MetaCyte Business Lab - INVENTORS - AN INVENTOR'S STORY: RHINOCYTE, INC. (502/569-1020)

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	AN INVENTOR'S STORY: RHINOCYTE, INC. Fred J. Roisen, Ph.D. Chair, Anatomical Science and Neurobiology, University of Louisville President, RhinoCyte, Inc. The RhinoCyte Story In my laboratory at the University of Louisville, we have developed a method for isolating stem cells from human olfactory epithelium - the lifelong regenerating lining of the nasal passage responsible for our ability to smell. Most adult stem cells are not easily accessible. Other nervous system stem cells, for example, must be harvested from the brain or spinal cord, both very risky procedures that require highly invasive surgery. We have developed procedures to harvest these cells from the olfactory epithelium that we obtain through endoscopic biopsy from patients of all ages and found them to be especially hardy and flexible, with great potential. By directing the development of these stem cells in various ways, we have developed techniques that show promise as potential cell replacement and environmental modulatory therapies for a wide variety of traumatic and degenerative diseases. The added benefit to these therapies is that the treatment comes from a patient's own cells, allowing for total histocompatibility and thus avoiding the need for immunosuppressive drugs as well as the ethical controversy associated with embryonic stem cells. Creation of a Company RhinoCyte was founded in Summer 2005. The MetaCyte team came to U of L looking for projects in the pipeline that may be innovative and have some scientific and commercial potential. After hearing of our work and seeing a film of animals recovering from spinal cord injury, the MetaCyte team did some research of their own and exposed potential markets for our technology. RhinoCyte has received approval for an initial investment from the Kentucky Seed Capital Fund which is supporting our continuing efforts that will result in a workable business strategy. Working with Metacyte There are some scientists who grow up understanding the business model and how it can coexist with their work. Most of us, however, simply went into research because we loved science. We are interested in the academic satisfaction of finding out the whys and hows that can lead to a better life. In today's environment of translational research, partnering with MetaCyte is key. Through our partnership with MetaCyte, I am comforted that their destiny is tied to my destiny. We each are adding to it through our own strengths. The MetaCyte team has guided us through initial funding presentations, market research and preparation of our business plan. This allows me to focus on what I know, confident that experts are diligently working on the other facets needed for success. MetaCyte fosters development at a much faster rate, and creates companies, like RhinoCyte, that may not have emerged at all.
	From the Mind to the Marketplace.