Tengion Presents New Data Demonstrating Functional Regeneration in a Diabetic Chronic Kidney Failure Model at the International Society for Cellular Therapy

EAST NORRITON, Pa., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Tengion,
Inc. (Nasdaq:
TNGN) presented new research data yesterday in a podium
presentation at the 2nd Annual Symposium on Stem Cell Translation
of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) in San
Francisco.  The presentation highlighted new results from
Tengion’s Neo-Kidney Augment™ development program
demonstrating success with an autologous cellular therapy approach
to kidney regeneration in a rodent model of obesity, diabetes and
hypertension.  

“These data demonstrate that our proprietary therapeutic
approach using cells from diseased kidney tissue can provide
significant improvements in several parameters of kidney function,
including filtration, urine concentration, and electrolyte balance,
as well as a significant reduction in blood pressure,” stated
Sharon Presnell, Ph.D., Vice President of Regenerative Medicine at
Tengion.  “We used the established ZSF1 rodent model, which
develops chronic kidney disease as a result of obesity, diabetes,
and hypertension – three common co-morbid conditions often
seen in patients with renal failure.  Although our studies are
still active, at one year of age, the treated animals have
demonstrated improved kidney function, delayed disease progression
and better survival compared to the age- and disease-matched
untreated control animals.” 

“Following our recently published and peer-reviewed data from a
nephrectomized model of renal failure, these new results in a model
of natural disease progression further strengthen our confidence in
this program,” said Tim Bertram, D.V.M., Ph.D., Senior Vice
President, Science and Technology at Tengion.  “We look
forward to presenting additional data from this development program
in the fourth quarter of this year.”  

Tengion’s Neo-Kidney Augment product candid

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