Press Releases Amarantus Subsidiary MANF Therapeu
Post# of 30028
Amarantus Subsidiary MANF Therapeutics Announces Publication in Science Magazine of Positive Animal Data for MANF in Treatment of Retinal Damage and Issuance of Retinal Patent in Japan Covering MANF and CDNF
Download as PDF
DECEMBER 14, 2017
Data demonstrates MANF's role in modulating the immune microenvironment in the retina and its potential for treating retinal disorders
Patent extends MANF Therapeutics' exclusivity for MANF and CDNF treatment of retinal disorders in Japan into 2031
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. (OTCPK:AMBS), a US-based biotechnology holding company with wholly-owned subsidiaries developing first-in-class orphan neurologic, regenerative medicine and ophthalmic therapies, today announced the publication of positive pre-clinical data for mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) in the treatment of retinal damage in the prestigious peer-reviewed scientific journal Science Magazine. In addition, Amarantus' wholly-owned subsidiary MANF Therapeutics, Inc. was issued a patent by the Japan Patent Office entitled "Method of Treatment for Retinal Disorders" covering the use of MANF and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) as treatments for retinal disorders, including Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Glaucoma. The issued patent extends coverage for MANF Therapeutics use of MANF and CDNF in the treatment of retinal disorders in Japan into 2031.
The data published in Science demonstrated a strong protective effect of MANF on retinal cells and on retinal function in animal models of retinal damage. It was determined that the effect was driven by MANF's capacity to activate and modulate the retinal immune microenvironment, and specifically its role in mediating retinal damage. The key findings from the publication include:
Hemocyte-derived MANF is activated downstream of Pvf-1/PvR paracrine signaling to promote retinal repair in Drosophila;
MANF has immune modulatory properties that are required for retinal repair in Drosophila;
Damage response associated PDGF-A/MANF paracrine signaling is conserved in mammals;
MANF has a conserved neuroprotective function in the mammalian retina;
MANF-dependent modulation of immune cell phenotypes mediates retinal protection;
MANF promotes cell integration and restoration of visual function in the mammalian retina.
"The publication of this fundamental data adding to the wealth of information describing MANF's critical importance in the improvement of cellular function underscores the potential applications of the technology being developed by MANF Therapeutics," said Gerald E. Commissiong, Amarantus' President & CEO. "MANF's potential to treat retinal disorders with this new mechanism of action brings hope to those suffering from retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma. MANF Therapeutics is preparing to launch operations in 2018 for the purpose of re-initiating IND-enabling development towards first-in-man studies in an orphan ophthalmic indication."
A link to the abstract is available here: http://science.sciencemag.org/content/353/6294/aaf3646.
About Amarantus Bios