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| | April 16, 2007
Journal of Clinical Immunology: Sertoli Cells Could Replace Immunosuppressive Drugs in Humans
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| | Sernova Corp. (TSX-V: SVA) is pleased to announce the peer reviewed, scientific publication of a Sertoli cell study on humans, co-authored by Dr. David White, Sernova's principal researcher and Novartis/Stiller Chair of Xenotransplantation at the University of Western Ontario. The study is published in the March 2007 issue of The Journal of Clinical Immunology.
The study reviewed a 6-year follow-up of the immune responses in human diabetic patients who received transplants of porcine Sertoli cells and insulin producing islets without immunosuppressive drugs. The results confirmed that the Sertoli cells reduce the immune responses and allow the survival of the transplanted islets. This is the first human study demonstrating the potential of porcine Sertoli cells for replacing anti-rejection drugs in transplants. Sernova Corp owns the exclusive rights to over 20 patents related to the therapeutic use of Sertoli cells, which are a key component of Sertolin, the Company's experimental diabetes treatment.
David White noted that "Sernova's experimental animal models have confirmed what we see in the clinical results: Sertoli cells provide a means to co-transplant other cell types and provide immune protection without the need for immunosuppressive drugs. Our research has found a way to improve the immunoprotective properties of the Sertoli cells, but this study's data is still useful to us because it demonstrates clinical benefit in humans and that should enhance our efforts to prove the technology and gain regulatory approval for its use in humans. "
Justin Leushner, President of Sernova stated "It is encouraging to see evidence that the Sertoli cells do indeed provide immune protection in humans. Having a cell type that is immunoprivileged and can therefore be implanted without the need for anti-rejection drugs provides us with a pipe-line for a host of other therapeutic applications. Our current focus is the co-transplantation of insulin producing cells with our Sertoli cell technology for treating insulin dependent diabetes. However this does not preclude us from using Sertoli cells with other cell types or even using Sertoli cells as a vehicle for gene therapy."
About Sernova
Sernova Corp. is a Canadian based, health sciences company focused on commercializing medical technologies and currently working to cure insulin dependent diabetes using its patented Sertolin technology. According to the American Diabetes Association approximately 9 million Americans require insulin injections and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Over $100 billion per year is spent in the US on treating diabetes and its complications, and worldwide expenditures on insulin is estimated to be $25 billion annually.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"Justin Leushner"
Justin Leushner, President
For further information contact:
TEL: (888) 318-7062
FAX: (250) 868-8493
info@sernovacorp.com
www.sernovacorp.com
Phil Morehouse
Sernova Corp.
THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. |
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