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Nasal Stem Cells Show Promise in Repairing Spinal Cord Damage Caused by Contusion

February 22nd, 2012 2:24 pm

An important new study by a team of scientists at RhinoCyte™ Inc., Louisville, Ky., details promising results on the effectiveness of olfactory (nasal) stem cells in repairing spinal cord damage resulting from the most common cause of these injuries — contusions (bruising) due to major trauma such as is seen in auto accidents, falls or combat. This could have major implication for the estimated 5 million people worldwide affected by spinal cord injuries – 1.275 million of them in the United States alone, where the cost of treatment exceeds $40.5 billion each year.

Louisville, Kentucky (PRWEB) February 22, 2012

An important new study released by a team of scientists at RhinoCyte™ Inc., Louisville, Ky., details promising results on the effectiveness of olfactory (nasal) stem cells in repairing spinal cord damage resulting from the most common cause of these injuries — contusions (bruising) due to major trauma. Their study is featured in the current issue of the Journal of Neurodegeneration and Regeneration.

The study, led by Dr. Fred Roisen, has great implication for the estimated 5 million people worldwide affected by spinal cord injuries – 1.275 million of them in the United States alone, where the cost of treatment exceeds $40.5 billion each year. Current treatment options are limited to retaining and retraining mobility; no drug therapies are available, but studies pertaining to stem cell treatments are showing great promise for these as well as other neurodegenerative conditions.

A previous study by the group made national headlines when lab rats whose spinal cords had been partially cut in the region of the animal’s neck in a way that disabled their front right paws were able to regain significant use of their paws after being injected with olfactory stem cells. The investigative team took the cells from the olfactory neurosensory epithelium — the part of the nose that controls the sense of smell — in adult volunteer donors who were already undergoing elective sinus surgery. The removal of the stem cells has no effect on the patients’ ability to smell. Also, the minimally invasive surgery is frequently done on an outpatient basis so the cells are readily available and, as such, are a potentially promising source of therapeutic stem cells.

The researchers isolated the stem cells and increased their numbers in the laboratory by growing them in an enriched solution. The cells were then injected into a group of lab rats. Twelve weeks later, these animals had regained control of their affected paws while a control group that received no cells had not.

This latest study continued that original work, by concentrating on contusions caused by blunt force trauma such as that resulting from an automobile accident or a fall. Spinal cord and head trauma are common among soldiers suffering serious combat injuries, too.

Two independent sets of experiments were conducted, beginning two weeks after the rats had received contusions administered in a computer-controlled surgery. In the first group, 27 out of 41 rats were injected with olfactory stem cells, while the remainder received none. In the second group, 16 rats were treated with olfactory stem cells, 11 received no treatment and 10 received stem cells grown from human skin to see how the olfactory cells compared with another stem cell source.

The results once again showed great promise, with 40 percent of the rats treated with the olfactory-derived stem cells showing significant improvement after just six weeks, compared to 30 percent of those treated with human skin-derived cells and only 9 percent of those receiving no treatment. In addition, the olfactory stem cell-treated rats showing the highest rate of improvement recovered much faster than the other groups.

“This is very exciting on numerous levels,” said Dr. Roisen. “As an autologous cell source — that is, the patient is both the donor and the recipient — olfactory stem cells bypass the time a patient must wait while a suitable donor is found, which can be critical to the outcome of the patient’s treatment. They also eliminate the need for immunosuppressive drugs, which have numerous negative side effects.

“And just as importantly, stem cells taken from the nose of an adult do away with the ethical concerns associated with using embryonic stem cells.”

The researchers are in the final stages of their enabling studies, which are scheduled to be completed by summer; Phase 1 safety studies could begin as soon as early next year.

Dr. Roisen is chief science officer and co-founder of RhinoCtye™, and a professor and chair of the University of Louisville School of Medicine’s Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology. The original work forming the basis for the contusion study was conducted by Dr. Roisen’s group at UofL and has been licensed to RhinoCtye™ (http://www.rhinocyte.com), a company he co-founded in 2005 with Dr. Chengliang Lu and Dr. Kathleen Klueber to develop and commercialize diagnostic tools and therapies for stem cell treatment of multiple degenerative and traumatic neurological diseases. RhinoCyte™ currently has three patents for olfactory stem cell treatments approved in the United States, Australia and Israel, with others pending worldwide.

###

Laurel Harper
Laurel92@msn.com
502-550-0089
Email Information

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Nasal Stem Cells Show Promise in Repairing Spinal Cord Damage Caused by Contusion

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Fibrosis – Targeting MicroRNA-21 May Have Therapeutic Benefit

February 22nd, 2012 2:24 pm

Editor's Choice
Academic Journal
Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 21 Feb 2012 - 10:00 PST

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Fibrosis is a harmful build-up of excessive fibrous tissue that results in scarring, and ultimately, the loss of organ function. Although it can affect any tissue and organ system, it is most common in the heart, liver, lung, peritoneum, and kidney. The fibrotic scar tissue consists of extra-cellular matrix proteins, such as type I collagen, proteoglycans and fibronectin.

Regulus, a biopharmaceutical leader in the discovery and development of innovative medications that targets microRNAs, has discovered a number of microRNAs that impair the physiological regulatory mechanism in fibrosis, and has announced their new preclinical study results in the Science Translational Medicine journal, demonstrating that miR-21 contributed to fibrogenesis, and that it can be a suitable candidate as a target for anti-fibrotic therapies.

MicroRNA in humans are small RNA molecules that are typically 20 to 25 nucleotides in length, which do not encode proteins, but regulate gene expression. Discovered in the last decade, they represent one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs in recent history. Researchers have discovered over 700 microRNAs in the human genome, with more than a third of all human genes thought to be regulated by microRNAs.

Given that a single microRNA is able to regulate entire networks of genes, these molecules are considered master regulators of the human genome. microRNAs have demonstrated their integral role in several biological processes, such as in immune response, cell-cycle control, metabolism, viral replication, stem cell differentiation and human development.

Most microRNAs are conserved across multiple species, which suggests that these molecules have an evolutionary importance as modulators of critical biological pathways. microRNA expression or function, has demonstrated to substantially alter in many states if diseases, such as cancer, heart failure and viral infections.

By targeting microRNAs with anti-miRs, antisense oligonucleotide inhibitors of microRNAs, or miR-mimics, double-stranded oligonucleotides to replace microRNA function, research has discovered a new potential for a novel class of therapeutics that provide a unique approach for the treatment of diseases by modulating entire biological pathways.

