Chairman and CEO Gary Rabin to Discuss Three Ongoing Clinical Trials Using Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC)-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE)Cells to Treat Macular Degeneration
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. ("ACT"; OTCBB: ACTC), a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, announced today that chairman and CEO Gary Rabin will be presenting at the World Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 21-23, in London.
Mr. Rabin's presentation, titled "Successes and ongoing advancements of human clinical trials for the treatment of AMD & Stargardt's Disease," will be given on Monday, May 21 at 5:05 p.m. BST (London time). Mr. Rabin will provide an update on ACT's three ongoing human clinical trials in the U.S. and E.U. for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD) and Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy (SMD).
ACT recently announced Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) approval to move forward with enrollment and treatment of additional patients with SMD in its U.S. SMD trial, and to treat the final two patients to round out the initial dosing arm in its European trial. All three of the company's ongoing clinical trials use human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.
About SMD, Dry AMD and Degenerative Diseases of the Retina
Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy (SMD) is one of the most common forms of macular degeneration in the world. SMD causes progressive vision loss, usually starting in children between 10 to 20 years of age. Eventually, blindness results from photoreceptor loss associated with degeneration in the pigmented layer of the retina, called the retinal pigment epithelium or RPE cell layer.
Degenerative diseases of the retina are among the most common causes of untreatable blindness in the world. As many as thirty million people in the United States and Europe suffer from macular degeneration, which represents a $25-30 billion worldwide market that has yet to be effectively addressed. Approximately 10% of people ages 66 to 74 will have symptoms of macular degeneration, the vast majority the "dry" form of AMD – which is currently untreatable. The prevalence increases to 30% in patients 75 to 85 years of age.
About Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., is a biotechnology company applying cellular technology in the field of regenerative medicine. For more information, visit www.advancedcell.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this news release regarding future financial and operating results, future growth in research and development programs, potential applications of our technology, opportunities for the company and any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: limited operating history, need for future capital, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, protection of our intellectual property, and economic conditions generally. Additional information on potential factors that could affect our results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the company's periodic reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the company's management at the time they are made, and the company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the company's management at the time they are made, and the company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change. There can be no assurance that the Company's clinical trials will be successful.
Contacts:
Investors:
CEOcast, Inc.
James Young,
212-732-4300
or
Press:
ACT Corporate
Communications
Bill Douglass, 646-450-3615
or
Russo
Partners
Martina Schwarzkopf, Ph.D., 212-845-4292
or
Business
Development:
ACT
Matthew Vincent, Ph.D.,
508-756-1212 x324
mvincent@advancedcell.com
