Live Audiocast Available for Next Week’s CIRM-IOM Meetings
By Dr. Matthew Watson
provide a live audiocast of next week's critical discussions of
action on the sweeping recommendations proposed for the agency by the
Institute of Medicine.
telephonic arrangement can be found on the agendas for Wednesday and
Thursday. Also expected to be posted soon on the Wednesday agenda are
recommendations by CIRM Chairman J.T. Thomas.
opportunity to listen and no opportunity to provide testimony. If you
are interesting in making suggestions or comments ahead of the
meeting, email them to info@cirm.ca.gov. The public can also testify at the board meeting.
Claremont Hotel in the Berkeley hills across the bay from CIRM's San
Francisco headquarters.
Source:
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January 20th, 2013
California Stem Cell Face-Off: CIRM Directors Wrestle with Tough IOM Recommendations
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Two days next week at the posh
Claremont Hotel in the Berkeley hills could settle the fate of
California's $3 billion stem cell agency.
board of the state research effort will begin a critical, two-day
public session. On the table will be the $700,000, blue-ribbon
report from the prestigious Institute of Medicine (IOM). The study
recommends sweeping changes in the structure and operations of the
California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), as the stem
cell agency is formally known.
challenges for the agency. But the recommendations are freighted with
even more significance. Below the surface lies the hard fact of
CIRM's dwindling resources and possible demise. In less than four
years – without either renewed public support or private
contributions – the research effort will begin a shriveling,
downward spiral.
 |
| Claremont Hotel |
The IOM report places a special burden
on the agency governing board. The board paid the IOM to evaluate its
performance. In 2010, then CIRM Chairman Robert Klein trumpeted the
value of an IOM study, saying it would serve as a springboard for a
new, multibillion-dollar state bond measure for the agency(see here and here). Given the
state's difficult financial condition – not to mention the position
of potential private sector investors – winning approval of that
kind of investment will be more than difficult.
directors choose to ignore the major IOM recommendations, they will
hand opponents a devastating weapon, one that could be used to convince voters to reject
any proposal for continued funding. The board
would also give private investors more major reasons to say no to
CIRM pitches for cash.
board has rejected similar proposals for changes in the past. When
the IOM presented the study to the board just last month, the
reception was not much different. Several board members bristled. One
influential board member, Sherry Lansing, chair of the University of
California board of regents, said the directors' “hands are tied”
because some of the recommendations might require a vote of the people. Her comments echoed similar statements from Klein in 2009,
when he said board members would violate their oath of office if they
supported recommendations for changes that he opposed.
however, was relatively brief and less than definitive. Klein has
been off the board since June 2011, replaced by Los Angeles bond
financier Jonathan Thomas, who is regarded as a welcome change by a
number of board members.
within the agency itself. Conflict of interest rules would be
tightened. In some ways, the board would lose power, which would be
shifted to the president. The board would no longer vote on
individual applications – only a slate recommended by reviewers.
Applicants for CIRM awards would be directly affected, being barred
from making the sort of direct and public appeals that clogged the
CIRM board meetings last year. And that would be just the beginning.
to make his recommendations for action on the report, although they
have not yet been posted on the CIRM web site. Under what might be considered “normal” leadership, Thomas would be testing sentiment
among board members via personal conversations and phone calls.
However, in California that would be illegal – a violation of open
meeting laws that bar what are called “serial meetings” at nearly
all public agencies.
majority vote for anything significant among 29 strong-minded
individuals is not simple. But it is even more difficult when facing
a board that has a tradition of consensus management and
oversight.
interesting. The nearly 100-year-old, iconic Claremont hotel has a
troubled financial history. It was up for sale for $80 million last
spring but there were no takers. In the early 20th century, the
property on which it is located was lost and won in a checkers game
in Oakland, or so the story goes.
