The tiny body seemed consumed by tubes and wires and monitors.

Just one day prior, Stephanie and Cody Smith had learned the terrible truth about why their 18-month-old son, Charlie, had been so sick recently. He had neuroblastoma, a cancer that forms on the nerve endings. Scans revealed cancer was on his kidney, lungs, bone and lymph nodes.

To stem the aggressive cancer, his doctors immediately got to work, putting in catheters, taking bone marrow biopsies and preparing for the start of intense chemotherapy. Charlie lay in his hospital bed eating Cheetos Puffs, his favorite food, and sitting with his parents.

"It was hard when we got the news," Stephanie Smith said. "I tried to be calm and collected; I had to be strong for my baby. But its been hard."

Story continues below gallery

The past two months have come straight out of a nightmare for the Smith family. Since Charlie was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma in November, each day brings uncertainty.

The Franklin family has spent 49 of the last 60 days at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. Charlie has gone through rounds of chemotherapy, suffering through fevers, mouth sores, extreme fatigue and nausea that wracked his small body. His treatment will last over the next 18 months, and will include chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, blood transfusions, radiation and immunotherapy.

But despite everything theyve been through, the Smiths remain resolute that Charlie will get better. They have relied on their faith, and an army of supporters who have stepped forward to help them in their worst time, to get them through.

"It was amazing to see so many people come up and love on us. It has taught us to be generous people; weve always thought we were generous people, but when you see the number of people who care for you and pray for you and support you, its really amazing," Stephanie Smith said.

The Smiths have partnered with Versiti Blood Center of Indiana to host a blood drive in Greenwood Saturday. The Cheering for Charlie event will be held from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help increase blood supplies for patients such as Charlie who rely on transfusions to survive.

Every two seconds, someone needs life-saving blood, whether theyre bravely battling disease like Charlie, undergoing surgery or are victims of trauma," said Duane Brodt, spokesman for Versiti. "People need people since blood cant be manufactured."

For most of his life, Charlie was a happy-go-lucky toddler. He loved to smile and laugh, beaming joy. Where his 3-year-old brother Henry was more of a wild child, Stephanie Smith said, Charlie seemed to always be in a pleasant, good mood.

His parents described him as their "happy baby."

Thats what made his lethargy, lack of appetite and gradual decline in health so concerning.

"He was learning how to walk over the summer, and started getting sick," Stephanie Smith said. "We just thought it was a virus; we didnt think of the worst."

Charlie developed a low-grade fever, wasnt eating well and was falling asleep unexpectedly while playing with toys. He wasnt acting like himself, Stephanie Smith said.

During a visit to his pediatrician, the doctor found a hard area on Charlies abdomen, and recommended doing some blood tests and taking an X-ray. Those tests only led to more questions he had severe range anemia and elevated levels of platelets in his blood. But the doctor didnt have any conclusive answers as to what was causing it.

Stephanie Smith, a nurse at Franciscan Health, started hearing warning bells in her mind. That, combined with a mothers intuition, convinced her that they needed to take Charlie to Riley Hospital for Children. After 12 hours in the emergency room, and dozens of tests, doctors found a large tumor in Charlies abdomen.

"Sometimes, when kids are diagnosed with cancer, they can go home and be in and out of the hospital for treatment, but Charlie was really sick. The tumor was pushing on his kidney, damaging his kidney, so we had to stay in the hospital," Stephanie Smith said.

The pathology lab at Riley Hospital for Children confirmed the tumor was neuroblastoma. The cancer forms in immature nerve endings, often in the adrenal glands located near the kidneys and is most common in children age 5 and under, according to the American Cancer Society.

But the cancer is very rare; only about 800 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Neuroblastomas grow and spread very rapidly, so treatment would have to be aggressive, doctors explained to the family. Charlies oncologist recommended starting with two rounds of focused chemotherapy, followed by the extraction of his red blood cells for stem cell transplants, then another three rounds of chemotherapy.

Two different stem cell transplants would be held about a month apart, and Charlie would start radiation treatment. Immunotherapy, which jolts the immune system into targeting and killing cancer cells, would be the final part of the regimen.

Almost immediately, Charlie started his chemotherapy.

"It grows so quickly, that we had to be aggressive. The beginning was pretty intense," Stephanie Smith said.

The treatment was hard on Charlies young body. He developed mouth sores and didnt want to eat, and his nausea left him miserable. The Smith family essentially relocated to the hospital, staying with him constantly.

But at the same time, their friends and family, as well as complete strangers, stepped up to offer help. A meal train was set up to provide the family with food, and prayers came from all directions.

A GoFundMe page has raised more than $36,000 for the family. A community Facebook page has more than 5,000 members.

"We had a rally of people come around us," Stephanie Smith said. "We couldnt have done it without all of the people who have come together."

Charlie has completed his first four rounds of chemotherapy, and on Jan. 20, he was able to return home with his family to wait for surgery to remove the tumor in his abdomen. That operation is tentatively going to be early to mid February.

In the meantime, the family has been soaking in the opportunity to be together somewhere besides the hospital. They have also been working to plan the blood drive being held on Saturday.

Charlie has relied on blood transfusions throughout his treatment, and a blood drive would be a way to raise awareness of the importance of those transfusions to cancer patients, Stephanie Smith said.

"Charlie received quite a few blood products, especially early on in his treatment. He had 12 transfusions in these 2 1/2 months. For his little body, thats a lot," she said. "Being a nurse, I didnt realize the number of cancer patients who need blood products. Its so important. So this was a way to let people know that."

Stephanie Smiths sister, Shelby Richards, knew people who had organized drives with their friends and helped the family get the Cheering for Charlie drive going.

The drive is a perfect opportunity to remind people that blood donations are vitally important, Brodt said. Versiti Blood Center of Indiana needs to collect at least 560 blood donations every day to support the need at its 80 hospital partners throughout the state, he said.

"So our Cheering for Charlie will truly make a difference and help save lives," Brodt said.

For the Smith family, the drive is a way to give back for all the love theyve been shown.

"Its really cool for us to see how many people have signed up, and also be advocates for other people who need blood, to just get the word out there about how important it is," Stephanie Smith said. "Its encouraging for us to see people come out to support Charlie and kids like him."

If you go

Cheering for Charlie blood drive

What: A blood drive honoring Charlie Smith, an 18-month-old Franklin child diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nerve cells.

When: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, 8739 U.S. 31 S., Indianapolis

Who can donate: Generally, anyone in good health age 16 and up can donate. Make sure you do not have a cold, flu or sore throat at the time of donation.

How to schedule an appointment: Go to Versiti.org/Indiana

Information: Learn more about Charlie on the Cheering for Charlie! Facebook group page.

Excerpt from:
Blood drive to honor Franklin child with cancer - Daily Journal

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Blood drive to honor Franklin child with cancer – Daily Journal | January 24th, 2020

(MENAFN - ForPressRelease) 11

New Delhi 23rd January 2020 On Saturday, January 18th, 2020, the Advancells Group & the International Fertility Center together ended their first workshop Sub-Specialty Training in Application of Regenerative Medicine (S.T.A.R. 2020). The three-day workshop had specialized doctors, medical practitioners, learned scientists of Advancells, the leaders in cell manufacturing & processes and IFC, one of India's most prestigious Fertility institute who were joined by candidates with MBBS/BAMS/BHMS/BPharma & Master's degree in Life Sciences.

The key-note speaker of the workshop was Dr. Rita Bakshi, founder and chairperson of International Fertility Centre, the oldest fertility clinic and one of the most renowned IVF clinics in India, one of the organizers of the event. Participants also had a privilege to listen to Dr. Sachin Kadam, CTO, Advancells and gain hands-on experience in the preparation of PRP; Liposuction method; and Bone Marrow aspiration. All these techniques were talked about at length and demonstrated in the form of manual & kit-based models to help the candidates gain exposure.

Dr. Punit Prabha, Head of Clinical Research and Dr. Shradha Singh Gautam, Head of Lab Operations at Advancells successfully set the base of stem cell biology for the participants who were experts in gynecology field, stem cell research and pain specialist. With the help of detailed analysis of 'Application of PRP for Skin rejuvenation'; 'Preparation of Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue and Nano Fat & SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) from Adipose Tissue'; and 'Cell Culturing and Expansion in a Laboratory', applicants understood the application of stem cells in aesthetics, cosmetology, and anti-aging.

Vipul Jain, Founder & CEO of Advancells Group said, 'Educating young scientists about stem cells is important for us. With this workshop we wanted to discuss and share the challenges and lessons we have learned in our journey of curing our customers. We wanted to establish more concrete knowledge base in the presence of subject matter experts and help our attendees in more possible ways. We are hopeful to have successfully achieved what we claimed with this workshop'.

Given the resounding success of the Sub-Specialty Training in Application of Regenerative Medicine (S.T.A.R. 2020), it's hoped that the future events shall offer even greater wisdom to the participants by helping them improve and the lead the community into the age of greater awareness.

Advancells Group Advancells is leading the field of stem cell therapies in India and abroad, with representative offices in Bangladesh and Australia. The company provides arrangements for stem cell banking and protocols for partner doctors and hospitals which they can use for treating the patients using regenerative medicine. With a GMP compliant research and processing center that works on different cell lines from various sources such as Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue, Dental Pulp, Blood, Cord Tissue etc. Advancells also intends to file a patent for this processing technology soon.

User :- Ajit Singh

Email :

Mobile:- 9953809503

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Advancells Group & IFC Concluded their 3-Day Workshop on Regenerative Medicine - MENAFN.COM

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Advancells Group & IFC Concluded their 3-Day Workshop on Regenerative Medicine – MENAFN.COM | January 24th, 2020

Eric Stegers heart is full, although his liver is smaller by 60%.

Steger, a 50-year-old man from Sunnydale, California, affiliated with Chabad, was in Pittsburgh earlier this month fulfilling his dream of donating an entire lobe of his liver to help save the life of another.

The liver recipient, Conservative Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner, 53, said he feels like he has been given a second chance at life.

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Kurtz-Lendner, who relocated to Pittsburgh from Iowa for the purpose of obtaining a transplant at UPMC, had been diagnosed with fatty liver cirrhosis, but the doctors did not know how serious it was until they were in the midst of the transplant.

I could have died before I got put onto a list, said Kurtz-Lendner, who, after the Jan. 7 surgery, is still recuperating but has been discharged from the hospital.

Steger, a math tutor at Foothill College in Northern California, has donated stem cells for a bone marrow transplant and platelets many times, and has been wanting to help save a life with one of his organs for years. He even traveled to Israel to donate a kidney, but was ultimately turned down because he had hypertension.

About a year ago, though, he saw a UPMC commercial airing in California that advertised the fact that it was now performing altruistic liver donations.

I decided to give it a try, said Steger.

He then got in touch with Chaya Lipschutz, an Orthodox woman from Brooklyn who donated a kidney to a stranger in 2005, and since then has made it her work to help others find kidney matches. She receives no money for her services.

Lipschutz had made the shidduch with the kidney patient in Israel for Steger that did not work out, he said.

As fate would have it, Lipschutz did know people who needed a live liver transplant. Steger was medically cleared for the procedure, but the first few people with whom he matched found other donors. Lipschutz then turned to message boards to post that she had an able and willing donor.

Now I was a solution in search of a problem, said Steger.

