StemCell Therapy

PHILADELPHIA As researchers work on reconfiguring cells to take on new regenerative properties, a new review from Penn Medicine plastic surgeons sheds additional light on the potential power of adipose-derived stem cells - or adult stem cells harvested from fatty tissue - in reconstructive and regenerative medicine.

Reconstructive plastic surgeons have clinically integrated "fat grafting" into different surgeries for years, for breast, facial, and other reconstructive and restorative surgeries, with good success. Now, researchers are beginning to understand the power that fatty tissue holds. This new paper, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, enforces that adipose-derived stem cells can be routinely isolated from patients and, once molecular methods are worked out, may be useful for a multitude of regenerative medicine applications.

"The opportunities for regenerative medicine interventions based on adult stem cells are tremendous. It is critically important for us to better understand the biology of these cells so that we can develop novel, safe and effective treatments for our patients using their own cells." said the paper's senior author, Ivona Percec, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the division of Plastic Surgery in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Many groups are looking into different modes of isolating and modifying these cells for their regenerative properties, including experts at Penn's Institute for Regenerative Medicine and around Penn Medicine. For example, Dr. Percec's team is conducting translational research into the mechanisms controlling adipose-derived stem cells, and how they contribute to the normal human aging process.

Stem cells can undergo multiple divisions without differentiation, making them useful tools for cell-replacement therapy. Embryonic stem cells can convert to any cell type, whereas adult stem cells, like the stem cells derived from fat, can differentiate into many, but not all, cell types. A person's own fat tissue could then potentially be converted into cells specially designed to repair damage to the heart, cartilage, blood vessels, brain, muscle, or bone.

As regenerative medicine techniques are refined, experts will continue to explore the utility and benefits of stem cells derived from adipose tissue.

The Perelman School of Medicine is currently ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $479.3 million awarded in the 2011 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; and Pennsylvania Hospital the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Penn Medicine also includes additional patient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2011, Penn Medicine provided $854 million to benefit our community.

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Fat-derived Stem Cells Hold Potential for Regenerative Medicine

cryocell | Why Store Your Cord Blood In a Bank?
http://www.cordbloodrecommendation.com A large number of people die waiting for a transplant due to this reason. Before any blood donations are made it is important for a pregnant mother interested to make the donation to contact the bank before the thirty fourth week of her pregnancy. However, private banking is generally not recommended unless there is a family history of specific genetic diseases. It contains stem cells that have been found to be excellent for research and treatment of many diseases. A man can change his god-gifted features wishfully with the help of science. Given the progress that stem cell research and regenerative medicine have attained at present, and the promise that they show for the future, stem cell transplants may one day provide a cure for type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and brain injury, among other potentially life threatening and debilitating illnesses and conditions with inadequate treatment options today. One study in particular by Wagner, et al. ""Settling on a name for your newborn is definitely something all parents spend time doing, but one decision that is rarely thought of or overlooked is saving your newborn #39;s cord blood. The mother will be informed about the status of the blood unit and the test results so that she is aware of any infection or disease that might affect her baby. Many parents see placental and cord blood banking as valuable tools to help them secure potentially lifesaving treatment options their families may some day ...From:loshoteles enmedellinViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:18More inScience Technology

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cryocell | Why Store Your Cord Blood In a Bank? - Video

454: A Documentary About Stem Cell Research
In 2004 Alex Goldberg, then a 20 year old local filmmaker began a documentary on stem cell research at the University of Washington. On June 16 2011, he died before the film was finished. This film highlights the need for this research to continue in order to save thousands of lives. In this unsettling political climate, the film resonates. It was made during the Bush era when stem cell lines were limited, thus stunting the research and in turn a cure for so many diseases. Many thanks to Dr Charles Murry and his staff for their tireless efforts to create therapies in regenerative medicine. Dr Murry may be reached through the University of Washington research labs. If you would like to make donations to help fund this research and the researchers who work without appropriate compensation please click the following link: depts.washington.eduFrom:Leta GoldbergViews:67 2ratingsTime:15:03More inEducation