California stem cell agency. Moves next week by directors could
easily determine whether CIRM becomes nothing more than an
interesting scientific footnote or establishes a path that will lead
it to long-lasting leadership in regenerative medicine.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/SS09uwQmVDQ/california-stem-cell-face-off-cirm.html
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January 20th, 2013
NeoStem's Subsidiary, Progenitor Cell Therapy, Enters Into a Cell Therapy Manufacturing Services Agreement With …
By Dr. Matthew Watson
ALLENDALE, N.J. and OXFORD, United Kingdom, Jan. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeoStem, Inc. (NYSE MKT:NBS) and its subsidiary, Progenitor Cell Therapy LLC ("PCT"), together with Adaptimmune Limited and Adaptimmune LLC (collectively, "Adaptimmune"), announced today a Services Agreement under which PCT will provide services to support Adaptimmune's NYESO-1c259-T cell therapy product being developed for multiple oncology indications (for more information with respect to Adaptimmune's clinical trials, see clinicaltrials.gov, identifiers NCT01350401, NCT01343043 and NCT01352286).
PCT's services will include the transfer and qualification of Adaptimmune's manufacturing process for its NYESO-1c259-T cell therapy product candidate at PCT's facility in Allendale, New Jersey and subsequent manufacturing of the product for Adaptimmune's clinical trials.
Adaptimmune develops products containing unique engineered T cell receptors for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. The company has a research base in Oxford, UK and a clinical base in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In December, at the American Society of Hematology conference, Adaptimmune announced encouraging preliminary results from its expanded multiple myeloma trial. Related trials in melanoma and sarcoma are also recruiting patients.
PCT is an internationally recognized contract development and manufacturing organization with facilities in Allendale, New Jersey and Mountain View, California. The company has expertise in GMP manufacture for cell therapies, including dendritic cells, stem cells and T cells. Notably, PCT provided manufacturing for the pivotal studies for Dendreon's Provenge(R), the first cell therapy approved for cancer treatment.
"With our sights set on future pivotal trials for our T cell therapy products, we have invested significant effort towards establishing capabilities within Adaptimmune that support expansion of our clinical platform in terms of both scale and compliance with FDA requirements beyond phase I/II. Our relationship with PCT is an important component," said James Noble, Chief Executive Officer of Adaptimmune. "PCT's impressive level of experience in the burgeoning field of cell therapy, combined with their flexible capacity and professionalism, are among the reasons we selected them for this critical role for our T cell product."
"We are excited to enter into this agreement with Adaptimmune, an innovator for T cell therapy to treat cancers," said Robert A. Preti, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer of PCT. "Given our extensive experience with technology transfer, process qualification and GMP manufacturing, we feel PCT will be an asset to Adaptimmune as it develops its product for the U.S. commercial market."
Dr. Robin L. Smith, NeoStem's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated that, "PCT's expertise is recognized globally as demonstrated by the services agreement executed with Adaptimmune. As PCT continues to expand its GMP manufacturing capabilities and focus to support the development of an increasingly wide range of cell therapies under development, it remains focused on providing outstanding client services."
About Adaptimmune
Adaptimmune focuses on the use of T cell therapy to treat cancer and infectious disease. It aims to use the body's own machinery -- the T cell -- to target and destroy cancerous or infected cells.
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January 16th, 2013
Stem Cell Therapy Guidelines Readied
By NEVAGiles23
MANILA, Philippines --- The Department of Health (DOH) is preparing guidelines for the use of stem cell therapy in the treatment of diseases in the Philippines.
This was announced by DOH Secretary Enrique T. Ona yesterday in a convention on stem cell therapy at the Manila Hotel.
Ona said a bio-ethics advisory board will develop the guidelines which will include ethical standards in the application of stem cell therapy to treat diseases such as malignancies, blood disorders and metabolic disorders, among others.
"The institutional board will review and approve Stem Cell therapies based on guidelines by the advisory board," Ona said.
He added that the board will also include ethical and legal issues surrounding stem cell therapy.
Last week, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM) issued a joint statement that warned against the dangers of receiving stem cell transplants that came from another source other than the patient's body.
"If the stem cell that you received is not from your own body, it could lead to fatal complications," Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM) and the PMA said.
