Ocata Therapeutics Inc fka OCAT

[rocky301]

Hello Ernie,

They have pounded the NED pretty hard since 2006 or so but have run into road blocks. Below is what our CEO had to say if you haven't seen them yet. The Dickey Amendment has kept it from being funded, maybe ACTC feels the tide has or will change.

Will ACT's non-destructive ESC techniques be commercialized?

We believe the answer is yes. However, to date the federal government has yet to approve this technique for funding purposes. It is their contention that given the existence of the legislatively mandated Dickey Wicker Amendment, the question of “embryo harm” can not be conclusively determined which the amendment specifically forbids. We continue to believe there is an important role for non-destructive ESC techniques regardless of the regulatory or political environment. MOST IMPORTANTLY, this is a technology that can be utilized today. Other technologies including iPS research are still clearly “science projects”. The translation of this technology for therapeutic purposes is years away from FDA approval for clinical trials. This is not the case with our blastomere technology. It is available now and can be utilized for clinical programs.

Is ACTC in line for some of the NIH funds?

We are extremely frustrated with the government situation related to hESCs. The Obama administration was a “breath of fresh air” in the beginning. By lifting the Bush Presidential Order relating to the funding of research, Obama seemed to be fulfilling his campaign pledge to our industry. However, as stated earlier, the Dickey Wicker Amendment is being used to stop any research related to hESC’s derived from embryos. Congress must address this issue before funding will move forward. IPS and adult stem cell technology historically has and will continue to be funded. But any translation work relative to hESCs is “dead in the water”.
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1140098/000101376209001648/form14a.htm