October 2006

Axordia is pleased to announce that the first of its stem cell lines are now available from the UK Stem Cell Bank (UKSCB). The UKSCB is working with and for the scientific and clinical community to provide assurance on the quality of human stem cell lines used in research and therapy.

The first four lines for use by academic and commercial researchers were released after extensive testing and quality assurance on 29 September 2006. Of those lines released three were developed in Sheffield by Professors Harry Moore and Peter Andrews and two of those are owned by Axordia. Axordia is one of the few companies in the world with its own stem cell lines.

Dr Rod Westrop, Commercial Director of Axordia said: “We are extremely pleased that the UKSCB has approved access to Axordia’s stem cell lines in its first release. Axordia has a growing number of lines deposited with the bank and we expect more to be released shortly. Theses lines will provide a valuable asset for the research community to exploit the potential of stem cell science in addressing some of the world’s most debilitating diseases. A set of thoroughly researched and understood lines will represent a major step forward in underpinning further therapeutic development and we believe that Axordia’s growing portfolio of lines, soon to be supplemented by GMP derived lines, will be a major asset for researchers.

Axordia’s lines are available through the UKSCB in conjunction with the MRC under a specific form of materials transfer agreement (MTA) signed with Axordia. Any party interested in accessing Axordia’s lines or discussing joint programmes of research should contact Dr Westrop for further information".