Cell implant company Living Cell Technologies Limited has been awarded a grant of NZ$ 4.04 million from the New Zealand government’s Foundation for Research Science & Technology. The funds from the grant are to be made available over two years to support the ongoing development of Diabecell, LCT’s lead product for insulin dependent type-1 diabetes.

Dr Paul Tan, chief executive officer LCT said, “Positive clinical data from our early Phase I/IIa trials compels us to address future market demand and further develop our manufacturing capability as part of the commercialization programme for Diabecell. “This grant contributes to the investment required to increase production of Diabecell to commercial scale and the cost of the New Zealand clinical trial currently underway with Diabecell. We are pleased that the commercial and scientific peers who reviewed our grant application for the New Zealand government endorsed LCT’s business and development strategy to commercialize Diabecell.”

Dr David Brookes, chairman LCT Board, said, “This is a very exciting time in the company’s development with the fourth patient in the New Zealand trial implanted this week. We look forward to progressing our milestones with the funds raised from our shareholders in 2009 and from this New Zealand government grant.”

The New Zealand government awards grants to assist companies to bridge technology gaps to bring products to market more rapidly. Specific projects supported by this grant relate to upscaling the bioprocessing of cells, the commercial manufacture of alginate gel and commercial encapsulation methods. These technologies are essential in the manufacture of Diabecell and are also applicable for encapsulating other cell products in the LCT pipeline. These projects enhance LCT’s ability to license its cell encapsulation technology to other parties.

Diabecell is LCT’s treatment designed to normalise the lives of people with insulin dependent diabetes.

Living Cell Technologies is developing cell-based products to treat life threatening human diseases.