December 22, 2008: Living Cell Technologies Ltd. has commenced a research agreement with Centocor Research & Development Inc., through which Centocor will have access to LCT’s proprietary encapsulation technology. The alginate capsules consist of three layers with nanoscale pores, designed to prevent the host’s immune system from detecting the foreign cells while at the same time allowing nutrients to reach the cells and cell secretions to exit, ensuring long-term survival.

Paul Tan, CTO of LCT, explained in a statement that for LCT’s encapsulation technology, in addition to being a critical factor for the effectiveness of its Diabecell product, “we have always known that this technology has much wider application and value. The arrangement with Centocor has the potential for ongoing collaboration and future licensing opportunities.”

LCT’s technology has the potential for allowing healthy living cells to be injected into patients to replace or repair damaged tissue without requiring the use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. The company owns a bio-certified pig herd that it uses as a source of cells for treating diabetes and neurological disorders. For patients having Type 1 diabetes, the company implants micro-encapsulated islet cells so that near-normal blood glucose levels may be achieved without the need for administration of insulin or at significantly reduced levels.

Insulin cell clusters (green) in capsules, about the size of sand grains in real life. (Source: LCT)

LCT entered clinical trials for its diabetes product in 2007. The company is developing treatments for Huntington’s disease and other neurological disorders that involve implantation of micro-encapsulated choroid plexus cells. The company has patents pending worldwide on the selection of materials and techniques for placing cells in biocapsules.