European clinical trial using stem cells, specifically using retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) derived from hESCs to treat Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy (SMD). Additionally, the company is currently conducting two Phase 1/2 clinical trials in the United States using hESC-derived RPE cells to treat SMD and dry age-related macular degeneration, respectively.

When Russo Partners received the news that Monday morning, we immediately sprang into action, knowing this was a key opportunity for ACT to control the company’s messages surrounding Geron’s announcement when the public would want to know what implications this industry shift would have on ACT’s clinical programs. We proactively reached out to the media, securing interviews with multiple top-tier outlets, as well as financial wires, scientific magazines and trade publications.

By speaking with the media, ACT was able to communicate core messages surrounding the announcement, including emphasizing the strengths of its ongoing hESC programs and the company’s future development plans. In addition, the company was able to provide insight into Geron’s decision as well as information about the stem cell space in general.

Below are links to sample coverage we secured for ACT following Geron’s news:

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Tagged Advanced Cell Technology, clinical trials, Dry age-related macular degeneration, Embryonic Stem Cells, Geron, hESC, Juvenile blindness, Media outreach, Messaging, Russo Partners, Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy, stem cells

Advanced Cell Technology Receives Approval for First European Embryonic Stem Cell Trial

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Russo Partners | Leave a comment

Today our client Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) received approval for the first European study using human embryonic stem cells for the treatment of a form of juvenile blindness, called Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy.

The open label, Phase 1/2 clinical trial will evaluate the safety and tolerability of the stem cell therapy following transplantation in patients. The trial design is similar to an FDA-cleared U.S. trial that was initiated by the company in July.

Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy affects 80,000 to100,000 patients in the United States and Europe combined, however there is currently no treatment available. Onset of blindness usually begins at the ages of 10 to 20.

Through proactive media outreach to European-based publications, Russo Partners was able to generate significant coverage of this announcement.

Below are some examples of coverage, including articles from AFP, Reuters, and The Guardian.

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged ACT, Advanced Cell Technology, human embryonic stem cells, Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy, stem cell