STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 8, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The first steps towards therapies for neurodegenerative diseases based on human embryonic stem cells (hESC) have been taken in the collaboration agreement between the Japanese pharmaceutical company Tanabe and the Swedish stem cell company Cell Therapeutics Scandinavia (CTS). The collaboration agreement also includes research in this area at the Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan and Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sweden
Neurodegenerative diseases as Parkinson's disease, stroke and spinal cord injuries are incapacitating several millions of people across the globe. No real cure exists today for these diseases why the hope and the potential for a treatment based on stem cells are very high.
Tanabe have besides their own research in the area initiated collaboration with the Jichi Medical School based on the knowledge of transplantation of monkey based stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease. Dr. Shin-ichi Muramatsu, Jichi Medical School says 'that the results achieved thus far in monkeys looks promising to be able to start the research based on human embryonic stem cells. Although in this phase we will seek permit to do further research in animals'
Prof. Peter Eriksson, Sahlgrenska Academy welcomes this collaboration, "The research in this area is so highly needed, due to the suffering of the patients and their relatives. In addition the understanding of all stem cell involvement will continue in Gothenburg, where we will seek to understand different differentiation techniques to produce dopaminergic cells."
In part of this collaboration Tanabe applied today to the ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for the confirmation of the research plan using human ES cells as part of the basic research for new therapies in these areas.
Dr. Shinji Nito of Advanced Medical Research Laboratories of Tanabe said, "This is the first step for us in this important area to be able to continue to research in new therapy modalities besides delivering new drugs. Our research together with Jichi has identified new routes for differentiating stem cells which will be useful also for human ES cells."
Dr. Boo Edgar, General Manager for Cell Therapeutics Scandinavia adds that this agreement, in this phase, is focusing on knowledge CTS has created in the establishment, differentiation and documentation of hESC. Later on in the collaboration, development of clinical documentation in Sweden will be important."
Dr. Edgar added,'The science that this agreement is based on is in the forefront of research today and the involvement of ISA(Invest in Sweden Agency) from the Embassy in Tokyo, has contributed to the mutual understanding necessary to reach this agreement."
TANABE SEIYAKU CO., LTD. (President Natsuki Hayama ) is a leading Japanese pharmaceutical company that specializes in developing and marketing pharmaceutical products such as diltiazem (Herbesser(R)) and imidapril (Tanatril(R)) to treat cardiovascular diseases. Currently, diltiazem is sold in more than 120 countries and imidapril is sold in Asia and European countries. The company is dedicated to the discovery, research and development of pharmaceutical products that meet emerging medical needs. For more information, please visit the web site at www.tanabe.co.jp.
Cell Therapeutics Scandinavia a Swedish corporation having its principle office at Medicinaregatan 8A SE-413 46 Goteborg. CTS are among the first to secure its own method of establishing human embryonic stem cell line and to show pluripotency of the documented lines. The company is focusing on developing the knowledge on establishment, characterisation and differentiation of stem cells to be used for research, screening and therapeutic purposes, and is already a leading provider of hESC for research purposes..
Division of Neurology, Jichi Medical School, has been developing novel therapies for treating neurodegenerative disorders using animal models. Recent research includes application of stem cell therapy and gene therapy in a non human primate model of Parkinson disease.
The Neuronal Stemcell Laboratory, at the division of Clinical Neuroscience, is involved in developing new treatment modalities for Parkinson but also other neurodegenerative disorders. The laboratory is also leading in the research on adult stem cells and progenitor substances.
Contact person: Dr Boo Edgar Cell Therapeutics Scandinavia Medicinargatan 8A 413 46 GOTEBORG, Sweden +46 31 74 11 720 51 Fax +46 31 74 11 751 www.celltherapeutics.se boo.edgar@pi.se
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