Living Cell Technologies (ASX: LCT) has provided a market update on its planned NTCELL clinical trial program for Parkinson’s disease. The company has confirmed that contractor NZeno has completed the construction of a dedicated pig herd and surgical facility at NZeno’s site in New Zealand. These facilities have been specifically built to cater to Living Cell’s requirements, enabling them to maintain and manage a designated pathogen-free (DPF) pig source needed for manufacturing NTCELL for use in the upcoming third clinical trial. It is worth noting that the choroid plexus tissue used in the previous clinical trials of NTCELL was obtained from pigs in this herd.
NZeno’s Unique Herd and Scientific Review
Living Cell engaged NZeno in 2021 to breed and maintain pigs for the procurement of porcine choroid plexus tissue, a key component in the manufacturing process of NTCELL. NZeno maintains the only herd derived from DPF pigs found on New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands. As part of the ongoing development of NTCELL, Living Cell has initiated a scientific review of the clinical trial protocol and development plan. This review, led by renowned clinician scientist and Parkinson’s disease expert Professor Carolyn Sue, aims to incorporate recommendations to enhance the therapeutic value of the drug. A panel of multi-disciplined experts has also been engaged to provide guidance on various aspects of the NTCELL project.
Maintenance Pause and Resumption
During the scientific review period, Living Cell has temporarily paused the maintenance of the porcine herd to minimize ongoing costs while the choroid plexus tissue is not required. The herd will be rebuilt next year in preparation for the engagement of clinical trial partners. Once the scientific review is complete, the manufacture of NTCELL for the third clinical trial will commence.
Formation of Scientific Advisory Board
Living Cell Technologies has appointed a scientific advisory board to provide ongoing guidance for the development of the NTCELL project. The board consists of esteemed experts in the field, including neuroscientist and research neuropathologist Professor Glenda Halliday from The University of Sydney, Molecular and (Stem) Cell Biologist Professor Robert Kapsa from RMIT University, consulting business Scimita Ventures’ co-founder and director Professor Ali Abbas from The University of Sydney, healthcare and biotechnology expert Associate Professor Tina Soulis of Alithia Life Sciences, and Associate Professor Thomas Kimber from The Royal Adelaide Hospital and University of Adelaide.
In conclusion, Living Cell Technologies is making significant progress in its preparations for the third clinical trial of NTCELL for Parkinson’s disease. The completion of the dedicated facilities by NZeno and the ongoing scientific review demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing the therapeutic value of NTCELL. The formation of the scientific advisory board further strengthens Living Cell’s expertise and guidance in the development of this important project.