When Kurtz-Lendners sister in Teaneck, New Jersey, happened to see Lipschutzs post, the match was made.

Post-surgery, both donor and recipient are doing well.

Im feeling very positive, said Kurtz-Lendner, noting that full recovery from the procedure will take about a year. Two weeks ago, I was dying. Now, I have another 30 years.

He, his wife Robin, and his oldest daughter will remain in Pittsburgh for at least six months.

Kurtz-Lendner did not meet Steger until after the surgery, and sees him as an inspiration of a human being. I appreciate what he has done. He just saved my life.

Steger returned to California this week. During his time in Pittsburgh, he received warm hospitality from the citys Jewish community, particularly the Bikur Cholim of Pittsburgh, run by Nina Butler, he said.

Patients and families who come here from out of town always remind us of how special our community is, said Butler. As the Bikur Cholim of Pittsburgh, Im simply organizing the generosity of volunteers to provide the specific support that each patient wants. That started before Jeff or Eric arrived, answering their questions about housing, Shabbat observance and kosher food.

Eric is observant and came unaccompanied, so his housing was complicated because the Family House does not allow patients to stay completely alone, Butler explained. We provided home hospitality, and we also organized volunteers to drop off meals for Eric while his hosts were at work. Most of all, we formed relationships with both patients and Jeffs family so they knew there were Pittsburghers who had their backs.

Robin Kurtz-Lendner said that she and her husband felt so supported, even before we got here. Its been incredible. The whole community has been rallying around us and its really been appreciated.

Donating part of his liver was not easy, Steger acknowledged. Still, he wants to encourage others to consider organ donation.

Im not going to sugarcoat it, he said. It was the hardest thing Ive ever done. It was a year out of my life, one full year when I was thinking about this all the time.

There was a battery of tests, the surgery itself, and now the recovery phase, he said, which all carry physical and emotional risks.

But he is hoping what he did will help generate continued interest in organ donation.

I hope my experience will inspire other people to investigate it for themselves, he said.pjc

Toby Tabachnick can be reached atttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

Link:
California man donates part of his liver to Conservative rabbi in Pittsburgh - The Australian Jewish News

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on California man donates part of his liver to Conservative rabbi in Pittsburgh – The Australian Jewish News | January 24th, 2020

ANI | Updated: Jan 23, 2020 17:49 IST

New Delhi [India], Jan 23 (ANI/Business Wire India): On Saturday, January 18 2020, the Advancells Group and the International Fertility Center together ended their first workshop - Sub-Specialty Training in Application of Regenerative Medicine (STAR 2020).The three-day workshop had specialized doctors, medical practitioners, learned scientists of Advancells, the leaders in cell manufacturing and processes and IFC, one of India's most prestigious Fertility institutes who were joined by candidates with MBBS/BAMS/BHMS/BPharma and Master's degree in Life Sciences.The key-note speaker of the workshop was Dr Rita Bakshi, founder and chairperson of International Fertility Centre, the oldest fertility clinic and one of the most renowned IVF clinics in India, one of the organizers of the event.Participants also had a privilege to listen to Dr Sachin Kadam, CTO, Advancells and gain hands-on experience in the preparation of PRP; Liposuction method; and Bone Marrow aspiration. All these techniques were talked about at length and demonstrated in the form of manual and kit-based models to help the candidates gain exposure.Dr Punit Prabha, Head of Clinical Research and Dr Shradha Singh Gautam, Head of Lab Operations at Advancells successfully set the base of stem cell biology for the participants who were experts in gynecology field, stem cell research and pain specialist.With the help of detailed analysis of 'Application of PRP for Skin rejuvenation'; 'Preparation of Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue and Nano Fat & SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) from Adipose Tissue'; and 'Cell Culturing and Expansion in a Laboratory', applicants understood the application of stem cells in aesthetics, cosmetology, and anti-ageing."Educating young scientists about stem cells is important for us. With this workshop, we wanted to discuss and share the challenges and lessons we have learned in our journey of curing our customers," said Vipul Jain, founder and CEO of Advancells Group."We wanted to establish a more concrete knowledge base in the presence of subject matter experts and help our attendees in more possible ways. We are hopeful to have successfully achieved what we claimed with this workshop," he added. Given the resounding success of the Sub-Specialty Training in Application of Regenerative Medicine (STAR 2020), it's hoped that the future events shall offer even greater wisdom to the participants by helping them improve and the lead the community into the age of greater awareness.This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)

Continued here:
Advancells Group, IFC concluded their three-day workshop on Regenerative Medicine - ANI News

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Advancells Group, IFC concluded their three-day workshop on Regenerative Medicine – ANI News | January 24th, 2020

Debuts at the NY20 Foundation for Podiatric Medicine Meeting

HACKENSACK, N.J., Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royal Biologics, an ortho-biologics company specializing in the research and advancement of novel ortho-biologics solutions, today announced the launch of Cryo-Cord, the first DMSO-free viable umbilical cord graft. The company will be showcasing Cryo-Cord along with its new portfolio of Autologous Live Cellular (ALC) technologies at the NY20 Foundation for Podiatric Medicine meeting, held January 24-26 in New York, NY for more than 1500 clinical attendees.

The company will feature its full suite of surgical biologic offerings at exhibit booth #322, and on the podium for Innovation Theater presentations at 10:30am on Friday 1/24/20 and 12pm on Saturday 1/25/20. These scientific presentations will feature several products within the Royal Biologics portfolio. At its booth, Royal Biologics will showcase its comprehensive ALC portfolio designed to personalize live regenerative healing for a wide variety of wound types across the orthopedics continuum.

The launch of Cryo-Cord enables providers with the first DMSO-free viable umbilical cord tissue. Cryo-Cord has been obtained with consent from healthy mothers during cesarean section delivery and is intended for use as a soft tissue barrier or wound dressing. Cryo-Cord is processed using aseptic techniques and frozen with a proprietary cryoprotectant.

Cryo-Cord offers a new enhancement to traditional wound care therapies and we are excited to pave the way with the first DMSO-free cryoprotectant graft on the market, said Salvatore Leo, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Biologics.

Other featured products at NY20 will include Maxx-Cell, which was launched as the world's most advanced bone marrow aspiration device. Maxx-Cell offers a new technique to a gold standard approach of aspirating a patients autologous bone marrow cells. Maxx-Cell however does not require centrifugation to deliver a final end product. The Maxx-Cell system maximizes stem and progenitor cell yields by giving the surgeon the ability to efficiently harvest bone marrow from multiple levels within the medullary space, while restricting dilution of peripheral blood. As a result, Maxx-Cell delivers a high, most pure enriched form of bone marrow aspirate without the need for centrifugation.

This month, the company has also announced the launch of MAGNUS, which is a DMSO-free viable cellular bone allograft and demos will be available during the conference. MAGNUS presents a unique solution to traditional viable cellular allograft technology as it utilizes a DMSO-free cryoprotectant. This novel approach to the viable cellular allograft market differentiates MAGNUS from other technologies currently available.

Leo added, We are excited to participate in NY20 and share how our Autologous Live Cellular based therapies give the surgeons an efficient and effective way to enhance surgical outcomes by providing alternatives to conventional therapies for bone and soft tissue related injuries. We also believe that in a cost-conscious industry, we can provide novel viable cellular products that provide value at the point of care.

To watch the latest ALC product videos and learn more about the range of regenerative medical products offered by Royal Biologics, along with a schedule of 2020 conferences, visit http://www.RoyalBiologics.com.

About Royal Biologics

Royal Biologics is an ortho-biologics company specializing in the research and advancement of Regenerative Cellular Therapy. Its primary focus is on using autologous bioactive cells to help promote healing in a wide range of clinical settings, with its portfolio of FDA-approved medical devices. For more information on its line of products, visit http://www.royalbiologics.com.

For more media information, contact:Lisa Hendrickson, LCH Communicationslisa@lchcommunications.com516-767-8390

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee412ed7-d46b-40b7-9322-a65f5cb26430

More:
Royal Biologics Announces the Launch of Cryo-Cord, the First Non-DMSO Viable Umbilical Cord Graft - Yahoo Finance

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Royal Biologics Announces the Launch of Cryo-Cord, the First Non-DMSO Viable Umbilical Cord Graft – Yahoo Finance | January 23rd, 2020

The key-note speaker of the workshop was Dr. Rita Bakshi, founder and chairperson of International Fertility Centre, the oldest fertility clinic and one of the most renowned IVF clinics in India, one of the organizers of the event. Participants also had a privilege to listen to Dr. Sachin Kadam, CTO, Advancells and gain hands-on experience in the preparation of PRP; Liposuction method; and Bone Marrow aspiration. All these techniques were talked about at length and demonstrated in the form of manual & kit-based models to help the candidates gain exposure.

Dr. Punit Prabha, Head of Clinical Research and Dr. Shradha Singh Gautam, Head of Lab Operations at Advancells successfully set the base of stem cell biology for the participants who were experts in gynecology field, stem cell research and pain specialist. With the help of detailed analysis of Application of PRP for Skin rejuvenation; Preparation of Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue and Nano Fat & SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) from Adipose Tissue; and Cell Culturing and Expansion in a Laboratory, applicants understood the application of stem cells in aesthetics, cosmetology, and anti-aging.

Vipul Jain, Founder & CEO of Advancells Group said, Educating young scientists about stem cells is important for us. With this workshop we wanted to discuss and share the challenges and lessons we have learned in our journey of curing our customers. We wanted to establish more concrete knowledge base in the presence of subject matter experts and help our attendees in more possible ways. We are hopeful to have successfully achieved what we claimed with this workshop.

Given the resounding success of the Sub-Specialty Training in Application of Regenerative Medicine (S.T.A.R. 2020), its hoped that the future events shall offer even greater wisdom to the participants by helping them improve and the lead the community into the age of greater awareness.

About Advancells Group

Advancells is leading the field of stem cell therapies in India and abroad, with representative offices in Bangladesh and Australia. The company provides arrangements for stem cell banking and protocols for partner doctors and hospitals which they can use for treating the patients using regenerative medicine. With a GMP compliant research and processing center that works on different cell lines from various sources such as Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue, Dental Pulp, Blood, Cord Tissue etc. Advancells also intends to file a patent for this processing technology soon.

For more information, visit https://www.advancells.com/

About International Fertility Centre

IFC is Indias leading fertility center under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Rita Bakshi. She along with her solid team of experienced doctors have create a network of 10+ IVF clinics located in India and Nepal. Their services include In-vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Intracytoplasmic Injection (ICSI), Egg Donation, Surrogacy, Blastocyst, Assisted Hatching, Hysteroscopy, Laparoscopy and much more.

For more information, visit https://www.internationalfertilitycentre.com/

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Advancells Group & IFC Concluded their 3-Day Workshop on Regenerative Medicine - Business Wire India

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Advancells Group & IFC Concluded their 3-Day Workshop on Regenerative Medicine – Business Wire India | January 23rd, 2020

By GREGORY ZELLER //

That light at the end of the tunnel comes from the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, which provided hope and bona fide bone marrowy health improvements to a record number of patients last year.

As 2019 ticked down, staffers of the NHCIs Don Monti Adult Stem Cell Transplant Program gathered inside North Shore University Hospitalto recognize what Ruthee Lu-Bayer, chief of the Don Monti Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, called a monumental milestone: the units 100th stem cell transplant of the year.

