History - A global leader
Living Cell Technologies' predecessor Diatranz Limited was established in New Zealand in 1987 by Professor Bob Elliott with the support of local entrepreneur, David Collinson. Mr Collinson served as the company’s CEO and non-executive director at LCT from formation until his death on 7 August 2009.
Mr Collinson had a personal interest in finding a treatment for diabetes after his son developed the disease at the age of two. The family experienced first-hand the difficulties of daily management of the disease and the impact it had on the lifestyle of a young child.
Upon learning what was ahead for his son as he reached middle age – from the possibility of a shortened lifespan to kidney and heart disease, problematic eyesight, and even lower leg amputation – Mr Collinson visited the surgery of Professor Elliott in 1987.
When Mr Collinson heard Professor Elliott describe his research into a treatment that could restore quality of life to those with diabetes, and also reduce the severity of the secondary health issues of the disease, he committed himself, and his money, to the cause.
Living Cell Technologies has continued to focus its research and development efforts on its lead diabetes treatment, DIABECELL®. The company has run successful trials in Russia and has recently joined with a leading Japanese healthcare company, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc. in a joint partnership. The new company, Diatranz Otsuka Limited, will progress the development of DIABECELL and is nearing completion of a phase IIb trial in New Zealand. The company has also recently started a phase IIb trial in Argentina.
LCT is now focusing on the further commercialisation of its unique and proprietary cellular encapsulation technology called IMMUPEL™, which is used in DIABECELL. The company is also focused on development and commercialisation of a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, stroke and hearing loss called NTCELL.
LCT at a glance
LCT and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Inc. form a 50/50 joint venture company, Diatranz Otsuka Ltd., to continue trials of DIABECELL®
LCT receives approval to conduct an additional Phase IIb clinical trial of DIABECELL in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
LCT and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc. forge first partnership agreement.
Professor Bob Elliot, LCT Founder, wins prestigious “World Class New Zealand Award.”
LCT’s granted Australian patent for world-leading encapsulating technology, IMMUPEL™
LCT receives investment from Chinese healthcare company Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“ASK”).
2010
LCT’s DIABECELL® Registered for Sale and Use in Russia as a marketable medical technology.
Promising Preclinical Results with NTCELL in Parkinson’s through outstanding functional and structural benefits from implants
LCT reports sustained improvement from DIABECELL NZ Trial with 10 of the 12 insulin-dependent diabetes patients having now received the implants of encapsulated porcine islets.
Living Cell Technologies Commences DIABECELL® Commercialization Program in Russia with new subsidiary
LCT receives grant from Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International of $500,000 to assist with NZ Phase IIb clinical trial
LCT’s Russian Phase I/IIa Trial results confirms safety and proof of principle of efficacy of DIABECELL.
2009
LCT Invited To Speak On New Zealand DIABECELL® Clinical Trial at International Xenotransplantation Association Meeting
LCT Diabetes Clinical Trial authorized by New Zealand Government
LCT reports insulin independence in two patients following recent implants of DIABECELL® in clinical trial
LCT reports interim results showing sustained benefit from DIABECELL® implants for insulin dependent diabetes patients
2008
LCT receives approval from New Zealand's Health Minister, the Honourable David Cunliffe, to conduct a clinical trial of DIABECELL in New Zealand
Preclinical studies suggest that LCT's NTCELL is effective in Parkinson's disease
LCT announces collaboration with J&J Centocor Research & Development, Inc.
Clinical benefits are reported from Russian trial as insulin delivery from DIABECELL® implants is confirmed
LCT extends its reach to international investors by listing on the OTCQX
LCT announces compelling trial results as patients display improved or stable control of their blood glucose levels compared with their levels prior to treatment