• Dr. Piotr Witkowski presenting new data from ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of the Cell Pouch System™ in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D)
  
• Dr. Alice Tomei presenting preclinical data on transplantation of conformal coated islet cells in pre-vascularized Cell Pouch

LONDON, Ontario and WINDHAM COUNTY, Conn., Oct. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sernova Corp. (TSX:SVA) (OTCQB:SEOVF) (FSE/XETRA:PSH), a clinical-stage company and leader in cell therapeutics, today announced two oral presentations at the upcoming International Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association (IPITA), International Xenotransplantation Association (IXA) Cell Transplant & Regenerative Medicine Association (CTRMA) joint congress taking October 26-29, 2023 in San Diego, CA.

More details about the conference, including accepted abstracts, are available on the IPITA website HERE. In alignment with the embargo policy, Sernova plans to share details from both speakers lectures following completion of their presentations.

Presentation details:

Abstract #: 105.1
Title: Islet allotransplantation into pre-vascularized Sernova Cell Pouch™ - Lessons learned from the first patient cohort
Presenter: Piotr Witkowski, United States, Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago
Session: Islet Transplantation: Engineering the Islet Site
Session Date and Time: Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. PT

Abstract #: 205.1
Title: Transplantation of conformal coated islets in a pre-vascularized Cell Pouch™ device for beta cell replacement in diabetic rats
Presenter: Alice Tomei, United States, Associate Professor - Biomedical Engineering and Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami
Session: Engineering the site (Joint)
Session Date and Time: Friday, October 27, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. PT

ABOUT SERNOVA CORP. AND THE CELL POUCH SYSTEM PLATFORM FOR CELL THERAPY

Sernova Corp. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is developing therapeutic cell technologies for chronic diseases, including insulin-dependent diabetes, thyroid disease, and blood disorders that include hemophilia A. Sernova is currently focused on developing a ‘functional cure’ for insulin-dependent diabetes with its lead asset, the Cell Pouch System, a novel implantable and scalable medical device with immune protected therapeutic cells. On implantation, The Cell Pouch forms a natural vascularized tissue environment in the body for long-term survival and function of therapeutic cells that release essential factors that are absent or deficient in the bodies of patients with certain chronic diseases. Sernova’s Cell Pouch System has demonstrated its potential to be a ‘functional cure’ for people with T1D in an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical study at the University of Chicago, with Cell Pouches implanted for periods of more than four years and counting.

Sernova is also advancing a proprietary technology in collaboration with the University of Miami to shield therapeutic cells from immune system attack with the goal to eliminate the need for chronic, systemic immunosuppression. In May 2022, Sernova and Evotec entered into a global strategic partnership to develop an implantable off-the-shelf iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) based islet replacement therapy. This partnership provides Sernova a potentially unlimited supply of insulin-producing cells to treat millions of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 and type 2). Sernova continues to progress two additional development programs that utilize its Cell Pouch System: a cell therapy for hypothyroid disease resulting from thyroid gland removal and an ex vivo lentiviral Factor VIII gene therapy for hemophilia A.

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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” that involve various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, without limitation, statements regarding the prospects, plans, and objectives of the company. Wherever possible, but not always, words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential for" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to management on the date such statements were made. Many factors could cause Sernova’s actual results, performances or achievements to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended or to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Such factors could include, but are not limited to, the company’s ability to secure additional financing and licensing arrangements on reasonable terms, or at all; ability to conduct all required preclinical and clinical studies for the company’s Cell Pouch System and or related technologies, including the timing and results of those trials; ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals, or on a timely basis; ability to in-license additional complementary technologies; ability to execute its business strategy and successfully compete in the market; and the inherent risks associated with the development of biotechnology combination products generally. Many of the factors are beyond our control, including those caused by, related to, or impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Investors should consult the company’s quarterly and annual filings available on www.sedarplus.ca for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Sernova expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.