While any cancer clinic worth its salt is going to embrace hope, joy can be a rare commodity but the 100th stem cell transplant of 2019 triggered a full-on celebration at the Manhasset hospital, where stem cell transplants began in 1987 and are now performed in the 10-bed, inpatient Don Monti unit.

Complete with balloons, cake and a salute to No. 100 herself cancer-battling patient Teresa OHalloran the celebration assembled the units myriad doctors, nurses and other professionals, with Bayer applauding the combined efforts of every member of our staff who made this moment happen.

I always say that getting through their diagnosis is half the battle, the board-certified medical oncologist noted. When our patients arrive for transplant, I ask them to think of their transplant date as their second birthday, a time when they can begin to live their lives again.

Century mark: Don Monti Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit chief Ruthee Lu-Bayer and No. 100, Teresa OHalloran.

The gathering was also a celebration of the patients themselves, Bayer added, including OHalloran, whos fighting back against adult acute myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer in which the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells.

The 62-year-old East Islip resident, known affectionately as No. 100 around the unit, received the tough diagnosis last August and was admitted to NSUH in December for a bone marrow transplant. Following several days of preparatory chemotherapy, she received her infusion as the calendar flipped to 2020 and is now making an unusually rapid recovery, according to Northwell Health.

OHalloran, who joined the celebration from the safety of her isolated recovery room, credits her faith and positive outlook Ive always looked at the glass as half full, she noted and urged potential stem cell donors to check in with Be The Match, the national, nonprofit marrow-donor program.

I wish everyone could understand how important it is to be tested as a possible match, OHalloran added. Its a simple cheek swab and you could wind up saving someones life.

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At NSUH, a cell of the century in the Don Monti unit - Innovate Long Island

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on At NSUH, a cell of the century in the Don Monti unit – Innovate Long Island | January 22nd, 2020

New cell treatment could help maintain healthy blood sugar levels

A new cell treatment to enhance islet transplantation could help maintain healthy blood sugar levels in Type 1 diabetes without the need for multiple transplants of insulin producing cells or regular insulin injections, research suggests.

In Type 1 diabetes the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed. Insulin injections maintain health but blood glucose levels can be difficult to control. Currently in the UK it is estimated that approximately 400,000 people in the UK have type 1 diabetes.

The current recommendation for people with type 1 diabetes who have lost awareness of low blood glucose levels is the transplantation of islets the insulin producing part of the pancreas.

A study in mice found that transplanting a combination of islets with connective tissue cells found in umbilical cords known as stromal cells - could potentially reduce the number of pancreases required for the procedure.

Mice that received the islet-stromal cell combination were found to have better control of blood glucose and less evidence of rejection of islets after seven weeks, compared to those that received islets alone.

In humans, more than two donor pancreases, which are scarce, are often needed because islets can be rejected and are slow to form new blood supplies.

Therefore, multiple islet transplantations and anti-rejection medication are required to control blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh hope their findings could be a way of overcoming these issues.

The researchers found that islets combined with stromal cells successfully returned normal blood glucose levels just three days after transplantation.

Other studies have used cells sourced from bone marrow and fat. This is the first to use stem cells from umbilical cords and has produced superior results.

The research is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine and funded by Chief Scientist Office in Scotland and Diabetes UK.

Shareen Forbes, Professor of Diabetic Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and Lead Physician for the Islet Transplant Program in Scotland, said: Should this research prove successful in humans, we could reduce the number of islets needed to control blood sugar levels using this co-transplantation approach. This would mean more people with Type 1 diabetes could be treated using islet transplantation while significantly reducing the waiting time on the transplant list.

John Campbell, Professor and Associate Director Tissues, Cells & Advanced Therapeutics at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has said that further work is needed to establish the long-term safety of using this type of stromal cell in this setting before proceeding to clinical trials in humans.

Dr. Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said: Islet transplants have been life changing for some people with Type 1 diabetes, treating dangerous hypo unawareness. But there currently arent enough donated pancreases to go around, and the procedure itself isnt yet as effective as it could be.

This new research from the University of Edinburgh is a promising step forward, and one we hope will lead to islet transplants becoming both more effective and more widely available in the future.

Register for your free SelectScience membership today to receive the latest editorial articles and technology news direct to your inbox>>

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Cell therapy trialed in mice offers diabetes treatment hope - SelectScience

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Cell therapy trialed in mice offers diabetes treatment hope – SelectScience | January 22nd, 2020

Janssen has announced that the European Commission (EC) has grantedmarketing authorisationfora new Darzalex (daratumumab) combo, for newly diagnosed, transplant eligible patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

On the news, the combination, which consists of the biologic combined with bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone(VTd) is now the first regimen approved in over six years for newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for a stem cell transplant. It also means that the patient population now has their first opportunity to be treated with a monoclonal antibody.

The company says that the approval was based on results from part one of the Phase III CASSIOPEIA (MMY3006) study, which showed that after consolidation, the stringent complete response (sCR) rate was 9% higher in the Darzalex-VTd arm than the VTd alone arm.

Further, at a median follow-up of 18.8 months, PFS was significantly improved in the Darzalex-VTd group, with the addition of the drug resulting in an 18-month PFS rate of 93%, compared to 85% for VTd alone.

The effectiveness of first line treatment is critical to maximise time until relapse, explained Philippe Moreau, principal investigator and Head of the Haematology Department at the University Hospital of Nantes.

He continued, The CASSIOPEIA study answered that question definitively, demonstrating that the addition of Darzalex in combination with VTd can lead to very deep remissions and also prolong PFS. Im pleased to see the European Commission have recognised this as well.

MM is an incurable blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow and is characterised by an excessive proliferation of plasma cells. In Europe, more than 48,200 people were diagnosed with MM in 2018, with more than 30,800 deaths related to the disease.

Originally posted here:
Darzalex EU nod marks first newly diagnosed MM treatment in six years - PharmaTimes

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Darzalex EU nod marks first newly diagnosed MM treatment in six years – PharmaTimes | January 22nd, 2020

When enlarged under a high-resolution microscope, microglia resemble elegant tree branches with many slender limbs. As they pass by neurons, microglia extend and retract their tiny arm-like protrusions, tapping on each neuron as if to inquire, Are we good here? All okay? Or not okay?as a doctor might palpate a patients abdomen, or check reflexes by tapping on knees and elbows.

Back in 2004, Barres and Stevens were examining how synapses originally come to be pruned to form a healthy brain during early, normal development. Theyd recently discovered that immune molecules known as complement were sending out eat me signals from some brain synapses, and these synapsestagged with a kind of kiss of death signagewere destroyed. Think of the way you click and tag emails that you want deleted from your inbox. Your email servers software recognizes those tags, and when you click on the Trash icon, bing, theyre gone. Thats similar to what Stevens and Barres were seeing happen to brain synapses that were tagged by complement. They disappeared.

What they described happening in the brain, which they reported in the journal Cell in 2007, echoed a similar process that was well-understood to happen in the body. When a cell dies in a bodily organ, or if the bodys immune system senses a threatening pathogen, complement molecules tag those unwanted cells and invaders for removal. Then, a type of white blood cell known as macrophagesGreek for big eatersrecognizes the tag, engulfs the cell or pathogen, and destroys it. In the body, macrophages play a role in inflammation as well as in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain Barre. When activated, they can mistakenly go too far in their effort to engulf and destroy pathogens and spew forth a slew of inflammatory chemicals that begin to do harm to the bodys own tissue.

Stevens and Barres werent sure what was eating away at these tagged synapses, causing them to disappear in the brain, but Stevens had a hunch that it might have something to do with microglia.

We could see that when microglia sensed even the smallest damage or change to a neuron, they headed, spider-like, in that neurons direction, then they drew in their limbs and morphed into small, amoeba-like blobs, Stevens says. Soon after, those same synapses disappeared. Poof.

Could microglia be the culprit at the center of it all, the macrophage corollary in the brain, responding to eat me signals and pruning the brains circuitry during development? And what if this process was not only taking place in utero? Stevens wondered, when she first saw microglia behaving this way. What if it was also being mistakenly turned back on again later in life, during the teen years, or in adulthoodonly now its a bad thing and microglia are sometimes mistakenly engulfing and destroying healthy brain synapses too?

You can imagine how you could have too many synapses, or not enough synapse connectivity, Stevens says, her hands spreading wide with excitement. And you can imagine, given how our brain works, if that connectivity is even slightly off, that could potentially underlie a range of neuropsychiatric and cognitive disorders.

When she landed at Harvard, Stevens and her postdoc, Dori Schafer, tried to get a closer look at what microglia were up to in the brain. Schafer injected dye into the eyes of mice, which she then traced down from the neurons in the eye nerves and into the brain. This made the brains synapses glow bright fluorescent red. Microglia were stained fluorescent green. If they saw structuresthe synapsesglowing like red, fluorescent lit-up dots inside the bellies of the green microglia, they would know that microglia were eating synapses.

Six months into their efforts, Schafer came running into Stevenss office with photo images flapping in her hand. Theyre in there! she told Stevens. The synapses are inside the microglia! We can see it! It was such a high-five moment, Stevens recalls. Microglia were like tiny little Pac-Men in the brainand brain synapses were in the belly of the Pac-Men! We felt we were on to something really wonderful, really novel. This was deeply important in terms of looking ahead to microglias role in disease.

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The Tiny Brain Cells That Connect Our Mental and Physical Health - WIRED

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on The Tiny Brain Cells That Connect Our Mental and Physical Health – WIRED | January 22nd, 2020

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that Ralph Kern, MD, MHSc, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer, will present at the 10th Annual California ALS Research Summit, January 24-25 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Kern will provide an update on BrainStorms Phase 3 ALS Clinical Trial on Friday, January 24, 10:30 -11:10 AM PT, during the session: CIRM funded Stem Cell Clinical Trials in California Updates.

Dr. Kern stated, This prestigious Summit works to increase, expedite and promote the amount and level of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research done in California that has been reinforced and amplified by the international ALS scientific and medical community. I am pleased to have the opportunity to share all that BrainStorm has accomplished in our fully enrolled Phase 3 clinical trial of NurOwn(NCT03280056).

Chaim Lebovits, President and CEO of BrainStorm, stated, California continues to be a global leader in stem cell research and scientific funding. Due to Californias commitment to stem cell scientific investigation, BrainStorm is at an inflection point as we bring our investigational therapy, NurOwn, toward the submission of a biological license application. In July 2017, BrainStorm was awarded a grant of $15.9 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and three of Californias most prestigious medical centers: University of California, Irvine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and California Pacific Medical Center have contributed immensely to advancement of NurOwn. Everyone at BrainStorm is proud Dr. Kern will have the opportunity to present to the ALS community of California all that has been accomplished due to their ongoing support and encouragement.

About The California ALS Research Summit:

The California ALS Research Summit is the tenth annual gathering of researchers, investigators, clinicians, biotech companies, government representatives, partner organizations, and advocates in ALS and related fields in the State of California.

The purpose of the Summit is to help increase, expedite and promote the amount and level of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) and related research done in California; and to foster networking, collaboration and cooperation among investigators, their peers and their colleagues to identify, develop and deliver new and effective treatments, ideas and, ultimately, cures for ALS.

The result of our efforts is an ongoing roadmap for ALS research in California, which will provide the basis for partnering within the state and other supporters to further studies to find new treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease.