The doctors warned that complications arising from stem cell transplants include graft-versus-host disease, stem cell (graft) failure, organ injury, infections, cataracts, infertility, new cancers, and even death.
Ona said a public hearing will be held on January 18 regarding the preliminary draft of the guidelines.
He said the guidelines will ensure the minimum quality of service and application in the use of stem cells in health settings.
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Stem Cell Therapy Guidelines Readied
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January 16th, 2013
SanBio Announces Enrollment Of The Second Cohort Of Patients In Its Clinical Trial Of Stem Cell Therapy For Chronic …
By Dr. Matthew Watson
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --SanBio Inc. today announced the successful enrollment of the second dose cohort of patients in its Phase 1/2a clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of a novel allogeneic stem cell therapy product, SB623, in patients suffering from chronic deficits resulting from previous stroke injuries. The first 12 patients, of a planned total of 18, have been successfully administered SB623. The trial is being conducted at Stanford University, the University of Pittsburgh and Northwestern University. No safety concerns have been attributed to the cell therapy product. For details regarding this clinical trial, please refer to http://www.strokeclinicaltrial.org.
SB623 is derived from adult bone marrow and has shown safety and efficacy in rodent models of chronic stroke. "The successful completion of the first two dose cohorts of this pioneering clinical trial is a clear indication of the dedication and professionalism of the entire team," said Keita Mori, SanBio CEO.
SB623 is being delivered to the damaged region of the brains of patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke. Product safety is the primary focus of the study but various measurements of efficacy are also being tested.
"We are pleased with the safety findings of the study thus far," said Dr. Ernest Yankee, SanBio's Executive Vice President of Development. "We anticipate completing the enrollment of the third and final dose cohort early in the year and reporting the results shortly thereafter."
About SB623: SB623 is a proprietary cell therapy product consisting of cells derived from genetically engineered bone marrow stromal cells obtained from healthy adult donors. SB623 is administered adjacent to the area damaged by stroke and functions by producing proteins that aid the regenerative process.
About SanBio: SanBio is a privately held San Francisco Bay Area biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of new regenerative cell therapy products.
For more information: http://www.san-bio.com
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SanBio Announces Enrollment Of The Second Cohort Of Patients In Its Clinical Trial Of Stem Cell Therapy For Chronic ...
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January 14th, 2013
Swaminathan for biotechnology regulatory body – The Hindu
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 The Hindu | Swaminathan for biotechnology regulatory body The Hindu Noted agricultural scientist and Rajya Sabha member M.S. Swaminathan on Tuesday stressed the need for putting in place an autonomous biotechnology regulatory authority for ensuring bio-security of the country, with respect to the clearance of ... |
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January 13th, 2013
Gene Therapies Will Cure Many a Disease (preview)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The Science Of The Next 150 Years: 50 Years in the Future [More]
http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=72f945621480bfc5969f6a7a29254aaf
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January 13th, 2013
The Science of the Next 150 Years
By Dr. Matthew Watson
What scientific and technological milestones can we envision 50, 100 and 150 years hence?
http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=bb22bbe61dfa476fb230c7787f0d7954
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January 13th, 2013
Nature Biotechnology: California Stem Cell Agency Receives ‘Stinging Rebuke’
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Biotechnology read: “IOM smacks down California Institute of
Regenerative Medicine.”
DeFrancesco said that the $3 billion California stem cell agency
“received a stinging rebuke of much of the way it has been carrying
out its business by a group of independent reviewers.”
the blue-ribbon, Institute of Medicine panel “praised the courage
and vision of the individuals who spearheaded the program as well as
those toiling in the CIRM office in San Francisco.”
familiar ground for many readers, summarizing the IOM's sweepingrecommendations last month, including those dealing with the built-in
conflicts of interest on the agency's 29-member governing board.
whether the agency will move to adopt any of the recommendations from
the panel, many of which have been rejected in the past.
board last month bristled at some of the recommendations. The board is scheduled to discuss the IOM report, for
which it paid $700,000, at a public meeting Jan. 23 in Berkeley.
