Living Cell Technologies
“They’re recognised for their research and development of therapies in disease areas that typically have no cure or poor treatment options. Living Cell Technologies (LCT) is a New Zealand based biotechnology company focused on developing living cell products for the treatment of diabetes, neurological disease and haemophilia.
They are is focused on building a successful cell-based therapeutics business and in 2007, established itself as the only xenoimplantation (animal to human implantation) company to have achieved clinical trial status under the current regulatory environment. LCT is now poised to take its products through the clinical trials process, and to market.
Established in 1987
Living Cell Technologies 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.
Mr Collinson’s son developed diabetes 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. After 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.
When Mr Collinson heard Professor Elliott describe his research into a treatment that could restore quality of life to diabetics, and also reduce the severity of the secondary health issues of the disease, he committed himself, and his money, to the cause.
Life-changing Cellular Therapies
LCT is actively working to develop life-changing cellular therapies – treatments that will improve the quality of life of patients with diabetes, haemophilia, hearing loss, liver failure and brain degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease.
They are the first company worldwide to receive International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) accreditation for a xenotransplantation laboratory. This accreditation will ensure that LCT’s laboratory test reports are accepted in 49 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
LCT’s accredited laboratory uses specific diagnostic and monitoring tests to minimise the risk of animal viruses passing to humans when transplanting animal cells products such as DIABECELL into human patients. The accredited laboratory has the capability of testing for potential infections in recipients and to test for a range of viruses. This is a unique capability that has been developed by the company over many years and is fully owned by LCT.
