ACT Responds to Massachusetts Legislature's Strong Support for Stem Cell Research
Worcester, MA, May 26, 2005 - Following the Massachusetts legislature's recent overwhelming approval of a bill that will legalize and regulate stem cell research, and prohibit human reproductive cloning in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Robert Lanza, M.D., Vice President of Medical and Scientific Development at Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of A.C.T. Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:ACTH.OB) (collectively, "ACT"), announced today the appointment of seven new members to ACT's already distinguished Massachusetts based scientific research team.
Shi-Jiang Lu, Ph.D., MPH, Senior Scientist
Bringing more than 20 years of research and development experience in stem cell biology, cancer biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry to Advanced Cell Technology, Shi-Jiang Lu was most recently a Research Scientist at the Research Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, and has been the Director of the Stem Cell Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Lu received a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, Canada, and an M.P.H from Columbia University.
Sandy Becker, M.A., Senior Research Associate
Previously a Research Associate in the Biology Department at Wesleyan University, Ms. Becker brings a wealth of embryonic stem cell research experience to Advanced Cell Technology. Her research has focused on the investigation of genes involved in specifying neurectoderm and neuronal derivatives in the mouse embryo. Ms. Becker received an M.A. in Biology from Wesleyan University.
Qiang Feng, M.Sc., Senior Research Associate
Qiang Feng, formerly a Research Assistant at the Laboratory of Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, has more than ten years lab experience and an extensive background in the field of cell biology and genomics. Mr. Feng received a M.Sc. in Molecular/Cell Biology from the Chinese University of Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Bejing.
Katherine Holton, M.S., Senior Research Associate
Katherine Holton was previously the Laboratory Manager and Research Associate at the Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she conducted independent research focusing on defining the human dopamine transporter's constitutive and regulated endocytic motifs. Ms. Holton received an M.S. in Biology from the University of Massachusetts, North Dartmouth.
Rebeca E. Ramos-Kelsey, M.A., Senior Research Associate
Previously a Senior Research Associate at GPC Biotech Inc., Ms. Ramos-Kelsey has more than ten years of research experience in biotechnology science. Her recent research has focused on the investigation of protein-protein and protein-drug interactions through the development of mammalian screening assays. Ms. Ramos-Kelsey received an M.A. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard University.
Gary DiPerna, M.A., Research Associate
Prior to joining Advanced Cell Technology, Gary DiPerna, was a Research Technician at the University of Massachusetts Medical School where his research focused on biochemistry and immunology. Mr. DiPerna received an M.A. in Medical Sciences from the Boston University School of Medicine.
Yordanka Ivanova, M.S., Research Associate
Previously a Research Assistant in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Yordanka Ivanova brings years of research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology to Advanced Cell Technology. Ms. Ivanova received an M.S. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," Sofia Bulgaria.
"Each of these individuals bring years of experience and knowledge in contemporary biomedical science, and I am confident that their talents will effectively compliment our research efforts and our distinguished scientific team," said Dr. Robert Lanza.
"This is yet another great stride for ACT," said William Caldwell, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Cell Technology. "The recent actions by the Massachusetts legislature further solidifies this state as a leader in the promising field of stem cell research. And, as a result, ACT, a Massachusetts based biotechnology company, will continue to emerge as a leading company applying this research. In the coming weeks we will continue this momentum as we prepare for the further expansion of our senior research team into California - the home of the voter approved $3 billion state funding stream for stem cell research."
About Advanced Cell Technology
A.C.T. Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading biotechnology company applying stem cell technology in the emerging field of regenerative medicine. The company is currently headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts.
For more information about Advanced Cell Technology visit "www.advancedcell.com":http://www.advancedcell.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this news release regarding future financial and operating results, future growth in research and development programs, potential applications of our technology, opportunities for A.C.T. Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary, Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., and any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including: limited operating history, need for future capital, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, protection of our intellectual property, and economic conditions generally. Additional information on potential factors that could affect our results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the company's periodic reports, including the report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.
Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions, and expectations of the Company's management at the time they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions, expectations, or other circumstances should change.
Frequently Requested Info