Press release Communiqué de presse
Press release Communiqué de presse
June 7, 2021 7 June, 2021
Sernova's Principal Investigator Presents Positive New Data from Ongoing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Clinical Trial at ATC 2021 Virtual Connect Conference
Multiple patients with sustained clinical benefit, including positive fasting serum C-peptide (a biomarker of
insulin produced by Sernova’s Cell Pouch islets) detected in their bloodstream
June 7, 2021 6:00 a.m. EDT
LONDON, ONTARIO – June 7, 2021 – Sernova Corp. (TSX-V:SVA) (OTCQB:SEOVF) (FSE/XETRA:PSH), a
leading clinical-stage regenerative medicine therapeutics company today announced that its principal
investigator, Dr. Piotr Witkowski, presented new preliminary data from Sernova’s ongoing U.S. Phase I/II T1D
clinical trial at the University of Chicago. Dr. Witkowski’s presented the data at the American Transplant
Congress (ATC) 2021 Virtual Connect conference on Saturday June 5, 2021.
The overall objective of the clinical trial is to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the Cell Pouch with
insulin-producing islets. In addition to other criteria, prior to entry into the study, the patients must
demonstrate long-standing T1D with severe hypoglycemic unawareness episodes and no glucose-stimulated C-
peptide circulating in their bloodstream.
Dr. Witkowski’s presentation entitled “Islet Allotransplantation Into The Pre-Vascularized Sernova Cell
PouchTM Device - Preliminary Results Of The Phase I/II Prospective, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study At
University of Chicago” highlighted the following key points:
• 6 patients are implanted with Cell Pouches and continue to meet the study’s primary safety endpoint;
• 5 patients have now been transplanted with at least one dose of therapeutic cells (insulin producing islets)
and are in different stages of the clinical trial; and
• most significantly, positive fasting serum C-peptide has been detected in the bloodstream of 4 patients so
far. C-peptide is a biomarker for insulin produced by the islets in the Cell Pouch.
In addition to the continued confirmation of ongoing safety and tolerability in all currently enrolled patients, Dr.
Witkowski provided further updates on the longest treated study patients. These patients continue to show
defined clinical benefit associated with ongoing efficacy indicators including:
• reduction/elimination in the need for daily injectable insulin
• continued improvement, i.e. reduction/elimination, in Severe Hypoglycemic Events (SHE);
• persistent detection of fasting and stimulated C-peptide in patients’ bloodstream;
• reduction in HbA1c; and
• continued improvement of glucose control determined through patient blinded Continuous Glucose
Monitoring (CGM) and measured by reduction of Time Above Range (TAR) and increase of Time in Range (TIR).
As previously reported, the most advanced patient in the study, who had achieved a ‘functional cure’ (requiring
no injectable insulin) and had been insulin independent for 9 months, has now been insulin independent for 14
months with optimal glucose control.
“I believe Sernova is the first company in the world to demonstrate a subcutaneous vascularized device with
therapeutic cells able to produce insulin in the bloodstream across multiple patients with the most severe
diabetes. This is a remarkable feat. As the study progresses and our patient dataset continues to build, I am
more confident than ever of the potential of Sernova’s regenerative medicine therapeutic platform,” said Dr.
Philip Toleikis, President and CEO of Sernova. “Our vision of improving the lives of people suffering from
diabetes with a ‘functional cure’ is another step closer to becoming a reality.”
ABOUT SERNOVA
Sernova is developing regenerative medicine therapeutic technologies using a medical device and immune
protected therapeutic cells (i.e. human donor cells, corrected human cells and stem cell-derived cells) to
improve the treatment and quality of life of people with chronic metabolic diseases such as insulin-dependent
diabetes, blood disorders including hemophilia, and other diseases treated through replacement of proteins or
hormones missing or in short supply within the body. For more information, please visit www.sernova.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Investor Relations
Sernova Corp.
Tel: (519) 858-5126
investorrelations@sernova.com
www.sernova.com
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical facts, may constitute
“forward-looking statements” that involve various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, without
limitation, statements regarding the prospects, plans, and objectives of the company. Wherever possible, but
not always, words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects",
"potential for" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should"
occur are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s beliefs with
respect to future events, including results of clinical trials, and are based on information currently available to
management on the date such statements were made. Many factors could cause Sernova’s actual results,
performances or achievements to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended or to differ materially from
those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Many of the
factors are beyond our control, including those caused by, related to, or impacted by the novel coronavirus
pandemic. Investors should consult the company’s quarterly and annual filings available on www.sedar.com for
additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Sernova expressly
disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.