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Investor Relations
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Vitro Co-sponsors Keystone Stem Cell Symposium
February 16, 2010
Golden, Colorado—February 16, 2010—Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. (OTCBB: VODG), dba Vitro Biopharma, announced that it is co-sponsoring a Keystone Symposium on Molecular and Cellular Biology entitled “Stem Cell Differentiation and De-Differentiation”. The meeting is being held at the Keystone Resort Conference Center, Keystone, Colorado from February 15 to February 20, 2010. Vitro will also present research results concerning its patent pending technology regarding alternative methods for generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). IPS technology allows the use of reprogrammed adult cells to achieve properties of embryonic stem cells including the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body. IPS technology is subject to intense research because it may allow generation of stem cells with the primary properties of embryonic stem cells without sacrifice or use of embryos, thus avoiding ethical and religious controversies surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells.
Dr. Jim Musick, Vitro’s CEO said, “We are pleased to co-sponsor this important meeting of global stem cell scientists who will be reporting advances at the forefront of iPS research. We have now completed initial studies of our novel and patent-pending adult mesenchymal stem cells expressing a master pluripotency gene and will present these results at the meeting. Our studies show the promise of these cells to expand understanding of the effects of expression of pluripotency genes and also support commercial applications of these novel cell lines in the production of stem cell-derived products to enhance drug discovery and development. We observed novel and unexpected results in our studies that we anticipate will be important in the process of expanding iPS technology to develop the vast potential of stem cell technology from adult cells without requiring the use of human embryonic cells. ”
Human iPS technology was originally reported in 2007 and evolved from increased understanding of the function of genetic factors controlling cellular fate and specific genes involved in the determination of “stemness”, i.e., those genes whose expression result in classic stem cell properties. The original methods of iPS generation involved genetic engineering of human fibroblast (skin) cells to express elevated levels of four key genes. Vitro’s new technology involves elevated expression of a single gene called, POU5-F1,which is considered a master regulatory element or gatekeeper of pluripotentiality. Such cells may be used to eventually generate iPS without use of genetic engineering, which is a key goal necessary for clinical applications of iPS technology.
About Vitro Diagnostics, Inc.
Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. dba Vitro Biopharma (OTCBB: VODG; HYPERLINK "http://www.vitrobiopharma.com" http://www.vitrobiopharma.com), known for “Harnessing the Power of Cells” especially various applications of adult stem cells, owns US patents for production of FSH, a fertility drug, immortalization of cells, and adult stem cells. The Company also owns a pending US patents regarding stem cell-based cancer treatments, generation of iPS cells and is continuously developing newly patentable cell lines and technologies. Vitro recently established a new high tech and regulatory compliant manufacturing, R&D and corporate facility in Golden, Colorado. We manufacture and sell “Tools for Stem Cell and Drug Development™”, including human mesenchymal stem cells and derivatives, optimized media for sustained self-renewal, lineage-specific differentiation and products supporting induced pluripotent stem cell and cancer research.
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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Company’s 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 Diagnostics, Inc.
(303) 999-2130
E-mail: jim@vitrodiag.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Sandra Kay Helsel, Ph.D.
SK Helsel & Associates
Office: 520-325-4636
Cell: 520-390-8184
E-mail: skhelsel@skhelsel.com
Source: Vitro Diagnostics, Inc.