Neil W. Gibson, Ph.D., Regulus' Chief Scientific Officer announced:

"We are pleased with the published results demonstrating that targeting miR-21 with proprietary anti-miR oligonucleotides is effective at preventing kidney fibrosis in preclinical models. We plan to select an anti-miR-21 development candidate this year for advancement into the clinic in the near future and are excited about the potential to bring this innovative treatment to patients with fibrotic diseases."

Dr. Duffield, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Medicine, in the Division of Nephrology, at the University of Washington explained:

"Expression of miR-21 was found to be increased in fibrotic kidney samples from animal models and human patient samples. Genetic deletion of miR-21 in preclinical models protected kidneys from fibrosis and treatment with anti-miRs targeting miR-21 also blocked fibrosis in preclinical models. Taken together, these data suggest that anti-miR-21 could have a therapeutic benefit in patients with chronic kidney disease."

The study focused on fibrosis targets miR-21 that increase cells in fibrotic tissues of humans. According to Regulus' earlier preclinical research, therapeutic oligonucleotides targeting miR-21 (anti-miR-21) has the ability to lower fibrosis in preclinical models through reducing the expression of extracellular matrix proteins. Even though many people are currently affected by fibrosis-related disease, few therapies are available to specifically treat this devastating illness.

Regulus and collaborators from the University of Washington examined the effect of miR-21 in kidney fibrosis, and even though they discovered no overt abnormality when genetically deleting miR-21 in mice, they did observe that these miR-21 knock out mice experienced less fibrosis in response to kidney injury, which was pheno-copied in wild-type mice treated with anti-miR-21 oligonucleotides.

The researchers analyzed gene expression profiles and detected groups of genes, especially those involved in lipid metabolism and enhanced oxygen radical production, that were involved in metabolic pathways that were up-regulated in the absence of miR-21. They observed that by systematically administering anti-miR-21, the harmful effects of miR-21 in kidney injuries were successfully reversed.

The results of the two mouse model studies prove that miR-21 contributes to fibrogenesis and epithelial injury in the kidneys. Furthermore, the findings support that miR-21 is a suitable candidate target for anti-fibrotic therapies.

Written by Petra Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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Pathfinder Presents Preliminary Data on New Regenerative Approach to Diabetes Treatment

February 22nd, 2012 2:24 pm

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 21, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pathfinder Cell Therapy, Inc. ("Pathfinder," or "the Company") (OTCQB:PFND.PK - News), a biotechnology company focused on the treatment of diabetes and other diseases characterized by organ-specific cell damage, today presented preliminary data highlighting the potential of the Company's unique cell-based therapy for treating diabetes at the 7th Annual New York Stem Cell Summit. Richard L. Franklin, M.D., Ph.D., Founder, CEO and President of Pathfinder, provided an overview of the Company's Pathfinder Cell ("PC") technology, and presented preclinical evidence demonstrating how treatment with PCs was able to reverse the symptoms of diabetes in two different mouse models.

Pathfinder Cells are a newly identified non-stem cell mammalian cell type that has the ability to stimulate regeneration of damaged tissue without being incorporated into the new tissue. In today's presentation, Dr. Franklin showed how recent experiments performed using a non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse strain were supportive of earlier data that demonstrated complete reversal of diabetes in mice. The earlier results, which used a drug-induced diabetic mouse model, were published in Rejuvenation Research1. Though preliminary, the recent results are encouraging because the NOD mouse model is widely used and highly regarded as being predictive of human type-1 diabetes.

In three separate experiments using this model, 30-50% of the mice treated with PCs at the onset of diabetes returned to normal blood glucose levels. Of the mice that responded well to treatment, the effects tended to be long lasting, up to two months in some cases after just two doses. These results, which were generated by intravenous injection of PC's derived from rat pancreatic tissue, further demonstrate the remarkable ability of Pathfinder Cells to elicit their positive effect regardless of the organ, or even species, of origin.

"We are very encouraged by these preclinical results using NOD mice. This model is the gold standard for type-1 diabetes and the fact that recent experiments mirror what we've seen in previous models may be highly significant," stated Dr. Franklin. "We have many questions to answer about how PCs act in the body, but we believe, based on previous experiments, that PCs may stimulate regeneration of damaged islet cells that produce insulin. The current NOD mouse data also suggest that PCs may have an effect in modulating the auto-immune process in type 1 diabetes. We continue to conduct experiments aimed at elucidating the optimal dosing and other factors that may be responsible for producing a robust and long-lasting response, as this will be critical as we start to think about how PCs may be used in treating human diabetes."

In his presentation today, Dr. Franklin also provided further insight into the mechanism of action of PCs, based on recent animal experiments. It was observed previously that PCs produce microvesicles, which are known to play a role in intercellular communication, but through mechanisms that are poorly understood. In a recent experiment, Pathfinder was able to isolate these microvesicles from the PCs and treat animals directly with an injection containing microvesicles only. Remarkably, both PC- and microvesicle-treated mice exhibited similar reductions in blood glucose compared to controls using the same drug-induced diabetes mouse model. This suggests, not only that the microvesicles produced by PCs are central to the mechanism of action, but that the microvesicles alone appear to be sufficient to produce the full effect.

Dr. Franklin commented, "If confirmed, this finding could have a significant positive impact on the future of PC-based therapy. Due to the relatively small amount of material contained within the microvesicles, determining the specific factor(s) that are responsible for regenerating damaged tissue could be more straightforward than we first anticipated, bringing us closer to understanding the mechanism of action. There may also be a number of potential manufacturing and storage benefits to using microvesicles versus PCs that will be interesting to explore in parallel as we work to advance this innovative new therapeutic approach closer to human clinical development."

The New York Stem Cell Summit brings together cell therapy company executives, researchers, investors and physicians to explore investment opportunities in cell therapy research and innovation. More information can be found at http://www.stemcellsummit.com.

Presentation details Event: 7th Annual New York Stem Cell Summit Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Place: Bridgewaters New York, 11 Fulton Street, New York, NY Time: 3:35 pm ET

About Pathfinder

Pathfinder is developing a novel cell-based therapy and has generated encouraging preclinical data in models of diabetes, renal disease, myocardial infarction, and critical limb ischemia, a severe form of peripheral vascular disease. Leveraging its internal discovery of Pathfinder Cells ("PCs") Pathfinder is pioneering a new field in regenerative medicine.