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454: A Documentary About Stem Cell Research - Video

umbilical cord stem cells | Cord Blood Storage and Why
http://www.cordbloodrecommendation.com By preserving this cord blood through cord blood banking, your baby will be ensured a perfect source of cells in the event of some unfortunate accident, disease or other life threatening illness. Safety is a concern in the public banks because of the high cost of maintaining the storage unit. Besides this, children without siblings and people belonging to certain races or ethnicities, who don #39;t have access to other people of their race in their area, also face problems. Sources of stem cells, such as blood, fats, bone, or umbilical cords were simply named as sources, not as natural resources. By preserving your baby #39;s cord blood, you are actually saving your child from the dangers of waiting for matching donors during emergencies. ""Regenerative medicine is the next evolution of medical treatments. Stromal cells are a kind of cells that form bone, cartilage, fat, and fibrous connective tissue. There are people who are against this practice as well and there are many opinions supporting it too therefore it is best to consult your doctor regarding this issue and get the right advice. For this, the patient needs a donor whose tissues and cells match his own. In case the cord blood is collected before the removal of placenta, the umbilical cord is clamped and detached as usual. - Stem groups can be certainly obtained from cord blood- flex blood stem groups are a 100% reach for the patron, 50% reach for biological parents and 25% reach for blood ...From:Alexander santafeViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:13More inScience Technology

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Gov. Rick Perry today highlighted Texas leading role in the advancement of regenerative medicine to produce safe, effective and ethical adult stem cell therapies. The governor spoke at the inaugural Houston Stem Cell Summit, which focuses on adult stem cell research and its potential to tackle life-threatening diseases.

Im proud Texas is playing a key role in the advancement of adult stem cell research and therapies, both of which are promising for patients and our economy, Gov. Perry said. This conference represents another step in the growth of this industry that I hope and expect will be centered right here in the Lone Star State.

Texas has taken clear steps to advance research in ethical regenerative medicine as quickly and safely as possible, while protecting patients receiving these treatments in the state. Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature, Texas Medical Board and Texas Department of Health and Human Services set up a regulatory framework to guide companies, institutions and physicians collaborating to produce effective stem cell research.

Additionally, Texas continues to attract top researchers in biotechnology and regenerative medicine thanks to our commitment to investing in the technologies of the future through the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF). CPRIT has funded 427 awards totaling more than $756 million for cancer research, commercialization and prevention in academic institutions, non-profit organizations and private companies. The TETF has invested more than $180 million in grant-matching and research superiority funds in Texas universities, and more than $194 million in 137 early-stage companies, with more than $103 million of that going directly to biotechnology and life science companies.

Texas researchers have also received more than $52 million in National Institute of Health (NIH) funding in 2009 for adult stem cell studies. These grants have resulted in the Austin Heart Hospital successfully treating heart attack patients with adult stem cells, and success in treating spinal cord injuries and a variety of heart conditions.

The Houston Stem Cell Summit highlights the latest research and breakthroughs regarding the use of adult stem and progenitor cell therapies. The summit covers all aspects of emerging stem cell therapies including the latest in peer reviewed academic stem cell research, breakthroughs in adult stem cell therapies, patient experiences, the business of stem cell therapies and the evolving regulatory environment for stem cell therapies. For more information, please visit http://www.stemcellsummit.com/houston/. To view the governors full remarks, please visit http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/17803/

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Texas Can Become Center for Regenerative Medicine

Public release date: 5-Nov-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Katie Pence katie.pence@uc.edu 513-558-4561 University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center

CINCINNATIHoxworth Blood Center, the University of Cincinnati (UC) and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center will host the Midwest Symposium on New Concepts For Tissue-Specific Regenerative Medicine, Nov 17-18, 2012, in Rieveschl Auditorium of the Vontz Center for Molecular Studies.

The symposium, also being co-sponsored and co-funded by UC's Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training (CCTST), will focus on research and collaboration regarding regenerative medicinethe process of regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function.

The field holds the promise of repairing damaged tissues and organs in the body by stimulating the body's own repair mechanisms or by growing replacement tissues in labs.

