ACTC.OB - Sector: Healthcare---Industry: Biotechnology

[setravis]

Advanced Cell Technology Strengthens Balance Sheet
$3 Million in Debt Converted to Equity; Company has eliminated approximately $33 million in Indebtedness over past 14 months; Convertible Debentures Reduced to $890,000


Press Release Source: Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. On Thursday December 2, 2010, 8:10 am EST

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. ("ACT"; OTCBB:ACTC) announced today that it has strengthened its balance sheet through the elimination of approximately $3 million in debt over the past several weeks. The conversion of senior and subordinated debentures to equity has reduced the Company's outstanding convertible debentures to approximately $890,000. Since September 2009, Advanced Cell has eliminated approximately $33 million in indebtedness.



"We are pleased that we have taken these important steps to create long-term value for shareholders," said William M. Caldwell IV, Chairman and CEO of ACT. "For the past three years, the monthly amortization of certain debentures and conversion to equity of other indebtedness has contributed to a regular supply of stock that has adversely impacted trading. We hope that with the elimination of most of that debt that our stock will begin to reflect the Company's significant recent accomplishments and the potential for our technology platform in the future."



About Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.



Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. is a biotechnology company applying cellular technology in the field of regenerative medicine. For more information, visit http://www.advancedcell.com.



Forward-Looking Statements



Statements in this news release regarding future financial and operating results, future growth in research and development programs, potential applications of our technology, opportunities for the company and any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: limited operating history, need for future capital, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, protection of our intellectual property, and economic conditions generally. Additional information on potential factors that could affect our results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the company's periodic reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the company's management at the time they are made, and the company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the company's management at the time they are made, and the company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change.


Contact:
Investors:CEOcast, Inc.Dan Schustack, 212-732-4300orPress:Gotham Communications, LLCBill Douglass, 646-450-3615

[setravis]

Word is getting out...
Looks like another BreakOut for ACTC $0.115...
has groundbreaking medicine...This will be huge...Remember DNDN? 

52wk Range: 0.06 - 0.1380
Volume: 59,723,182
Avg Vol (3m): 8,278,520

Technicals
Last Price Quote is:
70.45%above 13-day EMA
107.64%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: N/A 

[la-onda]

what a beauty!!! are u invested? 
cheers
O.

[setravis]

ACTC rumors.......

Is a European partnership in the works for embryonic stem cell derived treatment?
Posted by Patrick On Monday, December 13, 2010 0 comments
Thought I would share this with everyone. Story just hit.
"Rumors have surfaced that a European pharma partnership may be in the works for Advanced Cell Technology (OTCBB:ACTC).

The chatter centers around the same patented embryonic stem cell technology that the FDA granted orphan drug status to and recently cleared to begin a multi-centre clinical trial.

The move to allow the phase I/II clinical trial will make the company the second in the US to test a human stem cell type of treatment. The study will use retinal cells, which will be derived from human stem cells, to transplant in 12 patients in the advanced stages of Stargardt's disease. The company hopes to treat specific forms of Macular Degeneration and blindness by injecting embryonic stem cell derived RPE cells into the eyes of human patients."

http://finance.boston.com/boston/news/read?GUID=16032650

http://finance.bnet.com/bnet/news/read?GUID=16032650&tag=content;col1



Day's Range: 0.1350 - 0.1440
52wk Range: 0.06 - 0.20
Volume: 22,846,586
Avg Vol (3m): 13,915,800

Technicals
Last Price Quote is:
16.41%above 13-day EMA
72.63%above 50-day EMA

[la-onda]

nice recovery!

report:
http://biomedreports.com/2010121561422/goldman-small-cap-research-issues-news-analysis-report-covering-important-material-events-at-advanced-cell-technology.html

chart:

[setravis]

Closer Look: Advanced Cell Technology Among Stem Cell Sector Stocks That Have Recently Set Themselves Apart From the Pack


Press Release Source: BioMedReports On Tuesday December 14, 2010, 9:40 am EST
LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - 12/14/10) - Failing to understand the implications of cashing in too quickly may be a problem that continues to plague uninformed traders in stocks that rise as quickly as some of today's emerging stem cell companies have.

The volume and news interest in Advanced Cell Technology (OTC.BB:ACTC - News) is still there, for example, but after yesterday's session it has become apparent that those only interested in fast money have begun to take profits. Just as they did when the stock doubled to $.09 on December first, short sighted profiteers handed over their shares to investors who gladly took the stock back up to an intra-day high of $.20 a few days later.

While taking profits is never a bad thing, taking them too quickly has a way of haunting impatient market players. Especially when they trade stocks that have risen -- on real news and science events.

On Monday, those who purchased discounted shares of ACTC stock from traders who headed to the exits were met with new rumors about potential European pharma partners for the company's embryonic stem cell derived therapies. Shares began to bounce off session lows, as the unconfirmed rumors and reports spread late in the day. It would not be surprising to see them continue climbing, just as they have after previous profit taking sessions during the past two weeks since ACTC has positioned itself near the front of the stem cell stocks pack.

The market saw the same type of action from traders at Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. late last month. Even after some headed to the exits with a few pennies in their pockets, others clearly recognized that these two companies have much more in store for investors. Aastrom shares have continued to climb each time traders cashed out. Even in the face of a recent dilutive financing, which had been anticipated by ASTM investors, forward-looking news events and milestones have proven far too intriguing to keep shares down.

Those familiar with the technology platforms presented by ASTM and ACTC understand the implications and tend to be real investors in these companies. They see that the science these companies have spent tens of millions of dollars developing for years is getting closer to moving out of the lab and into spaces filled with patients eagerly awaiting life-changing treatments. These are markets with vast unmet medical needs that potentially represent billions of dollars in profits.

As reported during last year's 4th Annual Stem Cell Summit in New York City, industry experts estimate that there are up to 300 firms worldwide engaged in some aspect of stem cell research and commercialization. Of that number perhaps 75 - 100 are creating stem cell therapies and of those a mere handful are toiling in the garden of embryonic stem cell research. And while the vast majority of stem cell companies are focused on developing drugs that can address up to 70 different clinical indications only two have ever gotten the green light from the FDA to proceed into clinical trials. ACTC, a stock trading its shares for less than the price of a stick of gum is one of those two companies. Geron Corporation, whose shares now trade near the $5 mark following their recent financing, is the other.

Forget the new rumors involving interest from large European pharma players who have reportedly taken notice of ACTC, and the fact that just last week, biotech behemoth Cephalon purchased a 20% stake of an Australian stem-cell therapy company in a deal that could prove to be worth $2 billion.

As everyone who read the report from London in last week's Wall Street Journal knows, rising pressure to find new products is prompting big pharmaceutical companies to license or acquire biotechnology companies' experimental medicines when they've barely been tested in human trials.

"Traditionally, the sector's big players preferred drugs with solid clinical evidence to show they work," writes Jason Douglas, who covers the health industry for Dow Jones. "But faced with the loss of patents on some big sellers, an overhaul of its own research-and development-priorities, and demand for more innovative medicines, Big Pharma is gambling more of its deal dollars on riskier bets in an effort to replenish its pipeline with new technologies."

Traders live for these types of rumors and hopes, but what baffles is why anyone would sell their shares in the face of short-term milestones and upcoming news events. Both ACTC and ASTM have those. In fact, management at both those companies have gone on record and explained what some of those milestones are. Candid comments from William M. Caldwell IV, Chairman and CEO of Advanced Cell Technology to BioMedReports in recent days have even made it clear that the recent good news flow from the company is likely to continue in the very short term.

Chances are, speculators will continue to rush in to these stocks in days ahead, but chances are only real investors who take the time to research and understand the implications of recent and future announcements from these companies will see multi-bag profits here. Rest assured, also, that regardless of the latest rumors, profits will come as those milestones and news events continue to unfold.

Investors interested in reading the full report, complete with related article and research links may do so at:

http://biomedreports.com/2010121461340/stem-cell-sector-stocks-who-set-themselves-apart-from-the-rest.html

Biotech investors interested in accessing the news portal's complete database of clinical trials and upcoming FDA decisions can also access that information at:

http://biomedreports.com/fda-calendar/fda-calendar.html

News developments and live healthcare sector updates are available constantly via twitter at: http://twitter.com/BioMedReports

About BioMedReports.Com

BioMedReports.com is a news portal covering the biomedical news and financial sector. BioMedReports is not paid or compensated to report the news and developments of publicly traded companies in the healthcare sector of the markets.

Contact:
Media Contacts Only:Mary DavilaAssistant EditorBioMedReports.Com e-mail: Email ContactTel: +1 323 472 4480Fax: +1 888 210 3556


Day's Range: 0.18 - 0.21
52wk Range: 0.04 - 0.21
Volume: 45,000,058
Avg Vol (3m): 15,257,500
Market Cap: 213.83M
P/E (ttm): N/A
EPS (ttm): 0.00
Div & Yield: N/A (N/A)

Technicals
Last Price Quote is:
45.13%above 13-day EMA
118.57%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: N/A 

[setravis]

New Highs...Strong Uptrend
look at the volume, any news will push this little pup on up !
Bullish rally...Golden Cross...

Day's Range: 0.1970 - 0.2310
52wk Range: 0.06 - 0.2310
Volume: 53,763,121
Avg Vol (3m): 15,939,100

Technicals
Last Price Quote is:
57.58%above 13-day EMA
141.42%above 50-day EMA

[setravis]

This story needs to be read and reread      6-Dec-10 05:32 pm

http://www.prlog.org/11127992-obamas-secret-nod

Obama's Secret Nod To Stem Cell Research
Did President Obama give his secret blessing to the stem cell industry despite religious opposition? It certainly seems that this is the case.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Dec 06, 2010 – Did President Obama give his secret blessing to the stem cell industry despite religious opposition?  It certainly seems that this is the case.  In the last few months, the FDA willingly approved human clinical trials two to leading stem cell research firms; Geron and Advanced Cell Technologies.

President Obama made it clear on his campaign trail that he would back stem cell research and allocate federal funding and grants to innovative stem cell research firms to further advance the industry.  To date, multiple companies have received millions of dollars in grants to find cures ranging from diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and blindness.   

One company of note, Advanced Cell Technologies, has won the second FDA approval in US history for Stem Cell human clinical trials.  (The first approved human trial was awarded to Geron, however they are tackling a very complicated medical issue which may take years to prove successful.)

Advanced Cell Technologies, currently trading at 10 cents at the time of writing this article,  and is well on its way to find a cure for Macular Degeneration, age-related blindness, which affects over 30 million Americans alone.  If their clinical trials are successful, this will leave them with a clear monopoly on this untapped market.

There is no shortage of stem cell opposition in many religious sects, however, the tides seemed to have changed under the Obama Administration.  The stem cell industry has struggled greatly for the past decade under the Bush Administration.

Top stem cell research analysts are in agreement that Advanced Cell Technologies is well positioned to be the first US FDA approved Stem Cell Therapy.  Their human clinical trials are expected to start in the first quarter of 2011, and can potentially take only a few weeks to show positive results.  This is most likely the reason why investors have been buying up shares on the open market the past few weeks pushing up the companies stock over 100%.

Jake Jaffeth is a financial analyst and investment author specializing in medical, pharma, stem cell, and fda research.

     

[la-onda]

on fire 

[setravis]

Golden Cross triggered !
New Highs coming...Check the RSI pattern...is poised for a reversal pattern.
I am long and strong my shares...
and believe that we will know the extent of the potential within the next 90 days.
It could be globally exciting!

Day's Range: 0.1736 - N/A
52wk Range: 0.06 - 0.27
Volume: 85,444,172
Avg Vol (3m): 19,195,800
Market Cap: 218.73M
P/E (ttm): N/A
EPS (ttm): 0.00
Div & Yield: N/A (N/A)

Technicals
Last Price Quote is:
11.12%above 13-day EMA
79.68%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: N/A 

[setravis]

Advanced Cell Technology's Chief Medical Officer Featured on National Radio Show About Biotech Breakthroughs

Press Release Source: BioMedReports On Thursday December 23, 2010, 8:26 am EST
LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - 12/23/10) - Dr. Robert Lanza, the Chief Scientific Officer of Advanced Cell Technology (OTC.BB:ACTC - News) was featured and interviewed as "one of the leading scientists making breakthroughs in his field" on Explorations in Science with best-selling author and television personality, Dr. Michio Kaku.

The hour long radio program on science and technology is broadcast each week on WBAI New York City (99.5 FM), and re-aired on stations across the country. The segment focused attention to the future of biotech and included a discussion about Lanza's background including his experiments in the field of animal cloning as well as a brief discourse about his research involving myoblast stem cell therapies.

For only the second time in history, the Food and Drug Administration approved the human trial of a therapy developed from embryonic stem cells when Lanza and the team at Advanced Cell Technology secured approval for human trials of their retinal pigment epithelial cells to treat Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy.

Robert Lanza, M.D. is considered one of the leading scientists in the world. He serves as Advanced Cell Technology's Chief Scientific Officer, and Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He has hundreds of publications and inventions, and over two dozen scientific books, among them: "Principles of Tissue Engineering," which is recognized as the definitive reference in the field. Others include "One World: The Health & Survival of the Human Species in the 21st Century" (Foreword by former President and Nobel laureate Jimmy Carter), and the "Handbook of Stem Cells" and "Essentials of Stem Cell Biology," which are considered the definitive references in stem cell research.

He is a former Fulbright Scholar, and studied as a student in the laboratory of Richard Hynes (MIT), Jonas Salk (The Salk Institute), and Nobel laureates Gerald Edelman (Rockefeller University) and Rodney Porter (Oxford University). He also worked closely (and coauthored a series of papers) with the late Harvard psychologist B.F. Skinner and heart transplant pioneer Christiaan Barnard. Dr. Lanza received his B.A. and M.D. Degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was both a University Scholar and Benjamin Franklin Scholar.

Dr. Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist, best-selling author, and popularizer of science. He's the co-founder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and continues Einstein's search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory. He is a NY Times Bestseller List author and has appeared on television (Discovery, BBC, ABC, Science Channel, and CNN to name a few), written for popular science publications like Discover, Wired, and New Scientist, been featured in documentaries like Me & Isaac Newton, and hosted many of his own including BBC's recent series on Time.

Investors interested in hearing a full recording of program may do so at:

http://biomedreports.com/2010122361754/advanced-cell-technologys-dr-robert-lanza-on-on-explorations-in-science.html

Biotech investors interested in accessing the news portal's complete database of clinical trials and upcoming FDA decisions can also access that information at:

http://biomedreports.com/fda-calendar/fda-calendar.html

News developments and live healthcare sector updates are available constantly via twitter at: http://twitter.com/BioMedReports

About BioMedReports.com

BioMedReports.com is a news portal covering the biomedical news and financial sector. BioMedReports is not paid or compensated to report the news and developments of publicly traded companies in the healthcare sector of the markets.

Contact:
Media Contacts Only:Mary Davila Assistant Editor BioMedReports.com e-mail: Email Contact Tel: +1 323 472 4480 Fax: +1 888 210 3556

[setravis]

Advanced Cell Technology Files in Europe for Orphan Drug Designation For Its RPE Cells for Treatment of Stargardt's Disease
Builds on FDA's Granting of First-Ever Orphan Status for ACT's Treatment Using Embryonic Stem Cells


Press Release Source: Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. On Thursday December 23, 2010, 9:27 am EST

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. ("ACT"; OTCBB: ACTC), a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, announced today that, working with the European regulatory consulting firm TMC Pharma Services, it has filed for Orphan Drug Designation with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) Cells for use in treatment of Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy (SMD), also known as Stargardt's Disease. Orphan drug designation may provide ACT with several advantages, including ten years of marketing exclusivity for embryonic stem cell derived RPE cells upon market authorization for the indication, financial incentives such as fee reductions or waivers, provide free scientific advice during the drug development process, and access to a centralized review process for all 27 member states.



"In the past month, we announced significant milestones in our macular degeneration program," said Gary Rabin, ACT's Interim Chairman and CEO. "We have been approved to begin our first clinical trial in the United States for the treatment of SMD using stem-cell derived RPE cells. We have also filed an investigational new drug application with the FDA for treating dry age-related macular degeneration, or Dry AMD, which represents a $25-30 billion market in the US and Europe alone, with no treatments currently available. Earlier this year, we received orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug (FDA) Administration for our SMD program, which grants the Company seven years of marketing exclusivity in the U.S., among other benefits. Building on this momentum, ACT has now taken the next important step in expanding our global efforts by filing for Orphan drug status in Europe, identifying clinical trial sites and establishing our European operations."



"The sheer numbers of people suffering from these diseases are truly astounding," stated Robert Lanza, MD, ACT's Chief Scientific Officer. "Although the initial studies are designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of this therapy, in picking Stargardt's as our leading indication for macular degenerations, we made the determination that based on the patient population to be enrolled during the Phase I and II studies, Stargardt's was the disease with the highest likelihood for the clinicians to see incorporation of RPE and early signals of efficacy. Degenerative diseases of the retina, which includes Stargardt's Disease, are among the most common causes of untreatable blindness in the world. As many as thirty million people in the United States and Europe suffer from macular degeneration. Through a culmination of years of innovation and hard work by ACT's scientific team, we believe we are finally in a position to offer treatment."



Dr. Lanza added, "While everyone at ACT is profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of our close friend and leader Bill Caldwell, we are, to a person, committed to realizing his dream for ACT and the transforming role that he saw for stem cell therapies in potentially improving the lives of millions of people. Not too long ago, in accepting the responsibility for the hopes of macular degeneration patients, Bill boldly asserted, 'We do not intend to let them down.' We will do everything in our power to honor that promise. ACT is uniquely positioned within the regenerative medicine field. We have the technology and a wonderful scientific and development team. We have a number of very promising programs in our pipeline, and I have no doubt that these will result in the legacy to regenerative medicine, and to medicine as a whole, that Bill Caldwell envisioned."



About Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.



Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. is a biotechnology company applying cellular technology in the field of regenerative medicine. For more information, visit http://www.advancedcell.com.



Forward-Looking Statements



Statements in this news release regarding future financial and operating results, future growth in research and development programs, potential applications of our technology, opportunities for the company and any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: limited operating history, need for future capital, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, protection of our intellectual property, and economic conditions generally. Additional information on potential factors that could affect our results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the company's periodic reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the company's management at the time they are made, and the company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the company's management at the time they are made, and the company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change.

Contact:
Investors:CEOcast, Inc.Dan Schustack, 212-732-4300orPress:Gotham Communications, LLCBill Douglass, 646-450-3615

[setravis]

See this video - using ADULT stem cells for MD.
ACTCs cells are even more effective.

http://xcell-center.com/treatments/diseases-treated/macular-degeneration.aspx

[setravis]

BioTime, Inc. and the University of California System Sign Cell Transfer Agreement for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines

Press Release Source: BioTime, Inc. On Wednesday December 22, 2010, 9:00 am EST

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BioTime, Inc. (NYSE Amex: BTX) today announced a material transfer agreement (MTA) with the University of California (UC) system to make five research-grade human embryonic stem (hES) cell lines available to UC system researchers. These lines are genetically identical to a bank of GMP-compliant hES cell lines that will be made available to California-based researchers under a recent agreement between BioTime and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Institutions covered by the MTA include: University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley Stem Cell Center) , University of California, Davis (UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures), University of California, Irvine (Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center), University of California, Merced (UC Merced Stem Cell Consortium), University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside Stem Cell Center) University of California, San Diego (UCSD Stem Cell Research Program), University of California, San Francisco (The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF), University of California, Santa Barbara (Center for Stem Cell Biology & Engineering), University of California, Santa Cruz (Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, UC Davis Medical Center, UC Irvine Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, UCSD Medical Center, and UCSF Medical Center. Employees of UC-system institutions who are interested in obtaining these cell lines for preclinical research are directed to BioTime's web site http://www.biotimeinc.com/CIRM2.htm for the relevant MTA containing an Implementing Letter.



This agreement follows a previously announced agreement with CIRM, the stem cell agency created when California voters supported a $3 billion funding measure for stem cell-related research and clinical translation. Through October 21, 2010, CIRM had approved more than 180 grants totaling more than $540,000,000 for projects being conducted in the UC system.



Under BioTime's agreement with CIRM, BioTime will initially provide research grade cell lines, and within one year, if requested, BioTime will also make available GMP-grade cell lines along with certain documentation and complete genomic DNA sequence information. The use of the GMP grade cell lines may streamline the translation of basic science to human therapies. Should the users of the cell lines and BioTime eventually sign definitive license agreements for commercial use of the cell lines, it is anticipated that BioTime will receive a royalty on net sales. Today's announced MTA with the University of California System relates to the initial research-grade cell lines and is intended to simplify the distribution of researchers in the UC system.



Background



Human embryonic stem cells are readily expanded cell lines with the potential to generate all human cell types. However, there are many scientific and technological steps that are necessary in order to turn this potential into a reality. In recent years, numerous disease model trials conducted worldwide have shown promising results for hES cell-based therapies. But to develop effective therapies for use in humans that will meet the regulatory standards of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulators, the cell lines that are used to develop those therapies must comply fully with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards that apply to all drugs and devices. The creation of clinical-grade cell lines is a substantial undertaking.



BioTime's Singapore-based subsidiary ES Cell International Pte Ltd. (ESI) has been at the forefront of advances in hES technology since 2000 and created the first cell bank of clinical-grade hES cell lines derived following cGMP principles (Crook et al, 2007 The Generation of Six Clinical-Grade Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Cell Stem Cell 1(5):490-4). These cell lines were created under conditions compliant with international standards of egg procurement and embryo donation. In addition, derivation protocols were used in the derivation of the cell lines that would conform to regulations controlling clinical-grade cell and tissue product development, including compliance with current good tissue and manufacturing practices (cGTPs and cGMPs). BioTime has agreed to make the following cell lines available to CIRM grantees and California-based researchers: ESI-014, ESI-017, ESI-035, ESI-051 and ESI-053 (described in greater detail in the above-mentioned article). Research grade versions of the cell lines will be provided to CIRM grantees and California-based institutions free of charge until April 30, 2011.



The GMP grade versions of these cell lines along with a letter of cross-reference to a biologics master file containing manufacturing, controls information, additional documentation needed to establish GMP compliance, and the complete genomic DNA sequence information of the cell lines will be available from BioTime, at the cost of producing and supplying the cell lines, to CIRM grantees and California-based institutions, by November 22, 2011. Upon signing commercialization agreements acceptable to BioTime, BioTime will receive a royalty on net sales pre-negotiated by CIRM and BioTime such that no royalty will be owed to BioTime for research use. For commercial use, a maximum 2.0 percent royalty on net sales (1.5 percent if other royalties would be owed by the CIRM Grantee/California researcher) will be paid to BioTime. In addition, the form of a material transfer agreement has been agreed to by CIRM and BioTime for research use by California-based researchers other than those in the UC system. The pre-negotiation of terms will serve to help accelerate research by eliminating protracted negotiations. UC system researchers are covered by the system-wide MTA described above.



A sixth cell line designated ESI-049 is currently being evaluated by a large pharmaceutical company for exclusive use and was therefore not included in the collaborative agreement with CIRM. BioTime will retain the rights to manufacture its own research and therapeutic products from the cell lines. Additional information on the agreement is available on BioTime's website at www.biotimeinc.com.



About BioTime, Inc.



BioTime, headquartered in Alameda, California, is a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine and blood plasma volume expanders. Its broad platform of stem cell technologies is developed through subsidiaries focused on specific fields of applications. BioTime develops and markets research products in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine through its wholly owned subsidiary Embryome Sciences, Inc. BioTime's therapeutic product development strategy is pursued through subsidiaries that focus on specific organ systems and related diseases for which there is a high unmet medical need. BioTime's majority owned subsidiary Cell Cure Neurosciences, Ltd. is developing therapeutic products derived from stem cells for the treatment of retinal and neural degenerative diseases. Cell Cure's minority shareholder Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has an option to clinically develop and commercialize Cell Cure's OpRegen™ retinal cell product for use in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). BioTime's subsidiary OrthoCyte Corporation is developing therapeutic applications of stem cells to treat orthopedic diseases and injuries. Another subsidiary, OncoCyte Corporation, focuses on the therapeutic applications of stem cell technology in cancer. BioTime's Singapore subsidiary, ES Cell International Pte Ltd, has been at the forefront of advances in human embryonic stem ("hES") cell technology, having been one of the earliest distributors of hES cell lines to the research community. ESI has produced clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell lines that were derived following principles of Good Manufacturing Practice and currently offers them for potential use in therapeutic product development. In addition to its stem cell products, BioTime develops blood plasma volume expanders, blood replacement solutions for hypothermic (low temperature) surgery, and technology for use in surgery, emergency trauma treatment and other applications. BioTime's lead product, Hextend®, is a blood plasma volume expander manufactured and distributed in the U.S. by Hospira, Inc. and in South Korea by CJ CheilJedang Corp. under exclusive licensing agreements. Additional information about BioTime, Embryome Sciences, Cell Cure, OrthoCyte, OncoCyte, BioTime Asia, and ESI can be found on the web at www.biotimeinc.com.



Forward-Looking Statements



Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development, and potential opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.



To receive ongoing BioTime corporate communications, please click on the following link to join our email alert list: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1152&to=ea&s=0


Contact:
BioTime, Inc.Judith Segall, 510-521-3390 ext. [email protected]

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ACTC Advanced Cell Technology Secures $25 Million Funding Commitm...  by Business Wire  Dec 31 2010 9:40AM

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Dec 31, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. ("ACT"; OTCBB: ACTC), a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, announced today that it has entered into a $25 million non-convertible stock purchase agreement with Socius CG II, Ltd. , a subsidiary of Socius Capital Group ("Socius"). Socius, based in New York and Los Angeles, has an impressive record of making investments in emerging life sciences companies. Under the agreement, ACT may sell up to 2,500 shares of non-convertible Series C Preferred Stock to Socius over a two-year period. On closing, Socius purchased 400 shares of Series C Preferred for an aggregate purchase price of $4 million. Proceeds will be used for clinical activities, including the Phase I/II trial for Stargardt's Disease, a potential clinical trial for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration and general corporate purposes.

ACT expects to end the year with approximately $15 million in cash and equivalents, and less than $1 million of debt. The Company recently strengthened its balance sheet by selling 750 shares of non-convertible Series B Preferred Stock to Optimus Life Sciences Capital Partners, LLC under a previously announced $10 million Preferred Stock transaction. ACT also eliminated more than $10 million of indebtedness through conversions and settled more than $10 million of other liabilities.

"The Company enters 2011 in its strongest financial position ever," said Gary Rabin, ACT's Interim Chairman and CEO. "Through a combination of the cash on hand and ability to sell Socius additional Preferred Stock, we believe we have the financial resources to take our lead program in Stargardt's Disease, a form of juvenile macular degeneration, well into clinical development and to move our program for treating Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration through the clinic if we receive FDA clearance. Less than one year ago, the Company was significantly in debt and lacked the financial resources to take even one program through the clinic. Today, we are essentially debt-free and have the financial ability to move both of our promising programs through the clinic. We believe 2011 will be a year filled with exciting developments as we begin to get data from these programs."

The Company intends to file a Registration Statement covering the resale of the common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants and Additional Investment Right in connection with the offering. Additional details regarding the financing are included in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 30, 2010 by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. is a biotechnology company applying cellular technology in the field of regenerative medicine. For more information, visit http://www.advancedcell.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release regarding future financial and operating results, future growth in research and development programs, potential applications of our technology, opportunities for the company and any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: limited operating history, need for future capital, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, protection of our intellectual property, and economic conditions generally. Additional information on potential factors that could affect our results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the company's periodic reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the company's management at the time they are made, and the company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the company's management at the time they are made, and the company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change.

SOURCE: Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.


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