PCs are a newly identified mammalian cell type present in very low quantities in a variety of organs, including the kidney, liver, pancreas, lymph nodes, myometrium, bone marrow and blood. Early studies indicate that PCs stimulate regeneration of damaged tissues without the cells themselves being incorporated into the newly generated tissue. Based on testing to date, the cells appear to be "immune privileged," and their effects appear to be independent of the tissue source of PCs. For more information please visit: http://www.pathfindercelltherapy.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements. You should be aware that our actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, which are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our inability to obtain additional required financing; costs and delays in the development and/or FDA approval, or the failure to obtain such approval, of our product candidates; uncertainties or differences in interpretation in clinical trial results, if any; our inability to maintain or enter into, and the risks resulting from our dependence upon, collaboration or contractual arrangements necessary for the development, manufacture, commercialization, marketing, sales and distribution of any products; competitive factors; our inability to protect our patents or proprietary rights and obtain necessary rights to third party patents and intellectual property to operate our business; our inability to operate our business without infringing the patents and proprietary rights of others; general economic conditions; the failure of any products to gain market acceptance; technological changes; and government regulation. We do not intend to update any of these factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.

1Karen Stevenson, Daxin Chen, Alan MacIntyre, Liane M McGlynn, Paul Montague, Rawiya Charif, Murali Subramaniam, W.D. George, Anthony P. Payne, R. Wayne Davies, Anthony Dorling, and Paul G. Shiels. Rejuvenation Research. April 2011, 14(2): 163-171. doi:10.1089/rej.2010.1099

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Makucell™ Announces Key Scientific Presentations and Launch of a Large, Multicenter Use Study of Asymmtate™

February 22nd, 2012 2:24 pm

 

 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Makucell, Inc., a new life science company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions, has presented important pre-clinical and clinical information on its proprietary molecule, Asymmtate, at the 36th Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, Waikoloa, Hawaii.  Asymmtate™ is the active key ingredient in Makucell's new topical skin care line Renewnt™ (pronounced "Re-new-int").

Asymmtate™ is a selective modulator of the Wnt (pronounced "wint") signaling pathway that encourages optimal signaling to stimulate skin stem cells to replenish themselves, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other dermal cells, which produce collagen, elastic tissue, matrix and other substances to foster a more healthy, rejuvenated appearing skin.  Renewnt™ will be available through aesthetic dermatology professionals in April 2012.

Mark Dahl, M.D. Makucell's, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, presented the two scientific poster presentations.   The presentation titles and conclusions are summarized below.

The Safety and Efficacy of Asymmtate – Asymmtate™ penetrates into human epidermis and dermis and remains active.  Asymmtate in its cream vehicles is non-mutagenic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing.  Asymmtate™ Analog Mitigates Photoaging Effects of UVB in Mice – An analog of Asymmtate applied topically can mitigate the subsequent visible appearance of photoaging changes in mice after exposures of their skin to UVB.

In addition to the pre-clinical/clinical information presented this week, Makucell has initiated a 100 subject Use Study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Renewnt™ for Hydration Day and Night Moisturizer in a real world setting.  This four-week study will include 12 investigator sites across the U.S.  "This large multicenter study is very important to validate aspects of clinical product performance of Asymmtate™ under real world conditions.  The diverse geographical study sites will allow us to evaluate effects on unique skin types in different climates," said Lawrence A. Rheins, President and CEO of Makucell.

The innovative technology that resulted in the formulation of Renewnt was developed by distinguished research scientist Michael Kahn, Ph.D. and colleagues at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. "This is an exciting time for Makucell," said Makucell co-founder and inventor Michael Kahn, Ph.D.  "This technology will be utilized for commercial topical applications to address the challenges of photoaging skin and other hair and nail conditions."

For media and investment inquiries please contact please contact Lawrence Rheins, lrheins@makucellinc.com or 1-855-MAKUCELL.

About Makucell
Makucell (www.makucell.com) is a new life science technology transfer company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions in an entirely new way. Using a patent-pending new molecule, Asymmtate, Makucell has developed the Renewnt brand of non-prescription products that work with the skin's own stem cells to produce healthier, and more youthful appearing skin. This innovative technology was developed by researchers at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.  Makucell is financed through private investors and is not in receipt of government funding.

About the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation
The USC Stevens Institute for Innovation (http://stevens.usc.edu) is a university-wide resource in the Office of the Provost at the University of Southern California that helps identify, nurture, protect, and transfer to the market the most exciting innovations from USC.  It also provides a central connection for industry seeking cutting-edge innovations in which to invest. As part of this role, the USC Stevens Institute manages the university's intellectual property portfolio stemming from its $560M annual research program. Furthermore, the USC Stevens Institute develops the innovator as well as innovations, through educational programs, community-building events, and showcase opportunities.

Media Contact:
Lawrence Rheins
lrheins@makucellinc.com
1-480-305-2061

SOURCE USC Stevens Institute for Innovation

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Makucell™ Announces Key Scientific Presentations and Launch of a Large, Multicenter Use Study of Asymmtate™

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Makucell(TM) Announces Key Scientific Presentations and Launch of a Large, Multicenter Use Study of Asymmtate(TM)

February 22nd, 2012 2:24 pm

To: HEALTH, MEDICAL AND NATIONAL EDITORS

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Makucell, Inc., a new life science company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions, has presented important pre-clinical and clinical information on its proprietary molecule, Asymmtate, at the 36th Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, Waikoloa, Hawaii. Asymmtate(TM) is the active key ingredient in Makucell's new topical skin care line Renewnt(TM) (pronounced "Re-new-int").

Asymmtate(TM) is a selective modulator of the Wnt (pronounced "wint") signaling pathway that encourages optimal signaling to stimulate skin stem cells to replenish themselves, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other dermal cells, which produce collagen, elastic tissue, matrix and other substances to foster a more healthy, rejuvenated appearing skin. Renewnt(TM) will be available through aesthetic dermatology professionals in April 2012.

Mark Dahl, M.D. Makucell's, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, presented the two scientific poster presentations. The presentation titles and conclusions are summarized below.

-- The Safety and Efficacy of Asymmtate - Asymmtate(TM) penetrates into human epidermis and dermis and remains active. Asymmtate in its cream vehicles is non-mutagenic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. -- Asymmtate(TM) Analog Mitigates Photoaging Effects of UVB in Mice - An analog of Asymmtate applied topically can mitigate the subsequent visible appearance of photoaging changes in mice after exposures of their skin to UVB.

In addition to the pre-clinical/clinical information presented this week, Makucell has initiated a 100 subject Use Study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Renewnt(TM) for Hydration Day and Night Moisturizer in a real world setting. This four-week study will include 12 investigator sites across the U.S. "This large multicenter study is very important to validate aspects of clinical product performance of Asymmtate(TM) under real world conditions. The diverse geographical study sites will allow us to evaluate effects on unique skin types in different climates," said Lawrence A. Rheins, President and CEO of Makucell.