Jose Cancelas, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics at the UC College of Medicine and director of the research division at Hoxworth Blood Center, is a co-organizer of the symposium and says regenerative medicine expertise is very strong in the region.

"The purpose of the symposium will be to create a forum where investigators and their groups can meet and share ideas and data," he says. "In addition, it will serve as an excellent platform for regional scientific interactions for investigators, postdocs and students that have interest in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology. Hopefully, this meeting will spark collaborations locally and regionally."

Specifically, the meeting will focus on research using stem cells in the body, or those manipulated in a petri dish, to study disease, generate therapeutic tissues and create genetic therapies.

Keynote speakers will deliver addresses followed by short oral presentations with extended discussions to allow interaction among attendees.

"Research presentations will span from how scientists are looking at the use of stem cells to assist with gastrointestinal, pancreas, lung, corneal, skeletal muscle, vascular and cardiac regeneration to genetic therapies and how this research could and is translating to treatment," Cancelas says. "There's a wealth of scientific and clinical stem cell work being done right here in Cincinnati.

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Midwest regenerative medicine symposium to be held in Cincinnati

Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012

A science ministry working group studying stem cells and regenerative medicine has updated its road map on induced pluripotent stem-cell research, aiming to create human organs including brains, lungs and kidneys via iPS cells within 10 years.

The group's updated plan, first compiled in 2009, calls for the distribution of iPS cells for regenerative medicine to start within the next two to three years. The announcement comes after Kyoto University professor Shinya Yamanaka jointly won this year's Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for his revolutionary work in developing iPS cells.

The new road map includes a plan by the government-backed Riken research institute to begin a clinical study in fiscal 2013 on the transplantation of retinas created through iPS cells into patients suffering age-related deterioration in their vision.

In addition, a clinical study on heart muscle will start within three to five years, targeting patients who have suffered heart attacks or are experiencing other cardiac diseases. A study on brain nerve cells will also be launched in five to seven years, mainly for patients afflicted with Parkinson's disease.

Riken official Shinichi Nishikawa, also a member of the ministry's working group, said researchers from various fields should cooperate in compiling safety standards on the use of iPS cells.

The science ministry has sought 8.7 billion for research related to regenerative medicine as part of its budget request for fiscal 2013.

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New iPS goal: brains, lungs, kidneys

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Stem Cell Meeting on the Mesa
The 2012 Stem Cell Meeting on the Mesa is a three-day conference aimed at bringing together senior members of the business development and scientific research communities in regenerative medicine to advance stem cell science into cures for debilitating diseases and injuries. The meeting features a nationally recognized Scientific Symposium attended by more than 600 leading scientists and researchers along side the regenerative medicine industry #39;s premier annual Investor and Partnering Forum designed to facilitate a bridge between academia and industry through one-on-one meetings and further the translation of clinical research. Scientific Meeting Agenda at a Glance 8:00 am -- Welcome Remarks Alan Trounson, President, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine 8:15 am -- Morning Keynote Speaker ** NO FILMING - Speaker did not consent to being recorded. Michele De Luca, Professor, Director, Centre for Regnerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; Scientific Director, Holostem Terapie Avanzate Srl 8:45 am -- Panel 1: Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells Chair: Robert Wechsler-Reya, Professor, Director, Tumor Development Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute Panelists: Jeremy Rich, Chairman, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic Luke Lairson, Assistant Professor, The Scripps Research Institute Ben Spike, Senior Research Associate, Salk Institute for Biological Studies Catriona Jamieson, Associate Professor ...From:SalkInstituteViews:96 0ratingsTime:00:00More inScience Technology

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Stem Cell Meeting on the Mesa - Video

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BioTime, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTX) and its subsidiary OrthoCyte Corporation today announced the appointment of Francois Binette, PhD, as OrthoCytes Vice President of Research and Business Development. Dr. Binettes primary focus will be to develop and partner near- and long-term product opportunities in regenerative medicine with an emphasis on orthopedic diseases and injuries. OrthoCyte is a wholly owned subsidiary of BioTime, Inc. that develops cellular therapeutics for orthopedic repair, diseases, and injuries.

