Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink: AMBS) operates as biotechnology company that focuses on developing first-in-class orphan neurological, regenerative, and other therapies. Shares of the biotechnology company are rallying 47.12%, through early trading on Friday, December 15, 2017. Over the past month, Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. has seen average daily volume of 399,157 shares. However, volume of 2.42 million shares or dollar volume of $268,620, has already exchanged hands on the day.
Shares of Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. are surging today, after the company announced it will publish positive pre-clinical data for mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) for the treatment of retinal damage. Furthermore, the company’s subsidiary, MANF Therapeutics, Inc., received a Japanese patent for the “method of treatment for retinal disorders.” The patent allows the company to utilize MANF and CDNF treatments for retinal disorders in Japan until 2031. Here is the full press release detailing of the publication and patent award:
Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. Press Release:
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 Bioscience Holdings, Inc.
Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. (AMBS) is a biotechnology company developing treatments and diagnostics for diseases in the areas of neurology, regenerative medicine and orphan diseases through its subsidiaries. AMBS’ wholly-owned subsidiary Elto Pharma, Inc. has development rights to eltoprazine, a Phase 2b-ready small molecule indicated for Parkinson’s disease levodopa-induced dyskinesia, Alzheimer’s aggression and adult ADHD. AMBS acquired the rights to the Engineered Skin Substitute program (ESS), a regenerative medicine-based approach for treating severe burns with full-thickness autologous skin grown in tissue culture that is being pursued by AMBS’ wholly-owned subsidiary Cutanogen Corporation. AMBS’ wholly-owned subsidiary MANF Therapeutics, Inc. owns key intellectual property rights and licenses from a number of prominent universities related to the development of the therapeutic protein known as mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF). MANF Therapeutics, Inc. is developing MANF-based products as treatments for brain and ophthalmic disorders. MANF was discovered by the Company’s Chief Scientific Officer John Commissiong, PhD. Dr. Commissiong discovered MANF from AMBS’ proprietary discovery engine PhenoGuard. AMBS also owns approximately 80 million shares of Avant Diagnostics, Inc. via the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary Amarantus Diagnostics, Inc. that occurred in May 2016.
For further information please visit www.Amarantus.com, or connect with the Amarantus on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+.
About MANF Therapeutics, Inc.
MANF (mesencephalic-astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor) is believed to have broad potential because it is a naturally-occurring protein produced by the body to reduce/prevent apoptosis (cell death) in response to injury or disease, via the unfolded protein response. By administering exogenously produced MANF the body, Amarantus is seeking to use a regenerative medicine approach to assist the body with higher quantities of MANF when needed. Amarantus is the front-runner and primary holder of intellectual property around MANF, and is initially focusing on the development of MANF-based protein therapeutics.
MANF’s lead indication is retinitis pigmentosa, and additional indications including Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and Wolfram’s syndrome are envisioned. Further applications for MANF may include Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, myocardial infarction, antibiotic-induced ototoxicity and certain other orphan diseases.
In April 2017, Amarantus incorporated the wholly-owned subsidiary MANF Therapeutics, Inc. to focus on progressing preclinical and clinical development of MANF.
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