A New Pipeline Product Has Been Added. Lineage Cell announced that it has added a new program in auditory neuronal cell transplants for the treatment of hearing loss. The new development program will treat disorders in which the ear can detect sound, but the transmission of impulses to the brain is impaired.Cellular-Based Therapy Would Address An Unmet Need The new product would be based on the the company's proprietary technology in which cultivated cells are transplanted to repair cells damaged or lost to disease. Implanting auditory neurons could help restore hearing in conditions caused by nerve impairment in which cochlear implants and prosthetic devices are ineffective.Lineage Continues To Develop New Indications Following the partnership with Roche/Genentech, the company stated its plan to continue developing the core technology and new pipeline products. It has filed intellectual property to cover the composition, methods of production, and methods of treatment covering the product. Development time frames have not been announced.Conclusion. The new program leverages Linear Cell's existing technology and could provide near-term proof of concept data. We continue to expect the partnership with Roche/Genentech for OpRegen to advance to Phase 2, with data presentations from the ongoing Phase 1/2 trial. Its other products, OPC-1 and VAC-2, are expected to reach clinical milestones later this year. We are reiterating our Outperform rating and price target of $8 per share. Read More >>