Imstem Biotechnology, a spinout from Connecticut, has won a patent for its stem cell-based treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Imstem Biotechnology, a US-based stem cell technology spinout from University of Connecticut, has been awarded a joint patent with the institution for a stem cell-based treatment of autoimmune diseases.
ImStem’s T-MSC cell therapy is primarily aimed at sufferers of multiple sclerosis, a condition affecting the brain and spinal cord that can cause impairment to vision, balance and movement of the arms or legs.
The approach builds on ImStem discovering that embryonic stem cells are more effective against autoimmune diseases than cells taken from adult bone marrow. It is still to receive clearance from the US regulator Food and Drug Administration for clinical trials due next year.
ImStem is based on research from the former director of the university’s Stem Cell Core Lab, Ren He Xu, and his then-postdoctoral assistant, Xiaofang Wang, who is now ImStem’s chief technical officer.
The spinout successfully applied for an undisclosed sum from the State of Connecticut Stem Cell Grant program in 2012.
