Cerco Medical: News

Press Releases

Cerco Medical announces the granting of European Patents on its proprietary encapsulation technology

San Francisco, CA – September 23, 2004 – Cerco Medical announced today that it has received notice that the European Patent Office intends to grant its European patent application for the fabrication and use of alginate in medical devices. This grant when taken together with Cerco Medical’s previously issued US. Patent Number 6,125,225 provide the company with a very strong Intellectual Property position for its first product, the Islet Sheet, as well as other new medical product opportunities as they arise.

“This grant is very important to the company, reflecting significant advances in our core technology. Such advances in thin sheet fabrication were previously thought not possible. Through our efforts they are now routine, easily reproduced, and form the foundation of our first product, the Islet Sheet,” remarked Scott R. King, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Coupled with certain trade secrets, we are highly confident that we will be able to maintain a defined competitive advantage in any markets we wish to compete in either as Cerco Medical or through any prospective partners.”

Cerco Medical is in the preclinical stage of developing its proprietary encapsulation technology to be initially applied to type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the human body’s ability to produce insulin has been arrested due to an autoimmune disorder. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are currently faced with multiple daily insulin injections as well as frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels for the remainder of their lives.

Islet transplantation into individuals with type 1 diabetes to eliminate the need for insulin injections is now a proven medical protocol due to the pioneering efforts of Dr. James Shapiro and Dr. Jonathan R.T. Lakey at the University of Alberta at Edmonton. Over 330 patients worldwide have received islet transplants under the Edmonton Protocol.

The Edmonton Protocol is limited by the requirement for toxic immune suppression drugs. Application of Cerco Medical’s proprietary and patented technology is designed to eliminate the need for immune suppression and enable the Edmonton Protocol to be extended to a larger number of individuals with type 1 diabetes.

The company will shortly have European patents in all countries required to defend our major markets.

Islet Sheet Medical changes name to Cerco Medical; Kurt E. Amundson joins Cerco Medical as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

San Francisco, CA – June 10, 2004 – Cerco Medical announced today it has changed its name from Islet Sheet Medical LLC to Cerco Medical. Kurt E. Amundson has joined the company as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

“I am delighted to have Mr. Amundson join our team as we move into a robust development stage of the company and product,” remarked Scott R. King, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As part of our resumption of pre-clinical studies we sought a name with more breadth as we expect our technology, now focused on type 1 diabetes, will have multiple applications,” Mr. King continued.

In addition, Cerco has announced that Kurt E. Amundson has joined the company as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Amundson brings over 15 years of managerial experience in the Life Science Industry with a broad range of experience in both private and public companies. Mr. Amundson’s last ten years have primarily focused on bringing private companies into the public domain, financial management of public companies, fund raising in both the domestic and international markets, and pursuing business development opportunities.