StemCell Therapy

24 October 2019

Most cancers kill because tumour cells spread, or metastasise beyond the primary site, for example breast, to invade other organs, brain being one. Now, a University of Southern California (USC), study has found that circulating tumour cells can actually target specific distant organs.

Their study of brain-invading breast cancer reveals that circulating tumour cells have a molecular signature indicating specific organ preferences.

The findings, which appear in Cancer Discovery, explain how tumour cells in the blood target a particular organ and may enable the development of treatments to prevent the spread of these metastatic cancers.

In this study breast cancer cells from the blood of breast cancer patients with metastatic tumours were isolated, expanded and grown in the lab.

Analysis of these cells identified regulator genes and proteins within the cells that apparently directed the cancers spread to the brain. The team were therefore able to predict that a patients breast cancer cells would eventually migrate to the brain.

Assistant professor of stem cell and regenerative medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, Min Yu, also discovered that a protein on the surface of these brain-targeting tumour cells helps them to breech the blood brain barrier and lodge in brain tissue, while another protein inside the cells shield them from the brains immune response, enabling them to grow there.

We can imagine someday using the information carried by circulating tumour cells to improve the detection, monitoring and treatment of the spreading cancers, Yu said.

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Progress toward improving detection, monitoring and treatment of metastatic cancers - Brain Tumour Research

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Mouse studies show effects can linger at least two generations

Multiple generations of mice studied in the lab of Farshid Guilak, PhD, at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis indicate obesity has an impact on arthritis risk of future generations.

Arthritis affects one in five Americans, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that number jumps to one in three among people with obesity. Now, new research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests obesity may increase arthritis risk not only in obese people but in their children and grandchildren, too.

Studying mice that became obese after being fed a high-fat diet, the research team found that the animals had an elevated risk for osteoarthritis, a condition that causes cartilage in the joints to break down and is the most common type of arthritis.

Surprisingly, they also found that the mices offspring, even when fed a diet lower in fat, tended to gain nearly 20% more weight than the offspring of their littermates that had never been overweight. In addition, they were at higher risk for arthritis. The same was true for the next generation of mice as well, which gained up to 10% more weight.

The study is published online Oct. 24 in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology.

This study tells us that environmental factors can influence how genes behave and influence the risk for arthritis for multiple generations, said senior investigator Farshid Guilak, PhD, a professor of orthopedic surgery. Arthritis prevalence is affecting many more people than it used to, more than 250 million people worldwide, and these findings suggest that obesity may help explain why the disorder is becoming so much more common.

Guilak and his team analyzed more than 120 mice whose parents had consumed a high-fat diet. The researchers found that the offspring despite having eaten a low-fat diet were significantly heavier and had more body fat than the offspring of mice that hadnt consumed a high-fat diet.

Then, when those mice had pups the grandchildren of the original mice that third generation of mice also had higher levels of inflammatory molecules and cells in their systems than their littermates, despite never having been fed a high-fat diet. Higher amounts of those molecules, called cytokines, are linked to a variety of problems, including arthritis. In fact, the third-generation mice had higher levels of molecules that cause inflammation, and lower levels of molecules that protect against inflammation. The children and grandchildren of the obese mice in the study also were more likely to have bone and cartilage changes that put them at risk for osteoarthritis.

We cant assume everything we found in these mice will turn out to be true for people, said first author Natalia S. Harasymowicz, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in Guilaks lab. But theres more and more evidence that when parents eat a bad diet or smoke or abuse alcohol, the next generation is more likely to inherit a predisposition for diabetes, cancer or other diseases. Here, weve shown the same appears to be true for arthritis.

Guilak, who also is director of research at Shriners Hospitals for Children St. Louis, said that in the past, scientists had assumed that the relationship between obesity and osteoarthritis was a mechanical one: More weight puts stress on joints, eventually leading to the pain and stiffness of arthritis.

Weve known for years that obesity is the No. 1 preventable risk factor for osteoarthritis, Guilak said. It turns out, however, that obesity also increases arthritis risk in body parts that dont bear weight, like the hand or the thumb.

Guilaks lab has determined that inflammation plays a much more important role.

What we find is that changes in mechanical loading that occur with obesity dont seem to be the primary risk factors for arthritis, he said. Almost all of the risk is coming from either metabolic or dietary influences, and that risk is then passed down to subsequent generations.

The animals genetic makeup doesnt change to cause increased risk of arthritis. Rather, scientists refer to the changes as epigenetic, meaning that behavior in this case, consuming a high-fat diet changes the way genes work. Its those changes that are passed on.

Poor diet and bad habits may affect not only the individual who has such habits but also future generations, Harasymowicz said. However, recognizing that potential risk may convince people to take steps to be healthier and to reduce their weight, potentially lowering risks for their children and grandchildren.

Harasymowicz NS, Choi YR, Wu CL, Iannucci L, Tang R, Guilak F. Intergenerational transmission of diet-induced obesity, metabolic imbalance, and osteoarthritis in mice. Arthritis & Rheumatology, published online Oct. 24, 2019.

This work was supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the National Institute on Aging, and the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Grant numbers AR50245, AR48852, AG15768, AR48182, AG46927, AR073752, OD10701, AR060719, AR057235. Additional funding was provided by Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Arthritis Foundation and the Nancy Taylor Foundation for Chronic Diseases.

Washington University School of Medicines 1,500 faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals. The School of Medicine is a leader in medical research, teaching and patient care, ranking among the top 10 medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.

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Arthritis risk linked to obesity may be passed down through generations - Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

The CDC estimates that more than 1 in 4 adults aged 65 years and older will fall each year. Out of these falls,1in 5 will result in serious injury, such as broken bones and head injuries. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation estimates that over 50 million adults suffer from one of the many forms of arthritis resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased ability to perform normal daily tasks.

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is an evidence-based program recommended by both the Arthritis Foundation and the National Council on Aging to manage arthritis and reduce fall risk, increase balance and flexibility, and decrease stress. The Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program was developed by Dr. Paul Lam, a family physician in Sydney, Australia who developed arthritis while still in his teens due to the malnutrition he experienced while growing up in China. Dr. Lam used tai chi to manage his own arthritis and eventually worked with tai chi, medical and education experts to create this program.

The Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program uses the Sun style of tai chi which has been modified to make it gentle on the joints, easy to learn, and significantly safer for older adults than other forms of tai chi. Often described as "meditation in motion," it consists of slow, continuous movements with a focus on body awareness, posture, weight shifting, and calming the mind. While the movements appear gentle and graceful, they contain a surprising internal power. Dr. Lam describes it as being like a calm, flowing river that has the power and strength to reshape the earth under its surface.

The power of the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program has been demonstrated in numerous medical studies by showing a significant decrease both in falls and in the pain and stiffness of arthritis. It is performed using a higher stance than most other forms of tai chi and martial arts moves with higher risk have been modified or replaced with safer alternatives. This makes it both easier and safer for arthritis sufferers and those at risk for falls. Instructor Diana Nielsen, certified teacher of the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program, says, "I love introducing people to this program and watching their balance and confidence improve. I have practiced other styles of tai chi for years but find this form is best for my own arthritis."

Each class consists of warm up and cool down exercises, a review of previously learned moves, and the learning of one or two new moves in a positive learning atmosphere. Over the course of the program, participants will build the balance and muscular strength that is important in both preventing falls and in stabilizing and protecting arthritic joints. The slow movement against gentle resistance also develops strength in the body's core stabilizer muscles which is critical to good posture and back health.

One does not need to have arthritis or a history of falls to benefit from this program. It is geared towards adults age 55 and older who would like a gentle, low-impact program that will increase their balance, mobility, flexibility, and lower body strength while decreasing stress. Tai chi student Beverly Adams of Elk Grove Village, IL states that this program has been "very rewarding" and that the "classes have been extremely helpful in my rehabilitation from knee and hip replacement surgery."

The Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program is being offered at the AMITA Health Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital located at 935 Beisner Road in Elk Grove Village, IL. It consists of 6 one-hour class sessions and is taught by Diana Nielsen, a licensed occupational therapy assistant and a certified instructor of the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program. A new class will be starting on Tuesday, November 5th at 11 am; please register in advance by calling 847-981-5556, option 2. All participants for this program must be able to walk unassisted for at least 100 feet for safety. For questions on this program including additional class times and locations, please email TCAFP.DN@gmail.com.