The innovative technology that resulted in the formulation of Renewnt was developed by distinguished research scientist Michael Kahn, Ph.D. and colleagues at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. "This is an exciting time for Makucell," said Makucell co-founder and inventor Michael Kahn, Ph.D. "This technology will be utilized for commercial topical applications to address the challenges of photoaging skin and other hair and nail conditions."

For media and investment inquiries please contact please contact Lawrence Rheins, lrheins@makucellinc.com or 1-855-MAKUCELL.

About Makucell

Makucell (www.makucell.com) is a new life science technology transfer company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions in an entirely new way. Using a patent-pending new molecule, Asymmtate, Makucell has developed the Renewnt brand of non-prescription products that work with the skin's own stem cells to produce healthier, and more youthful appearing skin. This innovative technology was developed by researchers at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. Makucell is financed through private investors and is not in receipt of government funding.

About the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation

The USC Stevens Institute for Innovation (http://stevens.usc.edu) is a university-wide resource in the Office of the Provost at the University of Southern California that helps identify, nurture, protect, and transfer to the market the most exciting innovations from USC. It also provides a central connection for industry seeking cutting-edge innovations in which to invest. As part of this role, the USC Stevens Institute manages the university's intellectual property portfolio stemming from its $560M annual research program. Furthermore, the USC Stevens Institute develops the innovator as well as innovations, through educational programs, community-building events, and showcase opportunities.

Media Contact:

Lawrence Rheinslrheins@makucellinc.com1-480-305-2061

SOURCE USC Stevens Institute for Innovation

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Makucell(TM) Announces Key Scientific Presentations and Launch of a Large, Multicenter Use Study of Asymmtate(TM)

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Seg_1 – Suhaasini: Immune System Boosters – 21 Feb – Suvarnanews – Video

February 22nd, 2012 2:22 pm

22-02-2012 03:16 http://www.suvarnanews.tv - 21 February 2012 - In severe combined immunodeficiency, lack of an enzyme means that toxic waste builds up inside immune system cells,

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Seg_2 – Suhaasini: Immune System Boosters – 21 Feb – Suvarnanews – Video

February 22nd, 2012 2:22 pm

22-02-2012 03:30 http://www.suvarnanews.tv - 21 February 2012 - In severe combined immunodeficiency, lack of an enzyme means that toxic waste builds up inside immune system cells,

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Seg_2 - Suhaasini: Immune System Boosters - 21 Feb - Suvarnanews - Video

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Blumenthal to cook $250,000 burger?

February 22nd, 2012 2:21 pm

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal is the favourite to cook the $A250,000 hamburger made from stem cells.

THINKSTOCK

THE world's first hamburger made with a synthetic meat protein derived from bovine stem cells will be publicly consumed this October after being prepared by a celebrity chef, according to the inventor of the artificial mince.

Heston Blumenthal is the favourite to be asked to cook the $250,000 hamburger, which will be made from 3,000 strips of synthetic meat protein grown in fermentation vats.

Dr Mark Post, of Maastricht University in the Netherlands, said the anonymous backer of his research project had not yet decided who would get to eat the world's most expensive hamburger, which will unveiled at a ceremony in Maastricht.

Dr Post told the American Association for the Advancement of Science that a hamburger made from artificial beef protein was a milestone in the development of novel ways to meet the global demand for meat, which is expected to double by 2050.

"In October we're going to provide a 'proof of concept' showing that with in vitro culture methods that are pretty classical we can make a product out of stem cells that looks like, and hopefully taste like, meat," Dr Post said.

"The target goal is to make a hamburger and for that we need to grow 3,000 pieces of this muscle and a couple of hundred pieces of fat tissue. As long as it's a patty the size of a regular hamburger, I'm happy with it," he said.

A handful of researchers has been working for the past six years on the technical problem of extracting stem cells from bovine muscle, culturing them in the laboratory and turning them into strips of muscle fibres that can be minced together with synthetic fat cells into an edible product.

The technical challenges have included giving the meat a pinkish colour and the right texture for cooking and eating, as well as ensuring that it feels and tastes like real meat.

Dr Post admitted to being nervous about the final result. "I am a little worried, but seeing and tasting is believing," he said.

Although some animals still have to be slaughtered to provide the bovine stem cells, scientists estimate that a million times more meat could be made from the carcass of a single cow, compared with conventional cattle rearing. As well as reducing the number of beef cattle, it would save the land, water and oil currently need to raise cattle for the meat trade, Dr Post said.

"Eventually, my vision is that you have a limited herd of donor animals that you keep in stock in the world. You basically kill animals and take all the stem cells from them, so you would still need animals for this technology."
One of the economic incentives behind the research is the increasing cost of the grain used to feed much of the world's cattle. This is helping to drive up the cost of meat.

"It comes down to the fact that animals are very inefficient at converting vegetable protein [either grass or grain] into animal protein. Yet meat demand is also going to double in the next 40 years," he said.

"Right now we are using about 70 per cent of all our agricultural capacity to grow meat through livestock. You are going to need alternatives. If we don't do anything, meat will become a luxury food and will become very expensive.

"Livestock also contribute a lot to greenhouse gas emissions, more so than our entire transport system. Livestock produces 39 per cent of the methane, 5 per cent of CO2 and 40 per cent of all the nitrous oxide. Eventually we'll have an 'eco-tax' on meat."

Growing meat in fermentation vats might be better for the environment. And it might be more acceptable to vegetarians and people concerned about the welfare of domestic livestock, Dr Post said. "There are many reasons why people are vegetarian. I've talked to the Dutch vegetarian society, which has said that probably half of its members will eat this meat if it has cost fewer animal lives and requires less intensive farming," Dr Post said. Growing artificial meat would also allow greater control over its makeup. It will be possible, for example, to alter the fat content, or the amount of polyunsaturated fats vs saturated fats, according to Dr Post.

"You can probably make meat healthier," he said. "You can probably trigger these cells to make more polyunsaturated fatty acids, just like grass-fed beef has more polyunsaturates than grain-fed beef. You could make any type of meat, you could make mixed meats. I'm pretty sure you could even make panda meat."

Dr Post declined to reveal who his backer was, except to say that he was well known but not a celebrity - and not British. "It's a very reputable source of money," he said. "He's an individual. There may be two reasons why he wants to remain anonymous: as soon as his name is associated with this technology he will draw the attention to himself and he doesn't really want to do that."

Dr Post added: "And the second reason is that he has the image of whatever he does turns into gold and he is not sure that may be the case here so he doesn't want to be associated with a potential failure."

