MRI Interventions and Texas Biomedical Research Institute Demonstrate Precise Delivery and Increased Viability of Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Utilizing the ClearPoint® Neuro-Navigation System
Real-Time, MRI-guided approaches may improve the safety and accuracy of neural cell transplantation therapies
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MRI Interventions, Inc. (OTCQB:MRIC) today announced a publication in the research journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine. The article outlined a novel approach for optimal delivery of therapeutic neural stem cells, utilizing the ClearPoint® Neuro Navigation System. Up until now, the delivery of stem cells has been limited by methods and devices which adversely affect the survival of the injected cells. As a result, these therapies have been hampered as over 80% of the grafted cells do not survive the delivery, resulting in poor patient outcomes.
Researchers at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute developed an approach utilizing the ClearPoint® System to precisely deliver Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) into the brain basal ganglia, which controls motor skills compromised in Parkinson's disease. An MRI-guided technique to implant these cells would move scientists one step closer to delivery of this therapy to Parkinson’s patients. "We wouldn't have been able to see this phenomenon using standard stereotaxic delivery," said Dr. Marcel Daadi, Associate Scientist and Director of the Regenerative Medicine and Aging Unit at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, "With iMRI, we can visualize in real time the cells being injected to the target area. A non-invasive iMRI approach is becoming a necessity in clinical applications to enhance the safety of patients and the efficacy of the therapeutic approach. We can create the best cells, but if we can't transplant them to the patient in a consistent and predictable way so that the patient can accept and thrive from them, then the therapy is simply ineffective."
Dr. Daadi and his colleagues, including Drs. Geoffrey Clarke and Peter Fox of the Research Imaging Institute at UT Health Science Center San Antonio and the MRI Interventions, Inc. team, developed a minimally invasive, highly accurate operational technique for delivering neural stem cells to the basal ganglia region of the brain.
The ClearPoint System, together with the SmartFlow® Cannula provide a complete, real- time, MRI guided Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED) solution for planning, navigation, and delivery of therapeutic agents. The ClearPoint System is now being utilized as the navigation and planning system for several pre-clinical and clinical drug delivery trials with multiple biotech and pharmaceutical partners. These trials are addressing significant diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, and brain tumors. By enabling the surgeon to see the infusion of the therapeutic into the target brain tissue in real time, the ClearPoint System is becoming the navigation and delivery technology of choice for leading edge therapeutic programs.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161018094734.html
About MRI Interventions, Inc.
Building on the imaging power of MRI, MRI Interventions is creating innovative platforms for performing the next generation of minimally invasive surgical procedures in the brain. The ClearPoint System, which has received 510(k) clearance and is CE marked, utilizes a hospital’s existing diagnostic or intraoperative MRI suite to enable a range of minimally invasive procedures in the brain. For more information, please visit www.mriinterventions.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements herein concerning MRI Interventions, Inc. (the “Company”) plans, growth and strategies may include forward-looking statements within the context of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding the Company's future events, developments and future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. Uncertainties and risks may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements. Particular uncertainties and risks include those relating to: the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing; estimates regarding the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; future revenues from sales of the Company’s ClearPoint system products; and the Company’s ability to market, commercialize and achieve broader market acceptance for the Company’s ClearPoint system products. More detailed information on these and additional factors that could affect the Company’s actual results are described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, both of which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact: Wendelin Maners, VP, Marketing MRI Interventions, Inc. 949-900-6833
Released October 21, 2016