OLDSMAR, Fla,-- Cryo-Cell International,Inc. and EndGenitor Technologies, Inc. are pleased to announce a new research collaboration to co-develop a combined cellular platform therapeutic for rapidly forming vasculature in injured tissues. Currently, intense research into the mechanisms of initiation of angiogenesis and the repair of damaged vasculature is underway in order to identify the participating molecular and cellular components involved. Greater understanding of this highly-complex
process is paving the way to identify novel potential therapeutics for treating cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The research will focus on the utilization of cord blood and menstrual blood derived cells, known as ECFCs(R) and MenSCs, respectively. ECFCs(R) are cord blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cells. ECFCs(R) are currently in pre-clinical development by EndGenitor for cardiovascular and other therapeutic applications. MenSCs, which were discovered and developed by Cryo-Cell, are primitive mesenchymal progenitor cells found in menstrual blood and are easily retrievable without invasive techniques.
"We think the project has significant potential, as both ECFCs(R) and MenSCs contribute to angiogenesis in vivo, which underscores the importance of further study into the potential synergy of these cells in the formation of vasculature," said Dr. Julie Allickson, Vice President of Laboratory Operations and Research and Development at Cryo-Cell, which developed and maintains proprietary intellectual property (IP) on MenSCs.
"EndGenitor is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Cryo-Cell International in the development of its regenerative medicine product lines. The synergy resulting from Cryo-Cell and EndGenitor's joint research efforts, and complimentary expertise, is expected to significantly impact pre-clinical development timelines," said Dr. Paul Hyslop, Vice President of Research and Development at EndGenitor, which has developed and maintains IP on ECFCs(R).
About Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CCEL)
Based in Oldsmar, Florida, with over 185,000 clients worldwide, Cryo-Cell is one of the largest and most established family cord blood banks. ISO 9001:2000 certified and accredited by the AABB, Cryo-Cell operates in a state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Tissue Practice (cGMP/cGTP)-compliant facility. Cryo-Cell is a publicly traded company. OTC Bulletin Board Symbol: CCEL. For more information, please call 1-800-STOR-CELL (1-800-786-7235) or visit http://www.cryo-cell.com.
About EndGenitor Technologies, Inc., http://www.endgenitor.com
EndGenitor is a private company based in Indianapolis, IN. The Company's goal is to develop novel adult stem cell therapeutics, and is in the pre-clinical development stage, with a focus on cardiovascular, hematological, and related therapeutic indications. EndGenitor also sells adult stem cell products to the research market via its distribution partner, Dynacell Life Sciences, LLC. For more information about purchasing EndGenitor's cells, please contact Dynacell at (215) 813-8775, or visit http://www.dynacellsciences.com.