RENE.L Regulatory News (RENE)

9 Jun 2009 07:00



PRESS RELEASE

ReNeuron signs manufacturing contract to provide stem cells for stroke clinical trial

Guildford, UK, 9 June 2009: ReNeuron Group plc (LSE: RENE.L) today announces that it has signed a contract with Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc ("Angel"), under which Angel will manufacture clinical-grade ReN001 stem cell lots for ReNeuron's Phase I clinical trial with its ReN001 therapy in disabled stroke patients. Regulatory approval for this trial was granted earlier this year.

Michael Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of ReNeuron, said:

"We are pleased to have extended our collaborative arrangements with Angel by way of this critical manufacturing contract. Angel has proven ability in the manufacture of advanced biologics to the requisite quality standards. As a contract manufacturer based in Scotland, they are also well-placed to serve the needs of ReNeuron's ground-breaking Phase I clinical trial with ReN001 in stroke, to be undertaken at Glasgow's Southern General Hospital once ethics approval has been obtained for the trial."

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About ReNeuron

ReNeuron is a leading, UK-based stem cell business. Its primary objective is the development of stem cell therapies targeting areas of significant unmet or poorly met medical need.

ReNeuron recently received regulatory approval to commence a Phase I clinical trial in the UK with its lead ReN001 stem cell therapy for disabled stroke patients. The Company is developing stem cell therapies for a number of other conditions, including peripheral arterial disease and diseases of the retina.

ReNeuron has also developed a range of stem cell lines for non-therapeutic applications - its ReNcell® products for use in academic and commercial research. The Company's ReNcell®CX and ReNcell®VM neural cell lines are marketed worldwide under license by USA-based Millipore Corporation.

ReNeuron's shares are traded on the London AIM market under the symbol RENE.L. Further information on ReNeuron and its products can be found at www.reneuron.com.

About Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc is a biomanufacturing company offering process development services and GMP manufacturing for advanced biologics, supporting biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Angel's principal activity is the manufacture and supply of materials for use in early stage drug development and pre-clinical studies, along with drug product and CMC documentation for Phases I, II and III clinical trials and the manufacture of licensed drugs or vaccines. Angel specialises in the provision of advanced biologics; these include autologous and allogeneic cell therapy products, stem cells, cellular vaccines, specific purified natural and recombinant proteins and bacteriophage. Angel is managed by a team with wide-ranging experience in biopharmaceutical manufacture, gained in companies such as Glaxo, Johnson and Johnson, Serologicals Inc., PPL Therapeutics and Intercell Ag.

Angel was admitted to trading on AIM in November 2005.