Neuromics and Vitro Biopharma Expand Collaboration to Target Drug Discovery and Regenerative Medicine Markets
Golden, Colorado – Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. (VODG), dba Vitro Biopharma, announced expansion of its distribution agreement with Neuromics to include targeted sales to select markets in drug discovery & regenerative medicine. Early stages of drug development rely on in-vitro assays to identify effective new drugs and these assays are based on cellular systems. Vitro Biopharmas proprietary stem cell technology allows cost-effective manufacturing of stem cell-derived human cells and multi-cellular constructs that reflect the human in-vivo environment. We have recently developed stem cell-derived cartilage and bone producing cells called chondrocytes and osteoblasts together with various media formulations. We are now offering cells, media and custom services including genetically-engineered cells, to the biopharmaceutical industry specifically focused on drug discovery, development and toxicology for osteoporosis, Pagets disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, bone regeneration & accelerated healing of bone fractures.
This advancement allows us to now combine the distribution channels and sales/marketing expertise of Neuromics with Vitro Biopharmas proprietary technology and manufacturing to target additional markets beyond those presently being pursued in research and clinical development. In addition to markets in drug discovery, we are also pursuing select opportunities within regenerative medicine initially related to expanded use of our high performance and highly competitive MSC-Gro clinical grade media in the expansion of MSCs prior to therapeutic use. Vitro Biopharma is also developing novel stem cell-based products targeting regenerative medicine applications in animals including horses and dogs initially targeting treatment of articular injury, diseases and age-related degeneration.
Pete Shuster, the CEO of Neuromics said, Vitro Biopharmas products have performed well in the hands of our customers. We have years of experience providing primary and progenitor cells to basic and drug discovery researchers and know the importance of having best in class products and services for growing my business.
We now have the opportunity to expand into serving drug discovery for diseases that will need more cost effective treatments with our aging populations. Regenerative therapies using stem cells could prove to the silver bullet. We are working hard to everyday to make this possible
Dr Jim Musick, Vitro Biopharmas CEO, said, We are very pleased to announce our expanded relationship with Neuromics, Inc who has assisted us considerably to expand revenue generated from our products. Our new initiative is fueled by our development of stem-cell derived, differentiated cells including bone/cartilage producing osteoblasts and chondrocytes together with related media products to support use of these cellular systems in the discovery of new drugs for treatment of muscular skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. While there are several existing drugs for use in treatment of osteoporosis there is a need for new, more effective and safer drugs especially targeting anabolic processes that promote bone generation. Our stem-cell derived human osteoblasts are ideally-suited for use in discovery of new drugs to promote osteoblast function and age-related diminished osteoblast function is a key factor in the generation of osteoporosis. Vitro Biopharma also owns proprietary technology that expands differentiation capacity of adult stem cells to pluripotent levels thus enabling us to expand our offerings of human stem cell derived cellular systems for drug discovery/development applications.
About Neuromics, Inc Neuromics (http://www.neuromics.com), located in Minneapolis, MN, is a privately-held, profitable and growing bio-reagents company. The company was initially built by supplying bio-markers to Neuroscience Researchers. Today, Neuromics provides a range of solutions that include markers, growth factors, gene expression analysis tools, apoptosis detection kits, primary cells and related media. These solutions are increasingly being used in combinations by customers to help accelerate or improve the process of drug discovery. Through the expanded association with Vitro Biopharma, the reagents offered by Neuromics for drug discovery will enhance the capabilities to serve this market sector.
About Vitro Biopharma Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. dba Vitro Biopharma (OTCQB: VODG; http://www.vitrobiopharma.com), owns US patents for production of FSH, immortalization of pituitary cells, and a cell line that produces beta islets for use in treatment of diabetes. In 2011, Vitro Biopharma out-licensed its intellectual property related to treatment of infertility to Dr. James Posillico, a renowned expert in Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Vitro Biopharma also owns a pending US patent for generation of pluripotent stem cells and an additional pending patent for methods of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) generation and related materials. Vitro Biopharmas mission is Harnessing the Power of Cells for the advancement of regenerative medicine to its full potential. Vitro Biopharma operates within a modern biotechnology manufacturing, R&D and corporate facility in Golden, Colorado. Vitro Biopharma manufactures and sells Tools for Stem Cell and Drug Development, including human mesenchymal stem cells and derivatives, the MSC-Gro Brand of optimized media for MSC self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation. In addition to our FSH patent licensee, Vitro Biopharma maintains several strategic partnerships including an alliance with Neuromics, Inc. (www.neuromics.com). Neuromics, Inc. is a primary distributor of Vitro Biopharma products and a well established manufacturer and distributor of a large variety of life science research products especially focused on cell-based assay systems We jointly manufacture stem cell assay systems with HemoGenix, Inc. (http://www.hemogenix.com/), known as the LUMENESC quantitative assay for determination of MSC quality, potency and response to toxic agents. Vitro Biopharma has an agreement with Stemgenesis, Inc. (http://www.stemgenesisinc.com) for distribution of its stem cell products into select Chinese provinces. Also, Vitro Biopharmas CEO is a consultant on an NSF grant at the City College of New York to advise Dr. Lane Gilcrest, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and his colleagues regarding the development of novel extracellular materials for use in self-renewal and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.
Safe Harbor Statement Certain statements contained herein and subsequent statements made by and on behalf of the Company, whether oral or written may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements are identified by words such as intends, anticipates, believes, expects and hopes and include, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys plan of business operations, product research and development activities, potential contractual arrangements, receipt of working capital, anticipated revenues and related expenditures. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, acceptability of the Companys products in the market place, general economic conditions, receipt of additional working capital, the overall state of the biotechnology industry and other factors set forth in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulations, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly these forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CONTACT: Dr. James Musick Chief Executive Officer Vitro Biopharma (303) 999-2130 Ext. 3 E-mail: jim@vitrobiopharma.com