 

LAB-GROWN MEAT THE CASE FOR AND AGAINST:
 

Pros

Billions of animals would be spared from suffering in factory farms and slaughterhouses Would reduce the environmental impacts of livestock production, which the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates account for 18 per cent of greenhouse-gas emissions Could reduce by 90 per cent the land- and water-use footprint of meat production, according to Oxford University research, freeing those resources for more efficient forms of food production Would provide a more sustainable way to meet demand from China and India, whose growing appetite for meat is expected to double global meat consumption by 2040 Lab-grown meat could be healthier - free of hormones, antibiotics, bacteria such as salmonella and E.coli, and engineered to contain a lower fat content Would reduce the threat of swine and avian flu outbreaks associated with factory farming

Cons

Consumers may find the notion of lab-grown meat creepy or unnatural - a "Frankenstein food" reminiscent of the Soylent Green at the heart of the 1973 sci-fi film of the same name For some vegetarians, in vitro meat will be unsatisfactory as it perpetuates "meat addiction" - rather than focusing on promoting non-meat alternatives, and changing our meat-heavy diet Although the fat content can be tinkered with, other risks of eating red meat, such as an increased threat of bowel cancer, remain It's not cruelty-free - animals will still have to be slaughtered to provide the bovine stem cells There could be unforeseen health consequences to eating lab-grown meat As a highly processed, "unnatural" foodstuff, lab-grown meat is a step in the wrong direction for "slow-food" advocates, and others who believe the problems in our food system have their origins in the distance between food production and the consumer

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Blumenthal to cook $250,000 burger?

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BioLife Cell Bank – Beginnings – Video

February 22nd, 2012 12:01 pm

11-01-2012 16:32 One doctor's desire to improve patient care led to the creation of BioLife Cell Bank. Renowned craniofacial surgeon, Dr. David G. Genecov, was dissatisfied with having to subject patients to multiple liposuction procedures in order for them to experience the optimal results and benefits of fat grafting (transferring fat from one location in the body to another). He and his team developed a way to remove fat and stem cells and successfully store them for recurring, future use for patients like Angela with Parry Romberg Syndrome--and now for use in cosmetic and therapeutic treatments. BioLife Cell Bank in Dallas is the first in the world to preserve fat and stem cells for future use in cosmetic and regenerative medical treatments. Fat (and the stem cells within it) are extracted through liposuction and sent to BioLife Cell Bank in a special kit. BioLife processes and cryopreserves the cells so that they are available for future use in a variety of reconstructive, aesthetic and therapeutic treatments. http://www.biolifecellbank.com

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Effort aims to create meat from bovine stem cells

February 22nd, 2012 12:01 pm

(CNN) -

If you're concerned about the ethics of livestock production but don't want to become a vegetarian, consider this: It may be possible to grow meat in a petri dish.

Dr. Mark Post, professor of vascular physiology at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, is working on creating meat from bovine stem cells. And he's planning to unveil a burger created this way in October, he said Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Vancouver.

Croplands and pastures occupy about 35% of the planet's ice-free land surface, according to a 2007 study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

"Meat consumption is going to double in the next 40 years or so, so we need to come up with alternatives to solve the land issue," Post said.

Post's financial backer, whose identity Post would not disclose, is providing 250,000 euros (about $330,000) toward the development of this hamburger. And the financier has the right to choose who will be the lucky person to taste this futuristic burger, Post said.

The scientists say their creations are not quite at the level of hamburger, though -- samples from cultures are currently about 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long and weigh only half a gram. That's too small to cook. Post hasn't tasted it yet himself.

To get the samples bigger and more burger-looking, scientists may grow them on a spherical surface. Eventually they'd like to be able to create big slabs of meat, Post said.

The color is pinkish-yellowish, and Post and colleagues would like to make it look more appetizing in a natural way. Meat in typical hamburgers gets its color partly from blood. One way to make the stem-cell meat more authentic-looking is to use caffeine to coerce the cells to produce more myoglobin, a type of protein that carries iron and oxygen.

Apart from the "meat," scientists need to grow fat separately, for the juiciness and taste of the final product.

Right now the process doesn't involve harming animals -- researchers are using leftover materials from slaughterhouses. But in the future, the process could use animals that would be killed so that all of their stem cells could be harvested, he said.

You could get about 1 million times as many burgers from a single cow using these stem cell methods as you would from traditional processes, Post said.

But obviously Post's process is expensive and requires a lot of effort.

So how long will it take until the process of making stem cell burgers becomes more efficient than regular burgers?

With the resources Post and colleagues have right now, it's never going to happen, he says. With unlimited resources, it would still take 10 to 20 years.

Copyright 2012 by CNN NewSource. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Pet stem cells frozen and banked for future

February 22nd, 2012 12:01 pm

Pet stem cells frozen and banked for future

ORLANDO, Fla. -

Eight Central Florida veterinary clinics are offering up a new procedure that could save or greatly improve a pet's life.

MediVet America has set up a holding center at the company's Nicholasville, Ken., lab to freeze and store pet stem cells for future use.  Clinical studies have shown the cells can be viable for decades.

The procedure extracts stem cells from the animal's own fat tissue. The cells are then treated and used for aging dogs and cats struggling with arthritis or degenerative disease for several years, with good results.

By "cryobanking," the healthy cells, they will be ready if needed in the future.

"Banking stem cells is like having an extra insurance policy for your pet," explained Jeremy Delk, CEO of MediVet America.

Dr. Daniel Evers of ValuVet is taking part in a pet stem cell project in Central Florida to determine if the stem cells are actually causing cartilage regeneration.

Twelve pets will be selected for the study, which will include two separate MRI scans to determine how effective the stem cell treatments are for pets struggling with joint issues.

[SHARE YOUR PHOTOS: Picture-perfect pets]

Normally, the initial cost is $420, with a $150 annual storage fee. Owners whose pets are selected will get a discount on the stem cell procedure. Pet owners interested in the procedure can contact Erica Kent at erica@medivet-america.com or call 386-748-4251.

Copyright 2012 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Panamanian-US Scientific Research Supports Using Fat Stem Cells to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

February 22nd, 2012 12:01 pm

A Panamanian-led, multidisciplinary research team has published the first description of non-expanded fat stem cells in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. "Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rationale and Clinical Safety," which appears in the January publication of the International Archives of Medicine, followed 13 rheumatoid arthritis patients who were treated with their own fat-derived stem cells.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) February 21, 2012

A Panamanian-led, multidisciplinary research team has published the first description of non-expanded fat stem cells in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. "Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rationale and Clinical Safety," which appears in the January publication of the International Archives of Medicine, followed 13 rheumatoid arthritis patients who were treated with their own fat-derived stem cells.

