A global leader

Living Cell Technologies: developing cell-based therapies for type 1 diabetes and neurological disorders.

LCT is a New Zealand based biotechnology company focused on developing living cell products for the treatment of diabetes, neurological disease and haemophilia. We have collaborations in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Germany, Italy, Russia and the US.

LCT is internationally recognised for its research and development of therapies in disease areas that typically have no cure or poor treatment options. Our most advanced therapy, DiabeCell® for Type 1 diabetes is about to enter Phase IIa trials in New Zealand.

The DiabeCell® treatment involves introducing encapsulated porcine cells into the abdominal cavity of the patient in a simple procedure which has the potential to be done under local anaesthesia. These islet cells efficiently secrete insulin in the patient’s body, replacing or significantly reducing the dosage of insulin for diabetes sufferers.

LCT is focused on building a successful cell-based therapeutics business and in 2007, established itself as the only xenoimplantation (animal to human implantation) company to have achieved clinical trial status under the current regulatory environment. LCT is now poised to take its products through the clinical trials process, and to market.

The company’s commercialisation strategy is to progress products through clinical trials, then offer the cell transplants to patients through marketing partners or through training of general surgeons. LCT is well positioned to bring pig cell therapeutics to the market ahead of our competition and is committed to developing life-changing treatments while maximising shareholder value.

LCT is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:LCT) and the US-based OTCQX (OTCQX:LVCLY).

Company History

Living Cell Technologies was established in New Zealand in 1987 by Professor Bob Elliott with the support of local entrepreneur, David Collinson. Mr Collinson served as the company’s CEO for XX years and is now a non-executive director at LCT.

Mr Collinson’s son developed diabetes at the age of two. The family experienced first-hand the difficulties of daily management of the disease and the impact it had on the lifestyle of a young child.

Upon learning what was ahead for his son as he reached middle age – from the possibility of a shortened lifespan to kidney and heart disease, problematic eyesight, and even lower leg amputation – Mr Collinson visited the surgery of Professor Elliott.

When Mr Collinson heard Professor Elliott describe his research into a treatment that could restore quality of life to diabetics, and also reduce the severity of the secondary health issues of the disease, he committed himself, and his money, to the cause.