About NurOwn

NurOwn (autologous MSC-NTF cells) represent a promising investigational approach to targeting disease pathways important in neurodegenerative disorders. MSC-NTF cells are produced from autologous, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that have been expanded and differentiated ex vivo. MSCs are converted into MSC-NTF cells by growing them under patented conditions that induce the cells to secrete high levels of neurotrophic factors. Autologous MSC-NTF cells can effectively deliver multiple NTFs and immunomodulatory cytokines directly to the site of damage to elicit a desired biological effect and ultimately slow or stabilize disease progression. NurOwn is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 ALS randomized placebo-controlled trial and in a Phase 2 open-label multicenter trial in Progressive MS.

About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a leading developer of innovative autologous adult stem cell therapeutics for debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. The Company holds the rights to clinical development and commercialization of the NurOwn technology platform used to produce autologous MSC-NTF cells through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement. Autologous MSC-NTF cells have received Orphan Drug status designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in ALS. BrainStorm has fully enrolled a Phase 3 pivotal trial in ALS (NCT03280056), investigating repeat-administration of autologous MSC-NTF cells at six sites in the U.S., supported by a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM CLIN2-0989). The pivotal study is intended to support a filing for U.S. FDA approval of autologous MSC-NTF cells in ALS. For more information, visit BrainStorm's website at http://www.brainstorm-cell.com.

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Safe-Harbor Statement

Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information, including statements regarding future clinical trial enrollment and data, constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could causeBrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'sactual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Terms and phrases such as "may", "should", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "likely", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "predict", "potential", and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, BrainStorms need to raise additional capital, BrainStorms ability to continue as a going concern, regulatory approval of BrainStorms NurOwn treatment candidate, the success of BrainStorms product development programs and research, regulatory and personnel issues, development of a global market for our services, the ability to secure and maintain research institutions to conduct our clinical trials, the ability to generate significant revenue, the ability of BrainStorms NurOwn treatment candidate to achieve broad acceptance as a treatment option for ALS or other neurodegenerative diseases, BrainStorms ability to manufacture and commercialize the NurOwn treatment candidate, obtaining patents that provide meaningful protection, competition and market developments, BrainStorms ability to protect our intellectual property from infringement by third parties, heath reform legislation, demand for our services, currency exchange rates and product liability claims and litigation,; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available athttp://www.sec.gov. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BrainStorm's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or assumptions if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, unless otherwise required by law. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

CONTACTS

Corporate:Uri YablonkaChief Business OfficerBrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.Phone: 646-666-3188uri@brainstorm-cell.com

Media:Sean LeousWestwicke/ICR PRPhone: +1.646.677.1839sean.leous@icrinc.com

Or:Katie GallagherLaVoieHealthSciencesPhone: + 1 617-374-8800 x109kgallagher@lavoiehealthscience.com

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BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics COO and CMO, Dr. Ralph Kern, to Present at the 10th Annual California ALS Research Summit - Yahoo Finance

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics COO and CMO, Dr. Ralph Kern, to Present at the 10th Annual California ALS Research Summit – Yahoo Finance | January 22nd, 2020

Debuts at the NY20 Foundation for Podiatric Medicine Meeting

HACKENSACK, N.J.,January 21, 2020 RoyalBiologics, an ortho-biologics company specializing inthe research and advancement of novel ortho-biologics solutions, todayannounced the launch of Cryo-Cord, the first DMSO-free viable umbilical cord graft.The company will be showcasing Cryo-Cord along with its new portfolio ofAutologous Live Cellular (ALC) technologies at the NY20 Foundation forPodiatric Medicine meeting, held January 24-26 in New York, NY for more than1500 clinical attendees.

The companywill feature its full suite of surgical biologic offerings at exhibit booth #322,and on the podium for Innovation Theater presentations at 10:30am on Friday1/24/20 and 12pm on Saturday 1/25/20. Thesescientific presentations will feature several products within the RoyalBiologics portfolio. At its booth, RoyalBiologics will showcase its comprehensive ALC portfolio designed to personalizelive regenerative healing for a wide variety of wound types across theorthopedics continuum.

The launch of Cryo-Cordenablesproviders with the first DMSO-free viableumbilical cord tissue. Cryo-Cord hasbeen obtained with consent from healthy mothers during cesarean sectiondelivery and is intended for use as a soft tissue barrier or wound dressing. Cryo-Cord is processed using aseptic techniques and frozenwith a proprietary cryoprotectant.

Cryo-cord offers a new enhancement to traditional wound caretherapies and we are excited to pave the way with the first DMSO-freecryoprotectant graft on the market, said Salvatore Leo, Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Royal Biologics.

Other featuredproducts at NY20 will include Maxx-Cell, which was launched as the worlds mostadvanced bone marrow aspiration device. Maxx-Celloffers a new technique to a gold standard approach of aspirating a patientsautologous bone marrow cells. Maxx-Cell however does not requirecentrifugation to deliver a final end product. The Maxx-Cell system maximizesstem and progenitor cell yields by giving the surgeon the ability toefficiently harvest bone marrow from multiple levels within the medullaryspace, while restricting dilution of peripheral blood. As a result, Maxx-Celldelivers a high, most pure enriched form of bone marrow aspirate without theneed for centrifugation.

This month, the company has alsoannounced the launch of MAGNUS, which is a DMSO-free viable cellular boneallograft and demos will be available during the conference. MAGNUS presents aunique solution to traditional viable cellular allograft technology as itutilizes a DMSO-free cryoprotectant. This novel approach to the viable cellularallograft market differentiates MAGNUS from other technologies currently available.

Leo added, We are excited to participatein NY20 and share how our Autologous Live Cellular based therapies give thesurgeons an efficient and effective way to enhance surgical outcomes by providingalternatives to conventional therapies for bone and soft tissue relatedinjuries. We also believe that in a cost-conscious industry, we can provide novelviable cellular products that provide value at the point of care.

Towatch the latest ALC product videos and learn more about the range ofregenerative medical products offered by Royal Biologics, along with a scheduleof 2020 conferences, visit http://www.RoyalBiologics.com.

About Royal Biologics

Royal Biologics is an orthobiologicscompany specializing in the research and advancement of Regenerative CellularTherapy. Its primary focus is on usingautologous bioactive cells to help promote healing in a wide range of clinicalsettings, with its portfolio of FDA-approved medical devices. For more information on its line of products,visit http://www.royalbiologics.com.

For more mediainformation, contact:

Lisa Hendrickson,LCH Communications

lisa@lchcommunications.com

516-767-8390

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Royal Biologics Announces The Launch of CRYO-CORD The First NON-DMSO Viable Umbilical Cord Graft - OrthoSpineNews

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Royal Biologics Announces The Launch of CRYO-CORD The First NON-DMSO Viable Umbilical Cord Graft – OrthoSpineNews | January 22nd, 2020

First patient with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) continues to show no detectable circulating tumor cells (CTC) or putative metastatic tumor cells after 15 weeks of treatment with leronlimab in combination with carboplatin

Second patient with stage 4 HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC) shows 50 percent shrinkage in the primary tumor and no new signs of metastasis in the brain after treatment with leronlimab as a monotherapy

VANCOUVER, Washington, Jan. 22, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTC.QB: CYDY), ("CytoDyn" or the "Company"), a late-stage biotechnology company developing leronlimab (PRO 140), a CCR5 antagonist with the potential for multiple therapeutic indications, announced today additional promising results from its clinical trials evaluating leronlimab for the treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) and metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

New data from the first patient enrolled in the Company's metastatic triple-negative breast (mTNBC) Phase 1b/2 trial continues to show no detectable levels of circulating tumor cells (CTC) or putative metastatic cells in the peripheral blood following 15 weeks of treatment with leronlimab in combination with carboplatin.

The second patient, enrolled through an emergency investigational new drug (IND) with stage 4 HER2+ MBC that has metastasized to the liver, lung and brain, showed a 50 percent shrinkage of the primary tumor and no new metastasis in the brain after treatment with leronlimab as a monotherapy. The patient was previously treated with pertuzumab and trastuzumab for over a year and a half. This patient has been taking leronlimab since November 25, 2019 with one 700 mg dose each week.

"Recent testing of the first patient demonstrated continued absence of CTCs in all blood tubes with only one cancer-associated macrophage like cells (CAMLs) in one of two tubes. In the second patient, the follow up brain scan conducted on January 17, 2020, showed that the largest brain lesion had a greater than 4-fold reduction in size," said Bruce Patterson, M.D., chief executive officer and founder of IncellDx, a diagnostic partner and an advisor to CytoDyn. "Other smaller lesions on the second patient's brain have not changed in size and cerebral edema remains at decreased levels since the last imaging studies. Taken together, these results suggest continued response of both primary and metastatic tumors to treatment with leronlimab for both the first and second patient."

Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of CytoDyn, added: "We are thrilled to see these additional data that further support leronlimab as a potential treatment option for patients with mTNBC and MBC. As a Company, we look forward to continuing our work in the oncology space and developing a potentially safe and effective treatment option for patients suffering from this deadly disease."

About Triple-Negative Breast CancerTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer characterized by the absence of the three most common types of receptors in the cancer tumor known to fuel most breast cancer growthestrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and the hormone epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) gene.1TNBC cancer occurs in about 10 to 20 percent of diagnosed breast cancers and can be more aggressive and more likely to spread and recur.2,3Since the triple negative tumor cells lack these receptors, common treatments for breast cancer such as hormone therapy and drugs that target estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2 are ineffective.4Currently, there are no targeted therapies approved to treat triple negative breast cancer.5

About Leronlimab (PRO 140)The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have granted a "Fast Track" designation to CytoDyn for two potential indications of leronlimab for deadly diseases. The first as a combination therapy with HAART for HIV-infected patients and the second is for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Leronlimab is an investigational humanized IgG4 mAb that blocks CCR5, a cellular receptor that is important in HIV infection, tumor metastases, and other diseases including NASH. Leronlimab has successfully completed nine clinical trials in over 800 people, including meeting its primary endpoints in a pivotal Phase 3 trial (leronlimab in combination with standard anti-retroviral therapies in HIV-infected treatment-experienced patients).

In the setting of HIV/AIDS, leronlimab is a viral-entry inhibitor; it masks CCR5, thus protecting healthy T cells from viral infection by blocking the predominant HIV (R5) subtype from entering those cells. Leronlimab has been the subject of nine clinical trials, each of which demonstrated that leronlimab can significantly reduce or control HIV viral load in humans. The leronlimab antibody appears to be a powerful antiviral agent leading to potentially fewer side effects and less frequent dosing requirements compared with daily drug therapies currently in use.

In the setting of cancer, research has shown that CCR5 plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Increased CCR5 expression is an indicator of disease status in several cancers. Published studies have shown that blocking CCR5 can reduce tumor metastases in laboratory and animal models of aggressive breast and prostate cancer. Leronlimab reduced human breast cancer metastasis by more than 98% in a murine xenograft model. CytoDyn is therefore conducting aPhase 2 human clinical trial in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and was granted Fast Track designation in May 2019. Additional research is being conducted with leronlimab in the setting of cancer and NASH with plans to conduct additionalclinical studies when appropriate.