Treating arthritis with fat-derived stem cells has become commonplace in veterinary medicine over the past five years with over 7,000 horses and dogs treated by publication contributor Vet-Stem, a San Diego-based company. The objective of the joint Panamanian-US study was to determine feasibility of translating Vet-Stem's successful animal results into human patients.

Observing no treatment associated adverse reactions after one year, the team concluded that its protocol should be studied further to determine efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Their publication details the rationale for the use of fat derived stem cells in treatment of autoimmune conditions and is freely available at: http://www.intarchmed.com/content/pdf/1755-7682-5-5.pdf

“Key to advancement of any medical protocol is transparent disclosure of rationale, treatment procedures and outcomes to the research community in a peer-reviewed and IRB-compliant manner,” said Dr. Jorge Paz Rodriguez, Medical Director of the Stem Cell Institute and research team leader. “While we have previously published case studies on the use of fat stem cells in multiple sclerosis patients, and one rheumatoid arthritis patient, this is the first time that comprehensive follow-up has been completed for a larger cohort of patients,” he added.

An important distinction that separates this particular approach from those which are being explored by several international investigators is that the fat stem cells were not grown in a laboratory, affording a substantially higher level of safety and protocol practicality.

“This work signifies Panama's emergence into the burgeoning field of translational medicine,” commented Dr. Ruben Berrocal Timmons, the Panamanian Secretary of Science and publication co-author. “We are proud to have attracted and collaborated with internationally-renowned stem cell clinical researchers such as Dr. Michael Murphy and Dr. Keith March from the Indiana University School of Medicine Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine, Dr. Boris Minev from the University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center, Dr. Chien Shing Chen from Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center and Dr. Bob Harman from Vet-Stem. By leveraging their vast, collective clinical experience with Panamanian scientific infrastructure and know-how, we are striving to develop effective, internationally recognized stem cell procedures that will be accepted the world over.”

The treatment procedure involves a mini-liposuction, collection of the fat's cellular component, processing to obtain a population of cells that includes stem cells, freezing the cells in preparation for quality control, and subsequent re-administration of the cells into patients.

The Panamanian-US group has previously shown that there is a specific type of T cell, called the T regulatory cell, associated with fat stem cells, which is capable of suppressing pathological immunity. Their current theory, which is described in detail in the publication: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20537320, is that the T regulatory component of the fat is capable of slowing down or suppressing the “autoimmune” reaction, while the stem cell component causes formation of new tissue to replace the damaged joints.

About the Stem Cell Institute

Founded in 2006 on the principles of providing unbiased, scientifically-sound treatment options, the Stem Cell Institute has matured into the world’s leading adult stem cell therapy and research center. In close collaboration with universities and physicians world-wide, the institute’s doctors treat carefully selected patients with spinal cord injury, osteoarthritis, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Doctors at The Stem Cell Institute have treated over 1000 patients to-date.

For more information on stem cell therapy:

Stem Cell Institute Web Site: http://www.cellmedicine.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stemcellinstitute

Blogger: http://www.adult-stem-cell-therapy.blogspot.com

Stem Cell Institute

Via Israel & Calle 66

Pacifica Plaza Office #2A

San Francisco, Panama

Republic of Panama

Phone: +1 800 980-STEM (7836) (USA Toll-free) +1 954 636-3390 (from outside USA)

Fax: +1 866 775-3951 (USA Toll-free) +1 775 887-1194 (from outside USA)

###

Jay Lenner
jdlenner@cellmedicine.com
1-800-980-7836
Email Information

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Panamanian-US Scientific Research Supports Using Fat Stem Cells to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Pet stem cells frozen, banked for future

February 22nd, 2012 12:01 pm

Pet stem cells frozen and banked for future

ORLANDO, Fla. -

Eight Central Florida veterinary clinics are offering up a new procedure that could save or greatly improve a pet's life.

MediVet America has set up a holding center at the company's Nicholasville, Ken., lab to freeze and store pet stem cells for future use.  Clinical studies have shown the cells can be viable for decades.

The procedure extracts stem cells from the animal's own fat tissue. The cells are then treated and used for aging dogs and cats struggling with arthritis or degenerative disease for several years, with good results.

By "cryobanking," the healthy cells, they will be ready if needed in the future.

"Banking stem cells is like having an extra insurance policy for your pet," explained Jeremy Delk, CEO of MediVet America.

Dr. Daniel Evers of ValuVet is taking part in a pet stem cell project in Central Florida to determine if the stem cells are actually causing cartilage regeneration.

Twelve pets will be selected for the study, which will include two separate MRI scans to determine how effective the stem cell treatments are for pets struggling with joint issues.

[SHARE YOUR PHOTOS: Picture-perfect pets]

Normally, the initial cost is $420, with a $150 annual storage fee. Owners whose pets are selected will get a discount on the stem cell procedure. Pet owners interested in the procedure can contact Erica Kent at erica@medivet-america.com or call 386-748-4251.

Copyright 2012 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Turing's tiger stripe theory demonstrated

February 22nd, 2012 12:00 pm

ScienceDaily (Feb. 19, 2012) — Researchers from King's College London have provided the first experimental evidence confirming a great British mathematician's theory of how biological patterns such as tiger stripes or leopard spots are formed.

The study, funded by the Medical Research Council and published online in Nature Genetics, not only demonstrates a mechanism which is likely to be widely relevant in vertebrate development, but also provides confidence that chemicals called morphogens, which control these patterns, can be used in regenerative medicine to differentiate stem cells into tissue.

The findings provide evidence to support a theory first suggested in the 1950s by famous code-breaker and mathematician Alan Turing, whose centenary falls this year. He put forward the idea that regular repeating patterns in biological systems are generated by a pair of morphogens that work together as an 'activator' and 'inhibitor'.

To test the theory the researchers studied the development of the regularly spaced ridges found in the roof of the mouth in mice. Carrying out experiments in mouse embryos, the team identified the pair of morphogens working together to influence where each ridge will be formed. These chemicals controlled each other's expression, activating and inhibiting production and therefore controlling the generation of the ridge pattern.

The researchers were able to identify the specific morphogens involved in this process -- FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) and Shh (Sonic Hedgehog -- so-called because laboratory fruit flies lacking the fly version have extra bristles on their bodies). They showed that when these morphogens' activity is increased or decreased, the pattern of the ridges in the mouth palate are affected in ways predicted by Turing's equations. For the first time the actual morphogens involved in this process have been identified and the team were able to see exactly the effects predicted by Turing's 60-year-old speculative theory.