I am impressed by the robust nature of the novel and diverse progenitors of skeletal tissues that BioTime has isolated using its ACTCellerateTM technology, said Dr. Binette. The ability to generate scalable and precisely identified types of cartilage, bone, and tendon, combined with the HyStem technology for tissue engineering, gives us a remarkable platform for manufacturing an array of novel products to address some of the largest and fastest growing needs in the orthopedic space. I look forward to building on the science and technology developed at OrthoCyte to aggressively develop the companys product pipeline and pursue partnering opportunities.

Francois brings tremendous expertise in regenerative medicine, cell therapy, biologics, biomaterials, and combination medical devices. He also has significant business experience in partnering and collaboration with both start-up and large life science companies, said Michael D. West, PhD, BioTimes Chief Executive Officer. We welcome Francois to the OrthoCyte team and look forward to working together with him in developing commercial product opportunities for the orthopedic repair market.

Dr. Binette most recently was the founder of Rediens Inc., a Bay Area start-up company focused on chronic back pain therapies. Prior to establishing Rediens, he wasDirector of BiologicsR&D for the Spinal & Biologics business unit of Medtronic, Inc., and he also served in a variety of positions with Johnson & Johnson, where he focused on regenerative medicine therapies for various orthopedic indications, including cartilage injuries and back pain. Dr. Binette began his corporate career at Genzyme Tissue Repair, where he helped pioneer Carticel, the first FDA Biologic License Application-approved cell therapy product. Dr. Binette received his PhD in Biochemistry at Laval University in Qubec and was a postdoctoral research fellow at the LaJolla Cancer Research Foundation of the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and at MGH/Harvard Medical School. He is currently a fellow with the International Cartilage Repair Society.

About OrthoCyte Corporation

OrthoCyte Corporation (OrthoCyte), http://www.orthocyte.com, a subsidiary of BioTime, Inc., is a biotechnology company developing cell-based therapies for orthopedic disease. The company's lead product is OTX-CP07, monoclonal human embryonic progenitor cell lines for the repair of osteoarthritis. In addition, OrthoCyte has proprietary human embryonic stem cell-derived progenitors to skeletal muscle, tendon, and bone, all of which are in the preclinical phase of development.

About BioTime, Inc.

BioTime, headquartered in Alameda, California, is a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine and blood plasma volume expanders. Its broad platform of stem cell technologies is enhanced through subsidiaries focused on specific fields of application. BioTime develops and markets research products in the fields of stem cells and regenerative medicine, including a wide array of proprietary ACTCellerate cell lines, HyStem hydrogels, culture media, and differentiation kits. BioTime is developing Renevia (formerly known as HyStem-Rx), a biocompatible, implantable hyaluronan and collagen-based matrix for cell delivery in human clinical applications. BioTime's therapeutic product development strategy is pursued through subsidiaries that focus on specific organ systems and related diseases for which there is a high unmet medical need. BioTime's majority-owned subsidiary Cell Cure Neurosciences Ltd. is developing therapeutic products derived from stem cells for the treatment of retinal and neural degenerative diseases. BioTime's subsidiary OrthoCyte Corporation is developing therapeutic applications of stem cells to treat orthopedic diseases and injuries. Another subsidiary, OncoCyte Corporation, focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of stem cell technology in cancer, including the diagnostic product PanC-Dx currently being developed for the detection of cancer in blood samples. ReCyte Therapeutics, Inc. is developing applications of BioTime's proprietary induced pluripotent stem cell technology to reverse the developmental aging of human cells to treat cardiovascular and blood cell diseases. BioTime's subsidiary LifeMap Sciences, Inc. markets GeneCards, the leading human gene database, and is developing an integrated database suite to complement GeneCards that will also include the LifeMap database of embryonic development, stem cell research and regenerative medicine, and MalaCards, the human disease database. LifeMap will also market BioTime research products. BioTime's lead product, Hextend, is a blood plasma volume expander manufactured and distributed in the U.S. by Hospira, Inc. and in South Korea by CJ CheilJedang Corporation under exclusive licensing agreements. Additional information about BioTime can be found on the web at http://www.biotimeinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

