iZUMI Bio

Al Gore didn’t hesitate to comment on iZUMI Bio’s news that the company is collaborating with Japan’s Kyoto University Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CIRA). The collaboration involves comparing and characterizing stem cell lines, derived by various methods, and analyzing results to determine which methods are most appropriate for drug screening and development as well as those best for cell-based therapies (basically trying to find biomarkers to help develop cell therapies for Parkinson’s, spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Here was Gore’s statement:

“I just think it’s a very important breakthrough that is filled with promise and hope. I think this is one of those good news stories that comes along every once in a while.”

So what’s the big hoopla anyway? iZUMI is trying to take somatic cells, skin cells specifically, from patients and induce them into becoming pluripotent stem cells so they can be re-programmed for therapeutic uses. Of course, it’s all theory right now and no clinical results have been generated.

Oh yeah, and why is Al Gore interested anyway? Gore is a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, one of iZUMI major VC backers.

Nice, but it should be years if ever before we see “The Promise” materialize.

Stay tuned…

FORMAC Pharmaceuticals

We also left out one financing from our recent financing roundup. Belgain-based FORMAC Pharmaceuticals has raised $2.8M from Allegro Investment Fund and Hunza Ventures, among others. FORMAC will use the funds to conduct a phase 2a study of FP-0110, a reformulation of a gastrointestinal drug and a phase I study of FP-0240, a new formulation of a lifestyle compound. [FORMAC Pharmaceuticals company website]

Image from newsday

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