Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: PrimeGen Biotech LLC and Unidym, Inc. Form Alliance to Optimize Development of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Home > Press > PrimeGen Biotech LLC and Unidym, Inc. Form Alliance to Optimize Development of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Abstract:
PrimeGen Biotech LLC and Unidym Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation (NASDAQ:ARWR), today announced a corporate alliance focused on exploring new applications for carbon nanotubes in stem cell medicine. Unidym brings to this partnership its leadership in carbon nanotube science, technology and production.

PrimeGen Biotech LLC and Unidym, Inc. Form Alliance to Optimize Development of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

IRVINE, CA and MENLO PARK, CA | Posted on March 6th, 2008

In a news release last week, PrimeGen announced at the Stem Cell Summit meeting in New York City that company researchers have, for the first time, successfully used non-viral technologies to reprogram adult human cells into stem cells that the company refers to as intermediate iPS cells. Unlike embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, are derived directly from a patient's adult human tissues such as skin. PrimeGen will have access to Unidym's extensive patent portfolio, services and industry standard HIPCO® carbon nanotubes.

"We're excited to bring together leaders in the field of nanotechnology materials science with our talented team of stem cell researchers," said Thomas C.K. Yuen, CEO, PrimeGen Biotech. "Our combined efforts will undoubtedly generate important advances in the field of regenerative medicine and bring us closer to the day when clinically safe and effective individualized stem cell therapies can be administered in a routine manner to patients."

"PrimeGen's innovative use of carbon nanotubes in cell reprogramming brings nanotube technology into a truly ground breaking field of use," said Art Swift, Unidym's President and CEO. "Given Unidym's extensive experience with carbon nanotubes and our foundational patent portfolio, this alliance uniquely leverages the natural synergies between our companies. We look forward to helping PrimeGen advance its breakthrough solution for stem cell production ultimately into clinical use as a stem-cell based therapy."

PrimeGen has submitted its scientific findings, as abstracts, for presentation at the International Society of Stem Cell Research meeting to be held this year in Philadelphia, June 11-14. Manuscripts are also being prepared for peer-reviewed publication.

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About PrimeGen Biotech LLC
PrimeGen Biotech (www.primegenbiotech.com) is dedicated to the research and therapeutic applications of adult stem cells, leading to individualized patient therapies. Entering its fifth year of operations at the pre-clinical stage of product development, the company specializes in two core technologies: germ line stem cells and therapeutic reprogramming. Pioneering work on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), positions PrimeGen as a leader in moving this breakthrough from research to therapy. Future applications of both PrimeGen core technologies will enlist a patient’s own adult tissue cells to generate stem cells for regenerative and restorative medical treatments. Based in Irvine, California, PrimeGen Biotech is a privately held, Delaware limited liability company.

About Unidym:

Unidym (www.unidym.com) is a leader in the manufacture and application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a novel material with extraordinary electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Unidym provides bulk materials, CNT-enabled products, and intellectual property to a wide range of customers and business partners. As a result of its recent merger with CNI, Unidym possesses a foundational patent portfolio that covers nearly every aspect of CNT manufacturing and processing as well as multiple product applications.

Unidym is focused on the electronics industry where its initial products include transparent electrodes for touch screens, flat panel displays, solar cells, and solid state lighting; electrodes for fuel cells; and thin film transistors for printable electronics. Unidym is also pursuing an aggressive, cross-industry partnership strategy to capture value from the wide ranging uses of CNTs. Unidym’s licensing program, technical expertise and manufacturing facilities can enable partners to rapidly develop CNT solutions for their specific applications.

Unidym is a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation (NASDAQ:ARWR).

About Arrowhead Research Corp.:

Arrowhead Research Corporation (www.arrowheadresearch.com) is a publicly-traded nanotechnology company commercializing new technologies in the areas of life sciences, electronics, and energy. Arrowhead is building value for shareholders through the progress of majority owned subsidiaries founded on nanotechnologies originally developed at universities. The company works closely with universities to source early stage deals and to generate rights to intellectual property covering promising new nanotechnologies. Currently, Arrowhead has four subsidiaries commercializing nanotech products and applications, including anti-cancer drugs, RNAi therapeutics, carbon-based electronics and compound semiconductor materials.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the future success of our scientific studies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K and 10-K/A, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and 10-Q/A, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, our Registration Statements on Form S-3, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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Contacts:

Media Contact – PrimeGen LLC
Edge Communications, Inc.
Ken Greenberg, 818-990-5001

or
Media Contact – Unidym Inc.
Unidym Inc.
Robert Bismuth, 650-462-1935

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