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BioTime Subsidiary OrthoCyte Corporation Announces the Appointment of Francois Binette as Vice President

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Stem for Life Foundation, NeoStem, Inc. (NYSE MKT:NBS), The Pontifical Council for Culture, and STOQ International today announced that they will host The Second International Vatican Adult Stem Cell Conference: Regenerative Medicine -- A Fundamental Shift in Science & Culture, from within The Vatican, April 11-13, 2013.

This event is part of a five-year collaboration between The Stem for Life Foundation, a not-for-profit organization devoted to raising global awareness of the therapeutic potential of adult stem cells, NeoStem, an emerging leader in the fast growing cell therapy industry, The Vatican's Pontifical Council for Culture and its foundation, called STOQ International (Science, Theology and the Ontological Quest).

With renowned journalists serving as moderators -- Meredith Vieira from NBC News, Bill Hemmer from The Fox News Channel, Peggy Noonan of The Wall Street Journal and Dr. Max Gomez from WCBS-TV -- The Second International Vatican Adult Stem Cell Conference will feature leading adult stem cell scientists and clinicians, thought leaders of faith, ethics and culture, business leaders as well as Ministers of Health, Ambassadors to The Holy See and regulatory officials from around the world. During the event, adult stem cell scientists and clinicians will present an array of medical advancements and ongoing research occurring throughout the world, including the ability to grow replacements for damaged and diseased organs; restoring heart function after heart attack; growing new skin for burn victims; rebalancing our own immune systems, pushing back a rising tide of chronic disease; advancements in cancer therapy; preventing organ rejection and addressing a range of other conditions and trauma, such as MS, traumatic brain injuries and cardiovascular disease via adult stem cell therapies. Throughout the event, patients will share their own stories of the unique, powerful treatments that have helped address their disease and reduce suffering.

"Regenerative medicine is poised to revolutionize disease management by finding new ways to boost the body's ability to heal itself. Whereas today treatment for many diseases is a matter of managing symptoms, regenerative medicine seeks to reverse the course of the disease by targeting its cause and repairing diseased or defective tissues or organs," said Dr. Robin Smith, President of The Stem for Life Foundation. "Not only will our conference educate people of all ages, religions and cultures on the potential of adult stem cells to treat chronic disease as part of this next great frontier, but we will generate a truly international dialogue on regenerative medicine, one that explores the interconnections between scientific breakthroughs, faith, culture and ethics."

The goals of the 2013 Second International Vatican Adult Stem Cell Conference are to:

"The developments within regenerative medicine are of great interest," said Msgr. Tomasz Trafny. "They show how science changes, causing paradigm shifts through interdisciplinary research. Cellular biology is a good example of such changes. These dynamics also cause deep cultural transformations on different levels, from health care to economy, from new technologies to legal issues. Thus, topics that apparently seem to be circumscribed only to strictly scientific discussions or theoretical ones, in fact modify our understanding of social dynamics, relationships and, in the ultimate analysis, our understanding of the human being. Today we acknowledge that insights from natural sciences play a crucial role in our society, having consequences for anthropology, philosophy and even theology. It is our mission and our duty to explore the above dynamics, to offer the best tools for pastoral care, and to encourage understanding of changing culture."

In June, The Pontifical Council for Culture and The Stem for Life Foundation presented the first copy of their forthcoming book, The Healing Cell: How The Greatest Revolution in Medical History is Changing Your Life, to The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. The book is the result of a unique collaboration between the two organizations, and will be available in 2013. It includes a special address by His Holiness Benedict XVI, urging increased support and awareness for advancements in adult stem cell research in order to alleviate human suffering. To reserve a copy of the book, go to:http://www.stemforlife.org/healingcell

To learn more about The Second International Vatican Adult Stem Cell Conference please visit http://www.adultstemcellconference.org.