Patient advocates are already organizing a turn-out to lobby against
some recommendations.
Source:Stem Cell Therapy
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January 13th, 2013
Roman Reed is Stem Cell Person of 2012; Leigh Turner Runner-up
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Roman Reed, a Fremont, Ca., patient advocate, this week was named Stem
Cell Person of 2012 by the Knoepfler Stem Cell Lab at UC Davis, which
cited Reed for energizing a new generation of
advocacy.
 |
| Roman Reed (left) and Paul Knoepfler Knoepfler Lab photo |
Knoepfler awarded Reed $1,000 from his personal funds. The ceremonial
check appears to be close to four-feet long in a photo taken in
Knoepfler's lab.
made a “tremendous difference” in 2012. The researcher said,
“One of the most notable was
catalyzing the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act in
Alabama, which provides $400,000/year in funding for research. Of
course, TJ and many others who helped make this possible also deserve
great credit and have my admiration, but Roman provided key
leadership. Here in California, Roman’s Law supported its 11th
year of grants all eligible for all forms of stem cell research.
Roman informs me that it funded $749,00 overall and approximately
$200,000 in stem cell funding.
“In addition, Roman in 2012 mentored
and energized a whole new generation of advocacy from young,
energetic leaders: TJ Atchison, Katie Sharify, Richard Lajara
and Tory Minus.”
but also conducted an advisory poll that Reed won. Knoepfler wrote,
 |
| Leigh Turner U of Minn photo |
“Only 6% behind Roman was the amazing
activist Ted Harada followed by Roman’s dad the remarkable Don
Reed, the wonderful Judy Roberson, and the super Katie Sharify nearly
all tied for third. Next after them was the relative new kid in stem
cell town, Leigh Turner.”
professor at the Center for Bioethics at the University of Minnesota,
as the official runner-up in the contest, No. 2 behind Reed.
Knoepfler wrote,
“Leigh took the courageous,
outside-the-box step in 2012 of contacting the FDA to investigate
Celltex when he perceived patients could be at risk. As “thanks”
for his action, he was put under enormous pressure and there was talk
of possible litigation against him. Pressure was applied to his
employer, the University of Minnesota. We’ll never know for sure,
but from everything that I know I believe that Leigh’s actions
directly led to prompt FDA action, which otherwise might not have
happened at all or until much later. In my opinion, Leigh’s act of
courage, helped make hundreds of patients safer in a direct way and
indirectly may have set a higher standard for the field of stem cell
treatments.”
Source:Stem Cell Therapy
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January 13th, 2013
BioTime Stock Jumps 22 Percent in Two Days in Wake of Geron Deal
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The stock price of Biotime, Inc., of
Alameda, Ca., shot up more than 12 percent today following the
announcement of a complex deal that will give it the stem cell assets
of Geron Corp., the first firm to launch a clinical trial for an hESC
therapy.
 |
| Geron stock price Jan. 2-8 Google chart |
43 cents or 12.46 percent. That followed a 9.6 percent gain
yesterday. Geron's stock closed at $1.63, up three cents or 1.9
percent.
with our tracking showing only one story so far today on The Scientist magazine web site.
Source:Stem Cell Therapy
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January 13th, 2013
BioTime Buys Geron’s Stem Cell Assets, Including hESC Clinical Trial
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Geron Corp., which pioneered the first
clinical trial of an hESC therapy, today sold its stem cell
business to another San Francisco Bay Area firm whose two top
executives were once CEOs at Geron.
 |
| Michael West BioTime photo |
not clear from the public statements released by Geron and the
acquiring firm, BioTime, Inc., of Alameda, but an unidentified
outside investor is adding $10 million to transaction.
Michael West, CEO of BioTime, said that as a result of the deal his
firm will hold 600 patents and patent applications involving stem
cells. He said the aggregation should help in attracting financial
interest in the firm and its efforts.
