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Newly-Issued Broad Composition of Matter Patent Protects VistaGen's ES-Cell Derived Pluripotent Precursor Cells

Posted on: Monday, 16 June 2008, 15:00 CDT

VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company using leading-edge embryonic stem cell (ES Cell) technologies for predictive toxicology and drug discovery, has announced new broad composition of matter patent protection for its ES Cell-derived pluripotent precursor cells. VistaGen has exclusive rights for commercial use in its ES Cell-based tools platform for drug discovery and development.

The newly issued U.S. patent (#7,374,934) is titled "Cell Population and Methods of Production Thereof." Specifically, it covers broad composition of matter claims and protects ES Cell-derived isolated immature pluripotent precursors of all the cells of the mesoderm and endoderm lineages, which include heart, liver, pancreas, blood, connective tissues, vascular system, gut and lung cells.

Dr. Ralph Snodgrass, VistaGen's President and CEO, said, "These isolated precursors are in fact the basis of VistaGen's efficient and scalable processes that enable the production of pharmaceutical-scale discovery and predictive toxicity assays. This new patent gives us strong protection for commercial applications of the ES Cell tools and assays that VistaGen has developed over time."

He added, "These patent claims are key for the in vitro applications of the drug discovery and screening tools that are central to our business, plus they should have significant potential value for the development and ex-vivo expansion of cells for cell therapy companies."

VistaGen scientists have worked extensively with Dr. Gordon Keller, previously affiliated with patent holder, National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, to develop and perfect the commercial applications of this novel ES Cell-derived method, which produces clinically relevant differentiated cells in quantity and purity suitable for drug development applications. Dr. Keller, a long-term collaborator and advisor to VistaGen on key stem cell research projects, now serves as director of the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Toronto's University Health Network.

About VistaGen Therapeutics

VistaGen Therapeutics, headquartered in South San Francisco, CA, is a leader in the rapidly expanding field of embryonic stem cell (ES Cell) technologies as an in vitro platform for predictive toxicology and drug discovery.

The company's industry advantage is built around the use of its proprietary ES Cell technology platform as a customizable, therapeutically-focused predictive toxicology and drug discovery engine. VistaGen uses its ES Cell platform for predictive toxicology screening and to discover, develop and commercialize a wide range of novel small molecule drugs and protein biologics for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, brain disorders and other neurological disorders. VistaGen's ES Cell platform enables its scientists and research partners to direct the development of ES Cells into a broad range of functional human cells, including heart, liver, nerve and insulin-producing beta-islet cells, in a commercially efficient and reproducible process.

VistaGen is leveraging its ES Cell technology platform through multiple internal drug discovery programs and strategic collaborations. Its lead small molecule drug candidate, AV-101, a novel prodrug that regulates glutamate signaling, is expected to enter clinical development this year for neuropathic pain, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

Source: Business Wire

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