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Investor Relations
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Vitro Introduces “Tools for Stem Cell and Drug Development™”
Golden, Colorado—April 1, 2009—Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. (OTCBB: VODG), dba Vitro Biopharma, announced the introduction of “Tools for Stem Cell and Drug Development™” at the recently held Society of Toxicology meeting in Baltimore, MD. These products are designed to support stem cell and cancer research specifically targeting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and a new type of stem cell called induced plurapotent stem cells (iPS). MSCs are adult stem cells that differentiate into several tissue-specific cells, such as collagen, bone & fat cells as well as others. Expanded usage of adult stem cells such as those provided by Vitro provides two major benefits. First, use of Vitro’s adult stem cells eliminates ethical and religious issues associated with embryonic stem cells. Secondly, the use of Vitro’s adult stem cells will enable use of personalized cells that should eliminate immune rejection of transplanted cells. Also, use of personalized stem cells may lead to a new era of regenerative medicine involving the banking of cells such as umbilical cord blood for later use to generate “designer” stem cells derived from the individual patient for treatment of degenerative disorders including diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease as well as cancer and many other disorders.
The recently developed technique of reprogramming adult cells into stem cells may provide the benefits of embryonic stem cells without requiring the sacrifice of embryos. Enhanced expression of certain genes in adult skin cells results in cells called iPS that resemble embryonic stem cells with regard to the capacity to differentiate into any cell type. However, current methods of iPS generation involve genetic engineering using foreign DNA sequences added to the cells being converted to iPS. This step adds considerable safety risks. Generation of iPS without genetic engineering with foreign material is a desirable scientific break-through. Vitro’s new tools facilitate this break-through research by providing well-defined human cells and related products that may be converted to iPS without using foreign DNA material, thus eliminating a major safety risk of currently utilized iPS methodology.
Vitro’s new products also offer important tools for stem cell therapy of cancer. MSCs migrate to cancer stem cells and this characteristic may be used to carry toxic agents to selectively eradicate cancer stem cells. This process should provide a novel cellular therapy to fight cancer with minimal side-effects. The commercial acceptance of these new research tools is significantly expanded by current actions of the US government decreasing restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. While both MSC and iPS research hold promise for replacing embryonic stem cells, the validation of these alternative approaches must involve comparison to embryonic stem cells. Thus, removal of the barriers to embryonic stem cell research should lead to validation of additional cell therapy approaches utilizing adult cellular sources for stem cells. The stimulus funding now available to US research organizations should create significantly expanded US stem cell research and lead to further demonstration of the validity of stem cell therapy of many difficult-to-treat disorders including many types of cancer and diabetes. The economic stimulus funding for medical research will provide a windfall to current stem cell researchers and allow others to join the field. Vitro’s new development tools provide vital components to further all stem cell research.
About Vitro Diagnostics, Inc.
Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. dba Vitro Biopharma (OTCBB:VODG) http://www.vitrodiag.com, has generated over 30 adult pancreatic stem cell lines that are distinct from the limited number of embryonic stem cell lines that are presently approved for federally funded research. These cell lines may have commercial application in drug development and discovery, diabetes research and therapy. The Company developed and manufactures the VITROCELL™ brand of human cell lines consisting of pancreatic-derived cell lines and related products that are sold for various research and commercial applications.
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
Source: Vitro Diagnostics, Inc.