About The Pontifical Council for Culture

The Pontifical Council for Culture is that Dicastery of the Roman Curia which assists the Pope in the exercise of his supreme pastoral office for the benefit and service of the universal Church and of particular Churches concerning the encounter between the saving message of the Gospel and cultures, in the study of the weighty phenomena of the rift between the Gospel and cultures; indifference in matters of religion; unbelief. It is also concerned with relationships between the Church and the Holy See and the world of culture; in particular it promotes dialogue with contemporary cultures, so that human civilization may become increasingly open to the Gospel, and so that men and women of science, letters and the arts may know that the Church acknowledges their work as a service to truth, goodness and beauty. http://www.cultura.va

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The Vatican's Pontifical Council for Culture, NeoStem, The Stem for Life Foundation & STOQ International Announce 'The ...

Update in Preventative / Regenerative Medicine - by Ron Rothenberg, MD
Update in Preventative/Regenerative Medicine -- Inflammation, Hormones, Stem Cells and Telomeres- by Ron Rothenberg, MD on August 2012 Visit the Silicon Valley Health Institute (aka Smart Life Forum) at http://www.svhi.comFrom:Mike KorekViews:9 0ratingsTime:01:40:35More inScience Technology

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Update in Preventative / Regenerative Medicine - by Ron Rothenberg, MD - Video

Gov. Perry Speaks at the Inaugural Houston Stem Cell Summit
10/26/2012 - HOUSTON - Gov. Rick Perry highlighted Texas #39; leading role in the advancement of regenerative medicine to produce safe, effective and ethical adult stem cell therapies. The governor spoke at the inaugural Houston Stem Cell Summit, which focuses on adult stem cell research and its potential to tackle life-threatening diseases. for more information: governor.state.tx.usFrom:govperryViews:128 0ratingsTime:22:30More inNews Politics

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Gov. Perry Speaks at the Inaugural Houston Stem Cell Summit - Video

Stem cell commercialization panel discussion
How can companies make a business out of regenerative medicine, now that the science looks increasingly solid. Panel discussion Monday, Oct, 29 at Stem Cell Meeting on the Mesa tackles this. Speaking in this clip are are Dean Tozer of Shire Regenerative Medicine (pin-striped suit), Jay Siegel, Janssen Pharmaceutical Cops, (dark blue suit and tie), and Greg Lucier, Life Technologies, (lighter blue suit and tie), the moderator.From:Bradley FikesViews:85 0ratingsTime:06:43More inScience Technology

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Stem cell commercialization panel discussion - Video

George Brown of Kool The Gang Talks About His Stem Cell Treatment At MetroMD Hollywood
Musician George Brown, an original member of the jazz funk band, Kool and The Gang, talks with us about his day at MetroMD. George was in Los Angeles on tour with rockers Van Halen David Lee Roth in June 2012. George had an orthopedic stem cell treatment performed by Dr. Alex Martin MD at about noon and was on stage performing 8 hours later. For more info, visit us at MetroMD.net or call (323) 285-5300. The MetroMD Institute of Regenerative Medicine is located in Hollywood at the heart of Los Angeles.From:MetroMDViews:6 0ratingsTime:02:02More inScience Technology

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George Brown of Kool

The potential of regenerative medicine
Alan Russell: The potential of regenerative medicine http://www.youtube.com http://www.ted.com Alan Russell studies regenerative medicine -- a breakthrough way of thinking about disease and injury by helping the body to rebuild itself. He shows how engineered tissue that "speaks the body #39;s language" has helped a man regrow his lost fingertip, how stem cells can rebuild damaged heart muscle, and how cell therapy can regenerate the skin of burned soldiers. This new, low-impact medicine comes just in time, Russell says -- our aging population, with its steeply rising medical bills, will otherwise (and soon) cause a crisis in health care systems around the world. Some graphic medical imagery.From:BroadcastBCViews:1 0ratingsTime:19:30More inScience Technology

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The potential of regenerative medicine - Video

Companies that want to make big money developing therapies with stem cells and regenerative medicine must take big risks.

