James A. Byrne, Ph.D., Expert in Nuclear Reprogramming, Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Named Advisor to Company
EXTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fibrocell Science, Inc. (OTCBB: FCSC), a biotechnology company focused on the development of autologous (personalized) cell therapies for aesthetic, medical and scientific applications, announced today that it has entered into a scientific collaboration with University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to research the conversion of dermal fibroblasts into pure functional human cell types that may have greater regenerative capacity.
“UCLA is on the forefront of cell science research, and Dr. Byrne is a renowned expert and researcher with pioneering discoveries in the study and re-engineering of human fibroblasts”
The collaboration is designed to set the stage for potential future diagnostic or treatments based on each person’s own cells for illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and heart disease. Under the terms of the agreement with UCLA, Fibrocell Science will provide funding, deep knowledge and expertise, and the broad potential of its proprietary platform technology in cell multiplication and expansion.
James A. Byrne, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in UCLA’s Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, will lead the investigational team at UCLA and, as part of the collaboration, has been appointed as a scientific advisor to Fibrocell Science. Dr. Byrne will leverage his experience converting human dermal fibroblasts to functional myocardial cells, which may have potential in the long term for applications in heart disease treatment.
“UCLA is on the forefront of cell science research, and Dr. Byrne is a renowned expert and researcher with pioneering discoveries in the study and re-engineering of human fibroblasts,” said David Pernock, Fibrocell Science Chairman and CEO. Through this research collaboration, Fibrocell Science hopes to optimize the current range of clinical applications for autologous cellular therapies and broaden the use of patented Fibrocell Science technology, which can multiply human dermal fibroblasts. Dr. Byrne is the first scientist, in collaboration with Dr. Renee Reijo Pera, to isolate a subpopulation of human fibroblasts that are easier to epigenetically reprogram into pluripotent stem cells – or cells that can differentiate into other types of cells for tissue repair or treatment of disease. Building on this work, Fibrocell Science hopes to efficiently translate this unique human data into the development of safe, effective and clinically useful cell types.
New Fibrocell Science Advisor: James A. Byrne, Ph.D.
Dr. Byrne is Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles where he investigates the mechanisms of reprogramming and generates human induced pluripotent stem cells for in vitro research and autologous cellular therapies. [He conducts his research at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research.] Dr. Byrne is an expert in both human genetics and nuclear reprogramming. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in human genetics at University of Nottingham, UK where he also served as president of the Genetics Society. He earned a post-doctorate degree in nuclear transfer and nuclear reprogramming at University of Cambridge, UK and was a Keilin Senior Research Scholar. He served as a post-doctoral fellow in nuclear reprogramming at Oregon National Primate Research Center and as a post-doctoral research associate in nuclear reprogramming at Stanford University. Dr. Byrne has received several awards and honors, including the Pudsley Scientific Award and the Technology Innovation Award from Oregon Health and Science University. Dr. Byrne’s work in human genetics, stem cell research and regenerative medicine is widely published in numerous academic and scientific journals, including Nature and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
About The Fibrocell Science Technology
Fibroblasts are cells that contribute to the formation of connective tissue fibers, and regenerative fibroblast cells may have potential in use for broad aesthetic, medical and scientific applications.
Fibrocell Science’s lead therapy, azficel-T, is an investigational autologous (personalized) cell therapy. In the Fibrocell Science patented process, a patient's own natural fibroblasts are extracted, multiplied and re-injected as personalized therapy to regenerate skin. Azficel-T is currently under review by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe nasolabial fold wrinkles. Also, the Company recently submitted a clinical study report to the FDA for a Phase II/III trial of azficel-T in acne scarring.
About Fibrocell Science, Inc.
Fibrocell Science, Inc. (OTCBB: FCSC) is a biotechnology company focused on the development of autologous (personalized) cell therapies for aesthetic, medical and scientific applications. Fibrocell Science is committed to advancing the scientific, medical and commercial potential of autologous skin and tissue, as well its innovative cellular processing technology and manufacturing excellence. For additional information, please visit www.fibrocellscience.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that are not based on historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the future approval of azficel-T and the Company ability to conduct studies on applying its autologous fibroblast technology in additional areas, including further aesthetic applications, and for the treatment of restrictive burn scars, acne scars, and periodontal disease. While management has based any forward-looking statements contained herein on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control, that could cause actual results to materially differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not necessarily limited to, those set forth under Item 1A "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as updated in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed since the annual report. The Company operates in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment, thus new or unforeseen risks may arise. Accordingly, investors should not place any reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The Company disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the other various disclosures in the Company's public filings with the SEC.
