Ocata Therapeutics

Ocata Therapeutics, Inc.
Public
Traded as NASDAQ: OCAT
Industry Biotechnology
Founded 1994
Headquarters Marlborough, MA
Key people
  • Mr. Paul K. Wotton, Ph.D.: President and CEO[1]
  • Robert Lanza, MD: Chief Scientific Officer
Products Stem cell therapies for macular degeneration (human safety trial started in 2010[2]), retinis pigmentosa, glaucoma and corneal blindness [3]
Website Ocata.com

Ocata Therapeutics (named Advanced Cell Technology, Incorporated (ACT) until November 2014)[4] is a biotechnology company located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of cell therapies for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Ocata is primarily developing stem cell-based technologies, both adult and human embryonic, and other methods and treatments in the area of regenerative medicine.[5]

In November 2015 the company announced it would be acquired by Astellas Pharma for $379 million,[6] which was finally completed in February 2016.[7]

History

Formed in 1994, the company was led from 2005 to late 2010 by William M. Caldwell IV, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.[8] Upon Mr. Caldwell's death on December 13, 2010, Gary Rabin, a member of ACT's board of directors with experience in investment and capital raising, assumed the role of Chairman and CEO.[9]

In 2007 the company's Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), Michael D. West, PhD, also founder of Geron (NASDAQ: GERN)[10] left Ocata to join a regenerative medicine firm, BioTime (NYSE MKT: BTX) as CEO. In 2008, for $250,000 plus royalties up to a total of $1 million, the company licensed its "ACTCellerate" technology to BioTime.[11] Robert Lanza was appointed CSO.[12]

On November 22, 2010, the company announced that it had received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate the first human clinical trial using embryonic stem cells to treat retinal diseases.[13] A preliminary report of the trial published in 2012,[14] and a follow-up article was published in February 2015.[15]

In July 2014, Ocata announced that Paul K. Wotton, previously of Antares Pharma Inc (ATRS:NASDAQ CM), became President and Chief Executive Officer.[16]

On August 27, 2014, Ocata announced a 1-100 reverse stock split of its common stock.[17] Ocata was listed on NASDAQ in February 2015.[18]

Research

Macular degeneration

On November 30, 2010, Ocata filed an Investigational New Drug application with the U.S. FDA for the first clinical trial using embryonic stem cells to regenerate retinal pigment epithelium to treat Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD).[19] Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration and represents a market size of $25–30 Billion in the U.S. and Europe.[20]

Stargardt's disease

In November 2010 the FDA allowed Ocata to begin a Phase I/II human clinical trial to use its retinal pigment epithelium cell therapy to treat Stargardt disease, a form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration.[21]

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.advancedcell.com/about-act/leadership-team/senior-executive-officers/
  2. ↑ "Company seeks to test stem cells for blindness". Reuters. 2009-11-25.
  3. ↑ Ocata website: Pipeline Overview
  4. ↑ "Advanced Cell Technology Changes Name to Ocata Therapeutics". Ocata Therapeutics. 2014-11-14. Retrieved 2015-04-25.
  5. ↑ "Race is on to use embryonic stem cells in humans". New Scientist. November 19, 2009.
  6. ↑ http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/astellas-to-acquire-ocata-therapeutics-for-379m/81251957/
  7. ↑ http://newsroom.astellas.us/news-releases?item=137160%29.
  8. ↑ "Executive Profile". BusinessWeek.com. 23 March 2010.
  9. ↑ "Advanced Cell Technology Senior Executive Officers". Advanced Cell Technology. Retrieved 2014-08-13.
  10. ↑ "Bloomberg Longevity Economy Conference 2013 Panelist Bio".
  11. ↑ "Press Release: ACTCellerate Technology Licensed to BioTime, Inc by Advanced Cell Technology".
  12. ↑ "New Method for Controversy Free Embryonic Stem Cells". Wired Science. 9 July 2008.
  13. ↑ "FDA approves second human embryonic stem cell trial". CNN.com. 22 November 2010.
  14. ↑ http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)60028-2/abstract
  15. ↑ http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2814%2961376-3/abstract
  16. ↑ http://www.marketwatch.com/story/advanced-cell-technology-appoints-paul-k-wotton-phd-president-and-chief-executive-officer-2014-06-24
  17. ↑ https://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140827-918716.html
  18. ↑ Ocata Therapeutics Approved for Listing on NASDAQ February 26, 2015
  19. ↑ Advanced Cell Technology Files IND with FDA for First Clinical Trial Using Embryonic Stem Cells to Treat Dry AMD.
  20. ↑ ACT Seeks FDA Approval For Stem Cell Study.
  21. ↑ "Advanced Cell Technology Receives FDA Clearance to Initiate Clinical Trials". Retina Today. Retrieved 5 April 2015.
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