EXTON, Pa., Nov. 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fibrocell Science, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCSC) today announced the appointment of Alfred T. Lane, MD, as Chief Medical Advisor of Fibrocell. A board certified dermatologist and pediatrician, Dr. Lane is a Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics (Emeritus) at Stanford University School of Medicine and the former Chair of the Department of Dermatology where he led a research team focused on developing gene therapy for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and other genetic skin diseases.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Lane join Fibrocell as our Chief Medical Advisor,” said David Pernock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fibrocell. “Dr. Lane’s dedication to pediatric dermatology is respected worldwide and his commitment to helping patients and families impacted by EB and other devastating skin diseases is remarkable. We believe his insight will be invaluable to help us advance clinical development of FCX-007, our gene-therapy candidate for the treatment of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB).”
Dr. Lane’s medical career spans four decades with more than 25 years at the Stanford University School of Medicine. In 1990, Dr. Lane joined the faculty at Stanford and in 1996, he was promoted to Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics and appointed Chair of the Department of Dermatology through 2010. Since then Dr. Lane has focused on clinical research to develop gene therapies for EB and other genetic skin diseases. In addition, he is a Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics (Emeritus) and is affiliated with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. Dr. Lane earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University and holds a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies from Santa Clara University.
“I am excited to be working with Fibrocell and to have the opportunity to contribute to the clinical development of FCX-007,” said Dr. Lane. “I believe the Company’s use of genetically-modified autologous fibroblasts has the potential to be groundbreaking by addressing the underlying cause of RDEB and offer relief to patients suffering from this progressive, debilitating and painful genetic disease.”
About Fibrocell
Fibrocell is an autologous cell and gene therapy company translating personalized biologics into medical breakthroughs for diseases affecting the skin and connective tissue. Fibrocell’s most advanced product candidate, FCX-007, has begun a Phase I/II trial for the treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Fibrocell is in pre-clinical development of FCX-013, its product candidate for the treatment of linear scleroderma. In addition, Fibrocell has a third program in the research phase for the treatment of arthritis and related conditions. Fibrocell’s gene-therapy portfolio is being developed in collaboration with Intrexon Corporation (NYSE:XON), a leader in synthetic biology. For more information, visit www.fibrocell.com or follow us on Twitter at @Fibrocell.
Trademarks
Fibrocell, the Fibrocell logo and Fibrocell Science are trademarks of Fibrocell Science, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that are not historical facts are hereby identified as forward-looking statements for this purpose and include, among others, statements relating to: the potential advantages of FCX-007 and Fibrocell’s other product candidates; and other statements regarding Fibrocell’s future operations, financial performance and financial position, prospects, strategies, objectives and other future events.
Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially and adversely from those indicated herein including, among others: whether pre-clinical and clinical trial results will validate and support the safety and efficacy of Fibrocell’s product candidates; and the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Fibrocell’s most recent Form 10-K filing and Form 10-Q filings. As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. While Fibrocell may update certain forward-looking statements from time to time, Fibrocell specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.