I also stumbled upon this while checking out the Histogen ISHRS stuff, sounds like they are doing something truly exciting!!
Histogen Launches BioNuesis, the Only All-Human Stem Cell Culturing Kit
SAN DIEGO, September 22, 2008 - Histogen, Inc., a regenerative medicine company developing solutions based on the products of newborn fibroblasts, today launched BioNuesis, the only soluble human extracellular matrix (ECM) developed as a culturing kit for stem cell growth. The kit was launched and is being exhibited at the 2008 World Stem Cell Summit taking place in Madison, Wisconsin.
Through its proprietary bioreactors, Histogen is uniquely capable of simulating the embryonic environment, creating products that are embryonic-like in nature without the utilization of embryonic stem cells. Products are developed by extracting the proteins and growth factors produced by these fibroblasts. In working with the unique liquid formulation, Histogen researchers identified the potential for the human soluble ECM in the field of stem cell research, as compared to currently available products.
“There is a significant need for an all-human ECM product that can support pluripotent huES cell expansion in culture, without the complications inherent with mouse tumor-derived ECM extracts that are still the best replacement for feeder-layer cells,” Dr. Jeanne Loring, Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Scripps Research Institute. “Histogen’s technology may provide the solution and help accelerate both basic science and translational research using huES cells.”
BioNuesis is the first product that provides a limitless source of the natural human ECM proteins, such as laminin, collagen type 4 and fibronectin, which are required to expand human ES cells to commercial-scale.
Because current products utilize non-human sources, and can even contain mouse viruses, stem cell therapies developed using these animal products are not likely to be approved by the FDA. The technology behind the BioNuesis research kit, soluble natural human ECM, offers a solution which will eventually facilitate translation of stem cell cures to the public.
The launch of BioNuesis marks the entrance of Histogen into the marketplace as a number of products based on Histogen’s proprietary technology continue down the pipeline.
“Histogen is uniquely capable of utilizing every aspect of the liquid and solid created by the Company’s proprietary technology process, and developing high-value, all-human products at a commercial scale,” said Dr. Gail Naughton, CEO of Histogen. “We are excited to bring our first product to the stem cell research market, and look forward to launching products in the cosmeceutical and medical fields in the near future.”
About the World Stem Cell Summit
The World Stem Cell Summit, to be held Sept. 22-23, 2008 at Madison’s Alliant Center, is a gathering of scientists, company leaders, ethicists, investors and others. The Summit will provide an opportunity for the exchange of important stem cell information among key players from throughout the globe. The event will coincide with the 10-year anniversary of UW-Madison scientist James Thomson becoming the first to successfully isolate and culture human embryonic stem cells. For more information about the Summit, visit www.worldstemcellsummit.com.
? there has to be some synergies among these treatments, don’t you think?