Esperite 's R&D Division "The Cell Factory" implements GMP Stem Cell Bioproduction Technology and aims the Cerebral Palsy as first clinical trial.

PRESS RELEASE
Zutphen, The Netherlands, 25 September 2014

Esperite (Euronext.: ESP), the European leader in stem cells cryopreservation now entering the fields of predictive medicine and translational regenerative medicine R&D,, implements its own proprietary new technology for clinical grade production of autologous mesenchymal and stromal stem cells in its business unit The Cell Factory.

The Cell Factory, the Group's R & D Division, lead by Dr. Marcin Jurga PhD, pursues its strategy of building up the clinical grade development of advanced therapy products in its state-of-the-art laboratories in Belgium. This technology allows for efficient production of stem cells at large scale required for clinical translation in responsible regenerative medicine. Esperite and The Cell Factory are ready for large production and joint developments with interested partners.

Mesenchymal and stromal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated safety and efficacy in different therapies and clinical trials worldwide. Cryo-Save bio bank holds Europe's largest repository of stem cells, including cord tissue and adipose tissue, which are very efficient sources of MSCs. New applications of MSCs in regenerative medicine require efficient and safe methods of cell extraction and expansion. The Cell Factory is implementing the technology for stem cell bioproduction under clinical quality (GMP) conditions using synthetic culture media. This technology improves safety for the patients (no animal originated products), and efficiency of cell production (more cells can be produced faster with this method when comparing to classical technologies based on animal sera).

The technology is implemented in the multi-purpose facility in Niel, Belgium equipped with 12 laboratory units of the highest sterility level allowing simultaneous and efficient stem cell processing, extraction and bio-production with no risk of cross-contamination.

Implementation of the MSCs bioproduction technology is the foundation of the biotechnology platform supporting clinical translation of the R&D pipeline projects performed at The Cell Factory in the fields of paediatric neurology, orthopaedics as well as reconstructive and aesthetic medicine. Initially, The Cell Factory will start bioproduction of autologous MSCs derived from cryopreserved umbilical cord tissue (Wharton's jelly) for clinical trials in cerebral palsy.

Frederic Amar, CEO, commented:

"Development of a clinical grade stem cell bioproduction platform is a major step towards providing our clients with the access to the new tools in regenerative medicine. With one of the world's largest repositories of cord blood and cord tissue we are planning be the leader in advanced applications of stem cells in personalised regenerative medicine."
www.esperite.com.

Cryo-Save, the leading international stem cell processing and cryo-conservation company and the largest family stem cell bank in Europe continues the implementation of its expansion strategy. Currently it is evaluating entering several new territories in order to strengthen its global presence . www.cryo-save.com
www.cryo-save.com.

Genoma, Active in proteomics and genomics predictive medicine is expanding its launch activities for Tranqullity, the most accurate non-invasive prenatal trisomy test (NIPT) and Verity, the most advanced test for more than 110 Metabolic disorders.  
www.genoma.com.

Enquiries:

Contact details                                     For more information on Esperite visit
Esperite N.V.                                        www.esperite.com,
Piet Heinstraat 11a                               
7204 JN Zutphen
The Netherlands
Tel. +31 (0)575 50 91 00
Fax +31 (0)575 50 91 16

  
Esperite is a leading international company in regenerative and predictive medicine. Its family stem cell bank, CryoSave, stores more than 268,000 samples from umbilical cord blood and cord tissue. There are already many diseases treatable by the use of stem cells, and the number of treatments will only increase. Esperite has cryopreserved samples from over 70 countries on six continents, with ultra-modern processing and storage facilities in Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Dubai, South Africa and Portugal.