LA JOLLA, Calif., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ATIS) announced today that data were presented at the 60th Annual
Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology in Chicago by Jonathan
Mansbridge, Ph.D., Senior Principal Scientist, entitled "Comparison of
Fibroblast Properties in Scaffold-Based and Collagen Gel Three-Dimensional
Culture Systems."
Data presented showed the influence of extracellular matrix on the
expression of VEGF (a growth factor that stimulates blood vessel formation)
and other growth factors and proteins in three-dimensional culture systems.
Fibroblasts grown on degradable polymers (Dermagraft(R)) resulted in a 22-fold
increase in VEGF mRNA (messenger RNA) expression and two to three-fold
increase in secretion of VEGF as compared to fibroblasts seeded in bovine
collagen gels. In addition, cells in the Dermagraft product secreted human
collagen at daily rates up to 200 micrograms per million cells
(200ug/ million cells/day) while cells in the bovine collagen gel cultures
showed very little collagen synthesis. The results indicated that the
surrounding extracellular matrix can influence cellular production of specific
growth factors and other proteins.
"The results presented by Dr. Mansbridge reinforce the importance of our
human-based approach to tissue engineering. Showing that products such as
Dermagraft secrete physiological amounts of VEGF helps to explain Dermagraft's
role in wound healing and its potential for inducing new blood vessels in
other clinical indications," commented Gail K. Naughton, Ph.D., President and
Chief Operating Officer. "Separately, the naturally secreted human collagens
and other matrix proteins in our three-dimensional system may be utilized to
address a variety of patient needs. The use of a suspension of matrix
extracted from our system, the subject of a recently issued patent, may target
new indications such as facial wrinkle revisions, treatment of urinary
incontinence, and soft tissue filler post-lumpectomy."
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, through its
Dermagraft Joint Venture with Smith & Nephew, currently has two products on
the market, TransCyte(TM), a temporary covering for third-degree (severe
full-thickness) and second-degree (partial-thickness) burns, and
Dermagraft(R), a living dermal replacement for the treatment of diabetic foot
ulcers (currently available in Canada and the United Kingdom). The Company is
conducting a multi-center trial of Dermagraft for diabetic foot ulcers in the
United States, and is pursuing additional indications for Dermagraft,
including venous and pressure ulcers, through the Dermagraft Joint Venture.
The Company is also developing products for cartilage and cardiovascular
applications.
The discussion contained in this press release relating to research,
development, or commercialization of the Company's products involves certain
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 approval will be obtained on a timely
basis), be able to manufacture or successfully commercialize such products.
These and other risks are detailed in publicly available filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission such as the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. Actual results may differ
materially from those currently anticipated as a result of such risks.
SOURCE Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc.
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http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/532975.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 532975
CONTACT:
Cheryl B. Monblatt, Director, Corporate
Communications and Investor Relations of Advanced Tissue
Sciences, Inc., 619-713-7802
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