The CCR5 receptor appears to play a central role in modulating immune cell trafficking to sites of inflammation and may be important in the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and other inflammatory conditions. Clinical studies by others further support the concept that blocking CCR5 using a chemical inhibitor can reduce the clinical impact of acute GvHD without significantly affecting the engraftment of transplanted bone marrow stem cells. CytoDyn is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical study with leronlimab to further support the concept that the CCR5 receptor on engrafted cells is critical for the development of acute GvHD and that blocking this receptor from recognizing certain immune signaling molecules is a viable approach to mitigating acute GvHD. The FDA has granted "orphan drug" designation to leronlimab for the prevention of GvHD.

About CytoDynCytoDyn is a biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for multiple therapeutic indications based on leronlimab, a novel humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor. CCR5 appears to play a key role in the ability of HIV to enter and infect healthy T-cells. The CCR5 receptor also appears to be implicated in tumor metastasis and in immune-mediated illnesses, such as GvHD and NASH. CytoDyn has successfully completed a Phase 3 pivotal trial with leronlimab in combination with standard anti-retroviral therapies in HIV-infected treatment-experienced patients. CytoDyn plans to seek FDA approval for leronlimab in combination therapy and plans to complete the filing of a Biologics License Application (BLA) in 2019 for that indication. CytoDyn is also conducting a Phase 3 investigative trial with leronlimab (PRO 140) as a once-weekly monotherapy for HIV-infected patients and, plans to initiate a registration-directed study of leronlimab monotherapy indication, which if successful, could support a label extension. Clinical results to date from multiple trials have shown that leronlimab (PRO 140) can significantly reduce viral burden in people infected with HIV with no reported drug-related serious adverse events (SAEs). Moreover, results from a Phase 2b clinical trial demonstrated that leronlimab monotherapy can prevent viral escape in HIV-infected patients, with some patients on leronlimab monotherapy remaining virally suppressed for more than four years. CytoDyn is also conducting a Phase 2 trial to evaluate leronlimab for the prevention of GvHD and a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial with leronlimab in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. More information is at http://www.cytodyn.com.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press releasecontains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Words and expressions reflecting optimism, satisfaction or disappointment with current prospects, as well as words such as "believes," "hopes," "intends," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "plans," "anticipates" and variations thereof, or the use of future tense, identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The Company's forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance, and actual results could vary materially from those contained in or expressed by such statements due to risks and uncertainties including: (i)the sufficiency of the Company's cash position, (ii)the Company's ability to raise additional capital to fund its operations, (iii) the Company's ability to meet its debt obligations, if any, (iv)the Company's ability to enter into partnership or licensing arrangements with third parties, (v)the Company's ability to identify patients to enroll in its clinical trials in a timely fashion, (vi)the Company's ability to achieve approval of a marketable product, (vii)the design, implementation and conduct of the Company's clinical trials, (viii)the results of the Company's clinical trials, including the possibility of unfavorable clinical trial results, (ix)the market for, and marketability of, any product that is approved, (x)the existence or development of vaccines, drugs, or other treatments that are viewed by medical professionals or patients as superior to the Company's products, (xi)regulatory initiatives, compliance with governmental regulations and the regulatory approval process, (xii)general economic and business conditions, (xiii)changes in foreign, political, and social conditions, and (xiv)various other matters, many of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company urges investors to consider specifically the various risk factors identified in its most recent Form10-K, and any risk factors or cautionary statements included in any subsequent Form10-Q or Form8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements to take into account events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release.

CONTACTSMedia:Grace FotiadesLifeSci Communicationsgfotiades@lifescicomms.com (646) 876-5026

Investors: Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D.President & CEOnpourhassan@cytodyn.com

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Impressive Results Continue from CytoDyn's Clinical Trials Evaluating Two Patients with Leronlimab, One in mTNBC and One in MBC - Benzinga

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Impressive Results Continue from CytoDyn’s Clinical Trials Evaluating Two Patients with Leronlimab, One in mTNBC and One in MBC – Benzinga | January 22nd, 2020

The first six months of his young life have been a roller-coaster but Mighty Hudson Cowie is back home in Alberta after an experimental gene therapy procedure in Tennessee was successful.

Its been so long since weve got to see our family, our friends, Hudsons dad Ian said. Even just to be able to show him off to everybody. Weve spent the last six months seeing how amazing of a little guy he is.

Now we finally get to share that with everybody.

Hudson was diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) within days of his birth on June 23. The condition, known to many as Bubble Boy Disease, prevents his body from fighting illnesses. Essentially, he didnt have an immune system.

READ MORE:Hundreds attend donor drive for Mighty Hudson, Alberta baby with rare immune disease

In August, Hudson was accepted into a gene therapy program at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis. A medical team removed some of his bone marrow cells and replaced the faulty gene with a corrected one. The cells were placed back into his body through an IV.

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They took his own bone marrow out in his bone marrow, hes got hematopoietic stem cells. They were able to take those cells and modify them to create a product, a repaired version of those cells, and then give them back to him, Ian told Global News on Monday.

Medicine is amazing. We took a chance on science and were so glad that we did. Its amazing what theyre able to do.

Ian and his wife Hayley were weighing two options for their little boy: using donor cells or a revamped version of Hudsons own cells. They decided on the second, which meant a trial at St. Judes.

We weighed the pros and cons of both options and for us, [and] personally, we decided that gene therapy seemed like the safer way to go, Ian said.

It didnt rely on a donor, it was the new up-and-coming medicine, the existing results for gene therapy were already incredibly promising and then, as an added bonus, it had substantially less chemotherapy requirements.

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WATCH: (Sept. 9, 2019) A Morinville baby with a rare disorder received a life-changing procedure in the U.S. Hudson Cowies parents give Su-Ling Goh an update on therapy for his immune system.

It honestly sounded too good to be true, Hayley added.

With bone marrow transplant, we heard of graft versus host disease, where its somebody elses cells and they can reject them. With gene therapy, having his own cells, he wasnt going to reject them because his body already knows them.

A few months after the transplant, they started to see results: Hudsons first T-cells, a type of white blood cell thats a key component of the immune system.

From three months, it exploded. At four months, it was even more T-cells. The growth was exponential, Ian said.

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I think thats the thing every doctor hopes to get to say to their patients one day: Hes cured. And the day that we left Memphis, she said that. She said: Hes cured.

We squealed like little schoolgirls. It was very exciting.

Hudsons immune system right now can be compared to that of a newborn baby.

As hes introduced to small bugs, itll just keep growing and growing and be normal, Hayley explained.

There are still unknowns, but the family is very hopeful.

He was Patient 12 on the trial and from what we were informed, everyone on the trial has done tremendously well, Ian said.

I just think its amazing, Hayley added. Its amazing that we were the first ones who got on newborn screening and that this trial was even available for us. It just seems that everything completely lined up.

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I feel like everything has just fallen into place to get him cured.

The treatment is just amazing. Our doctors are brilliant, its just all incredible and hes doing great.

Hudson was one of the first babies to be screened for SCID through a new program. Since SCID was added in May 2019, the Alberta Health Services Newborn Metabolic Screening Program has screened over 34,000 newborns and has diagnosed four cases of SCID.

While very much welcome, being home is still a big change for the Cowies.

Im still processing, even now, Hayley said. Its nice to go see people but we were in isolation for so long that it doesnt just flip all of a sudden. I know were still really protective and we can hear a cough from miles away.

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It was surreal to leave but I feel like Im still dreaming a little bit.

They havent attempted any big outings yet especially given its flu season but they have been able to go to some family dinners.

Its an adjustment for sure, but a good adjustment, Hayley said. He loves people Hes always just smiling and playful hes just happy.

The Cowies will be back in Tennessee for one day for a checkup this weekend. Hudson will have another checkup with the St. Judes team next month. Hell have followups at least once a year until hes 10 years old.

2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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Alberta baby Mighty Hudson home after gene therapy: hes cured - Global News

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Alberta baby Mighty Hudson home after gene therapy: hes cured – Global News | January 20th, 2020

Warsaw (AFP)

Poland has emerged as Europe's leader in stem cell storage, a billion-dollar global industry that is a key part of a therapy that can treat leukaemias but raises excessive hopes.

Submerged in liquid nitrogen vapour at a temperature of minus 175 degrees Celsius, hundreds of thousands of stem cells from all over Europe bide their time in large steel barrels on the outskirts of Warsaw.

Present in blood drawn from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby, stem cells can help cure serious blood-related illnesses like leukaemias and lymphomas, as well as genetic conditions and immune system deficits.

Polish umbilical cord blood bank PBKM/FamiCord became the industry's leader in Europe after Swiss firm Cryo-Save went bankrupt early last year.

It is also the fifth largest in the world, according to its management, after two companies in the United States, a Chinese firm and one based in Singapore.

Since the first cord blood transplant was performed in France in 1988, the sector has significantly progressed, fuelling hopes.

- Health insurance -

Mum-of-two Teresa Przeborowska has firsthand experience.

At five years old, her son Michal was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia and needed a bone marrow transplant, the entrepreneur from northern Poland said.

The most compatible donor was his younger sister, Magdalena.

When she was born, her parents had a bag of her cord blood stored at PBKM.

More than three years later, doctors injected his sister's stem cells into Michal's bloodstream.

It was not quite enough for Michal's needs but nicely supplemented harvested bone marrow.

As a result, Michal, who is nine, "is now flourishing, both intellectually and physically," his mum told AFP.

A cord blood transplant has become an alternative to a bone marrow transplant when there is no donor available, with a lower risk of complications.

Stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood are like those taken from bone marrow, capable of producing all blood cells: red cells, platelets and immune system cells.

When used, stem cells are first concentrated, then injected into the patient. Once transfused, they produce new cells of every kind.

At the PBKM laboratory, "each container holds up to 10,000 blood bags... Safe and secure, they wait to be used in the future," its head, Krzysztof Machaj, said.

The bank holds around 440,000 samples, not including those from Cryo-Save, he said.

If the need arises, the "blood will be ready to use without the whole process of looking for a compatible donor and running blood tests," the biologist told AFP.

For families who have paid an initial nearly 600 euros ($675) and then an annual 120 euros to have the blood taken from their newborns' umbilical cords preserved for around 20 years, it is a kind of health insurance promising faster and more effective treatment if illness strikes.

But researchers also warn against unrealistic expectations.

- Beauty products -

Haematologist Wieslaw Jedrzejczak, a bone marrow pioneer in Poland, describes promoters of the treatment as "sellers of hope", who "make promises that are either impossible to realise in the near future or downright impossible to realise at all for biological reasons."

He compares them to makers of beauty products who "swear their cream will rejuvenate the client by 20 years."

Various research is being done on the possibility of using the stem cells to treat other diseases, notably nervous disorders. But the EuroStemCell scientist network warns that the research is not yet conclusive.

"There is a list of almost 80 diseases for which stem cells could prove beneficial," US haematologist Roger Mrowiec, who heads the clinical laboratory of the cord blood programme Vitalant in New Jersey, told AFP.

"But given the present state of medicine, they are effective only for around a dozen of them, like leukaemia or cerebral palsy," he said.

"It's not true, as it's written sometimes, that we can already use them to fight Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease or diabetes."

EuroStemCell also cautions against private blood banks that "advertise services to parents suggesting they should pay to freeze their child's cord blood... in case it's needed later in life."

"Studies show it is highly unlikely that the cord blood will ever be used for their child," the network said.