Acquistion Corp., the BioTime subsidiary that is picking up the Geron
assets, is headed by Tom Okarma, who was Geron's CEO from 1999 to
2011.
Geron abruptly jettisoned its stem cell business along with the
clinical trial. Geron has been looking since then for a buyer for the
assets.
 |
| Tom Okarma Geron photo |
decision in 2011, the California stem cell agency had signed a $25
million loan agreement with Geron to support the clinical trial. The
company paid back with interest the amount of the loan that it had
received.
not specify whether BioTime will begin seeking additional
participants in the clinical trial. Nor did BioTime indicate whether
it would seek additional funding from the state stem cell agency.
interview that he has an “open mind” about working with CIRM.
Last year, agency officials indicated an interest in continuing to
support the clinical trial. West said BioTime had already hired some
employees that were laid off by Geron, including its patent attorney.
He said that he hoped to reassemble at least part of Geron's now
scattered stem cell team.
when the deal is officially concluded in September, “it is
anticipated that Geron stockholders would own approximately 21% of
BAC, BioTime would own approximately 72%, and a private investor
would own approximately 7% after an additional $5 million investment
in BAC.”
leased space in Menlo Park that Geron once used for its stem cell
business.
BioTime's stock price closed at $3.45 today and had a 52-week high of
$6.35 and a low of $2.67. Geron closed at $1.60 and had a 52-week
high of $2.99 and a low of 91 cents.
Francisco Business Times about the deal. Here are links to the
BioTime press release, a BioTime FAQ and the Geron press release.
Source:Stem Cell Therapy
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January 13th, 2013
Reverse Engineering Grandpa
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Stem cells are rarely the subject of
cartoons, but one popped last week from Bizarro.
Francisco Chronicle and elsewhere, including the
Bizarro web site. The image was of a petri dish in a lab with
tiny maternal speck giving parental advice to an even tinier speck:
"You can be anything you want to be when you grow up."
Artist Dan Piraro said the cartoon was his favorite of the
week because of its “strangeness.”
“To use a term common in the
vernacular of geneticists, it’s creepy cool.”
between embryonic and adult cells, much less reprogrammed adult
cells. Using reprogrammed cells in the cartoon would have been even
creepier and cooler, giving new meaning to the 1947 song, “I Am My
Own Grandpa.”(See here and here.)
(A nod to "Bob" for calling our attention to the cartoon.)
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/gXXLRtG2Sx4/reverse-engineering-grandpa.html
Dr Koh to scale back on medical practice if elected in Punggol East – AsiaOne
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 AsiaOne | Dr Koh to scale back on medical practice if elected in Punggol East AsiaOne He is also a part-time Consultant Surgeon at the Department of Colorectal Surgery in Singapore General Hospital (SGH), and remains as the Acting Director of the Colorectal Cancer Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory. "I think it's inevitable, that's ... |
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January 13th, 2013
Research and Markets: Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to 2018
By LizaAVILA
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dd7jnv/stem_cell_therapy) has announced the addition of the "Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to 2018 - Commercialization Supported by Favorable Government Policies, Strong Pipeline and Increased Licensing Activity" report to their offering.
Commercialization Supported by Favorable Government Policies, Strong Pipeline and Increased Licensing Activity
Stem Cell Research in Asia-Pacific a Growth Engine for Region's Scientific Ambitions
The stem cell therapy market in Asia-Pacific is poised to offer significant contributions in the future, thanks to renewed interest by the respective governments of India, China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore to provide cures for a range of diseases, states a new report by healthcare experts GBI Research.
Stem cells are unique body cells that possess the ability to divide and differentiate into diverse cell types, and can be used to produce more stem cells. The use of adult stem cells has been successfully employed to treat bone and blood related disorders such as leukemia, through bone marrow transplants. Stem cell therapy is used to repair and regenerate the damaged tissue, though the actual mechanism of action is largely unknown.
