FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/16/09
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Study Seeks to Discover Method of Treating More Adults Using Cord Blood Stem Cells
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M. D. Anderson Clinical Research Trial Explores Co-Culture Expansion Technology
WALTHAM, MASS –
PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader focused on the health and safety of people and their environment, today announced the extension of a research collaboration between its ViaCord Research Institute™ (VRI™) and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The collaboration underscores VRI’s commitment to advancing technologies that multiply
cord blood stem cells, with the goal of treating more diseases and more adults.
M. D. Anderson is conducting a clinical trial to explore a cord blood expansion technology called “Co-culture.”
Cord blood is a valuable, non-controversial source of stem cells with proven effect in treating more than 70 serious diseases, including many cancers. However, today, the quantity of stem cells available in a single umbilical cord blood unit is often not sufficient to treat adult patients. Cord blood expansion technologies, such as Co-culture, may make it possible to use these stem cells to treat even more patients by increasing the total number of stem cells available from a single cord blood unit.
The trial is being led by Elizabeth J. Shpall, MD, professor of stem cell transplantation and medical director of the Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Center at M.D. Anderson. The trial seeks to determine whether the use of “Co-culture” will be safe and result in more rapid engraftment in adults receiving cord blood transplants.
“We are honored to partner with M. D. Anderson on this important initiative,” said Morey Kraus, chairman, Medical Scientific Advisory Board, ViaCord Research Institute. “The collective goal of VRI’s research initiatives is to expand the current uses of cord blood stem cells so they may treat more patients and more diseases in the future. The research being conducted by Dr. Shpall is key to unlocking the full therapeutic promise of umbilical cord stem cells by increasing the total number of cells available from a single cord blood unit.”
Based on the results of this trial, ViaCord, PerkinElmer’s cord blood banking business, and M.D. Anderson will determine the feasibility of using Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells (USSCs) derived from cord blood in the Co-culture of cord blood units for transplantation. USSCs, proprietary to ViaCord (patent pending #09/985,335), are a type of stem cell found in
umbilical cord blood, which have the ability to differentiate into many cell types, including endothelial cells, fat, bone, cartilage and neuronal cells.
About M. D. Anderson
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. M. D. Anderson is one of only 39 Comprehensive Cancer Centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. For four of the past five years, M. D. Anderson has ranked No. 1 in cancer care in "America's Best Hospitals," a survey published annually in U.S. News and World Report. For more information, visit www.mdanderson.org.
About PerkinElmer, Inc.
PerkinElmer, Inc. is a global leader focused on improving the health and safety of people and their environment. The Company reported revenue of $1.8 billion in 2007, has approximately 9,100 employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 Index. Additional information is available through www.perkinelmer.com or 1-877-PKI-NYSE.
About the ViaCord Research Institute
The ViaCord Research Institute (VRI) is dedicated to developing and supporting science, technology and medical treatments using cord blood stem cells while leveraging comprehensive genetic information to facilitate the best treatment options for families. Led by a team of leading scientists and physicians, the ViaCord Research Institute’s efforts are focused on investigating new potential future uses of umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells in five key areas: cord blood technologies, emerging stem cell therapies, genetic screening, product development and related transplants. For more info, visit www.viacord.com
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Media Contact:
For PerkinElmer, Inc.
David Blackett, PerkinElmer, Inc.