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Curb the Pain, Stop the Falls (Session starting Nov 7) - Chicago Daily Herald

Janssen has submitted a Type II Variation Application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), seeking first-in class approval of its Tremfya (guselkumab) for adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

If approved, it will mark the second approved indication for the human monoclonal antibody in the European Union.

Janssen, a division of Johnson & Johnson, says the submission is based on data from the Phase III DISCOVER-1 and DISCOVER-2 studies, a programme that comprises the first-ever Phase III studies evaluating a human monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 subunit of IL-23 in patients with active PsA.

Previous to this submission, the medicines was approved in the European Union for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in November 2017, and has also been approved in the US, Canada, Japan and several other countries worldwide.

Its estimated that up to a third of the 14 million people who are living with psoriasis in Europe will also develop PsA, a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterised by both joint inflammation and the skin lesions associated with psoriasis.

Because of this, the submission the toe EMA is an important milestone for people with psoriatic arthritis, who currently have limited treatment options that improve the signs and symptoms of the condition, said Alyssa Johnsen, vice president, rheumatology disease area leader, Janssen.

She continued, With this filing, we hope to offer clinicians a new and innovative treatment option for people living with psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterised by both joint inflammation and the skin lesions associated with psoriasis.

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Janssen seeks to expand Tremfya in arthritis - PharmaTimes

Keith Roach, To Your Health Published 12:00 a.m. ET Oct. 22, 2019

Dear Dr. Roach: What is known about arthritis later in life for someone who had early treatment for Lyme disease? I had it as a teenager in the late 1980s and was told by my doctor that arthritis could be an issue later. I was treated with an IV antibiotic, which I believe was the go-to treatment at the time.

J.A.

Dear J.A.: Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by the deer tick, causes arthritis in about half of people with untreated Lyme disease. Among those who are recognized and treated early, joint and muscle pains are common, but inflammation of the joints, along with the possibility of joint damage, is unusual. So, if you were recognized and treated early, the likelihood of developing any joint problems should be no different from your risk if you had never had Lyme disease.

Lyme arthritis most commonly affects one knee, but it can affect other joints, such as the shoulder, ankle, elbow or jaw (TMJ). Eleven percent of untreated Lyme disease patients developed permanent joint damage, but only 2% developed permanent joint disability. This study comes from a time when Lyme disease frequently went unnoticed and untreated.

Diagnosing Lyme disease can be a challenge, especially when a rash has gone unnoticed or was never present at all. A doctor needs vigilance and appropriate laboratory testing to find undiagnosed Lyme disease. Conjunctivitis, damage to the nerves of the face or eyes, Lyme meningitis and abnormal electrocardiograms (including heart block) all are occasional manifestations of Lyme disease and should prompt a clinician to consider the diagnosis.

Early treatment of Lyme disease was, and is still, most commonly oral doxycycline.

Dear Dr. Roach: I just completed a bone density scan that showed that I have osteopenia. My doctor has suggested that I take both vitamin D and calcium. I read your recent column that said this can increase stroke risk, which my doctor did not tell me. I am confused that she would suggest I take vitamin D and calcium if it would increase risk of stroke.

L.B.

Dear L.B.: Taken together, calcium and vitamin D reduce the risk of fracture in women with osteoporosis. Naturally, your doctor is concerned about your bones and wants to prevent a fracture, which can be devastating.

However, there is a substantial and growing body of literature suggesting that calcium supplements, but not dietary calcium, increase the risk of heart disease, and a new study showed an increased risk of stroke among those taking calcium supplements and vitamin D. However, there are other studies that have NOT shown an association between calcium supplements and heart attack or stroke. Experts are divided.

There is then a question of competing risks: The benefit of a decreased fracture risk you get in taking the calcium and vitamin D versus the possible harm in stroke and heart disease. Your doctor may have balanced the risk and felt the calcium was more benefit than harm. She may also be in the school that feels calcium supplements have little or no risk.

I am risk-averse for my patients and feel that, when possible, taking calcium through food, not supplements, gives the best of both worlds: reduced fracture risk without increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. This may require a broader change in diet, which may be inconvenient to some. Calcium-fortified foods are another option.

Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

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Dr. Roach: The link between Lyme disease and arthritis - The Detroit News

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected inflammation may predict treatment response in patients with early, poor prognosis rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to study data published in Arthritis Care & Research.

Investigators conducted a post hoc analysis of the Assessing Very Early Rheumatoid arthritis Treatment (AVERT) study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01142726), a phase 3b randomized controlled trial of patients with early RA (persistent symptoms, 2 years). Patient eligibility criteria included Disease Activity State (DAS) 28 (C-reactive protein [CRP]) 3.2, active clinical synovitis of 2 joints for at least 8 weeks, and anticitrullinated peptide-2 positivity. Patients included in the study had never received methotrexate or had received 10 mg/week methotrexate for 4 weeks up to a month prior to enrollment.

During the 12-month treatment period, researchers randomly assigned patients 1:1:1 to abatacept plus methotrexate, abatacept monotherapy, or methotrexate monotherapy. They performed an MRI assessment of each patients most clinically active hand and wrist at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. High baseline MRI-detected inflammation indicated poorer RA prognosis. Investigators compared disease activity at 12 months across treatment groups and stratified them according to baseline MRI inflammation levels. Disease activity measures included Simple Disease Activity Index remission, Clinical Disease Activity Index remission, Boolean remission, and DAS28 (CRP).

Of 351 patients enrolled in the AVERT study, 119 received abatacept plus methotrexate and 116 received methotrexate monotherapy. Among these 235 patients, 225 (95.7%) had baseline MRI data available. At baseline, 125 (55.6%) patients were classified as having low MRI inflammation and 100 (44.4%) as having high inflammation. Disease activity scores were significantly greater in the high inflammation group compared with the low inflammation group. Among patients with high baseline inflammation, the percentage of patients achieving remission at 12 months was significantly greater in the abatacept plus methotrexate group than in the methotrexate group. Specifically, compared with the methotrexate monotherapy group, more patients in the abatacept plus methotrexate group achieved remission on the Simple Disease Activity Index (45.1% vs 16.3%; P =.0022), Clinical Disease Activity Index (47.1% vs 20.4%; P =.0065), and Boolean (39.2% vs 16.3%; P =.0156) indices. In addition, a greater percentage of the abatacept plus methotrexate group achieved DAS28 (CRP) <2.6 compared with the methotrexate group (60.8% vs 40.8%; P =.0667), although the difference was not significant. Researchers observed similar trends in the low inflammation group, although abatacept plus methotrexate was not significantly higher than methotrexate monotherapy.

Study limitations included the fact that calculations were from a post hoc analyses and that the AVERT study was not specifically designed to investigate the prognostic ability of baseline MRI inflammation.

These post hoc analyses of the AVERT study showed that patients with early RA and a high level of MRI inflammation at baseline were more likely to achieve clinical remission with abatacept plus MTX compared with MTX. MRI as a measure of inflammation can provide added value as an objective assessment of disease to influence clinical decision making and guide the more precise use of therapies to treat RA, the researchers concluded.

Disclosure: This study was supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors disclosures.

Reference

Ahmad HA, Baker JF, stergaard M, et al. Baseline objective inflammation by magnetic resonance imaging as a predictor of therapeutic benefit in early, poor prognosis rheumatoid arthritis [published online September 24, 2019]. Arthritis Care Res. doi:10.1002/acr.24072

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Baseline MRI Inflammation May Predict Treatment Response in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor

Certolizumab pegol (CZP) may be safe and effective in the long-term treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), according to results of a post hoc analysis presented at the 28th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress, held October 9 to 13, 2019, in Madrid, Spain.

Researchers presented 4-year data from the RAPID-PsA trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01087788) that evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of CZP in PsA.