The growth in the stem cell therapy market will not only provide treatment options but will also contribute significantly to the countries' Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the President of South Korea only last year referring to stem cell research as a new growth engine for the nation's economy. In order to support the stem cell industry, regulatory guidelines in Asia-Pacific countries allow stem cell research, and this has led to its commercialization. India and South Korea are the leaders in the commercialization of stem cell therapy, with approved products for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), osteoarthritis and anal fistula in Crohn's disease, amongst others. The countries allow the use of human embryonic stem cells and provide adequate funding support for the research.
Stem cell therapy is an emerging field, and a large amount of research is currently being carried out by institutions such as hospitals, universities and medical colleges. According to GBI Research's analysis of the stem cell therapy research in Asia-Pacific, 63% of pipeline molecules were being researched by academia. The emergence of institutional research has boosted stem cell discoveries, as companies can be put off conducting research due to uncertain therapeutic outcomes. China and Japan witness only a negligible industry presence in stem cell research, as academic institutions dominate - however in contrast, India has the presence of both industry and academia. The major institutions engaged in stem cell research in India are LV Prasad Eye Institute (LYPEI) for Limbal Stem Cell Technology (LSCT), and the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) for stem cell therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The market is poised for significant growth in the future, due to the anticipated launch of JCR Pharmaceuticals' JR-031 in Japan in 2014, and FCB Pharmicell's Cerecellgram (CCG) in South Korea in 2015. GBI Research therefore predicts that the stem cell therapy market will grow in value from $545m in 2012 to $972m in 2018, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10%.
Companies Mentioned
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Research and Markets: Stem Cell Therapy Market in Asia-Pacific to 2018
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January 12th, 2013
Jorge Paz MD: Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis, Sports Injury, and Autoimmune Disease || 3 of 3 – Video
By LizaAVILA
Jorge Paz MD: Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis, Sports Injury, and Autoimmune Disease || 3 of 3
Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis using adipose (fat) stem cell. Case study of 76 year-old man with osteoarthritis in his knees. Stromal vasular fraction treatment statistics including side effects collected over 800 infusions. Stem cell treatments for sports injuries and why pro sports stars are seeking treatment. Case study of a professional dancer with knee and neck problems who returned to competition after stem cell treatment in Panama.
By: cellmedicine
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Jorge Paz MD: Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis, Sports Injury, and Autoimmune Disease || 3 of 3 - Video
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January 10th, 2013
DOH: Stem cell therapy dangerous
By Sykes24Tracey
By JENNY F. MANONGDO
Manila, Philippines Doctors yesterday warned against fatal complications of the use of stem cell therapy.
According to the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM), a stem cell transplant poses a host of complications, including fatal complications that depend on several factors such as the type of blood disorder, type of transplant and the age and health of the person receiving the transplant. If the stem cell that you received is not from your own body, it could lead to fatal complications, PSSCM said.
The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) also warned that a patients body may reject the transplant stem cells from a donor.
Although some people experience few problems with a transplant, others may develop complications that may require treatment or hospitalization. Some complications could even be life-threatening, said Dr. Leo Olarte, PMA vice-president.
According to Olarte, the complications that can arise with a stem cell transplant include graftversus-host disease, stem cell (graft) failure, organ injury, infections, cataracts, infertility, new cancers, and even death.
According to Olarte, a person who will undergo a stem cell transplant from a donor (allogeneic stem cell transplant) may be at risk of graft-versus-host disease.
This condition occurs when a donors transplanted stem cells attack your body. Graft-versushost disease can be mild or severe. It can occur soon after your transplant or months to years later. Aside from the graft-versushost disease, stem cell transplant from a donor can likewise affect any organ, commonly the skin (rash, often like sunburn), gut (mouth sores, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting), liver (jaundice or yellowing of the skin), lungs (blocked airways) or eyes (irritation and light sensitivity).
Olarte said it could also lead to chronic disability arising from organ injury or infections that are potentially life-threatening.
Commercial establishments offering stem cell treatments have increased following its popularity in the treatment of various diseases.
