Axiogenesis signs non-exclusive license agreement with iPS Academia

Axiogenesis AG and iPS Academia Japan Inc. (Kyoto, Japan) announced that they have executed a non-exclusive agreement with iPS Academia (Kyoto, Japan) through which Axiogenesis obtains worldwide access to the extensive portfolio of induced pluripotent stem cell ("iPSC") technology for iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and other cell types, pioneered by Professor Shinya Yamanaka, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) at the University of Kyoto, Japan.

Axiogenesis AG is a pioneer of murine embryonic stem cell ("ESC") technology and the world leader in stem cell-derived products. Its proprietary production technology enables the commercialization of pure stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (branded as Cor.At^® and marketed since four years) and endothelial cells (Endo.At^®) of outstanding product quality. Both product families are marketed worldwide by Lonza. www.lonza.com/corat

The first human iPS derived cardiomyocyte product to be launched as early as August 2010 is a screening service termed Cor.4U-MEA^® . This electrophysiological compound profiling service uses cardiomyocytes on micro electrode array (MEA) analysis.

Axiogenesis AG is a recognized partner of several global pharmaceutical and biotech companies and offers a unique service portfolio, which evolved Cor.At cardiomyocytes as a standard tool for cardiac toxicology, safety pharmacology and drug discovery. Currently, Axiogenesis expands and translates its portfolio with iPSC derived human and murine cells.

Dr. Heribert Bohlen, CEO of Axiogenesis: "The combination of Professor Yamanaka's outstanding iPSC technology and Axiogenesis' unique stem cell-derived tissue production technique opens a variety of wonderful opportunities for the generation of predictive disease models and the further use in drug development and safety pharmacology. This collaboration will substantially strengthen Axiogenesis' position in the global stem cell market especially as we are the only company covering both murine and human in vitro model systems."

Axiogenesis is the first European company receiving the iPSC technology related patent license from iPS Academia Japan Inc. Under this agreement, Axiogenesis will substantially expand its portfolio with human iPSC-derived products, complementing and translating its established murine ESC-derived products and services.

Osamu Yoshida, M.D., Ph.D., president and Chief Executive Officer of iPS Academia Japan Inc., commented, "We are pleased to build a faithful relationship with Axiogenesis AG through this agreement and believe that this is a significant step for the future of both of us working in the iPSC technology field. We are also pleased that this is the first iPSC technology related patent license agreement executed with Axiogenesis AG, an European company following an agreement with an American company in May, 2010, which is a big step forward to practical use worldwide by companies in Japan, USA and Europe. Two years have passed since the establishment of iPS Academia Japan Inc. and we are delighted with the current situation of practical uses of iPSC related technologies is moving forward and expanding broadly in the world based on patent licenses of the iPSCs related technology."

SOURCE Axiogenesis AG