Aug. 4, 2011 - Amarantus BioSciences (OTCBB: AMBS), a biotechnology company developing a first-in-class anti-apoptosis therapeutic protein known as MANF, and Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCBB: GNBT), a biotechnology company developing a buccal insulin spray technology known as Generex Oral-lyn™, currently in a Phase III trial, are making public the details of their intended third joint diabetes research collaboration. In this third research project, the companies will use Amarantus' proprietary PhenoGuard cell immortalization process to develop beta cell replacement therapies to aid diabetes therapy. The two companies are currently planning to develop a MANF-based diagnostic test to identify a sub-population at risk of developing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes as well as a MANF-based therapeutic to be administered using the RapidMist™ delivery system for the treatment of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance.
"The potential of Amarantus' proprietary PhenoGuard cell immortalization process to create a stable source of representative beta cells that can be used in cell replacement therapy in patients who have lost virtually all beta cell function represents a potential major breakthrough for the treatment of chronic, late-stage diabetes," said Dr. James Anderson, Senior Scientific Advisor and Director of Generex. "Patients whose beta cell function is most impaired are the ones most at-risk of developing life-threatening complications of diabetes. Beta cell replacement therapy taken together with the development of a diagnostic test able to track the progression of beta cell dysfunction, and the ability to administer MANF prophylactically and therapeutically to alter the course of beta cell apoptosis and dysfunction in patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes disorders, these three research collaboration programs represent major research and development initiatives that could dramatically alter the course of treatment in the diabetes space. The breadth and scope of this research collaboration provides Generex with an incredible opportunity to position itself as a long-term market leader in the treatment of diabetes-related metabolic disorders."... [PDF] Amarantus BioSciences' Press Release - Generex Biotechnology 's Press Release -
