These three new patents extend protection to include all formats and formulations of RPE cells, including suspensions and sheets of cells, for use as therapeutic agents, and the use of these formulations for treating ophthalmic diseases such as dry age related macular degeneration (Dry AMD) and Stargardt’s macular degeneration (SMD).

We believe that these three new patents are especially important as they extend our patent estate to include not only hESC-derived RPE, but also all products derived from iPSC sources. This broadening of the patent estate could also prove to be highly valuable in the long-term as we develop next generation therapies,” said Paul K. Wotton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ocata Therapeutics.

Ocata continues to distinguish itself not only as the leader in Regenerative Ophthalmology, but also as a leader in manufacturing cell therapies from pluripotent stem cells and in the clinical development of such proprietary therapies.”

Ocata has a total of seven U.S. patents that specifically protect retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) products derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) as well as any other pluripotent stem cell source including induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) sources.
“These new patents bolster an already robust patent estate. This is important as we continue to invest in the clinical development of these innovative new therapies for macular degeneration,” said Dr. Eddy Anglade, Chief Medical Officer of Ocata.

“For the first time a pluripotent stem cell derived therapy is about to enter a pivotal trial for Stargardt’s Disease and phase 2 clinical trials for dry Age Related Macular Degeneration, bringing the possibility of these long awaited therapies that much closer to reality.”