BTX Conf call notes 1Q2017.
Great Progress. This is a very long term play and only for those with patience. At this time I look for owner-operator culture, strong financial capabilities and execution - All exist in Spades. I do believe that Dr West is as high caliber entrepreneur as Elon Musk, but Investing In BTX today could be ten times more rewarding.
Clinical Progress:
1. Ophthalmology. Cohort 1+2 Opregen. PI/IIa. No adverse events. Transplant rather than therapeutic (transplant works, high success rate 80-90%). If safely engraft and remain live, higher probability it will work Vs small/large molecule therapeutics. If so, Should be valued higher earlier than molecular drug treatment with only 1 in 10 drugs make to commercialization (9 failed), for side effect. Transplant 90% range success. Early signals of biological activity. 50K, 200K cells: imagining – engrafted in the eye including in scar area – completely depleted of RPE cells. The thin area of cells above the scar increased in thickness indicating structural improvement. Mean – not only enrapt but likely functioning as intended. No sign of deterioration (no loss of RPE cells). Next step – Cohort 3 (US and Israel).
2. Ophthalmology. Retinal restoration: 3 D tissue – retinal implant. Lab manufactured, containing all cell types that needed. Tissue may repair vision to blind.
3. Renevia: Pivotal clinical trial. no safety issues. Top line June. New indication for facial esthetics market – 7 Bill$. Natural long lasting. Result suggest achieving Volumetric improvement may be for over 1 year (vs 6 months alternative). Self Pay market. Possible US trial.
4. Asterias – Spinal Cord OPC-1 – more data for Cohort 2,3,4 later year. Several year’s data continue to look good.
5. Oncocyte – on track to commercialize test. Test May 22.
6. AgeX – Innovation by leader. 90’s cell aging 2010, possible to reverse aging in lab dish. Provocative, now common. Can generate young cells to be used in regen. Medicine. An ENTIERLY NEW CLASS of therapies directly targeting some of the largest market opportunities associated with human aging. In our minds, these new technologies are the most powerful we have even invented. 3 New Programs for development: 1) type 2 diabetics, 2) age related ischemic disease, 3) scoreless tissue regeneration. Induced Tissue Regeneration (ITR) is we believe a means to unlocking the body’s ability to regenerate and repair tissue scarelessly. AgeX will develop it, and will accept sub’s Life map sciences, recite therapeutics – turn to a leader in the biotechnology of aging and unlock value.
Q&A
1. Presentation reaction: “the data is remarkable”. Very possible. “Never seen RPE cells attach to the injury”. Structural recovery can raise hope to visual recovery.
2. 12 – 3 months of immunosuppression shortening means easier to get participants.
3. Renevia is going very well. US: interested in approaching the FDA about Non HIV patient with larger volume of Renevia. In Asia and Latin America – already engaging with authorities.
4. HIV patients – if does well here under medication, will be better in healthy. Trial demands 6 months. (Current treatment is 5CC – 2CC retention 6-9 months. Anything better than 50% retention. Longer duration – better retention will be a great sign).
5. AgeX – planning the Capitalization of AgeX which will determine timelines and milestones – preclinical studies and IND.