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DOH: Stem cell therapy dangerous
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January 9th, 2013
Research and Markets: Cell Therapy – Technologies, Markets and Companies – 2013 Report
By Dr. Matthew Watson
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4gllbg/cell_therapy) has announced the addition of Jain PharmaBiotech's new report "Cell Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies" to their offering.
This report describes and evaluates cell therapy technologies and methods, which have already started to play an important role in the practice of medicine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is replacing the old fashioned bone marrow transplants. Role of cells in drug discovery is also described. Cell therapy is bound to become a part of medical practice.
Stem cells are discussed in detail in one chapter. Some light is thrown on the current controversy of embryonic sources of stem cells and comparison with adult sources. Other sources of stem cells such as the placenta, cord blood and fat removed by liposuction are also discussed. Stem cells can also be genetically modified prior to transplantation.
Cell therapy technologies overlap with those of gene therapy, cancer vaccines, drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Pharmaceutical applications of stem cells including those in drug discovery are also described. Various types of cells used, methods of preparation and culture, encapsulation and genetic engineering of cells are discussed. Sources of cells, both human and animal (xenotransplantation) are discussed. Methods of delivery of cell therapy range from injections to surgical implantation using special devices.
Cell therapy has applications in a large number of disorders. The most important are diseases of the nervous system and cancer which are the topics for separate chapters. Other applications include cardiac disorders (myocardial infarction and heart failure), diabetes mellitus, diseases of bones and joints, genetic disorders, and wounds of the skin and soft tissues.
Regulatory and ethical issues involving cell therapy are important and are discussed. Current political debate on the use of stem cells from embryonic sources (hESCs) is also presented. Safety is an essential consideration of any new therapy and regulations for cell therapy are those for biological preparations.
The cell-based markets was analyzed for 2012, and projected to 2022.The markets are analyzed according to therapeutic categories, technologies and geographical areas. The largest expansion will be in diseases of the central nervous system, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Skin and soft tissue repair as well as diabetes mellitus will be other major markets.
The number of companies involved in cell therapy has increased remarkably during the past few years. More than 500 companies have been identified to be involved in cell therapy and 285 of these are profiled in part II of the report along with tabulation of 272 alliances. Of these companies, 156 are involved in stem cells. Profiles of 70 academic institutions in the US involved in cell therapy are also included in part II along with their commercial collaborations. The text is supplemented with 55 Tables and 11 Figures. The bibliography contains 1,050 selected references, which are cited in the text.
Key Topics Covered:
Originally posted here:
Research and Markets: Cell Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies - 2013 Report
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January 9th, 2013
Owner hopes stem cell therapy will get dog's life back
By JoanneRUSSELL25
REHOBOTH, Mass. --
A first of its kind procedure is being performed in Massachusetts Monday. Its a stem cell therapy on a dog.
"He can't get comfortable, can't lay down, because of the pain, so he sits up and stares at the wall all night, which is tough to watch," said Bob Cook, Bubbas owner.
Cook of Taunton is talking about his 2-year-old English Bulldog Bubba, who suffers from hip dysplasia.
He said his condition has gotten worse in the last several months. After doing research, he found out about a regenerative stem cell therapy and has been hopeful.
He brought Bubba to the Abbot Animal Hospital in Rehoboth.
"Hopefully we can give these animals relief and increase quality of life and their life span as well, said Dr. Ashraf Gomaa.
Gomaa is the only doctor in our area certified by MediVet America, the company that developed this technology.
After extracting fat from Bubba, it is processed in a machine that basically breaks down the cells to get to the healthy stem cells. The cells are then injected back into Bubba into the area of concern.
"Replacing the bad cells with new cells, pretty advanced technology," Gomaa said.
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Owner hopes stem cell therapy will get dog's life back
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January 8th, 2013
Celling Biosciences Hosts Austin Cell Therapy Symposium
By NEVAGiles23
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --On Friday, January 4th Celling Biosciences hosted the Austin Cell Therapy Symposium at the downtown Hilton to build awareness and provide a platform for physicians, scientists, policy makers and academia to discuss the impact of cell therapy on global healthcare and the opportunity for the local community in Central Texas. Cell therapy will revolutionize the landscape of medicine by providing viable and affordable treatment options across all disciplines of medicine without the controversy associated with embryonic stem cells.
