BALTIMORE, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoping to stimulate an ongoing dialogue
with the scientific, academic and investment communities, Osiris
Therapeutics, Inc. has launched an interactive website on the Internet. The
Company's website describes its progress toward commercializing human adult
stem cells for the emerging field of Regenerative Medicine(TM).
Osiris is engaged in the development and commercialization of cellular
therapeutics for the regeneration and functional restoration of damaged or
diseased tissue. These adult stem cells, referred to as mesenchymal stem
cells (MSCs), are responsible for the formation of human connective tissues,
including bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, bone marrow stroma, fat and
muscle. Osiris is a pioneer in the field of MSC technology, owns key MSC
patents, and is a leader in developing new therapies based on the use of
adult stem cells. The market for adult stem cell technology in Regenerative
Medicine(TM) exceeds $20 billion worldwide per year, according to Osiris
management.
According to Anup Patel, Senior Network Administrator at Osiris Therapeutics
and the website creator, "We want to highlight the Company's accomplishments
in stem cell technology in an accessible and easy-to-use format. We have
taken a big step in that direction with the new Osiris website."
Collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies, such as Novartis Pharma
AG, grants from the U.S. Department of Defense, Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
and the National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research
Program (NIH/SBIR) are explained. Cell therapy, gene delivery and drug
discovery development programs are also summarized on the website.
Web browsers can view the Company's bibliography of over 100 technical
articles published in scientific journals, and review recent news releases.
Osiris advances in cancer therapy (stroma regeneration), orthopaedic tissue
regeneration (bone, cartilage, tendon), degenerative disorders (osteoporosis,
osteoarthritis) and cardiac muscle regeneration are summarized.
According to James S. Burns, President & Chief Executive Officer at Osiris,
"Adult stem cell technology is progressing rapidly. Human MSCs are well
characterized; they have undergone extensive preclinical testing; and they
are now the subject of human clinical trials. Our website is designed to
inform the medical and scientific communities about our progress in
commercializing products based on adult stem cells."
The Osiris Therapeutics website can be visited at www.osiristx.com. Vivid
graphics provide website visitors with a glimpse into the world of stem cell
biology and the possibilities for Regenerative Medicine(TM).
SOURCE Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.
CO: Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.
ST: Maryland
IN: MTC
SU: PDT
03/24/99 10:00 EST http://www.prnewswire.com