It also pointed out that there could be a risk of the child's cells not being useable anyway without reintroducing the same illness.

Some countries, such as Belgium and France, are cautious and ban the storage of cord blood for private purposes. Most EU countries however permit it while imposing strict controls.

- Rapid growth -

In the early 2000s, Swiss company Cryo-Save enjoyed rapid growth.

Greeks, Hungarians, Italians, Spaniards and Swiss stored blood from their newborns with the company for 20 years on payment of 2,500 euros upfront.

When the firm was forced to close in early 2019, clients were left wondering where their stem cells would end up.

Under a kind of back-up agreement, the samples of some 250,000 European families were transferred for storage at PBKM.

The Polish firm, founded in 2002 with two million zlotys (around 450,000 euros, $525,000), has also grown quickly.

Present under the FamiCord brand in several countries, PBKM has some 35 percent of the European market, excluding Cryo-Save assets.

Over the last 15 months, outside investors have contributed 63 million euros to the firm, PBKM's chief executive Jakub Baran told AFP.

But the company has not escaped controversy: the Polityka weekly recently published a critical investigative report on several private clinics that offer what was described as expensive treatment involving stem cells held by PBKM.

2020 AFP

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Remember being a teenager in high school and thinking 40 was old? I distinctly recall being 15 or 16 years old and thinking Id have it all figured out by the time I was 25. In my mind, Id be a proper grown-up by then in the career of my dreams and married with a baby25 seemed so far away. For the record, I knew nothing at age 25 and felt anything but grown-up. But oh, how quickly time passes. Here I am, a year from turning 40, Ive been married for 12 years, and our son just turned 11. Even now, I cant say with confidence that I feel like an adult. My husband and I still turn to each other with a quizzical expression wondering how we both got here. Im sure many of you reading this can relate.

Of course, the old adage still rings true, and you are only as old as you feel, but even if I dont feel like it, the mirror tells me a different story. Its a daily reminder that time will have her way and you cant stop her. And dont get me wrongIm all about aging gracefully, but I want to look good while I do. For me, its all about taking care of my skin health. Ive been on a cleanse-tone-moisturize-sunscreen routine since I was 14 years old (thanks, Mom!), and its slowly developed into monthly facials, lasers, and a few injectables.

With my big 4-0 coming up, I wanted to try a few buzzy skincare treatments to help turn back the clock a little and make sure my skin looks 100 when the day finally arrives. Read on to find out what Idid along with my honest thoughts, and feel free to DM me at @skinlexicon if you have any questions!

I have already written about my experience with under-eye fillers and lip filler, and I loved both, but Im definitely very careful about who I see for injectables and what filler I use. Most people have some apprehension about trying fillers because there are a lot of examples where it has gone wrong.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people walking around with filler that you can see and recognize that it was done badly with an unnatural result, says Nancy Samolitis, MD, FAAD, of Facile Dermatology + Boutique in Los Angeles. Because of this, many people have the misconception that all filler treatments will look this way. When the appropriate filler product is used with the correct technique, injected at the correct depth in the correct amount, it should not be visible or look unnatural. This was the case with my experience having a liquid facial. Samolitis chose different types of filler and Botox to suit specific areas of my face to ensure a natural look that still had movement and didnt look stiff or overdone.

There is still a lot of confusion around when/where/how fillers or Botox are used, so I asked Samolitis to settle the debate once and for all.

Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau are all different brands): "This is what's known as a neuromodulator," Samolitis explains. "That means it binds to a specific receptor in a nerve ending that prevents the nerve from communicating with a muscle, therefore reducing the muscle activity. These products are used to reduce wrinkles that are associated with certain facial movements/expressions. This is most commonly used for areas such as the frown line between the eyebrows (aka the "elevens"), forehead lines, and crow's-feet lines. It can also be used for upper lip lines, chin dimpling, and lines in the neck.

Newer techniques are using these products to create lift by relaxing muscles that are natural depressors in the face and neck. For example, that muscles that pull down on the brows or the jowls can be relaxed to create a very slight lifted look. Even more exciting and new uses for these products include injecting micro-droplets into the skin (instead of the muscle) to reduce oil production in pores, reduce sweating, shrink blood vessels to reduce redness/flushing, and smooth skin texture. There may even be some benefit for treating acne and rosacea, but this is still being studied.

Fillers: These products replace volume. The most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar molecule that is bound into a gel-like injectable and placed into various levels of the skin and deeper tissues to replace tissue that we have lost with aging or enhance tissue that we don't have naturally. Certain thicker fillers are used more appropriately on bone and in the fat compartment in the face to create contour (for example, volumizing and contouring the cheeks, temples, and jawline).

"Fillers that are smooth and [bouncier and more elastic] are used for smoothing and plumping lips and around the mouth where there is a lot of movement," Samolitis explains. "If a thicker filler is used in these areas or injected superficially, it can create an unnatural stiff or overly plumped look. Finally, very thin, almost watery, fillers are used to create a hydrated effect in the top layers in the skin or fill in very fine lines or acne scars."

Samolitis used various types of filler and botox around my face during the treatment, and in most cases, she says we need a combination of the products described above to create a harmonious overall result. Signs of aging in the face are usually a combination of volume loss including bone resorption and decreasing the size of the fat pockets that give our face its characteristic shape and thinning of the skin leading to fine lines and texture change, she explains. Injectables should also always be combined with skin rejuvenation techniques including a good skincare regimen, sun protection, and in-office procedures like micro-needle or laser resurfacing. She tells me any medspa that only provides injectables is doing the patient a disservice by not treating the skin and educating the patient on sun and environmental damage. Hear, hear.

The other bonus of getting filler is that it actually helps to create more collagen. The injection creates a tiny wound and a stretching of the cells called fibroblasts in the dermal layer of the skin. This stimulus initiates a cascade of wound-healing signals that ultimately lead to new collagen production. Obviously, this is on a very small scale, but often repeated filler injection in the same area (most commonly the lips, a fine wrinkle, or acne scars) will lead to longer-lasting results over time.

Of course, injectables arent cheap but the good news is, you dont need to get them that often. Botulinum toxin averages three to four months while filler can be anywhere from three months to several years (it depends on the type of filler, area treated, amount of filler used, and the person's metabolism).

If you havent heard ofThe Beauty Sandwich yet then Id suggest checking it out on Instagramstat. The creator,Ivn Pol, is ringing in a new age of noninvasive and nontoxic beauty treatments with his unique skin-tightening methodand the Hollywood A-list are lining up. As a long-time fashion and celebrity makeup artist, Pol wanted an alternative way to reduce the look of wrinkles without needles and saw an opportunity in the market for a natural alternative to "looking our best" and staying young. So he developed The Beauty Sandwich, a unique and customized combination of advanced radiofrequency including monopolar, bipolar, and infrared RF. The method organically plumps and builds collagen to give a filler-like appearance, and Im obsessed!

So whats the magic sauce? Why does it work? While there are a lot of devices out there that show improvement in resurfacing and remodeling the skin, Pol has found that the secret to delivering lasting results is through combining or stacking one procedure on another, just like a sandwich. Pol stacks two radio frequency (RF) devices on top of each other. The first is a monopolar system called Pellev, which means the RF (radio frequency) can penetrate deeply until the tissue reaches a certain temperature. This deep energy (which feels like heat to the client) tightens the skin while at the same time stimulates the fibroblasts, which are the workforce cells that produce new collagen and elastic fibers in the skin.

The second is the eMatrix system, which is a bipolar RF device that limits its energy to the upper levels of the skin. This too stimulates the fibroblasts as well as causes some superficial exfoliation. The combination of the two creates The Sandwich, which gives an immediate tightening effect with the long-term stimulation of the fibroblasts. Add some great topical skincare, and youll get that radiant glow were all after.

But, of course, the big question is, how much does it cost and how long does it last? While the results are case by case, Pol tells me he typically recommends six to eight treatments with touch-ups before big events, but the results can last up to a year or more. They range in price from $850 to $1400, so its not exactly cheap, but when you think about how long it lasts, its comparable to filler, and its completely natural and safe. This is the natural alternative to have a filler-like appearance to the skin, says Pol. I think of The Beauty Sandwich as weight training. We are strengthening and toning the muscles to help with collagen stimulation which plumps and lifts the skin, contouring the face and defining jawline.

As you can see from the pictures, the method shows visible results after just one session, and that continues two weeks after. In fact, I had the post-treatment glow for up to three days after the procedure, but it is the gift that keeps on giving. Pol says four to 15 days after the treatment, your bodys natural reaction to heal comes into play as fibroblasts become present, and the collagen rebuilding process begins. And it continued to do so days, weeks, even months after treatment.

But aside from the aesthetic results, the biggest transformation Pol has seen is in the way women feel about themselves after a series of treatments. That boost in their self-esteem, the voicemails I receive when they love what they see, that empowerment is why I created The Beauty Sandwich, he tells me. I have always believed that beauty comes from within. It starts from the bed and the sheets you sleep on to what you ingest. Same goes for what you put on your skin.

I have been seeing celebrity estheticianMatthew Miller for monthly facials for at least the past year. He is one of my favorites in the L.A. area and definitely the most reasonably priced that Ive found here, too. So when he told me about his new treatment,DermalStem Regeneration, my ears pricked and I immediately booked an appointment with him. In a nutshell, this treatment is an amazing alternative to micro-needling without any pain or downtime. While I was there for the anti-aging effects, it can also help other concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and dry skin.

So what is it? Well, DermalStem Regeneration is another treatment that stimulates the growth of, you guessed it, collagen. Firstly, a Bio-Brasion wet/dry microdermabrasion is used to exfoliate the skin. Then he uses a dermastamp to create microchannels on the skins surface. These microchannels allow a serum derived from bone marrow stem cells to penetrate deeper into the skin. Yes, I said bone marrow stem cells! This game-changing serum is packed with next-level growth factors that trigger the skins natural renewal process and promote the formation of collagen and elastin to provide firmness and elasticity. Read: Sign me up! This is quickly followed with a hyaluronic acid serum and 20 minutes of LED to accelerate healing and reduce redness. Both of these together give you the benefits of physical and chemical exfoliation without the irritation or downtime.

Youll see results instantly with this facial, and it just keeps getting better even up to a month post-treatment as the bone marrow stem cells continue to work. You do need to give your body time to produce the collagen to heal the skin after this one, so theres no need to rush back in straight away or sign up for multiple treatments, but Miller says you will see a noticeable difference after three of these. So how much does it cost? The treatment is pricey at $475, but I really do see the value in this one. You can get discounted rates when you buy in bulka three-pack series is $1210, while a six-pack series is $2280.

As I mentioned earlier, I am very picky about who I allow to inject my face. I have seenJennifer Herrmann, MD, twice now for both under-eye fillers and lip fillers, and her work is very subtle and natural. So when I wanted to try the PiQo4 laser to remove a few dark spots, she was my first port of callshe also turned my own blood into an anti-aging serum.

So what is the PiQo4 laser? According to Herrmann, its a picosecond laser thats used to treat unwanted pigmentation and tattoos. It uses energy to target pigment particles, shatters them, and then your bodys immune system helps clear them away, she says. Because it hits its targets so quicklyat picosecond burstsit converts laser light energy into sound almost instantly as it interacts with targets, generating very little heat in the process. This results in less unwanted damage to surrounding tissues, fewer side effects, increased safety for darker skin, and less pain and downtime for patients. In a nutshell, this game-changing laser can pinpoint dark spots and treat them individually without having to treat the entire face. And it works!