The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Arnold I. Caplan, Professor of Biology and Director of the Skeletal Research Center at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Caplan has published over 390 papers and manuscripts and has long been supported by the National Institute of Health and other non-profit and for-profit agencies for his efforts in trying to understand the development, maturation and aging of cartilage, bone, skin and other mesenchymal cell tissues."I firmly believe that the research and development efforts going on today will change the future of medicine forever. We are only scratching the surface of the potential there is to treat different health issues with cell therapy. It takes a concerted effort by scientists, physicians and commercial entities for patients to ultimately enjoy the benefits. This type of platform provided by Celling Biosciences allows us to effectively progress forward," says Dr. Caplan.
Dr. Carl Gregory from the Texas A&M Regenerative Medicine Institute and Dr. Vivienne Rebel from UT Health Science Center San Antonio both represented local academia in Central Texas. The research being conducted and the recruitment of students trained in these programs are obvious reasons for Texans to keep supporting Governor Perry's efforts to make Texas a leader in the research and commercialization efforts of regenerative cell therapy. Both speakers are leading efforts for research that will one day lead to alternative healthcare options.
Dr. Philippe Hernigou, a leading orthopedic surgeon from France, presented his 20 years clinical experience working with cell therapy in his practice as University of Paris Chief of Orthopedics.Dr. Hernigou is well published in his clinical use of cell therapy and has treated over 2,500 patients utilizing autologous bone marrow derived cells to treat a wide range of orthopedic pathologies. Dr. Hernigou's research on the safety of cell therapy has been accepted and will be presented at the 2013 AAOS, a leading congress for orthopedic surgeons.
Clinicians were also represented by Dr. Scott Spann, an orthopedic surgeon at Westlake Hospital in Austin, who provides care to patients with spinal cord injury.Dr. Spann believes one day cell therapy will be a common option for patients suffering from debilitating health issues like spinal cord injury.A member of the audience and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Christoph Meyer has been utilizing cell therapy in his practice for years and also believes it is the future of medicine. "Thanks to these efforts, physicians are benefiting from access to the growing body of research based medicine being established in the field of cellular therapy and regenerative medicine.As the technology is developed, it ultimately gives my patients the best care available and this event gives me the opportunity to discuss experiences with world leaders in cell therapy."
Healthcare is going through major changes and cell therapy is going to have many challenges ahead. Julian Rivera, legal healthcare specialist at the Brown McCarroll Law Firm, discussed the impact of the recent challenges in front of the Texas Medical Board which has adopted rules that work with the FDA to help keep Texas revolutionizing cell therapy.Mr. Rivera believes that the legal issues will take time but is optimistic about how the State of Texas has handled the challenges thus far.
"We are fortunate to have industry leaders joining us to discuss the future impact of cell therapy. We are proud to be Texans who are pioneering the way in the global healthcare market place for regenerative cell therapies. Celling Biosciences understands that the cell therapy market is in its infancy which is a key reason why we invest heavily on research and development with our teams of scientists, engineers and registered nurses providing physicians with proven cell centric technologies and techniques that collectively help to recreate the human body's biological environment. It is not about just providing cells to treat patients.We believe with the help of these thought leaders presenting today we will get closer to better understanding how to keep delivering safe, efficacious and cost effective therapies to patients," says Founder and CEO of Celling Biosciences, Kevin Dunworth.
About Celling BiosciencesCelling Biosciences is an Austin based company working closely with world leaders in academia, medicine, scientists and engineers to research and develop innovative technologies in the emerging field of regenerative medicine.Celling's product-offering focuses on autologous adult stem cell therapy and the devices and services that compliment these procedures.For more information please visit: http://www.cellingbiosciences.com.
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Celling Biosciences Hosts Austin Cell Therapy Symposium
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January 8th, 2013