Opexa Advances Monocyte Derived Islet Technology to Proof of Principle in stz-induced NOD/SCID Mice.THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Opexa Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :OPXA), a company involved in the development and commercialization of cell therapies, presented poster presentations at the 5th International Society for Stem Cell stem cell In living organisms, an undifferentiated cell that can produce other cells that eventually make up specialized tissues and organs. There are two major types of stem cells, embryonic and adult. Research Annual Meeting (ISSCR ISSCR International Society for Stem Cell Research ) in Cairns, Queensland, Australia from June 17-20 and at the 13th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT ISCT International Society of Cleaning Technicians ISCT Integrative Social Contract Theory (business ethics) ISCT International Society for Cell Therapy ) in Sydney, Australia from June 24-27. The two presentations covered recent research from Opexa's innovative adult stem cell Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found throughout the body that divide to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues. Also known as somatic (from Greek Σωματικóς, of the body program regarding the development of adult monocyte-derived islets, as beta-cell replacement therapy for diabetes mellitus diabetes mellitus Disorder of insufficient production of or reduced sensitivity to insulin. Insulin, synthesized in the islets of Langerhans (see Langerhans, islets of), is necessary to metabolize glucose. In diabetes, blood sugar levels increase (hyperglycemia). . The first presentation was made by Opexa's director of stem cell research, Glenn Winnier, Ph.D. at the ISSCR Annual Meeting and described the differentiation of adult monocyte-derived stem cells stem cells, unspecialized human or animal cells that can produce mature specialized body cells and at the same time replicate themselves. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a blastocyst (the blastula typical of placental mammals; see embryo), which is very young (MDSCs) to generate pancreatic endocrine cell clusters known as monocyte-derived islets (MDIs). MDIs express pancreatic specific factors as well as hormones insulin, glucagons and somatostatin Somatostatin A naturally occurring regulatory peptide that carries out numerous functions in the human body, including the inhibition of growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. in physiological proportions. These studies also demonstrated that MDIs function in a glucose responsive manner when transplanted into diabetic animals. Study animals demonstrate a prolonged reduction (greater than 60 days) in blood glucose levels when MDIs were transplanted under the kidney capsule of stz-induced NOD/SCID mice. The second presentation, also made by Dr. Winnier, was presented at the ISCT Annual Meeting in Sydney, Australia. The Company's recent adult stem cell research has demonstrated the successful generation of MDIs from insulin-dependent type 1 and type 2 diabetics. These insulin producing islet-like clusters express insulin, glucagon glucagon (gl  `kəgŏn), hormone secreted by the α cells of the islets of Langerhans, specific groups of cells in the pancreas. It tends to counteract the action of insulin, i.e. and somatostatin
characteristic hormones found in pancreatic islets and function in a
glucose responsive manner.
Dr. Winnier commented, "The development of adult MDIs from healthy subjects and the demonstration that these MDIs are functional in vitro and when transplanted into stz-induced NOD/SCID mice is a breakthrough for our adult stem cell program. The differentiation of MDIs derived from MDSCs produced from type 1 and type 2 diabetics is a major advance in the development of a cell replacement therapy for the treatment of diabetes." "These presentations by Dr. Winnier demonstrate significant advancement of our stem cell development program and serve as proof-of-principle for our adult diabetes mellitus beta-cell replacement therapy development", said David McWilliams, chief executive officer. "The potential use of adult MDSCs for the development of functional MDIs maybe a viable alternative to the development of islet cells derived from embryonic stem cells." About Opexa Therapeutics Opexa Therapeutics develops and commercializes cell therapies to treat autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. The Company is focused on autologous autologous /au·tol·o·gous/ (aw-tol´ah-gus) related to self; belonging to the same organism. au·tol·o·gous adj. 1. cellular therapy applications of its proprietary T-cell and stem cell therapies. The Company's lead product, Tovaxin(TM), a T-cell therapy for multiple sclerosis is in Phase IIb trials. The Company holds the exclusive worldwide license for adult multipotent stem cells derived from mononuclear mononuclear /mono·nu·cle·ar/ (-noo´kle-er) 1. having but one nucleus. 2. a cell having a single nucleus, especially a monocyte of the blood or tissues. mon·o·nu·cle·ar adj. cells of peripheral blood. The technology allows large quantities of monocyte monocyte /mono·cyte/ (mon´o-sit) a mononuclear, phagocytic leukocyte, 13µ to 25µ in diameter, with an ovoid or kidney-shaped nucleus, and azurophilic cytoplasmic granules. derived stem cells to be produced efficiently for use in autologous therapy, thus circumventing the threat of rejection. The Company is in preclinical development for diabetes mellitus. For more information, visit the Opexa Therapeutics website at www.opexatherapeutics.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including statements about Opexa Therapeutics' growth and future operating results, discovery and development of products, strategic alliances and intellectual property, as well as other matters that are not historical facts or information. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations and involve risks, uncertainties and other important factors, specifically including those relating to Opexa Therapeutics' ability to obtain additional funding, develop its stem cell technologies, achieve its operational objectives, and obtain patent protection for its discoveries, that may cause Opexa Therapeutics' actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Opexa Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. |
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