Ocata Therapeutics Inc fka OCAT

[Liquid_Bull]

http://www.smallcapnetwork.com/The-Stem-Cell-Game-Just-Changed-CYTX-ACTC-GERN-Compared-Contrasted/s/via/1789/article/view/p/mid/3/id/65/

Enter Advanced Cell Technology, which in many ways brings together the best of both approaches. It's devised a way to extract one blood cell from an embryo, which doesn't destroy the embryo. From that one embryonic stem cell, however, ACTC can create some amazing treatments... more so than it may be able to do with mere fat tissue. The 'big enchilada' is its retinal pigment epithelium trial, which is the creation of retinal cells using this single-cell extraction process with the intent of treating macular degeneration. The trials have recently been given the Phase I green light in Europe (where the regimen has ale been given an orphan drug designation), and are already underway in the United States.

The upside to Advanced Cell Technology's treatment is two-fold. One, it could literally cure blindness for millions, and two, it potentially negates a great deal of the controversy for all embryonic stem cell research. Critics of the practice still argue it's wrong to rob an embryo of any of its cells, but the argument has been greatly muffled for the obvious reason...the embryo still survives.

ACTC is also using the extraction technique as part of R&D on treatments for heart disease and circulatory disorders. The former is ready for Phase II trials in the United States, while the latter could be approved for Phase I within a few months.

It's still a little soon to call Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. an investment-worthy game-changer, though it wouldn't be too soon to start thinking along those lines. While the company only has a handful of trials, its single-blastomere cell-extraction technique could open all kinds of doors. And yes, the company's procedure is protected under intellectual property rights.

Here in the shadow of a 35% dip since May could be the right time for newcomers to take a swing on a compelling biotech idea.