But its not just for people with hyperpigmentation like me. You can also use it to remove unwanted tattoos, sunspots, brown spots. In fact, its one of Herrmanns favorite lasers for diffusing brown spots caused by the sun. She also used a fractionated setting on my skin to treat summer sun damage, and it only took one treatmentmy skin is so much clearer and more even. And it only took a week for the dark spots to completely disappear, too.

How many treatments you need all depends on what is being treated. Discrete brown spots can clear in a single treatment, while tattoos can take more than 10 treatments. Prices begin at $250 per session, which is a small price to pay for clearer, healthier skin.

For my fourth treatment, I went to see the much-adored Camille FieldsTyLynn Nguyen is a regular. When you meet Fields, its easy to see why influencers, models, and celebrities book months in advance to have their faces in her magical hands. Fields has been in the industry for 20 years, and her own glowing skin is proof that her treatments and skincare philosophy works. Shes all about strengthening your skin from the inside outSakara and The Beauty Chef products sit proudly alongside her skincare recommendations

Speaking of which, Fields is an officialBiologique Recherche salonthe beloved French skincare line that has a global cult following. Aside fromits groundbreaking, science-based line, Biologique Recherche offers a series of specialty treatments to enhance the effectiveness ofits products, and the Le Grand Soin is the crown jewel. During this treatment, Fields uses specialty boosters, co-factors, masks, serums, and the world-renowned Remodeling Face Machine (the ultimate for firming and lifting the facial muscles), as well as lymphatic and sculptural massage, LED light therapy, and ultrasound. By the end, your face is taut, clear, bright, and glowy. (I have the pictures and videos to prove it!)

All of this will set you back $550, but if you are looking for a treatment that provides long-lasting, skin healthboosting results, this is itmy skin was transformed. But, of course, total skin health is about so much more than just one treatment. As Fields explains, Our skin is just a reflection of our internal health. To truly address the root cause of any skin concern, we have to first look within. Incredible changes can occur when we respect and understand the physiology of our bodies.

Below, I'm sharing the skincare products I used daily to maintain my glow. Keep scrolling to shop my favorite, ride-or-die formulas.

Cosmedix Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser ($39)

I love an exfoliating cleanser to slough off dead skin cells to keep blackheads away and keep my skin feeling smooth and fresh. Both of these are also incredibly gentle on the skin and never irritate or dry my skin out. I'm obsessed with Cosmedix's new foaming cleanser. It's a salicylic acid foaming cleanser, but it's so gentle and doesn't have any parabens, which I love.

Cosmedix Purity Balance Exfoliating Prep Toner ($38)

I'm a big fan of using acids, and this one has both of my favorites,salicylic and lactic acids. I have been using this toner for at least 10 years now, and it is truly one of my hero products. I love how it removes excess oil or residue (including makeup) to reveal smooth, clear skin. It can also be used as a spot treatment for breakouts, and I've even used it in lieu of a cleanser when I forgot to pack it on a work trip once. It's really an amazing product.

IS Clinical White Lightening Complex ($145)

I was gifted with this product about two months ago and have been using it every day since.I do think that my skin overall is brighter and firmer. It's really lightweight (a waterlike essence consistency) too, which I like because I use a lot of serums, and if they're too heavy, it can pill, which I loathe. It is also paraben-free.

The other brightening cream I LOVE isSkinMedica'sLytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum ($154). This product really works to help even skin tone and manage pigmentation.I'm super obsessed with even skin tone, so I have several brightening serums in my regimen, includingCosmedix X-Cell($71), which also has niacinamide and microencapsulated Retinol. I love mixing it withitsvitamin C crystals for an added boost.

IS Clinical Super Serum Advance ($155)

This one is also lightweight, but I love it because it has a really high concentration ofL-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), a whopping 15% to be exact. I also love theCosmedixVitamin C Crystals ($32), which you can combine with any serum or moisturizerVersed also has onefor $20.

Cosmedix Refine RX ($78)

I have been using retinol for years, so I can handle the highest-strength version from Cosmedix, but if you're just starting out or have sensitive skin,the brand hasa range of retinol, so you can work your way up.Serum 16($80) is a good place to start.

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($178)

There are a lot of hyaluronic acid serums out there. I mean a lot. But after trying almost everything out there (well, not all, but a lot!), I consistently come back to this one. It works, plain and simple. I recently started testing out the IS Clinical Hydracool serum after my friend and celebrity estheticianCandace Marinorecommended it. It's packed with hyaluronic acid and feels incredibly cooling to the skinI'm already a convert.

Cosmedix Cell ID ($110)

My estheticianMatthew Millerrecommends this serum to almost everyone. It has really high levels of niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that helps tomanage acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, and wrinkles. This is a really nice everyday defense serum.

IS Clinical Active Serum ($138)

I mix a few drops of this with the IS ClinicalSuper Serum Advance($155) and the White Lightening Serum ($145) morning and night straight after I've toned my skin. I've been doing this for a few months now, and I can honestly say it instantly tightens and brightens my skin. I have definitely noticed a difference. I really love how fresh it makes my skin feel toothe results are immediate. Not sure how I ever lived without it.

Cosmedix X-Age ($160)

I have been using this moisturizer for about a year now, and I notice the difference in my skin texture and overall appearance when I stop using it. This is worth the $$. It has encapsulated vitamin A and a ton of antioxidants to help improve the texture and elasticity of aging skin. I just really love it. I mix it with my face oil every night for added hydration and dewy skin.Humidify($90) is also lovely when I want something hydrating but lightweight.

DMK Seba-E Oil ($0)

I was first introduced to this face oil through Matthew Miller, and I have been hooked on (actually, I think it's safe to say obsessed with)this face oil ever since. I love to mix it with my moisturizer and even reapply it throughout the day for dewy, glowy skin. It can be mixed with makeup too.Mara BeautyAlgae + Moringa Universal Face Oil ($72) is also really beautiful and great mixed with makeup as is the new face 100% organic oil byKohza Numbers(touted as a daily supplement serum withvitamins A, C, and E). It's super lightweight and looks insane when mixed with foundation. I just love it; I just DEW!

Cosmedix Eye Doctor ($130)

This magical eye cream is hands down one of the best out there. I promise. It is like eye cream and a highlighter in one.TheOpti-Eye Crystal ($95) (which is slightly cheaper) is also great and one ofthe brand'sbest-selling products. But I personally prefer the Eye Doctor because it has retinol and feels more targeted to my anti-aging needs.

IS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50 Plus ($45)

This is almost like a mousse in texture. It's light, not too oily, and mixes into the skin without leaving a white residue but also keeps my skin dewy. I love the size of the bottle, and I use it for my face and body. It's paraben-free and doesn't have any active chemical ingredients. Side note: My husband had a terrible reaction tooxybenzone and avobenzone, so if you're sensitive, please look out for that ingredient and avoid sunscreens that have it.

IS Clinical Copper Firming Mist ($35)

I have triedso many face mists, but this is by far my favorite. It does feel firming and is a great spritz to set makeup. I also really loveCosmedixMystic ($42). It smells so good and is incredibly hydrating.

Up next,18 Reasons Kate Bosworth Is Benjamin Buttoning Right Before Our Eyes

This article originally appeared on Who What Wear

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I Tried 5 Buzzy Skincare Treatments Before My 40th BirthdayHere Are My Reviews - Yahoo Lifestyle

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on I Tried 5 Buzzy Skincare Treatments Before My 40th BirthdayHere Are My Reviews – Yahoo Lifestyle | January 19th, 2020

obal Cell Therapy Technologies Marketwas valued US$ 12 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach US$ 35 billion by 2026, at CAGR of 12.14 %during forecast period.

The objective of the report is to present comprehensive assessment projections with a suitable set of assumptions and methodology. The report helps in understanding Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market dynamics, structure by identifying and analyzing the market segments and projecting the global market size. Further, the report also focuses on the competitive analysis of key players by product, price, financial position, growth strategies, and regional presence. To understand the market dynamics and by region, the report has covered the PEST analysis by region and key economies across the globe, which are supposed to have an impact on market in forecast period. PORTERs analysis, and SVOR analysis of the market as well as detailed SWOT analysis of key players has been done to analyze their strategies. The report will to address all questions of shareholders to prioritize the efforts and investment in the near future to the emerging segment in the Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market.

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Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market: OverviewCell therapy is a transplantation of live human cells to replace or repair damaged tissue and/or cells. With the help of new technologies, limitless imagination, and innovative products, many different types of cells may be used as part of a therapy or treatment for different types of diseases and conditions. Celltherapy technologies plays key role in the practice of medicine such as old fashioned bone marrow transplants is replaced by Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, capacity of cells in drug discovery. Cell therapy overlap with different therapies like, gene therapy, tissue engineering, cancer vaccines, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery. Establishment of cell banking facilities and production, storage, and characterization of cells are increasing volumetric capabilities of the cell therapy market globally. Initiation of constructive guidelines for cell therapy manufacturing and proven effectiveness of products, these are primary growth stimulants of the market.

Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe growth of cell therapy technologies market is highly driven by, increasing demand for clinical trials on oncology-oriented cell-based therapy, demand for advanced cell therapy instruments is increasing, owing to its affordability and sustainability, government and private organization , investing more funds in cell-based research therapy for life-style diseases such as diabetes, decrease in prices of stem cell therapies are leading to increased tendency of buyers towards cell therapy, existing companies are collaborating with research institute in order to best fit into regulatory model for cell therapies.Moreover, Healthcare practitioners uses stem cells obtained from bone marrow or blood for treatment of patients with cancer, blood disorders, and immune-related disorders and Development in cell banking facilities and resultant expansion of production, storage, and characterization of cells, these factors will drive the market of cell therapy technologies during forecast period.

On the other hand, the high cost of cell-based research and some ethical issue & legally controversial, are expected to hamper market growth of Cell Therapy Technologies during the forecast period

AJune 2016, there were around 351 companies across the U.S. that were engaged in advertising unauthorized stem cell treatments at their clinics. Such clinics boosted the revenue in this market.in August 2017, the U.S. FDA announced increased enforcement of regulations and oversight of clinics involved in practicing unapproved stem cell therapies. This might hamper the revenue generation during the forecast period; nevertheless, it will allow safe and effective use of stem cell therapies.

Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market: Segmentation AnalysisOn the basis of product, the consumables segment had largest market share in 2018 and is expected to drive the cell therapy instruments market during forecast period at XX % CAGR owing to the huge demand for consumables in cell-based experiments and cancer research and increasing number of new product launches and consumables are essential for every step of cell processing. This is further expected to drive their adoption in the market. These factors will boost the market of Cell Therapy Technologies Market in upcoming years.

On the basis of process, the cell processing had largest market share in 2018 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to in cell processing stage,a use of cell therapy instruments and media at highest rate, mainly in culture media processing. This is a major factor will drive the market share during forecast period.

Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market: Regional AnalysisNorth America to held largest market share of the cell therapy technologies in 2018 and expected to grow at highest CAGR during forecast period owing to increasing R&D programs in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. North America followed by Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world (Row).

