Living Cell Technologies Ltd Company Announcement: Diabetes Trial Supported By US-Based Diabetes Foundation

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 12 Feb 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Living Cell Technologies Limited (ASX: LCT) (PINKSHEETS: LVCLY) announced that the US-based Children with Diabetes Foundation (CWDF), has offered its support in raising funds for LCT's DiabeCell® clinical trials for people with type 1 diabetes. The foundation has established a fund which allows supporters of diabetes research to contribute tax deductible donations towards the trials.

In the past CWDF has contributed approximately US$ 250,000 towards Professor Elliott's research and LCT's development work. The foundation has also invested in LCT and holds 330,117 shares.

Sonia Cooper, President of CWDF, said from Denver, Colorado, "The foundation views LCT's treatment for type 1 diabetes as extremely promising, and the clinical trials being conducted as the next positive step towards getting this treatment to patients. We are establishing a fund for those who want to support research in type 1 diabetes that is well advanced and in human clinical trials. Donations to CWDF are fully tax deductible. This means that 100% of the donations are for LCT's international human DiabeCell® clinical trials."

Dr. Paul Tan, Chief Executive Officer of LCT, added, "LCT is delighted to have support from a foundation known for its dedication to children with diabetes and active support for clinically relevant research. The DiabeCell® clinical trials are attracting a lot of international support as demonstrated by LCT's recent capital raise, as well as this current initiative. Overall, the Company is now well positioned to make significant progress in the clinical trials during 2008."

Children with Diabetes Foundation is a US-based not-for-profit organization which was formed to assist people living with diabetes, and to support the work of scientists and physicians world-wide searching for a cure. CWDF acts as the venture capitalist of diabetes research, by helping new, clinically relevant, innovative research get off the ground. To comply with United States Internal Revenue Service regulations, CWDF is a 501 (c) 3 organization and donations are deductible from Unites States income tax. The US Federal Tax ID for CWDF is 31-158740. Information on how donations may be made is available at http://www.cwdfoundation.org.

DiabeCell® is a porcine pancreatic cell product for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes. The islet cell efficiently secretes insulin, which is defective or absent in patients with type 1 diabetes. The cells are introduced into the abdomen of the patient in a simple procedure under light anaesthesia. Treatment with DiabeCell® does not require the use of immunosuppressant drugs.

LCT's DiabeCell® trials are progressing well with four patients already enrolled in Russia. The company is expecting approval from the New Zealand Minister of Health for the commencement of clinical trials in New Zealand this year.

About Living Cell Technologies

Living Cell is developing cell-based products to treat life threatening human diseases. The Company owns a biocertified pig herd that it uses as a source of cells for treating diabetes and neurological disorders. For patients with Type 1 diabetes, the Company transplants microencapsulated islet cells so that near-normal blood glucose levels may be achieved without the need for administration of insulin or at significantly reduced levels. The company entered clinical trials for its diabetes product in 2007. For the treatment of Huntington's disease and other neurological disorders, the company transplants microencapsulated choroid plexus cells that deliver beneficial proteins and neurotrophic factors to the brain. Living Cell's technology enables healthy living cells to be injected into patients to replace or repair damaged tissue without requiring the use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. Living Cell also offers medical-grade porcine-derived products for the repair and replacement of damaged tissues, as well as for research and other purposes.

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Living Cell Technologies