Vyant Bio, Inc. (VYNT) stock prices were down by 5.22% at the end of the trading day on July 14th, 2021, bringing the price per share down to USD$3.27 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent premarket fluctuations have seen the stock recover by 5.81%, bringing it up to USD$3.46.
StemoniX Granted US Patent
July 13th, 2021 saw the company announce that StemoniX, its wholly-owned subsidiary, was issued a US Patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent is titled “High Throughput Optical Assay of Human Mixed Cell Population Spheroids” and covers a novel approach to the application of human-induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) as an effective tool in the illumination of the biology of complex human cell types, such as those of the central nervous system (CNS).
Nature of iPSC Platform
Human iPSC-based, high-throughput platforms that currently exist have lacked reliability and functional consistency. The patent also covers the use of 3D co-cultures of cortical neurons and astrocytes that display spontaneous, rhythmic, and highly synchronized neural activity. This activity can visualized as calcium oscillations on standard, high-throughput fluorescent readers as a platform for CNS-based discovery effects.
Details of iPSC
Spontaneous activity and spheroid structure proved to be highly consistent from well-to-well, which is a feature that is lacking in traditional 2D cultures. The technology facilitates a cost-effective method to perform high-throughput drug screening (HTS) in regard to 3D human tissue relevant models that have a higher degree of biological accuracy. This patent marks the third patent granted to StemoniX, with additional applications currently pending across globe.
Competitive Advantage
Existing conventional high-throughput drug screening typically makes use of recombinant cell lines that overexpress a drug target of interest. The technology is aimed to deliver the development of relevant cellular disease models that will be used in high-throughput screening. Human iPSCs have been proven to have significant advantages over recombinant cell lines or primary rodent cells that will be used in drug screening. Given that the cells are derived from human donors, human genetic diseases can be modelled more accurately, particularly when used in tandem with modern genome editing techniques.
Future Outlook for VYNT
Armed with the promising potential of the patent granted to StemoniX, VYNT is poised to capitalize on the expanded scope of opportunities presented to it. Keen to pioneer their segment of the healthcare system, the company is pushing for the continued development of their innovative technology. Current and potential investors are hopeful that management will continue to leverage the resources at their disposal to usher in significant and sustained increases in shareholder value.
