| Olympus Corporation (Olympus, President: Tsuyoshi Kikukawa, headquarters: Tokyo) plans to accelerate the commercialization of regenerative medicine applications based on its medical equipment development and manufacturing technology. As part of this strategy, Olympus recently acquired shares worth approximately $11 million in Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. (CEO: Christopher J. Calhoun, headquarters: San Diego, California). |
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| Cytori Therapeutics carries out research focusing on stem and regenerative cells (*1) derived from adipose tissue, commonly known as fat. By expanding the investment in this company, Olympus aims to accelerate the commercialization of regenerative medicine treatments based on adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells. The strategy also encompasses the commercialization of an adipose-derived stem and regenerative cell processing system. Another aim of the investment is to speed up the development of the next-generation system by a Joint Venture called "Olympus-Cytori, Inc."(Headquarters: San Diego, California, established in December 2005), which will also manufacture the commercial version of the system. |
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| Regenerative Medicine Using Adipose-Derived Stem and Regenerative Cells |
| The expansion of regenerative medicine and the development of increasingly sophisticated technology in this field has become a priority in recent years because of the limitations of the innate regenerative capabilities of the human body and a shortage of organs for transplant. A key discovery in this context was that adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells have similar characteristics to stem cells (*2) derived from bone marrow, which can be used effectively to treat dysfunctional tissues. This technology is expected to make a wide-ranging contribution to regenerative medicine. Possible uses include the restoration of breast tissue lost as a result of cancer or other conditions and the improvement of heart function in patients affected by cardiac disease. |
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| *1 |
Adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells: A generic term for adult stem cells and progenitor cells contained in adipose tissue |
| *2 |
Stem cells: Immature cells with the ability to differentiate into various types of tissue. There are two basic types: embryonic stem cells (ES cells) obtained from fertilized ova, and adult stem cells, which are found in tissue and organs. The aforementioned system is used to obtain adult stem cells. |
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| Reasons for the Expanded Partnership |
| In December 2005, Olympus and Cytori Therapeutics established a joint venture to commence development of a new system to process adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells for use in regenerative medicine. The expanded partnership resulting from this investment will bring together Olympus Corporation's accumulated expertise as a developer and manufacturer of medical equipment and the proprietary cell processing technology of Cytori Therapeutics. The partnership will also accelerate the commercial development of regenerative medicine based on adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells, including the establishment of applications in specific fields by reducing the time required to develop and manufacture the next-generation separation system. |
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| Development efforts are currently focused on the next-generation adipose-derived stem and regenerative cell processing system based on the existing CelutionT System developed by Cytori Therapeutics. The goal is to commence sales of an automated high quality system with improved operating performance within two to four years, depending on legal and regulatory requirements in the countries concerned. |
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| Profile of Olympus-Cytori, Inc. (Joint Venture) |
| Headquarters: |
San Diego, California, U.S.A. |
| Representatives: |
Masaaki Terada (Senior Managing Officer, Olympus Corporation) |
| Date established: |
December 8, 2005 |
| Shareholders: |
Olympus Corporation 50%
Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. 50% |
| Business activities: |
Development and sales of adipose-derived stem and regenerative cell processing systems |
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| Reference: Flowchart of Therapy Using The Adipose-Derived Stem and Regenerative Cell Processing System |
| Step 1: |
Cells obtained from the patient by means of a minor liposuction are placed in the adipose-derived stem and regenerative cell processing system. |
| Step 2: |
Cells are processed and concentrated. |
| Step 3: |
The adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells are returned to the patient. |
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