I think could be good for us!
I am in the process of LAVIV. I had to get my cells regrown as they multiply enough the first time.
June 13, 2014 Fibrocell Science, Inc., (NYSE MKT:FCSC), an autologous cell therapy company primarily focused on developing first-in-class treatments for rare and serious skin and connective tissue diseases with high unmet medical needs, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to its genetically-modified autologous human fibroblasts to treat dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), a broad category of rare and severe genetic skin diseases that includes RDEB. Fibrocell is working with leading medical centerswhose research focuses on all forms of epidermolysis bullosa, including DEB and RDEBto advance development of its lead therapeutic candidate for the most severe form of epidermolysis bullosa, RDEB.
Orphan Drug Designation is granted by the FDA Office of Orphan Drug Products to drugs intended to treat a rare disease or condition affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. There are between 2,800 and 5,600 RDEB patients in the U.S. and typically, they do not live beyond 30 years of age. No cure or treatment is available for this disease beyond basic wound care.
The genetically-modified fibroblasts combine Fibrocells autologous fibroblast technology with Intrexon Corporations (NYSE:XON) UltraVector synthetic biology platform to target the fundamental source of this devastatingly debilitating, genetic disease that causes severe blistering and areas of missing skin. The fibroblast cells of RDEB patients lack the ability to produce functional collagen VII, the essential protein that forms anchoring fibrils responsible for attaching the layers of the skin together, said David Pernock, chairman and chief executive officer of Fibrocell. In collaboration with Intrexon, the gene that encodes functional collagen VII can be inserted into the patients own fibroblast cells and administered as a therapeutic solution. Our goal is to treat the underlying genetic cause of the disease and relieve the suffering of these patients. We are working with leading EB centers to complete proof-of-concept animal work, and look forward to filing our IND in the first half of 2015 and initiating a Phase 1 trial.
Suma Krishnan, senior vice president of product development at Intrexon, added, We are excited to see continued progress within the Fibrocell Exclusive Channel Collaboration program. The collaborative effort between the Intrexon and Fibrocell teams has helped realize this important stage in developing a cell-based therapy for the unmet need of patients with RDEB. We look forward to the next steps in advancing the RDEB program to the clinic.
About Fibrocell Science, Inc. Fibrocell Science, Inc. (NYSE MKT:FCSC) is an autologous cell therapy company primarily focused on developing first-in-class treatments for rare and serious skin and connective tissue diseases with high unmet medical needs. Based on its proprietary autologous fibroblast technology, Fibrocell is pursuing breakthrough medical applications of azficel-T for restrictive burn scarring and vocal cord scarring. The companys collaboration with Intrexon Corporation (NYSE:XON), a leader in synthetic biology, includes using genetically-modified fibroblasts for treating orphan skin diseases for which there are no currently approved products. For additional information, visit [Removed].
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our ability to develop breakthrough therapies for the treatment of skin and connective tissues diseases, and to expand our proprietary Personalized Biologics platform. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of Fibrocell Sciences control. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: (i) uncertainties relating to the initiation and completion of clinical trials; (ii) whether clinical trial results will validate and support the safety and efficacy of azficel-T; and (iii) our ability to establish additional strategic partnerships, as well as those set forth under the caption Item 1A. Risk Factors in Fibrocell Sciences most recent Form 10-K filing, as updated in Item 1A. Risk Factors in Fibrocell Sciences most recent Form 10-Q filing. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. In addition, Fibrocell Science operates in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks may arise. Accordingly, you should not place any reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Fibrocell Science disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, update or revise any forward-