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Scope of Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market

Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market, by Product

Consumables Equipment Systems & SoftwareGlobal Cell Therapy Technologies Market, by Cell Type

Human Cells Animal CellsGlobal Cell Therapy Technologies Market, by Process Stages

Cell Processing Cell Preservation, Distribution, and Handling Process Monitoring and Quality ControlGlobal Cell Therapy Technologies Market, by End Users

Life Science Research Companies Research InstitutesGlobal Cell Therapy Technologies Market, by Region

North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South AmericaKey players operating in the Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market

Beckman Coulter, Inc. Becton Dickinson and Company GE Healthcare Lonza Merck KGaA MiltenyiBiotec STEMCELL Technologies, Inc. Terumo BCT, Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Sartorius AG

MAJOR TOC OF THE REPORT

Chapter One: Cell Therapy Technologies Market Overview

Chapter Two: Manufacturers Profiles

Chapter Three: Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market Competition, by Players

Chapter Four: Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market Size by Regions

Chapter Five: North America Cell Therapy Technologies Revenue by Countries

Chapter Six: Europe Cell Therapy Technologies Revenue by Countries

Chapter Seven: Asia-Pacific Cell Therapy Technologies Revenue by Countries

Chapter Eight: South America Cell Therapy Technologies Revenue by Countries

Chapter Nine: Middle East and Africa Revenue Cell Therapy Technologies by Countries

Chapter Ten: Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market Segment by Type

Chapter Eleven: Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market Segment by Application

Chapter Twelve: Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market Size Forecast (2019-2026)

Browse Full Report with Facts and Figures of Cell Therapy Technologies Market Report at:https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-cell-therapy-technologies-market/31531/

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Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market Industry Analysis And Forecast (2018-2026) Dagoretti News - Dagoretti News

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Global Cell Therapy Technologies Market Industry Analysis And Forecast (2018-2026) Dagoretti News – Dagoretti News | January 19th, 2020

Libby Clegg, 29, has represented both Scotland and Great Britain at international sporting events. She won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Paralympics and won gold at the 2016 Paralympic Games. Clearly up for any challenge, the sprinter is now competing in ITVs Dancing On Ice.

But why exactly is the star registered as blind? The sporting star has a deteriorating eye condition known as Stargardts Macular Dystrophy which gives her only slight peripheral vision in her left eye.

Libby has described her eyesight as being like looking at a pixelated computer screen or a scrunched-up firework, when speaking to The Daily mail.

She added: I have some peripheral sight - barely any - and with what little sight I do have I was able to use to use to follow the lines on the track.

Libby wasnt born blind, and started losing her eyesight at the age of 9.

But theres currently no treatment for Stargardt, and eventually, the mother-of-one will lose her entire sight.

She continued: Im at the age where my sight should be stabilising but its still deteriorating.

Things will never go black, but I dont know yet exactly what I will be able to see.

Speaking to The Radio Times about her learning process on the ice rink, Live explained: Its been a learning process.

DON'T MISS

On the track I run with a guide runner and were attached all the time, but basically its like learning a different vocabulary to communicate.

Myself and my partner Mark Hanretty use touch and verbal communication.

Im not as bad as I thought I was going to be, but its not as easy as it looks.

Its a lot harder than I thought itd be, its very technical."

Moorfields Eye Hospital, part of the NHS Foundation Trust, says Stargardt disease is a rare inherited condition affecting one in 8,000 to 10,000 people.

It explains: In Stargardts the light-sensitive layer of cells in the macular region of the eye degenerate.

The macular is the area at the back of the eye which is responsible for the fine detailed vision necessary for activities such as watching TV and reading.

Symptoms of the condition include:

Moorfields Eye Hospital says UV blocking sunglasses can offer some protection for remaining vision, but the condition is currently untreatable.

It adds: A number of novel interventions are currently under investigation, including stem cell therapies. Stem cells are a special type of cell which, when put under the right conditions, can develop into many other types of cell including those found in the macular. It is hoped that new cells derived from stem cells can be grown in a laboratory to be transplanted into the eye to replace areas of dead or non-functioning cells. Stem cells can be sourced from a number of places including blood, bone marrow, umbilical cord and fertilized egg cells.

Researchers are involved in Europes first ongoing stem cell trial for Stargardts. More research will need to be undertaken in the future to determine to what extent stem cell therapy might help improve vision for people with Stargardts.

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Libby Clegg health: Dancing On Ice star is registered blind - what is her condition? - Express

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Libby Clegg health: Dancing On Ice star is registered blind – what is her condition? – Express | January 19th, 2020

Thats something 13-year-old Floyd Korzan learned the hard way when his father, Matt, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a highly-deadly form of blood cancer, after he fell ill on a family hiking trip in the Black Hills in 2012.

Matts fight against the disease has since taken the Mitchell family on a journey of frightening lows and celebratory highs and led Floyd to start Relentless Pledge, a non-profit organization that encourages patients to be as relentless as his father as they fight to achieve the goal of overcoming cancer.

We basically have two goals. The first one is to inspire others to overcome obstacles and dream their dreams. And the second part of the goal is to give a Relentless wristband to every cancer patient in Mitchell, our hometown, and eventually, if we get big enough, South Dakota and the United States, Floyd said in an interview with the Daily Republic.

Its a goal borne out of Floyds experience when he sat with his father at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as he underwent treatments for the disease. Matt beat the leukemia once, but it later returned, a bad sign when associated with this particular kind of cancer. It went into remission again but returned again in 2017, and doctors were not hopeful.

With few options remaining, Matt agreed to a stem cell donation treatment that would use cells provided by his sister, Margaret, who happened to be a 100 percent match, injected into his system following an intense round of chemotherapy. The treatment was difficult, but after 8 million donor cells were circulated through his system, the doctors began to see good results.

Little by little, I came back, Matt said. After 30 days, they did a bone marrow biopsy that showed no evidence of leukemia whatsoever. They did another one at the end of the year, still no evidence of leukemia. They did one at the two-year mark, still no evidence of leukemia.

Visitors to relentlesspledge.org can nominate individuals to receive Relentless wristbands, which remind people to stay the course when attempting to achieve their goals. (Erik Kaufman / Republic)

Floyd recounted the scary days of his dads fight in an essay posted on his website relentlesspledge.org. He asked his father at the time how he could be as strong as he was even as he suffered from the disease and the side effects of his treatment. Matts response was that there may be times in life when the only person left who believes in you is you, and in those times, you must be relentless in order to make it through.

Floyd had found his own inspiration in his fathers fight, and he wanted to spread that inspiration to others who were suffering. Normally a private person, Matt agreed to share his story with the public and helped his son form Relentless Pledge, which encourages people to live life to the limit, to dare, to dream, and be relentless in overcoming challenges.

Visitors to the website can take the pledge, as well as nominate individuals to receive one of the symbols of the organization: a wristband bearing the word Relentless. Visitors can also order wristbands for themselves, family members, friends as well as cancer patients.

The goal is to spread the message of hope to every cancer patient in America, Floyd said. He has shipped orders of wristbands to 26 states around the country and three continents already, and the pair plan to pass out the wristbands to people in the leukemia ward at the Mayo Clinic, where Matt returns periodically for continued treatments. More wristbands will be given out at the Avera Cancer Center in Mitchell.

In total, they estimate theyve given out about 400 of them so far. And the campaign is officially less than two weeks old.

It seemed to strike a chord with people, Matt said.

As the young program grows, Floyd said the organization could expand to include more than just cancer patients in its message. There are others who are trying to accomplish goals, as well, such as public servants or community-minded individuals.

Its not all about cancer. Now were looking at giving them out to local heroes," Floyd said. "So far, weve given them to local firefighters and the librarians at the Mitchell Public Library, and were thinking about the police department."

Floyd hopes Relentless Pledge continues to grow. He is eyeing expanding the Relentless line to include t-shirts that would promote the Relentless Pledge, but for now he is concentrating on fulfilling orders for the wristbands and getting them in the hands of people who need inspiration.

I have big dreams in the future where this organization could expand to have a full line of accessories, Floyd said. Relentless gear.

Matt said he is recovering a little more each day, and hes grateful. Hes been able to throw the ball around in the yard with Floyd again, and he is working to become stronger as he continues his recovery. He said hes grateful for the love and support of Floyd as well as his wife Bam and other children Alexis, Cassidy, Hailey and Jackson. Hes thankful for doctors like Kebede Begna and Lucio Margallo, both of whom Matt described as relentless in helping him fight for his health.

And hes happy to help Floyd spread the message of hope through Relentless Pledge, he said.

I think its great. I think its a noble project, and I think its good for Floyd. Of all the ways a teenager can spend their time, this is pretty solid, Matt said.

Floyd said he plans to continue his work with the organization well into the future. He has a little over four years left before he leaves for college, and with that time he plans to do everything he can to remind those who are struggling to remain relentless.

One Relentless wristband at a time.

The next step is spreading the word, Floyd said.

The rest is here:
Learning to be relentless - The Daily Republic

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Learning to be relentless – The Daily Republic | January 18th, 2020

Research findings show that rare mutations from donor stem cells can be passed onto patients who receive them, potentially causing health concerns.

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis discovered this while analyzing bone marrow samples from 25 adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Heart damage, graft-versus-host disease and, potentially, new leukemias, are the risks associated with these mutations.

There have been suspicions that genetic errors in donor stem cells may be causing problems in cancer patients, but until now we didnt have a way to identify them because they are so rare, senior author Dr. Todd E. Druley, an associate professor of pediatrics, said in a news release. This study raises concerns that even young, healthy donors blood stem cells may have harmful mutations and provides strong evidence that we need to explore the potential effects of these mutations further.

The harmful mutations were found in surprisingly young donors, explained the researchers. Healthy donors ranged in age from 20 to 58, with an average age of 26 years old. Interestingly, the mutations, because they are so rare, were not detected using usual genome sequencing techniques.

In the study, the researchers sequenced 80 genes that are associated with AML using a technique called error-corrected sequencing. They found at least one harmful genetic mutation in 11 of the 25 donors. Eighty-four percent of the mutations identified in the donor samples were potentially harmful and 100% of the harmful mutations were found in the recipients the most common mutation seen is a gene associated with heart disease.

We didnt expect this many young, healthy donors to have these types of mutations, Druley said. We also didnt expect 100% of the harmful mutations to be engrafted into the recipients. That was striking.

These harmful mutations persisted over time, and many increased in frequency, explained the researchers.

In addition, 75% of patients who received at least one harmful mutation developed chronic graft-versus-host disease. In patients who didnt receive a mutation, 50% developed the condition. Graft-versus-host disease either acute or chronic, can occur in patients who receive an allogeneic transplant, which consists of donor stems cells versus a patients own stem cells.

The researchers plan to examine the mutations in a larger study to answer the questions that this study revealed.

Transplant physicians tend to seek younger donors because we assume this will lead to fewer complications co-author Dr. Sima T. Bhatt, an assistant professor of pediatrics who treats pediatric patients with blood cancers at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Childrens Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, said in a news release. But we now see evidence that even young and healthy donors can have mutations that will have consequences for our patients. We need to understand what those consequences are if we are to find ways to modify them.

Read the rest here:
Mutations in Donor Stem Cells Could Harm the Health of Patients with Cancer, Study Finds - Curetoday.com

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Mutations in Donor Stem Cells Could Harm the Health of Patients with Cancer, Study Finds – Curetoday.com | January 17th, 2020