RAPID-PsA, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to 24 weeks, dose-blind to 48 weeks, and open-label to 216 weeks, included data from patients with active PsA and failed previous treatment with 1 disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. All patients received a loading dose of CZP 400 mg at weeks 0, 2, and 4, and were randomly assigned to receive either CZP 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks. These assigned doses were continued up to week 216.

In this analysis, data from patients receiving CZP 200 mg or 400 mg were collected, and PsA severity was assessed by 7 minimal disease activity criteria: tender and swollen joint counts 1, Psoriasis Area Severity Index 1 or body surface area affected 3%, patient pain visual analog score 15, patient global disease activity visual analog score 20, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index 0.5, and tender entheseal points 1.

In total, 273 patients were randomly assigned to receive either dose of CZP at baseline. At 24 weeks, 95 patients achieved minimal disease activity, and 37 achieved very low disease activity. At baseline, 166 patients had an affected body surface area 3%; 39 of these patients achieved minimal disease activity plus affected body surface area 3% at 24 weeks.

For all 3 composite outcome measures, patient response rates remained high up to week 216 in patients who had a response at week 24.

In this analysis, a high [percentage] of patients [treated with CZP] demonstrated durability of their initial week 24 response to week 216, the researchers concluded. The greatest durability was observed for [minimal disease activity], although both [very low disease activity] and [minimal disease activity] plus [body surface area] 3% were achieved by over 80% of week 24 responders at week 216.

Disclosure: This clinical trial was supported by UCB Pharma. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors disclosures.

Reference

Gottlieb AB, Gisondi P, Eells J, Peterson L, Kavanaugh A. Durability of response in patients with psoriatic arthritis treated with certolizumab pegol over 216 weeks: post-hoc analyses from the RAPID-PsA study. Presented at: 28th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress; October 9-13, 2019; Madrid, Spain. Abstract #P0432.

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Durable Response to Long-Term Treatment With Certolizumab in Psoriatic Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor

Dear Dr. Roach: What is known about arthritis later in life for someone who had early treatment for Lyme disease? I had it as a teenager in the late 1980s and was told by my doctor that arthritis could be an issue later. I was treated with an IV antibiotic, which I believe was the go-to treatment at the time. J.A.

Dear J.A.: Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by the deer tick, causes arthritis in about half of people with untreated Lyme disease. Among those who are recognized and treated early, joint and muscle pains are common, but inflammation of the joints, along with the possibility of joint damage, is unusual. So, if you were recognized and treated early, the likelihood of developing any joint problems should be no different from your risk if you had never had Lyme disease.

Lyme arthritis most commonly affects one knee, but it can affect other joints, such as the shoulder, ankle, elbow or jaw (TMJ). Eleven percent of untreated Lyme disease patients developed permanent joint damage, but only 2% developed permanent joint disability. This study comes from a time when Lyme disease frequently went unnoticed and untreated.

Diagnosing Lyme disease can be a challenge, especially when a rash has gone unnoticed or was never present at all. A doctor needs vigilance and appropriate laboratory testing to find undiagnosed Lyme disease. Conjunctivitis, damage to the nerves of the face or eyes, Lyme meningitis and abnormal electrocardiograms (including heart block) all are occasional manifestations of Lyme disease and should prompt a clinician to consider the diagnosis.

Early treatment of Lyme disease was, and is still, most commonly oral doxycycline.

Dear Dr. Roach: I just completed a bone density scan that showed that I have osteopenia. My doctor has suggested that I take both vitamin D and calcium. I read your recent column that said this can increase stroke risk, which my doctor did not tell me. I am confused that she would suggest I take vitamin D and calcium if it would increase risk of stroke. L.B.

Dear L.B.: Taken together, calcium and vitamin D reduce the risk of fracture in women with osteoporosis. Naturally, your doctor is concerned about your bones and wants to prevent a fracture, which can be devastating.

However, there is a substantial and growing body of literature suggesting that calcium supplements, but not dietary calcium, increase the risk of heart disease, and a new study showed an increased risk of stroke among those taking calcium supplements and vitamin D. However, there are other studies that have NOT shown an association between calcium supplements and heart attack or stroke. Experts are divided.

There is then a question of competing risks: The benefit of a decreased fracture risk you get in taking the calcium and vitamin D versus the possible harm in stroke and heart disease. Your doctor may have balanced the risk and felt the calcium was more benefit than harm. She may also be in the school that feels calcium supplements have little or no risk.

I am risk-averse for my patients and feel that, when possible, taking calcium through food, not supplements, gives the best of both worlds: reduced fracture risk without increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. This may require a broader change in diet, which may be inconvenient to some. Calcium-fortified foods are another option.

Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

View original post here:
The link between Lyme disease and arthritis - News - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

The Eastland Companion Animal Hospital in Bloomington is asking dog owners if they want to participate in research on using stem cells to treat dogs with arthritis.

Local dogs wouldjoin a double-blind, placebo-controlled studyto show the effectiveness of stem cells in treating large dogs(70 pounds or more) with arthritis in up to two joints of the knee, hip, elbow, or shoulder. The veterinary clinic has partnered with Animal Cell Therapies, who it's worked with before, to bring this study to Bloomington.

Dr. Kathy Petrucci, founder and CEO of Animal Cell Therapies, explained how dogs will receive the treatment.

The dogs that will receive the stem cells will be sedated, Petrucci said. Depending on what joints are affected, they will receive up to two injections in the joint and they will also receive an IV dose of stem cells.

The FDA oversees the cells that are received from donors for the study. Mothers donating these cells are screened for diseases, and cells are tested for any infections to ensure safety.

Stem cell therapy has been controversial, especially related to humans.

I think a lot of the controversy comes from the misunderstanding of the cell types, Petrucci said. The research in stem cells first started centered around embryonic or fetal tissue use. Its controversial to use embryos and fetal tissues for treatment for anything. The fact that we are using a disposable tissue as our cell sources makes it not controversial at all.

Why Umbilical-Derived Cells

Petrucci explained why umbilical-derived cells are more effective in treating arthritis versus other sources.

We looked at fat, bone marrow, embryonic cells, Petrucci said. The embryonic cells are a lot more unpredictable, and the bone marrow cells are more difficult to work with and less predictable. We didnt think the fat cells are as potent as umbilical-derived cells. Umbilical-derived cells are a lot younger and theyre a little bit more predictable. They are more easy to collect. We obtain cells from donors when the tissue would be normally thrown away. Theres no surgery required, no extra biopsies to obtain fat, no bone marrow from research animals. Its a good, ethical source of stem cells.

Umbilical-derived stem cells have proven successful in past studies on treatment for arthritis, according to Petrucci.

We did a study at the University of Florida on elbows only and we had success with that study, Petrucci said. We had good success with dogs under 70 pounds and (less) success with dogs over 70 pounds, so we changed our dose, which is why were testing dogs 70 pounds and over in this study.

Criteria for eligibility includes dogs weighing 70 pounds or more, being one year of age or older, in general good health, no neurologic issues, arthritis in up to two joints of the knee, hip, elbow, or shoulder, and have all four functioning limbs.

Owners must bring their dogs back to the clinic after 30 days to check for progress and complete a questionnaire. About 50 to 100 dogs are expected to participate in the study.

People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Bloomington-Normal. To support more stories and interviews like this one,please consider making a contribution.

Stem Cell Treatment - Excerpt

Stem Cell Research - Full Story

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Bloomington Vet Joins Study For Stem Cell Therapy To Treat Dogs With Arthritis - WGLT News

Rezhna Taha,1 Maria Papadopoulou,1,2 Madeleine Zetterberg,1,2 Solveig Oskarsdottir,3 Marita Andersson Grnlund1,2

1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mlndal, Sweden; 3Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

Correspondence: Rezhna TahaDepartment of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SwedenTel +46 31 704 093555Fax +46 31 848952Email rezhna.taha.najim@vgregion.se

Purpose: To evaluate quality of life (QoL) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Methods: Forty children with a mean age of 7.9 years were included. The children underwent an ophthalmological examination and completed questionnaires on physical function (CHAQ) and vision-related (VR) QoL (EYE-Q).Results: No differences regarding visual acuity (VA), refraction, intraocular pressure or physical or VRQoL were found between those with JIA without (n=33) and those with JIA-associated uveitis (n=7). When comparing physical function measured by CHAQ disability index and JIA subtype, a difference was found; children with polyarthritis scored the worst (p=0.0098). Children with subnormal VA scored worse on EYE-Q compared with those with normal VA (p=0.013). We found correlations between duration of JIA and CHAQ disability index (r=0.42, p=0.0007) and CHAQ well-being (r=0.34, p=0.022).Conclusion: This study indicates the importance of measuring not only physical function but also VRQoL in children with JIA and JIA-associated uveitis.