Dr Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King's Dental Institute said: 'Regularly spaced structures, from vertebrae and hair follicles to the stripes on a tiger or zebrafish, are a fundamental motif in biology. There are several theories about how patterns in nature are formed, but until now there was only circumstantial evidence for Turing's mechanism. Our study provides the first experimental identification of an activator-inhibitor system at work in the generation of stripes -- in this case, in the ridges of the mouth palate.

'Although important in feeling and tasting food, ridges in the mouth are not of great medical significance. However, they have proven extremely valuable here in validating an old theory of the activator-inhibitor model first put forward by Alan Turing in the 50s.

'Not only does this show us how patterns such as stripes are formed, but it provides confidence that these morphogens (chemicals) can be used in future regenerative medicine to regenerate structure and pattern when differentiating stem cells into other tissues.

'As this year marks Turing's centenary, it is a fitting tribute to this great mathematician and computer scientist that we should now be able to prove that his theory was right all along!'

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by King's College London.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Andrew D Economou, Atsushi Ohazama, Thantrira Porntaveetus, Paul T Sharpe, Shigeru Kondo, M Albert Basson, Amel Gritli-Linde, Martyn T Cobourne, Jeremy B A Green. Periodic stripe formation by a Turing mechanism operating at growth zones in the mammalian palate. Nature Genetics, 2012; DOI: 10.1038/ng.1090

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Alan Turing's tiger-stripe theory confirmed, say researchers

February 22nd, 2012 12:00 pm

(CBS News) 

How did the tiger get its stripes? Scientists in England say they've figured out the biological mechanisms behind the big cat's trademark look - and it's a bit more complicated than one of Kipling's Just So Stories.

According to researchers at King's College London, their findings, published in the journal Nature Genetics, confirm a theory put forth in the 1950s by mathematician and code-breaker Alan Turing, the man considered the father of the computer. 

Turing theorized that a pair of morphogens, substances that govern how cells develop into tissues, work together as an "activator" and "inhibitor" causing regular repeating patterns in biological systems. 

According to the Telegraph, "One of the chemicals, [Turing] suggested, triggered cell activity, while the other hindered it. The way in which they interact would dictate where cells grow, creating familiar patterns on the fur of animals."

To test this theory, the researchers tested a spot on another animal that shows such patterns - the evenly spaced ridges in the mouths of mice.

According to a post by King's College London:

Carrying out experiments in mouse embryos, the team identified the pair of morphogens working together to influence where each ridge will be formed. These chemicals controlled each other's expression, activating and inhibiting production and therefore controlling the generation of the ridge pattern...They showed that when these morphogens' activity is increased or decreased, the pattern of the ridges in the mouth palate are affected in ways predicted by Turing's equations.

Dr. Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King's Dental Institute says that this is the "first experimental identification of an activator-inhibitor system at work in the generation of stripes" and better understanding of this process could, in future, be used "to regenerate structure and pattern when differentiating stem cells into other tissues."

Green also notes that, fittingly, this confirmation comes during Turing's centenary: he would have turned 100 this June.

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Dame Judi Dench Battling Blindness

February 22nd, 2012 12:00 pm

Dame Judi Dench, the actress who plays the steely-eyed boss keeping watch over James Bond, revealed she is losing her sight to macular degeneration.

"I can't read scripts anymore because of the trouble with my eyes," Dench, 77, told the Mirror. "And so somebody comes in and reads them to me, like telling me a story."

The macula is a small area in the center of the retina responsible for fine vision -- the kind needed to read or detect details in faces. With age, the macula can break down, and the blood vessels underneath can leak, causing blurriness and, eventually, a blind spot right in the center of the visual field.

"The most distressing thing is in a restaurant in the evening I can't see the person I'm having dinner with," Dench said.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60, according to the National Eye Institute. In 2004, an estimated 1.75 million Americans had the disease -- a number likely to grow as the boomer population ages.

"It can be a visually devastating disease," said Dr. Martin Friedlander, chief or Retina Services at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, Calif. "Particularly because it affects people at a time in their lives when they are more dependent on their fine, or central, vision to do the things we all would like to enjoy in the golden years: read, play games, watch TV, enjoy art, and look at our grandchildren's faces."

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Dench has a 15-year-old grandson, Sam.

The cause of age-related macular degeneration is unknown, but genes can contribute to it.

"People with a family history of macular degeneration have a higher risk," said Dr. Sophie Bakri, professor of ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Dench revealed that her mother, too, lived with the disease.

Being white, female and blue-eyed, like Dench, may also increase the risk macular degeneration, according to the Mayo Clinic.

There are two types of macular degeneration: Dry, which is caused by a breakdown of the light-detecting cells of the macula; and wet, which is caused by the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels. Dench said she has the dry form in one eye and the wet form in the other.

"The presence of both forms in one person is not at all unusual," said Dr. Marco Zarbin, chairman of New Jersey Medical School's Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science in Newark.

Although neither form can be cured, both can be treated with the goal of slowing the degeneration and preventing vision loss.

"The most important innovation in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration ever was the introduction of drugs that block the action of vascular endothelial growth factor," said Zarbin, describing injectable drugs like Lucentis, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2005, that thwart the growth of abnormal blood vessels in wet macular degeneration. "That has allowed hundreds of thousands of people to preserve their vision and their independence."

In some cases, dry macular degeneration can be slowed with high doses of vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and copper, Bakri said. And a tiny telescope can be surgically implanted into the eye to magnify the field of vision.

Experimental stem cell-based and gene therapy approaches have shown promise in treating macular degeneration, but Bakri said they're not yet ready for the clinic.

Dench told the Mirror she's getting injections and believes the disease has "arrested." Whatever happens, she has no plans to retire from acting.

"I'm very conscious that I'm in the minority in that I love what I do," she said. "And how lucky to be employed at it -- how incredibly lucky."

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Cellerant Therapeutics Appoints Lowell E. Sears to Board of Directors

February 22nd, 2012 12:00 pm

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Cellerant Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company developing novel hematopoietic stem cell-based cellular and antibody therapies for blood disorders and cancer, announced that Lowell E. Sears joined its Board of Directors effective today.

Mr. Sears is currently Chairman and CEO of Sears Capital Management, a venture investment and portfolio management firm specializing in life sciences. He has been an active life science venture investor since 1994, helping to found and fund over forty companies. From 1986 until 1994, Mr. Sears was a part of the senior management team of Amgen, Inc., where he held positions of Chief Financial Officer as well as Senior Vice President responsible for the Asia Pacific Region.

