DALLAS, TX and CLEVELAND, OH and NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - May 06, 2015) -

Company is well positioned to execute on its strategy to become a leader in cell therapy and gene therapy for rare diseases

Abeona's preclinical studies have demonstrated promising efficacy in cognitive function, motor, and survival in Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB)

Two Phase 1/2 clinical trials for ABX-101 (MPS IIIB) and ABX-102 (MPS IIIA) for Sanfilippo Syndrome to commence in 2015

PlasmaTech Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (PTBI), a biopharmaceutical company advancing protein biologic therapies and oncology supportive care products, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Abeona Therapeutics, a company engaged in the development and commercialization of therapies for patients with lysosomal storage diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will issue to Abeona Therapeutic members a total of 3,979,761 common shares upon closing of the transaction, and up to an additional $9 million in performance milestones, in common stock or cash, at the Company's option.

"We believe this acquisition represents an exciting cornerstone of our strategy to build a world class cell and gene therapy company focused on rare diseases," noted Steven H. Rouhandeh, PlasmaTech's Executive Chairman. "Abeona's programs in MPS IIIB & IIIA address a compelling unmet medical need with breakthrough technology and fundamental core competencies to develop products and accelerate value for patients and shareholders. This acquisition will accelerate development and internationalization of both clinical programs due to increased access to capital and organizational capabilities. Importantly, the Abeona operating and scientific teams will remain intact and we believe Tim Miller's unique blend of experience and capabilities makes him ideal to move the company forward towards our goal of becoming a leader in rare diseases. Additionally, Abeona recently closed on $4.8 million in financing from leading Sanfilippo Foundations worldwide, and have an additional $1 million commitment for manufacturing."

In connection with the acquisition, Tim Miller, Ph.D., President & CEO of Abeona will succeed Scott Schorer. "Tim Miller brings significant experience and leadership in developing and commercializing novel cell and gene therapies," said Steven H. Rouhandeh, Executive Chairman of PlasmaTech. "We want to thank Scott Schorer for his service as PlasmaTech's Chief Executive Officer, and look forward to his continued contributions to the Alpha-1 program as a consultant to the Company."

"We are excited about building the future together, and believe this is just the first of many steps to building a comprehensive product pipeline in the rare disease space. PlasmaTech is currently developing a new generation plasma processing technology which enables and validates orphan proteins requiring periodic treatments," noted Dr. Tim Miller. "We will continue to build on these strengths and capabilities, while executing on our world class gene therapy platform to address pressing rare diseases such as Sanfilippo syndrome." To learn more about Abeona, please click on the following link for a Web Interview with Tim Miller: https://vimeo.com/126837840.

Abeona Therapeutics is developing gene therapies for patients with rare genetic diseases, with initial therapies being developed for patients with Sanfilippo syndromes (MPS III). The Company was formed in early 2013 to help focus the search for a cure for Sanfilippo Syndrome and provide a unifying voice between patient advocate groups, researchers, clinicians and investors. Dr. Miller, a co-founder, has over 16 years of scientific research, product development, clinical operations and business development expertise, with a focus on transitioning novel biotherapeutics through pre-clinical development and into Phase 1 and 2 human clinical trials. Previously with Juventas Therapeutics, SironRX Therapeutics, and Copernicus Therapeutics, Dr. Miller has focused on gene therapy and regenerative medicine. During his career, he has worked on therapies in cystic fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, wound healing, scar prevention and Sanfilippo syndromes. Dr. Miller has managed all aspects of biotechnology business development, manufacturing of biologics, and multiple clinical programs from start-up and has direct experience engaging Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and NIH advisory agencies on multiple Investigational New Drug (IND) submissions.

"We want to thank our supporting foundations and patient advocates, who have demonstrated that their voice is a critical component of accelerating rare disease programs," said Dr. Miller. Abeona Investors include U.S.-based Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, Sanfilippo Research Foundation, Team Sanfilippo, the Abby Grace Foundation, the National MPS Society, The Children's Medical Research Foundation, Inc., and the Ryan Foundation. Abeona has strong international support from the international Sanfilippo community, with investments from Spain-based Stop Sanfilippo and Sanfilippo B Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland-based Fondation Sanfilippo, Australian-based Sanfilippo Children's Foundation and Mexico-based Red Sanfilippo Foundation. Support for the program has also been provided by the Canadian led Sanfilippo Children's Research Foundation (SCRF).

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