Health care executives involved in commercializing these technologies made that point Monday morning at the annual Stem Cell Meeting on the Mesa. But with the science increasingly looking solid, it's time for companies to do their part to bring new treatments to patients, they said in a panel discussion.

Among the unknowns: How effective therapies will be, how much they'll cost, how much insurers will reimburse and the effect of the health care overhaul. Companies have to focus on such questions if they want to succeed, said Dean Tozer, vice president of corporate development for Shire Regenerative Medicine. The unit was formed in July by Shire Pharmaceuticals, which bought San Diego-based Advanced BioHealing last year for $750 million.

"What I'm seeing is: Innovation for innovation's sake is not going to work," said Tozer, who was an Advanced BioHealing senior vice president.

The right approach is to focus innovation on the large-scale trends in health, such as an aging population, that create opportunities, Tozer said. And that's what the business side is taking a more assertive role in doing.

"The business guys are involved a lot earlier, in taking these opportunities and really critically deciding if there is a business to be had," Tozer said. "And it's not just whether it can get to the market and can it help you, but can you identify a payback model."

Stem cells are being tested for a variety of diseases and injuries, usually after being changed into the mature cells required. Besides the well-known embryonic stem cells, there are "adult" stem cells, IPS cells that act like embryonic stem cells but are made from skin cells, parthenogenic stem cells made from unfertilized human egg cells, and others. With this plethora of approaches, one question is which technology to focus on.

"As a business guy -- I'm not a scientist -- I do find it interesting that I'm getting drawn into meetings more often now where I have no idea what the scientists are talking about, but all I've got to do is figure out is there a business model," Tozer said

The panel was moderated by Greg Lucier, chief executive of Life Technologies Corp. The Carlsbad company sells products used in life science research, including stem cell research. Lucier asked the panel if the increased focus on commercialization means that the underlying technology is getting better.

Tozer replied that even with good technology, the real hurdle is financial. Advanced BioHealing is a good example, he said. The company acquired its living skin product Dermagraft in 2001, but only got the payoff 10 years later when the company was sold. Dermagraft promotes healing in diabetic foot ulcers.

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Stem cell therapies a big risk for biotechs

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --ViaCyte, Inc., a leading regenerative medicine company developing a transformative cell therapy for treatment of diabetes, announced today that it has received a $10.1 million Strategic Partnership Award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121026/LA00871LOGO-a)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121026/LA00871LOGO-b)

ViaCyte's innovative stem cell-based therapy for diabetes has been supported by several previous rounds of funding from CIRM, including a $20 million Disease Team Award in 2009. This support has directly aided the development of VC-01, a regenerative medicine, combination product consisting of pancreatic beta cell progenitors encapsulated in a durable macroencapsulation device. When implanted under the skin of a patient with diabetes, VC-01 is expected to produce insulin and other factors which should safely and effectively control their disease. In its review of ViaCyte's application, CIRM's Grants Working Group characterized the Company's proposed therapy as the "holy grail" of diabetes treatments.

ViaCyte recently held a successful Pre-IND meeting with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is on track to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) Application and initiate clinical evaluation of VC-01 in 2014. The Strategic Partnership Award from CIRM will be used to support these efforts, reflecting CIRM's commitment to following promising science through the progressive stages of product development.

"We are very grateful for the assistance that we are receiving from CIRM to advance our promising technology", stated Dr. Paul Laikind, President and CEO of ViaCyte. "Today's grant allows us to continue our efforts on behalf of the California taxpayers to break new ground with our stem cell-based product that has the potential to essentially cure patients with type 1 diabetes and provide a powerful new treatment for those with type 2 disease as well."

Approval of the award came from CIRM's governing board, the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee (ICOC), with advisement from the Scientific and Medical Research Funding Working Group. "ViaCyte has made good on their initial Disease Team award from CIRM, including a successful Pre-IND FDA meeting, and as a consequence, CIRM and the ICOC are glad to have the opportunity to continue funding ViaCyte's efforts to provide this product to patients with diabetes in California and the rest of the world," said Dr. Alan Trounson, President of CIRM.