"Lowell has had a distinguished biotechnology career and is highly regarded in the industry. I am delighted to welcome him to our board," said Ram Mandalam, President and CEO of Cellerant. "His broad experience in strategic planning, corporate financing and overall management and operational skills will be very useful to us as we continue to develop our programs and build shareholder value."

“On behalf of all of our directors I am delighted to welcome Lowell to our board," said Richard Rathmann, Cellerant’s Chairman of the Board. "Throughout his career at Amgen and other biotechnology companies, Lowell has been directly involved in building and developing successful companies as they advance to the next stage."

Prior to joining to Amgen, Mr. Sears held senior planning and financial positions with Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) from 1976 until 1986, including a period as Chief Financial Officer for its Ventures Division. Mr. Sears has served on twenty boards of directors, including roles as board chairman and audit committee chair. He currently serves on the board of SymBio Pharmaceuticals, KK, Ltd. (JASDAQ: 4582).

About Cellerant Therapeutics

Cellerant Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the regulation of the hematopoietic (blood-forming) system. The Company is developing human stem cell and antibody therapies for oncology applications and blood-related disorders. Cellerant’s lead product, CLT-008, is currently in two Phase 1 clinical trials in patients with hematological malignancies. The Company also has a cancer stem cell (CSC) antibody discovery program focused on therapies for acute myelogenous leukemia, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome.

For more information, visit: http://www.cellerant.com.

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Stem cell therapy makes dog happy again – Video

February 22nd, 2012 11:59 am

15-02-2012 18:52 Jake is one of the first dogs in the area to receive same day stem cell therapy. The new treatment gives animals better treatment in a shorter timeframe. Jake suffers from arthritis and this procedure will help ease the pain.

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Celling Biosciences Sponsors 7th Annual Stem Cell Summit

February 22nd, 2012 11:59 am

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Celling Biosciences announces a sponsorship of the 7th Annual Stem Cell Summit being held on February 21st at Bridgewaters New York in New York City. The Stem Cell Summit is consistently the premiere venue for the world's leaders in regenerative medicine to network and promote next generation technologies and cell therapies.

The meeting will feature more than 30 thought leaders in stem cell therapy including Dr. Kenneth Pettine of the Orthopedic Stem Cell Institute in Loveland, Colorado.  Dr. Pettine has teamed up with Celling Biosciences' SpineSmith Division to present "Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Orthopedic and Spine Conditions Resulting from Injury or Aging."  Dr. Pettine has become an innovator in the regenerative cell therapy market and believes "regenerative therapies will become the next standard of care in treating many orthopedic conditions." 

Following the Stem Cell Summit, Dr. Pettine will be presenting a discussion on regenerative therapies to the trainers and medical staff attending this year's NFL combine.  The NFL has recently gained attention from Peyton Manning going oversees to receive a cell therapy treatment for his cervical spine condition.  Dr. Pettine envisions a day when these professional athletes stop going to foreign countries to receive medical treatment.

The Orthopedic Stem Cell Institute provides state-of-the-art regenerative cell therapy using Celling Biosciences' ART 21 system. The ART 21 system processes bone marrow from the patient at the point of care to consistently produce a concentrate of regenerative cells with high yields of mononuclear stem cells in less than 15 minutes.  Celling Biosciences provides the cell separation systems along with the biomaterials and devices necessary to recreate the environment to promote healing. 

Kevin Dunworth, founder of Celling Biosciences, believes regenerative cell therapy has more to do with creating the optimal environment then just providing cells.  "We believe autologous cell therapy is a viable solution but physicians need to understand that these cells require the necessary substrate for delivery and the proper techniques for retrieval.  Our focus has been on providing not only cell separation technologies, medical devices and biomaterials but also the registered nurses to deliver the service so physicians can have the most consistent, reliable and predictable regenerative cell therapy for their patients."

Contact:
Tracy Gladden
Communications Manager
Tgladden@spinesmithusa.com
512-637-2050

About Celling Biosciences
Celling Biosciences, works closely with surgeons, scientists and engineers to research and develop innovative technologies in the field of regenerative medicine. http://www.cellingbiosciences.com and http://www.spinesmithusa.com

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Celling Biosciences Sponsors 7th Annual Stem Cell Summit

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Celling Biosciences Sponsors 7th Annual Stem Cell Summit

February 22nd, 2012 7:44 am

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Celling Biosciences announces a sponsorship of the 7th Annual Stem Cell Summit being held on February 21st at Bridgewaters New York in New York City. The Stem Cell Summit is consistently the premiere venue for the world's leaders in regenerative medicine to network and promote next generation technologies and cell therapies.

The meeting will feature more than 30 thought leaders in stem cell therapy including Dr. Kenneth Pettine of the Orthopedic Stem Cell Institute in Loveland, Colorado.  Dr. Pettine has teamed up with Celling Biosciences' SpineSmith Division to present "Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Orthopedic and Spine Conditions Resulting from Injury or Aging."  Dr. Pettine has become an innovator in the regenerative cell therapy market and believes "regenerative therapies will become the next standard of care in treating many orthopedic conditions." 

Following the Stem Cell Summit, Dr. Pettine will be presenting a discussion on regenerative therapies to the trainers and medical staff attending this year's NFL combine.  The NFL has recently gained attention from Peyton Manning going oversees to receive a cell therapy treatment for his cervical spine condition.  Dr. Pettine envisions a day when these professional athletes stop going to foreign countries to receive medical treatment.

The Orthopedic Stem Cell Institute provides state-of-the-art regenerative cell therapy using Celling Biosciences' ART 21 system. The ART 21 system processes bone marrow from the patient at the point of care to consistently produce a concentrate of regenerative cells with high yields of mononuclear stem cells in less than 15 minutes.  Celling Biosciences provides the cell separation systems along with the biomaterials and devices necessary to recreate the environment to promote healing. 

Kevin Dunworth, founder of Celling Biosciences, believes regenerative cell therapy has more to do with creating the optimal environment then just providing cells.  "We believe autologous cell therapy is a viable solution but physicians need to understand that these cells require the necessary substrate for delivery and the proper techniques for retrieval.  Our focus has been on providing not only cell separation technologies, medical devices and biomaterials but also the registered nurses to deliver the service so physicians can have the most consistent, reliable and predictable regenerative cell therapy for their patients."

Contact:
Tracy Gladden
Communications Manager
Tgladden@spinesmithusa.com
512-637-2050

About Celling Biosciences
Celling Biosciences, works closely with surgeons, scientists and engineers to research and develop innovative technologies in the field of regenerative medicine. http://www.cellingbiosciences.com and http://www.spinesmithusa.com

Continue reading here:
Celling Biosciences Sponsors 7th Annual Stem Cell Summit

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