Keywords: child arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, PROM, uveitis, quality of life

This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License.By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.

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Visual Function And Quality Of Life In A Cohort Of Swedish Children Wi | OPTH - Dove Medical Press

Its no secret that Generation X is known for so many things, both positive and negative. Some call members of this group, born between the years of 1961 and 1981, slackers who lack motivation. However, this certainly isnt true for many Generation Xers, including those who have shaped and influenced the biotechnology industry we know today. The five scientists on this list collectively made many exciting strides in the field, notably because they had the technological skills to embrace and utilize advances in the realm of computer programming. Strategically combining technology with biology, which is literally the meaning of biotech, allowed the five intellectuals described here to advance healthcare, one small step at a time.

Sebastian Seung, Princeton University

Sebastian Seung, currently a professor at Princeton University's Neuroscience Institute at the Jeff Bezos Center in Neural Dynamics, works to connect neurons in the brain using computer-based technology. He came up with the Connectome Theory, which is best described as being similar to the Human Genome Project, only for the brain. By determining how the brains neurons function and connect with one another, strides may be made in treating diseases like Alzheimers. Since these neural connections seem to change frequently, computer programs are needed to help create the map. On top of his work in the fields of physics and neuroscience, Seung also gives TED talks and authors books.

Hugh Herr, BiOM, Inc.

Not only is Hugh Herr a well-known biotech leader, but hes also an avid mountain climber. In fact, the latter greatly influenced his work in the field. Back in 1982, he was involved in an incident on New Hampshires Mount Washington that tragically led to the amputation of both of his legs below the knee. But Herr refused to let that stop him from doing what he loved, so he founded BiOM, Inc in conjunction with MITs Media Lab, which makes advanced prosthetics for athletes and individuals who want to keep living their lives, despite their physical disabilities. Among other awards, his work has garnered him the 2016 Princess of Asturias Award for Technical & Scientific Research.

Jennifer Doudna, University of California Berkeley

Serving as the University of California Berkleys Li Ka Shing Chancellor Chair Professor in both the Chemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology Departments, Jennifer Doudna specializes in studying a form of genome editing known as CRISPR. In addition, Doudna determined that the Hepatitis C virus synthesizes viral proteins in a unique way, allowing the development of new vaccines for the disease. Her tireless work in the biotech field has led to several awards, ranging from the American Cancer Societys Medal of Honor to Rockefeller Universitys Pearl Meister Greengard Prize.

Karl Deisseroth, Stanford University

Controlling neurons with optogenetics, which uses light to change how those neurons fire in the brain, is the main breakthrough of Karl Deisseroth, currently the D. H. Chen Professor of Bioengineering and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. Deisseroth has received a number of awards for his research breakthroughs, including the Fresenius Research Prize in 2017, the 2016 Harvey Prize, and the 2019 Warren Alpert Foundation Prize. Hes also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.

Nina Tandon, Epibone

Swooping in at the tail end of Generation X, Nina Tandon is the co-founder of Epibone, a professor of Electrical Engineering at Cooper Union, and a fellow in the Lab for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering at Columbia. Her background includes degrees in BioMedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. At Epibone, Tandon and her colleagues create bone tissue out of the stem cells. The tissue then is used for bone grafts in patients, greatly reducing the chances of rejection. Among other accolades, she has been named a Global Thinker by Foreign Policy Magazine, as well as TED Senior Fellow.

Its no secret these five creative innovators choose discovery over complacency. Together and individually, each of these Gen-Xers made inspirational and memorable discoveries that shaped the life-changing biotech industry we appreciate today.

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Who are Some of the Most Influential Gen Xers in the Biotech Industry? - BioSpace

Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential ofGlobal Stem Cell Therapy Market Set For Rapid Growth, To Reach Around USD 4759.27 Million By 2024.The global Stem Cell Therapy Market report provides significant information about Stem Cell Therapy Market by fragmenting the market into different segments. GlobalStem Cell Therapy MarketReport concentrates on the strong analysis of the present state ofStem Cell Therapy Marketwhich will help the readers to develop innovative strategies that will act as a catalyst for the overall growth of their industry.(Sample Copy Here)This research report segments theStem Cell Therapy Marketaccording to Type, Application and regions.It highlights the information about the industries and market, technologies, and abilities over the trends and the developments of the industries. After deep research and analysis by the experts, they also disclosed the data about the strong contenders contributing in the market growth and expansion and challenging one another in terms of demand, supply, production, value estimation, revenue, and sales.

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Abstract

The report covers the conjecture and investigation for the Stem Cell Therapy Market on a worldwide and provincial level.

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he global Stem Cell Therapy Market report conveys the information regarding the prcised escalation or decline in market growth due to several key factors. The analysts, using various analytical methodologies such as probability, SWOT analysis, among others to generate the precise forecast belonging to the growth rate and upcoming opportunities in the market growth at the global level. The global Stem Cell Therapy Market report represents the complete information of the market in an eye-catching and easily understandable way with examples, figures, graphs, and flowcharts.

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Also, Research Report Examines:

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Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.

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As one of the lead news writers at the world industry news, Hirens specialization lies in the science, technology, Health & business domains. His passion for the latest developments in cloud technology, connected devices, nanotechnology, and virtual reality, among others, shines through in the most recent industry coverage he provides. Hirens take on the impact of digital technologies across the technology, health and business domains gives his writing a fresh and modern outlook.

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Latest Report on Stem Cell Therapy Market Future Scope Including Top key Players Anterogen Co., Ltd., RTI SurgicalInc. - The World Industry News

CRANBURY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As a part of a fundraising effort by Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma (MM4MM), 13 individuals will traverse Patagonias awe-inspiring and incredible landscape from Nov. 9-19. MM4MM is a joint initiative between the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), CURE Media Group and Celgene. The upcoming climb includes survivors, caregivers, family members, myeloma doctors and team members from the organizing partners.

Since MM4MM began with its first climb in 2016, the program has raised over $2.7 million. All the funds raised go directly to the MMRF to accelerate new treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma.

As a patient founded organization, the MMRF stands together with those who are battling multiple myeloma patients, families, physicians, researchers, and our pharmaceutical partners. This team represents a microcosm of that myeloma community and demonstrates that together, we can collaborate with ever increasing momentum towards a cure, said Paul Giusti, CEO of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. We are thrilled to enter the fifth year of this inspiring program and to have Celgene join us in this effort to raise awareness and critical funds to continue our mission.

The MM4MM team will include four patients living with multiple myeloma:

We are so honored to be a part of yet another hike with the MMRF and Celgene, said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences, parent company of CURE magazine. This initiative organized by Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma not only raises awareness and research funding for multiple myeloma but has brought together the myeloma community to take action and fight for a cure for myeloma patients.

The team will embark on a five-day trek of a lifetime through Patagonia and take on the rewarding and beautiful landscape that includes glaciers, deep valleys and challenging peaks. During this trek, the team will travel through El Chaltn and acclimatize while they experience the mighty range of peaks dominated by Monte Fitz Roy, an 11,020-foot tower with a sheer face of more than 6,000 feet. Next, the team will reach Lago San Martin, where they will traverse the terrain in daily treks, exploring a 10-mile peninsula, climbing to a condor rookery and reaching remote Andean lakes.

Celgene, Cure and the MMRF share an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of patients with multiple myeloma and we are very proud to continue our role in the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma initiative, said Chad Saward, senior director, patient advocacy at Celgene Corp. We are amazed and inspired by all who are participating in this unique awareness program.

To learn more about MM4MM and to donate to multiple myeloma research, click here.

About Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma

Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma (MM4MM) is a collaboration between CURE Media Group and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) to raise awareness and funds for myeloma research. This year, Celgene Corporation and GSK join the effort as sponsors. In addition to Patagonia, the program also led hikes up Mt. Washington and through Iceland in 2019. To date, MM4MM has raised over $2.7 million for myeloma research and included 51 patients with multiple myeloma on 7 climbs. Funds raised go directly to research, supporting the MMRF mission. For more information, visit https://www.themmrf.org/events/.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the plasma cell. It is the second most common blood cancer. An estimated 32,110 adults (18,130 men and 13,980 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with MM in 2019 and an estimated 12,960 people are predicted to die from the disease. The five-year survival rate for MM is approximately 50.7%, versus 31% in 1999.

About the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

A pioneer in precision medicine, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) seeks to find a cure for all multiple myeloma patients by relentlessly pursuing innovations that accelerate the development of precision treatments for cancer. Founded in 1998 by Kathy Giusti, a multiple myeloma patient, and her twin sister Karen Andrews as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the MMRF has created the business model around cancerfrom data to analytics to the clinic. The MMRF identifies barriers and then finds the solutions to overcome them, bringing in the best partners and aligning incentives in the industry to drive better outcomes for patients. Since its inception, the organization has collected thousands of samples and tissues, opened nearly 100 trials, helped bring 10 FDA-approved therapies to market, and built CoMMpass, the single largest genomic dataset for any cancer. Today, the MMRF is building on its legacy in genomics and is expanding into immune-oncology, as the combination of these two fields will be critical to making precision medicine possible for all patients. The MMRF has raised nearly $500 million and directs nearly 90% of the total funds to research and related programs. To learn more, visit http://www.themmrf.org.

About CURE Media Group

CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, CUREtoday.com; innovative video programs, such as CURE Connections; a series of widely attended live events; and CURE magazine, which reaches over 1 million readers, as well as the dynamic website for oncology nurses, OncNursingNews.com, and its companion publication, Oncology Nursing News. CURE Media Group is a brand of MJH Life Sciences, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in the U.S. dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

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Multiple Myeloma Experts, Patients, Advocates and Caregivers Team Up to Hike Through Patagonia - Business Wire

John Elway knew this would happen.

After trading up to draft Drew Lock in the second round of the draft, the questions of when his training as the future would start were asked almost immediately.

Lock, the quarterback Elway had eyed throughout the pre-draft process, arrived in Denver after a four-year career in Missouris spread offense. His transition to the Broncos offense an updated version of Mike Shanahans system would take time, from the tiniest details such as his study habits and footwork to the bigger concepts of the offense.

It was paramount, Elway stressed then, that the Broncos remain patient with his development and not rush it.

We believe he has a ton of talent, but we also believe he has a lot left to work on, he said in April. When we look at it, were hoping Drew is the future. But Joe (Flacco) is the starter, is going to be the starter and hes going to...

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'He is not ready to go right now': John Elway continues to play long game with Drew Lock - The Athletic

CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) has been on my watchlist for a couple of years but the stars never aligned for me to pull the trigger on a buy. Due to some recent updates, I am moving CRSP up to the top of my year-end shopping list and will be stalking an entry point in the coming weeks or months.

I intend to discuss the primary reasons why I have waited for an entry, as well as what has tempted me to start a position. In addition, I discuss some of my leading downside risks associated with this ticker and how I plan to manage my potential position over the next year.

(Image Source: CRISPR)

CRISPR Therapeutics is a leader in gene editing, specifically in the advancement of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 "CRISPR-Cas9". CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene therapy, however, it is a revolutionary technology that intends to edit the deleterious gene. This is executed by altering explicit genomic sequences that should correct the bad gene or to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Essentially, CRISPR is attempting to create curative gene therapies for both rare and common diseases.

CRISPR's programs can be divided up into ex vivo, where the company edits cells outside of the body and in vivo, the CRISPR-Cas9-based therapeutic targeted directly into the cells inside the body. CRISPR's leading pipeline programs take aim at hemoglobin related genetic disorders such as transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia "TDT" and severe sickle cell disease "SCD". Both conditions desperately need a curative therapy because the current standard-of-care is insufficient. In addition to gene editing, the company has several gene-edited allogeneic cell therapy programs, including a few CAR-T candidates for hematological and solid tumor cancers. Furthermore, the company is taking gene-editing into regenerative medicines to address Type 1 diabetes, as well as taking on DMD and few other indications (Figure 1).

Figure 1: CRISPR Pipeline (Source: CRSP)

CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing was co-invented by Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, who is one of CRISPR's founding members. The company now has the rights to Dr. Charpentier's CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, as well as some supplementary technology from other in-licensing efforts. What is more, CRISPR has a strong list of partnerships that will maximize CRISPR-Cas9's ability both clinically and commercially.

CRISPR has always been on my radar and I have admittedly traded the ticker a few times. However, I have been very cautious about investing in the company for a few reasons. One of which, is the fact that it is named after the technology associated with the gene therapies. Although there are other types of gene therapies, CRISPR appears to be the "brand" or term the market associates with all things gene therapy. Consequently, any bad news, setback, or regulatory failure in gene therapy has had a negative impact on the ticker. Essentially, CRISPR becomes a punching bag for anything that goes wrong in the industry. CRSP experienced strong selling pressure following Sarepta Therapeutics (SRPT) receiving a CRL for their DMD gene therapy. As a result, the stock fell from just under $50 a share to ~$43 per share in a few days. Of course, the rest of the industry experienced some selling pressure, but it appears CRSP gets the worst of it. As a result, I have been reluctant to commit to CRSP knowing that it will always be a target for shorts.

Another reason why I have passed on CRSP was due to its early pipeline. The company's pipeline is still mostly pre-clinical, so I would have been investing in science and not a mature product portfolio. Although I am happy to invest in an early-stage biotech/pharma company, I wanted to see if the FDA was willing to allow gene-editing therapies to be put into humans considering the controversy associated with the technology.

My last reason for holding off an investment was the valuation. The company's market valuation appeared to have a premium price on it. Admittedly, the company's high-priced valuation was due to its name and the hype around the gene therapy and not from a fundamental perspective. Although I am sold on the technology, I wasn't going to commit to a long-term investment to an early-stage company that is years away from a pivotal trial, regardless of the technology was from one of the co-founders of the CRISPR-Cas9.

In general, I knew the company was too early in the regulatory process and I expected the ticker to be toyed around with by traders and analysts. Therefore, I wanted to save myself from an unwanted rollercoaster ride of an investment.

The company is now a clinical-stage gene-editing company, which eliminates one of the reasons why I decided to hold off on starting a long-term investment. CRISPR's lead product candidate, CTX001, is ex-vivo CRISPR therapy that is being developed in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) for TDT or severe SCD. CTX001 is essentially a process that requires the company to engineer a patient's hematopoietic stem cells to increase the levels of fetal hemoglobin "HbF" in red blood cells.

Figure 2: CTX001 SCD (Source: CRSP)

The increase of HbF has the potential to assuage the need for transfusions for TDT and SCD patients.

Figure 3: CTX001 HbF (Source: CRSP)

CRISPR Therapeutics is enrolling in both Phase I/II studies of CTX001 in TDT and severe SCD. The company expects preliminary safety and efficacy data before the year-end. So far, the first TDT patient treated with CTX001 remains "transfusion independent, greater than four months following engraftment."

Now that CXT001 is in the clinic, we can expect several catalysts to come from these programs. Again, I did believe in the technology but the market needs to see that the pre-clinical data will transfer into humans. If the data is promising, we can expect an increase in attention from the market and from Street analysts. The company is expecting to report preliminary results for CTX001 by year-end, so I wouldn't mind having some skin-in-the-game ahead of that readout.

Another reason for a buy is the expanding use of the company's CRISPR-Cas9 technology. In addition to gene editing, the CRISPR-Cas9 has the potential to generate next-gen CAR-T therapies that may be superior to the contemporary autologous CAR-T (Figure 4).

