The project was based on using ERC technology licensed from Yale University to treat type 1diabetes.
Shumakov Center Biomedical Research and Technology Institute head and professor Viktor Sevastianov said Shumakov Center laboratory has been working developing various delivery formulations for cell therapy, such as SpheroGel, which is registered in Russia.
"Given that the ERC can be produced in large quantities, is a universal donor cell, and already is approved for clinical trials in both the USA and Russia, we are optimistic our collaboration will lead to a viable commercial product for the type 1 diabetes Russian population."
Viktor Sevastian studies have demonstrated safety and feasibility of ERC injection in experimental animal models of diabetes and also showed that the cell delivery technology developed by the laboratory can be used to increase ERC growth.
Medistem has licensed technology from Yale University to manufacture insulin producing cells from ERC.
Medistem CEO Thomas Ichim said, "Our vision is to combine SpheroGel, which is a clinically-available cell delivery vehicle in Russia, together with Medistem’s ERC and technology from Yale University to generate a commercially-viable product for clinical trials in type 1 diabetes patients."
ERCell CEO Tereza Ustimova said,"By working with leading investigators in Russia and the USA, we seek to be the leaders in a new era of medicine in Russia."