BU Scientists Will Use The LEAPTM Cell Processing Workstation to Advance Their Research

SAN DIEGO–Cyntellect, Inc., a privately-held life sciences company commercializing products to advance life science and stem cell research, biopharmaceutical production, and drug discovery, today announced it has entered into a research collaboration agreement with the Boston University School of Medicine. The agreement focuses on advancing research in the roles of mitochondrial oxidative damage in degenerative, aging and metabolic diseases, such as anemia and diabetes. Boston University scientists will use Cyntellect’s award-winning LEAP™ Cell Processing Workstation to analyze, purify and process cells with great precision and simplicity within microplates, right where they are grown in the lab.

“Cellular imaging is central to our research and much effort is dedicated to developing novel techniques for monitoring living cells,” said Dr. Orian Shirihai, Director of the Cell Imaging Core at Boston University. Dr Shirihai’s research is focused on the field of mitochondria and â-cell function and dysfunction related to diabetes. Dr. Shirihai noted “Cyntellect’s LEAP workstation will give us a valuable tool to advance our studies by adding unique cell processing capabilities within the context of a cell imaging system. We will study two disease models in which oxidative damage to mitochondria play a key role in the development of pathology. In diabetes, nutrient-induced oxidative damage has been shown to be a major mediator of endocrine dysfunction and beta cell loss. In bone marrow, oxidative damage can lead to the development of anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.”

Cyntellect is committed to collaborating with top academic research institutions and key opinion leaders in the life sciences to broaden the applications utility of the LEAP product. “We are very proud to undertake this program with Boston University,” said Dr. Fred Koller, President and CEO of Cyntellect. “Mitochondria in â-cells play a key role as integrators of nutrient signals and insulin secretion. The mechanisms that underlie deterioration of mitochondrial function during the development of diabetes are critical for understanding the etiology of this disease. The LEAP workstation offers an ideal platform for dissecting the roles of mitochondria in â-cells.”

About Cyntellect

Cyntellect is dedicated to setting new standards in cell analysis, purification, and processing technology. Cyntellect’s products support key applications to advance life science research, biopharmaceutical production, stem cell research and drug discovery. The Company’s technology employs in situ, microplate-based cytometry to analyze cells with minimal sample manipulation, and process cells with great precision and efficiency. Cyntellect’s expanding cellular analysis and processing portfolio is expected to play an enabling role in the coming age of advanced cell-based diagnostics and therapeutics. For additional information please visit www.cyntellect.com

About Boston University School of Medicine

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) is a major research institution, providing an exceptional environment for students interested in basic science, clinical investigation, or public health and health services oriented research. BUSM is dedicated to the educational, intellectual, professional, and personal development of a diverse group of exceptional students, trainees, and faculty who are deeply committed to the study and to the practice of medicine, to biomedical research, and to the health of the public. BUSM has 660 medical students, and a similar number of graduate students in the medical school actively engaged in the study of medicine and the biomedical sciences.