SAN FRANCISCO, CA – June 16, 2008 --- iZumi Bio, Inc. and The J. David Gladstone Institutes, an independent non-profit biomedical research organization, have announced a major research collaboration and licensing agreement to focus on applications for induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
iPS cells are "reprogrammed" adult cells that have similar properties and potential to those of human embryonic stem (ES) cells, yet do not raise the same ethical concerns and can be generated in a patient-specific manner to avoid immune rejection.
"The Gladstone relationship with iZumi Bio combines our work in cardiovascular disease and stem cell science with first-class investors and an experienced management team," said Deepak Srivastava, MD Director of the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease. "It's an ideal model for advancing science in a focused, efficient way."
"Gladstone is emerging as a global leader in regenerative medicine and its applications to heart disease," said Thane Kreiner, PhD, iZumi Bio Chief Executive Officer. "This collaboration underscores our commitment and ability to translate the best research in iPS technology to products that address important unmet medical needs."
Elements of the broad partnership include iZumi Bio taking a license to certain Gladstone patents and sponsoring research related to iPS cells and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Srivastava will lead the research and will join iZumi Bio's scientific advisory board.
"We're delighted to add this important new company to our translational research partners," said Gladstone President, Robert W. Mahley, MD, PhD, "We look forward to developing iPS technology into treatments and cures."
About the Gladstone Institutes
The J. David Gladstone Institutes, affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), is dedicated to the health and welfare of humankind through research into the causes and prevention of some of the world's most devastating diseases. Gladstone is comprised of the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, and the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease. Two years ago, Gladstone formed the Center for Translational Research to create collaborations with biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners for preclinical development for its most promising therapeutic research candidates.
More information can be found at www.gladstone.ucsf.edu.
About iZumi
iZumi Bio, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers and Highland Capital Partners. iZumi is using the power of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) to transform drug discovery and regenerative medicine. The name iZumi, which means "fountain of youth", was chosen to honor the Japanese origins of iPS technology. iZumi is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. More information will become available at www.izumibio.com