Figure 4: CAR-T Highlights (Source: CRSP)

The company has programs including CTX110, a healthy donor-derived gene-edited allogeneic CAR-T therapy targeting CD19. In pre-clinical mouse studies, the company detected that CTX110 extended the survival in CD19-positive xenograft tumors. In addition to CTX110, the company has CTX120 that is targeting BCMA in multiple myeloma and CTX130 that could target both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

Figure 3: CTX110 & CTX120 (Source: CRSP)

In preclinical studies both CTX120 and CTX130 were able to record "complete tumor elimination" in their respective targets.

Figure 4: CTX130 (Source: CRSP)

In addition to cell-therapies, CRISPR is using their ex vivo gene-editing in regenerative medicine by using stem cells to restore or exchange damaged or malfunctioning tissue. Their leading regenerative program is diabetes with their partner, ViaCyte Inc (Figure 5).

Figure 5: In Diabetes (Source: CRSP)

CRISPR has other in vivo disease targets that impact the liver, lung and muscle. These will use the company's lipid nanoparticle-based delivery vehicles "LNPs" and AAV vectors to help deliver the genetic material.

Figure 6: Neuro & Liver (Source: CRSP)

Other notable programs include Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia "GSDIa", DMD and cystic fibrosis.

Admittedly, I have always seen CRISPR as a pure gene-editing company, however, they have a diverse pipeline and the technology to expand it into numerous other indications and areas of therapy. I expect the company will expand on their research efforts, which should increase the pending value of the company and add some catalysts to the calendar.

The company intends to advance their CRISPR-Cas9 therapeutics both autonomously and in strategic partnerships (Figure 7). The company has closed three major partnerships with Vertex, Casebia/Bayer (OTCPK:BAYRY) and ViaCyte. These partnerships not only provide CRISPR with some support, but they confirm that other reputable companies see CRISPR as a leader in this field.

Figure 7: CRSP Partnerships (Source: CRSP)

As the company expands its pipeline, I anticipate an increase in the number of strategic partnerships and deals. In fact, the company recently announced a partnership with KSQ Therapeutics to in-license IP to advance their cell therapy programs.

My final reason for stalking an entry is the improved risk/reward scenario. The stock appears to have lost some momentum and has had a relatively flat 2019. The stock has recently experienced a strong pull-back, yet, the company has made substantial progress in both the pipeline and strategic collaborations.

Figure 8: CRSP Daily (Source: Trendspider)

This recent pull-back has cut the market cap down to ~$2B which I believe is fair considering the long-term outlook for the company.

Figure 9: CRSP Valuation (Source: Seeking Alpha)

Looking at the CRSP's annual revenue estimates (Figure 10), we can see the Street expects the company to have relatively flat revenues for the next couple of years and will start to experience strong revenue growth in the second half of the next decade. This rapid growth is expected to drop the forward price-to-sales ratio below 1x at some point in 2027. The sector's average price-to-sales is about 5x, so that would equal ~$13B market cap in 2027.

Figure 10: CRSP Annual Revenue Estimates (Source: Seeking Alpha)

I understand this is years away, but I expect these estimates to only improve as the company continues to add pipeline programs and other strategic partnerships. Indeed, I could wait another year or two to further reduce my risk and cost for time. However, I don't want to be left out of this ticker if the company starts reporting curative results in multiple programs. What would happen if the company demonstrates the potential to cure Type 1 diabetes? Do you think it will be trading at a $2B market cap? What about if they cure cystic fibrosis? Sickle Cell? Eliminate renal cancer with an autologous CAR-T therapy? I believe the company would be undervalued at $2B even if they only cured one of these indications. Assuming the company has at least one winner in their current pipeline, I have to say the current risk/reward is enticing enough for me to start a speculative position.

I believe the biggest threat to CRISPR comes from the impressive competition from other gene therapy companies and institutions. These include companies that are working on CRISPR-Cas9 technology such as Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) and most notably Editas Medicine (EDIT). Other gene-editing companies such as bluebird bio (BLUE), Sangamo Therapeutics (SGMO), Cellectis (CLLS), Precision BioSciences (DTIL), and Allogene Therapeutics (ALLO) use other gene-editing platforms. There is a multitude of gene therapy companies that I didn't mention, but I think you get my point. Some of these companies are not in the same league as CRISPR, however, I believe CRISPR's biggest threat is something that is currently in a theoretical stage or perhaps hasn't been thought of yet. As gene therapy products begin to hit the market and start dethroning current standard-of-care therapies, I expect big pharma to start devoting a larger percentage of their R&D to gene therapies. As a result, more universities and institutions will start pioneering new CRISPR tech and perhaps another level of gene editing. If they are successful, they will most likely dethrone CRISPR-Cas9 as cutting-edge technology.

CRISPR is a developmental biotech company, so of course, the financials will be an issue until the company has a product on the market. At the end of Q2, the company had $427.9M in the bank. The company's R&D expenses were $39.5M for Q2, which led to a net loss of $53.7M. Usually, I would consider $428M to be a strong cash position for pre-revenue biotech, but I don't think we are seeing peak cash-burn. The company has several programs that haven't even hit the clinic yet, so we can expect that cash position to melt rapidly in the coming years. In fact, the company recently secured a $200M at-the-market sale of common stock, so we should expect the company to tap the market when they need to. Even then, investors need to accept the strong possibility the company will execute secondary offerings in the future.

CRISPR Therapeutics has evolved over the past couple of years and so has my view of a potential investment. The company's premium name brought a premium price, which generated a substantial amount of attention from traders who have created detached or arbitrary valuations for the ticker. Now, the company has moved into the clinic and will be generating data that could reveal curative level results for dreadful diseases and conditions. If CRISPR is able to gain regulatory approval, the product could replace the current standard-of-care for the indication and eventually dominate as patients demand a cure, rather than dealing with a lifetime of medications or procedures.

Due to this potential, I am moving CRSP up to the top of my shopping list as we close out 2019. I expect many of the speculative biotech names to experience end-of-the-year tax selling, so I am going to keep a close eye on the charts to see if I can get a nice discount to establish a large position. In the meantime, I rely on the chart's technicals to find an entry. Returning to figure 8, we can see the stock has returned to its previous trading range after a month of selling pressure. If the share price is able to hold this area over the next couple of weeks, I will look to click the buy button on a low volume day. If the stock breaks below $35, I will most likely hold off on a buy until the end of the year. Once I have established a position, I will look to add to my position following data readouts with a goal to have a full-sized position by the end of 2021.

Disclosure: I am/we are long SRPT. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Additional disclosure: I am also long BLUE.

Excerpt from:
CRISPR Therapeutics: At The Top Of My Shopping List - Seeking Alpha

Ewing sarcoma is a form of bone cancer that usually affects children and adolescents.

Ewing sarcoma can be very aggressive, but the cells tend to respond well to radiation therapy. Ideally, doctors will diagnose the cancer before it has spread.

According to the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 250 children in the United States receive a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma each year.

In this article, learn more about Ewing sarcoma, including the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that usually starts in the bone typically in the pelvis, chest wall, or legs and occurs mostly in children and teenagers.

Dr. James Ewing first described Ewing sarcoma in 1921. He identified cancer cells that looked different than the cells in osteosarcoma, another type of bone tumor.

Doctors may also refer to this cancer type as the Ewing family of tumors. These tumors have distinct cells that usually respond well to radiation treatments.

This rare cancer type accounts for just 1.5% of all childhood cancers and is the second most common bone cancer type in childhood, after osteosarcoma.

Although researchers are unsure why some people develop Ewing sarcoma, they have identified mutations in certain genes in the tumor cells that cause this cancer.

These include the EWSR1 gene on chromosome 22 and the FLI1 gene on chromosome 11.

These genetic mutations occur spontaneously during a person's lifetime. The individual does not inherit them from a family member.

There are no known risk factors for Ewing sarcoma that make one person more likely than another to develop this cancer.

Ewing sarcoma can cause the following symptoms:

An estimated 87% of Ewing sarcomas are sarcoma of the bone. The other types form in the soft tissues, such as cartilage, that surround the bones.

Ewing sarcoma can spread to other areas of the body. Doctors call this process metastasis.

Areas that the cancer can spread to include other bones, bone marrow, and the lungs.