About ViaCyte

ViaCyte is a private company focused on developing a novel cell therapy for the treatment of diabetes. The Company's technology is based on the production of pancreatic beta cell progenitors derived from human pluripotent stem cells. These cells are implanted using a durable and retrievable encapsulation device. Once implanted and matured, these cells secrete insulin and other regulatory factors in response to blood glucose levels. ViaCyte's goal is long term insulin independence without immune suppression, and without risk of hypoglycemia and other diabetes-related complications.

ViaCyte is headquartered in San Diego, California with additional operations in Athens, Georgia. The Company is funded in part by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and JDRF.

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ViaCyte Receives $10.1 Million Strategic Partnership Award from CIRM to Continue Development of Diabetes Therapy

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct 29, 2012) - Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (TSX VENTURE: SSS) ("the Company"), a life sciences development company for stem cell-based medicines, today reported its admission to the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine''s (CCRM) industry consortium.

"We are the only public Canadian company to be part of CCRM''s twenty-member consortium of international leaders in the regenerative medicine arena, a consortium designed to bridge business and scientific expertise to translate stem cell-based and regenerative medicine discoveries into commercial products and therapies," said David Allan, Executive Chairman of Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. "Participating in this consortium links us to one of the key hubs in Canada for the commercialization of this country''s extraordinary output in stem cell-based science."

The corporate objectives for repositioning the Company include the now-announced involvement with CCRM, the identification and acquisition of additional technologies that will serve to attract capital to revitalize our organization, and striving to extract value from the important patented approaches for the stimulation of endogenous stem cells from Dr. Sam Weiss on which this Company was founded. Stem Cell is pleased to announce this involvement with CCRM as well as the receipt of US$175,000 of a $250,000 arrangement with NeuroNova AB, a Swedish private company developing new therapeutics for ALS and Parkinson''s. The full payment will settle a patent interference case initiated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office under which Stem Cell has withdrawn certain pending and issued patents to treat Parkinson''s disease.

The Company further advises that two additional patient have now been enrolled in its ongoing trial in Traumatic Brain Injury at Calgary''s Foothills Hospital. These patients bring the trial to the midpoint of enrollment, restoring the prospect of the trial to meet the original timelines anticipated by the investigators after enduring a slow initial recruitment period. The Company continues to concentrate its efforts on the conclusion of its remaining objectives.

About Stem Cell Therapeutics:

Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SSS) is a Canadian commercialization receptor company in the business of developing stem cell-based therapeutics through partnerships with research institutions or technology transfer organizations. The Company''s corporate objectives include the analysis and acquisition of additional stem cell-related development opportunities and securing capital for the advancement of the licensed or acquired products. SCT has extensive expertise and experience in the stem cell biotechnology sector based on the intellectual property of Dr. Samuel Weiss in stem cell research. SCT proposes to build upon this existing pipeline of stem cell technologies by acquiring new early-stage clinical or late-stage preclinical candidates. SCT''s Traumatic Brain Injury product, NTx-428, is currently in a Phase II clinical trial. For more information, visit: http://www.stemcellthera.com

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities legislation (collectively, the "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, SCT''s objectives, goals, targets, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, estimates and outlook, and can, in some cases, be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "will," "may" and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management''s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things: uncertainties and risks related to, the availability of capital, changes in capital markets, uncertainties related to clinical trials and product development, rapid technological change, uncertainties related to forecasts, competition, potential product liability, unproven markets for technologies in development, the cost and supply of raw materials, management of growth, effects of payers'''' willingness to pay for products, risks related to regulatory matters and risks related to intellectual property matters. Additional information about these factors and about the material factors or assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements may be found in the body of this news release, as well as under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in SCT''s 2010 annual information form. SCT cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive.

When relying on SCT''s forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to SCT, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding the availability of financing for research and development companies in addition to general business and economic conditions. These risks and uncertainties should be considered carefully and investors and others should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, SCT cannot provide assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. SCT undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

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Stem Cell Therapeutics Announces Admission to Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) Consortium