RENE.L Regulatory News (RENE)

16 Feb 2006 07:01

ReNeuron Group plc16 February 2006 ReNeuron announces initial pre-clinical data with its ReN004 human stem cell lines for Parkinson's disease Guildford, UK, 16 February 2006: ReNeuron Group plc (LSE: RENE) today announcesthat initial in vivo testing of its ReN004 candidate stem cell lines shows themto have attributes that may favour the reversal of the neurological deficitsseen in Parkinson's disease. The human cell lines were generated using ReNeuron's patented c-mycERTAM stemcell expansion technology, and were pre-screened for both genetic stability andtheir ability to differentiate into tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressingneurons. TH is a marker for a dopaminergic stem cell phenotype, this cell typebeing deficient in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. All of the cell lines showed good survival four weeks post-implantation into theappropriate regions of the rodent brain. One of the cell lines showedup-regulation of TH-expressing neurons in the graft area, indicating thepotential for functional efficacy in a pre-clinical model. These results will be presented at the Keystone Stem Cells (G4) meeting inWhistler, Canada on 27 March to I April 2006. The Company is undertakingfurther studies with its ReN004 stem cell lines to assess their potential inpre-clinical models of Parkinson's disease, and hopes to report the results ofthese studies later this year. Commenting on the announcement, Dr John Sinden, Chief Scientific Officer ofReNeuron, said: "We are greatly encouraged by these early results with our ReN004 programme forParkinson's disease. They again demonstrate the ability of ReNeuron's platformc-mycERTAM technology to generate stable stem cell lines of relevant types withpotential to treat a variety of disorders both within and outside the centralnervous system." Enquiries: ReNeuronMichael Hunt, CEO Tel: 44 (0)1483 302 560John Sinden, CSO Financial DynamicsDavid Yates Tel: 44 (0)20 7831 3113Sarah Macleod Notes to Editors About Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the basalganglia region of the brain, with tremor, rigidity and difficulty initiatingmovement being the most common symptoms. The condition is associated with adeficiency of the chemical dopamine in the brain. It is estimated that fourmillion people worldwide have Parkinson's1 and there is currently no effectivecure for the disease. 1. UK Parkinson's Disease Society About ReNeuron Group plc ReNeuron is a leading, UK-based adult stem cell therapy business. The Company isapplying its novel stem cell platform technologies in the development ofground-breaking stem cell therapies to serve significant and unmet or poorly-metclinical needs. ReNeuron has used its c-mycERTAM technology to generate genetically stableneural stem cell lines. This technology platform has multi-national patentprotection and is fully regulated by means of a chemically-induced safetyswitch. Cell growth can therefore be completely arrested prior to in vivoimplantation. The Company's lead stem cell therapy, ReN001 for chronic stroke disability, isin late pre-clinical development. The Company plans to file for approval tocommence initial clinical trials in stroke later this year, with trialscommencing as soon as possible thereafter. The Company has also generated pre-clinical efficacy data with its ReN005 stemcell therapy for Huntington's disease, a rare, genetic and fatalneurodegenerative disorder which affects around 1 in 100,000 people. Thisprogramme is in pre-clinical development. In addition to its stroke and Huntington's disease programmes, ReNeuron isdeveloping stem cell therapies for Parkinson's disease, Type 1 diabetes anddiseases of the retina. ReNeuron has also leveraged its stem cell technologies into non-therapeuticareas - its ReNcell range of cell lines for use in drug discovery applicationsin the pharmaceutical industry. ReNeuron's shares are traded on the London AIM market under the symbol RENE.L,and its warrants are traded under the symbol RENW.L. Further information on ReNeuron and its products can be found atwww.reneuron.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements with respect to thefinancial condition, results of operations and business achievements/performanceof ReNeuron and certain of the plans and objectives of management of ReNeuronwith respect thereto. These statements may generally, but not always, beidentified by the use of words such as "should", "expects", "estimates","believes" or similar expressions. This announcement also containsforward-looking statements attributed to certain third parties relating to theirestimates regarding the growth of markets and demand for products. By theirnature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because theyreflect ReNeuron's current expectations and assumptions as to future events andcircumstances that may not prove accurate. A number of factors could causeReNeuron's actual financial condition, results of operations and businessachievements/performance to differ materially from the estimates made or impliedin such forward-looking statements and, accordingly, reliance should not beplaced on such statements. The terms "ReNeuron" or "the Company" refer to ReNeuron Group plc and itssubsidiary undertakings. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange