Vitro Diagnostics files a patent application for its technology related to generation of iPS cells

Dec 2 2009

Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. (OTCBB: VODG), dba Vitro Biopharma, announced the filing of a new United States patent application entitled “POU5-F1 Expression in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells” and the development of new technology related to generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). IPS technology allows the use of reprogrammed adult cells to achieve properties of embryonic stem cells including the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body. IPS technology is subject to intense research because it may allow generation of stem cells with the primary properties of embryonic stem cells without sacrifice or use of embryos, thus avoiding ethical and religious controversies surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells.

Human iPS technology was originally reported in 2007 and evolved from increased understanding of the function of genetic factors controlling cellular fate and specific genes involved in the determination of “stemness,” i.e., those genes whose expression result in classic stem cell properties. The original methods of iPS generation involved genetic engineering of human fibroblast (skin) cells to express elevated levels of four key genes. Vitro’s new technology involves elevated expression of a single gene called POU5-F1 (Oct3/4), which is considered a master regulatory element or gatekeeper of pluripotentiality. Such cells may be used to eventually generate iPS without use of genetic engineering, which is a key goal necessary for clinical application of iPS technology.

Dr. Jim Musick, Vitro’s CEO said, “We are pleased to announce development of our technology and cell lines related to generation of iPS cells. We hope that these products contribute to further development of iPS technology into viable clinical applications. Given this achievement, it may be possible to use banked cells from an individual patient to treat diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and several other conditions using specific processing of the banked cells to replace damaged, diseased, aged or otherwise non-functional cells. Such developments could usher a new age of regenerative medicine and contribute to tremendous reductions in the cost of medical care, a key goal of current health care reform.”