STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 10, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Vitrolife (Stockholm:VITR) inventors have been granted a U.S. Patent for a new cryopreservation technique for viable cells, called loop vitrification. Cells are stored in a glass-like state without undergoing crystallization. Besides resulting in significantly higher viability and recovery of biological specimens after storage at low temperature (-196 degrees C), the vitrification method is easy to perform and does not rely on the use of specialized equipment, such as freezing machines.
Many clinical treatment methods of today rely on the cryopreservation of cells, for example, the ability to cryopreserve sperm, oocytes and embryos is critical to the extensive application of human assisted reproductive technologies. In emerging cell and tissue technologies, such as stem cell biology, high viability after ultra low temperature storage is critical for success.
Loop vitrification involves extremely rapid cooling of the biological specimen using a small loop and specifically developed solutions (media) developed by Drs. Katrina Forest and Michelle Lane. This new technique (U.S. Patent No. 6,500,608 "Method for Vitrification of Biological Cells") surpasses current technology in the ability to cryopreserve sensitive samples.
This current invention involves an extensively designed kit that will contain the necessary devices and solution for vitrification. Introduction into the market is anticipated during 2004.
Goteborg, 10 March 2003
Vitrolife AB (publ)
For information, please contact: President and CEO Dr. Magnus Nilsson, tel +46 708 22 80 61 CSO Dr. Peter Svalander, tel +1-303-898-1949
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http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/03/10/20030310BIT01460/wkr0001.doc
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/03/10/20030310BIT01460/wkr0002.pdf