Doctors categorize Ewing sarcoma as one of three types according to its extent:

Before diagnosing Ewing sarcoma, a doctor will take a person's full medical history and ask them what symptoms they are having, when they noticed them, and what makes them better or worse. They will also perform a thorough physical exam, focusing on the area of concern.

A doctor will usually recommend an imaging study to view the bone or bones. These tests include:

If it looks as though a tumor may be present, a doctor will perform a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of bone tissue. They will send this tissue to a laboratory, where a specialist called a pathologist will check it for the presence of cancerous cells.

A doctor may also order blood tests, a bone marrow biopsy, and other scans when necessary. These tests can help determine whether the cancer has spread to other locations.

A doctor will work with a team of cancer specialists and surgeons to recommend and implement particular treatments.

Possible treatments for Ewing sarcoma include:

Doctors may use a combination of treatments depending on how far the cancer has spread and a person's overall health.

Research into new treatments for Ewing sarcoma is ongoing. Some doctors may inform their patients about clinical trials, which help test new treatments.

Possible complications of Ewing sarcoma include:

If Ewing sarcoma has spread to other areas of the body, it can be life threatening. For this reason, it is vital for a doctor to evaluate any symptoms as quickly as possible.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, an estimated two-thirds of people in whom cancer has not spread to other areas of the body survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis.

People who are more likely to have positive outcomes include those who have:

The likelihood of successful treatment is different for every individual, so people should speak to a doctor about their or their child's expected outlook.

Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that mostly affects young people.

When doctors detect it early enough, the condition usually responds well to treatment.

Anyone who notices signs or symptoms of Ewing sarcoma, such as a bone that breaks for no apparent reason or a painful lump or swelling, should speak to a doctor.

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Ewing sarcoma: Causes, symptoms, and treatment - Medical News Today

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Wound Care Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2019-2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global wound care market is growing at a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period 2018-2024

The adoption of wound care biologics is augmenting the growth of the global wound care market. The commercial availability of a wide array of wound biologics is likely to encourage many end-users to use them in treating wounds as they are clinically proven, safe, and effective than other products.

The growing incidence of infections caused in lesions is another factor accelerating the growth of anti-microbial dressings market segment. Anti-microbial agents such as chlorhexidine, maggots, silver, iodine, and honey are increasingly becoming important in the global wound care market. Therefore, the incorporation of anti-microbial agents in wound dressing products is improving clinical outcomes for the treatment of wounds, thereby driving the global wound care market.

Key Vendor Analysis

The global wound care market is highly competitive and dynamic characterized by the presence of several global, regional, and local vendors, offering a diverse range of products and devices for treating various acute and chronic wounds. There are approximately more than 400 vendors providing a wide array of wound care products worldwide. Multiple product launches, strategic acquisitions, and differentiated products have fueled the growth in recent years.

New product launches and strategic acquisitions, collaborations will be crucial for companies to maintain revenue growth in the coming years. Large and diversified companies account for nearly 48% of the market share. Also, the majority of key players have demonstrated consistent growth in the last three years. Moderate to the high growth of major players will continue to boost the market growth. In addition, both established and emerging players are developing or commercializing wound care products and devices.

Major players are focusing on technological innovations, thereby investing substantial amounts on R&D activities for offering advanced wound care products such as advanced wound dressings, skin grafts, and wound biologics.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Research Methodology

2 Research Objectives

3 Research Process

4 Scope & Coverage

4.1 Market Definition

4.2 Base Year

4.3 Scope of the study

4.4 Market Segments

5 Report Assumptions & Caveats

5.1 Key Caveats

5.2 Currency Conversion

5.3 Market Derivation

6 Market at a Glance

7 Introduction

7.1 Wound Care: An Overview

7.1.1 Background

7.1.2 Wound Care for Acute & Chronic Wounds

7.1.3 Wound Care: Market Snapshot

8 Market Dynamics

8.1 Market Growth Enablers

8.1.1 Increasing Prevalence of Acute & Chronic Wounds

8.1.2 New Product Approvals/Launches

8.1.3 Increasing Number of Surgical Procedures

8.2 Market Growth Restraints

8.2.1 High Cost of Advanced Wound Care Products & Devices

8.2.2 Limitations & Complications with Wound Care Products & Devices

8.2.3 Intense Competition & Pricing Pressure

8.2.4 Shortage of Resources for Wound Care Treatments

8.3 Market Opportunities & Trends

8.3.1 Focus on Development & Commercialization of Wound Biologics

8.3.2 High Demand for Anti-microbial Wound Dressing Products

8.3.3 Growing Popularity of Natural Surgical Sealants

8.3.4 Emergence of Stem Cell Therapy For Wound Healing

9 Global Wound Care Market

9.1 Market Overview

9.2 Market Size & Forecast

9.3 Five Forces Analysis

10 By Product Type

10.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

10.2 Market Overview

11 Advanced Wound Care Products

11.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

11.2 Market Overview

11.3 Advanced Wound Care Segmentation by Product Type

11.4 Advanced Wound Dressings

11.5 Wound Therapy Devices

11.6 Wound Care Biologics

12 Traditional Wound Care Products

12.1 Market Overview

12.2 Market Size & Forecast

13 Sutures & Stapling Devices

13.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

13.2 Market Overview

13.3 Market Size & Forecast

13.4 Segmentation by Product Type

13.5 Sutures

13.6 Stapling Devices

14 Hemostats & Surgical Sealants

14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

14.2 Market Overview

14.3 Market Size & Forecast

14.4 Segmentation by Product Type

14.5 Hemostats

14.6 Surgical Sealants

15 By Wound Type

15.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

15.2 Market Overview

15.3 Acute Wounds

15.4 Chronic Wounds

16 By End Users

16.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.2 Market Overview

16.3 Hospitals & Specialty Wound Care Clinics

16.4 Long-term Care Facilities

16.5 Home Healthcare

16.6 Others

17 By Geography

17.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

17.2 Market Overview

Key Company Profiles

Other Prominent Vendors

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gxho7k

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Global Wound Care Market Outlook and Forecasts, 2018 & 2019-2024 - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Business Wire

The ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) market research report added by Report Ocean, is an in-depth analysis of the latest trends, market size, status, upcoming technologies, industry drivers, challenges, regulatory policies, with key company profiles and strategies of players. The research study provides market introduction, ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) market definition, regional market scope, sales and revenue by region, manufacturing cost analysis, Industrial Chain, market effect factors analysis, ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) market size forecast, 100+ market data, Tables, Pie Chart, Graphs and Figures, and many more for business intelligence.

The global EHR market was valued at $23,592 million in 2016, and is expected to reach $33,294 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2017 to 2023.

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ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market: Competitive Analysis by Key Players:

AdvancedMD, Inc.Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.Cerner CorporationComputer Programs and Systems, Inc.CureMD CorporationeClinicalWorksEpic Systems CorporationGeneral Electric CompanyGreenway Health, LLCQuality Systems, Inc.

The Global ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market also explains the competitive landscape among the major key players of the market, based on various parameters, such as:

ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market Segments:

By Product (Cloud-Based Software and Server-Based/On-Premise Software), Type (Inpatient EHR and Ambulatory EHR), Application (Clinical Application, Administrative Application, Reporting in Healthcare System, Healthcare Financing, and Clinical Research Application), and End User (Hospitals, Clinics, Specialty Centers, and Other End Users)

ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market: Insights

The global EHR market was valued at $23,592 million in 2016, and is expected to reach $33,294 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2017 to 2023.

An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of the paper chart of a patient. It contains all the data related to a patients medical history including medications, diagnosis, immunization dates, treatment plans, radiology images, allergies, and test results from laboratories. These also allow access to evidence-based tools used by healthcare providers to make decisions about a patients treatment. EHRs have also helped to streamline and automate the workflow in a healthcare setting.

Rise in adoption of EHR, increased use of cloud based EHR software, and rapid surge in aging population and subsequent rise in the number of chronic diseases drive the market growth. However, high cost of EHR and increase in concerns regarding the patient data safety & security are expected to impede the market growth. Moreover, huge market potential in the developing regions are expected to offer further opportunities for market growth during the forecast period.

