NEWSStem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Announces Commencement of MS Research Program
Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SSS) ("SCT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce today that the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) phase II clinical trial is proceeding. This program will be executed by the University of Calgary utilizing funding from the Stem Cell Network, based in Ottawa. The financial commitment of SCT is limited to providing the drug (prolactin) for the program at a cost not expected to exceed $500,000. Access to funding makes this program extremely cost effective for the Company as the total clinical trial is expected to cost 4-5 times more than the cost of the drug.
This decision reflects SCT's ongoing commitment to execute its business plan to facilitate the value realization of its core programs. The Company continues to advance its other high priority programs, Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Recent research conducted at the University of Calgary - Hotchkiss Brain Institute and McGill University has been instrumental in providing important proof of concept data in animal models of MS. In concept, prolactin acts to increase stem cells within the central nervous system (CNS), and directs newly formed oligodendrocyte precursor cells to mature and support re-myelination of damaged CNS tissue. Our current knowledge suggests that prolactin treatment may be beneficial to MS patients as this new approach may modulate disease burden through enhancements in re-myelination. Working closely with highly recognized MS neurologists, at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute - MS program, we hope to translate these basic research findings into a potential MS treatment. For this reason SCT will be expediting support for this exploratory phase II clinical trial in patients with MS.