LA JOLLA, Calif., March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc.,
(Nasdaq: ATIS) announced that data providing the first demonstration of tissue
engineering's ability to stimulate blood vessel formation in the heart will be
presented today at a scientific conference. Formation of new blood vessels,
or angiogenesis, is critical to the regeneration of damaged cardiac tissue in
vivo. The data will be presented at the 7th Biennial Meeting of the
International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology in Tucson, Arizona in
a presentation entitled "Dermagraft, as an Epicardial Patch, Stimulates
Angiogenesis in Ischemic Heart Tissue."
The data being presented today were generated in preclinical studies
conducted in conjunction with researchers at the University of Arizona. These
studies demonstrated the ability of a metabolically active, tissue-engineered
epicardial patch to induce blood vessel formation and improve cardiac
function. New blood vessel formation occurred as early as 14 days after
application of the product. In addition, maturation of these blood vessels
occurred over time. The epicardial patch, a living, human-based,
tissue-engineered product, secretes a variety of growth factors and matrix
proteins, including at least three factors that are key to blood vessel
formation and maintenance: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),
hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and angiopoietin-1.
"The angiogenic effects induced by Dermagraft in these studies exceed the
results achieved in previous studies reported to date using either a single
growth factor or gene therapy," stated Dr. Stuart K. Williams, Ph.D.,
Professor and Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of
Arizona. "Dermagraft has the ability to secrete angiogenic factors
continuously and directly onto the damaged heart. In clinical applications,
this has the potential to reduce chest pain and improve heart function. Tens
of millions of patients worldwide could benefit from this unique technology."
"We believe that our human approach to tissue engineering can deliver
significant advantages over current alternative therapies," said Gail K.
Naughton, Ph.D, President and Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Tissue
Sciences, Inc. "The data presented today build on previous work reported by
our own scientists and clinicians from the Wound Healing Research Unit,
University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, demonstrating Dermagraft's
ability to generate new blood vessels in vitro and in diabetic foot ulcer
patients. Compared to other potential new therapeutics, further development
of Dermagraft for cardiac applications may benefit from the fact that it has
been in clinical use since 1991, is currently manufactured commercially and is
demonstrating a safe clinical profile in wound healing applications."
Advanced Tissue Sciences is a tissue engineering company utilizing its
proprietary core technology to develop and manufacture human-based tissue
products for tissue repair and transplantation. The Company has two joint
ventures with Smith & Nephew. The first covers the application of Advanced
Tissue Sciences' tissue engineering technology for skin wounds and includes
Dermagraft for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, TransCyte for the
temporary covering of second and third-degree burns, and future developments
for venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns and other non-aesthetic wound care
treatments. The second joint venture is developing tissue-engineered
orthopedic cartilage, initially focusing on the repair of cartilage in knee
joints. The Company also has a strategic alliance with Inamed Corporation for
the development and marketing of several of Advanced Tissue Sciences'
human-based, tissue-engineered products for aesthetic and certain
reconstructive applications. In addition, the Company is developing products
for cardiovascular applications.
The discussions contained in this press release relating to research,
development, or commercialization of the Company's products that are not
strictly historical may be "forward-looking" statements which involve risks
and uncertainties. No assurances can be given that the Company will
successfully develop any such products, complete clinical trials, obtain
regulatory approvals (or that any such approvals will be on a timely basis),
be able to manufacture, compete with other companies already currently active
in the field of angiogenesis or other areas where the Company may apply its
products, or successfully commercialize such products. These and other risks
are detailed in the Company's publicly available filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission such as Advanced Tissue Sciences' Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999. The Company undertakes no
obligation to release publicly the results of any revision to these forward-
looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date
hereof.
SOURCE Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc.
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CONTACT:
Jana Stoudemire, Senior Director, Corporate
Communications of Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc., 858-713-7802
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