The report segments the market based on product, type, application, end user, and region. Based on product, the market is bifurcated into cloud-based software and server-based/on-premise software. The type segment is categorized into inpatient EHR and ambulatory EHR. Based on application, the market is segmented into clinical application, administrative application, reporting in healthcare system, healthcare financing, and clinical research application. EHRs may be used in hospitals, clinics, specialty centers, and other medical settings. Based on region, the market is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Spain, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Australia, India, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and rest of LAMEA).

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Furthermore, the years considered for the study are as follows:

Historical year 2013-2017

Base year 2018

Forecast period** 2019 to 2025 [** unless otherwise stated]

Regional Analysis:

The market research study offers in-depth regional analysis along with the current market scenarios. The major regions analyzed in the study are:

Key highlights and important features of the Report:

Overview and highlights of product and application segments of the global ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market are provided. Highlights of the segmentation study include price, revenue, sales, sales growth rate, and market share by product.

Explore about Sales data of key players of the global ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market as well as some useful information on their business. It talks about the gross margin, price, revenue, products, and their specifications, type, applications, competitors, manufacturing base, and the main business of key players operating in the ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market.

Explore about gross margin, sales, revenue, production, market share, CAGR, and market size by region.

Describe ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;

Research Methodology:

The market research was done by adopting various tools under the category of primary and secondary research. For primary research, experts and major sources of information have been interviewed from suppliers side and industries, to obtain and verify the data related to the study of the Global ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market. In secondary research methodology, various secondary sources were referred to collect and identify extensive piece of information, such as paid databases, directories and annual reports and databases for commercial study of the Global ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market. Moreover, other secondary sources include studying technical papers, news releases, government websites, product literatures, white papers, and other literatures to research the market in detail.

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There are 15 Chapters to display the Global ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Market:

Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR), Applications of, Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of , Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, Export & Import, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia, Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to explore the Market Analysis by Application Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type, Market Trend by Application;Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) by region, type and application;Chapter 12, to describe ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR) sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.

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Molecular Diagnostics Market is Anticipated to Expand at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2016 to 2025 - Health News Office

The National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will together invest at least $200 million over the next four years to develop gene-based cures for sickle cell disease and HIV with an attribute even rarer in the world of genetic medicine than efficacy, the groups announced on Wednesday: The cures, they vowed, will be affordable and available in the resource-poor countries hit hardest by the two diseases, particularly in Africa.

The effort reflects growing concerns that scientific advances in genetic medicine, both traditional gene therapies and genome-editing approaches such as CRISPR, are and will continue to be prohibitively expensive and therefore beyond the reach of the vast majority of patients. Spark Therapeutics Luxturna, a gene therapy for a rare form of blindness, costs $425,000 per eye, for instance, and genetically engineered T cells (CAR-Ts) to treat some blood cancers cost about the same.

With CRISPR-based treatments already being tested in clinical trials for sickle cell disease, the blood disorder beta thalassemia, and another form of blindness, and with additional CRISPR treatments in development, scientists, ethicists, and health policy experts have grown increasingly concerned that the divide between haves and have-nots will grow ever-wider.

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Gene-based treatments are largely inaccessible to most of the world by virtue of the complexity and cost of treatment requirements, which currently limit their administration to hospitals in wealthy countries, the NIH said in a statement. To help right that, its collaboration with the Gates Foundation aims to develop curative therapies that can be delivered safely, effectively and affordably in low-resource settings.

Scientists whose research focuses on gene-based cures welcomed the infusion of funding and the recognition that genetic cures are on track to be unaffordable to the majority of patients. But they noted one irony. The most effective sickle cell drug, hydroxyurea, has hardly even been studied in sub-Saharan Africa, let alone made widely available. Yet a 2019 study found that giving children the drug cut their death rate by two-thirds and halved the pain crises that are common in sickle cell disease, caused by misshapen red blood cells that cannot flow through blood vessels.

The NIH-Gates collaboration is tremendously exciting and has the potential to have a great impact on sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa, said Dr. Vijay Sankaran of the Dana-Farber/Boston Childrens Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, who has done pioneering research on genetic cures for the disease. But my hesitation is that even the inexpensive therapies we have today, such as hydroxyurea, are largely unavailable there. The question is, how do we best approach this disease, with therapies that are working today or with genetic therapies that might work?

The same concerns surround HIV. Very inexpensive less than $100 per year in the U.S. antiretroviral drugs can keep the virus in check, but only 67% of HIV-positive adults and 62% of HIV-positive in children in east and southern Africa are estimated to be on antiretroviral treatment.

The new collaboration aims to move gene-based cures into clinical trials in the U.S. and countries in sub-Saharan Africa within the next seven to 10 years, and to eventually make such treatments available in areas hardest hit by sickle cell disease and HIV/AIDS. The idea is to focus on access, scalability, and affordability to make sure everybody, everywhere has the opportunity to be cured, not just those in high-income countries, NIH Director Francis Collins said in a statement. We aim to go big or go home. But the challenge is enormous, he told reporters on Wednesday: Im not going to lie. This is a bold goal.

An estimated 95% of the 38 million people with HIV live in the developing world, with 67% in sub-Saharan Africa. Up to 90% of children with sickle cell disease in low-income countries die before they are 5 years old. In the U.S., the life expectancy for people with sickle cell disease is in the low 40s.

The NIH and the Gates Foundation will fund research to identify potential gene-based cures for sickle cell and HIV, and also work with groups in Africa to test those cures in clinical trials.

The science of genetic cures for both diseases is within reach, experts say. CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex (VRTX) are already running a clinical trial for sickle cell disease, using the CRISPR genome editor to do an end-run around the disease-causing mutation in the hemoglobin gene: The therapy releases the brake on red blood cells production of fetal hemoglobin, whose production shuts off in infancy but which does not have the sickling damage of adult hemoglobin.

Developing effective, safe genetic cures for sickle cell and HIV would be only a first step, however. As currently conceived, such therapies require advanced medical facilities to draw blood from patients, alter their cells genomes in a lab, give the patients chemotherapy to kill diseased blood-making cells, and then perform whats essentially a bone marrow transplant, followed by monitoring patients in a hospital for days to prevent infection and provide intensive medical support, said Dr. Dan Bauer, a sickle cell expert at Boston Childrens.

He called the NIH-Gates effort terrific, but cautioned that delivering advanced gene therapies requires tremendous effort, extended hospitalization, and large supplies of blood products. All of those requirements mean that even if a CRISPR-based cure for sickle cell disease or HIV were provided at cost, there will still be barriers to access.

Recognizing that, Collins said, a genetic cure would have to be given directly into patients (in vivo), presumably through an infusion, rather than by treating blood or other cells removed from patients and genetically transformed in a lab (ex vivo). That could avoid the resources needed for and the complications that can occur with ex vivo therapies, said Sankaran, who has discussed the approach with Gates officials.

This story has been updated with additional comments.

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NIH, Gates Foundation aim to bring genetic cures to the poor - STAT

Stephen Abiola Akinola,1 Mulunda Mwanza,2 Collins Njie Ateba1

1Antimicrobial Resistance and Phage Bio-Control Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mmabatho 2745, South Africa; 2Center for Animal Health Studies, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Mmabatho 2745, South Africa

Correspondence: Collins Njie AtebaAntimicrobial Resistance and Phage Bio-control Group, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2745, South AfricaTel +27 18 489 2720Email collins.ateba@nwu.ac.za

Purpose: Contamination with Salmonella on food products and poultry in particular has been linked to foodborne infections and/or death in humans. This study investigated the occurrence, genetic diversities and antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella strains isolated from chickens.Patients and methods: Twenty each duplicate faecal swab samples were collected from five different poultry pens of broilers, layers and indigenous chickens in the North-West Province, South Africa. Isolates identities were confirmed through amplification and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and the invA gene fragments after which phylogenetic tree was constructed. Salmonella enteritidis (ATCC:13076TM), Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC:14028TM) and E. coli (ATCC:259622TM) were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The serotypes of Salmonella isolates were determined. Antibiotic-resistant profiles of the isolates against eleven antimicrobial agents were determined.Results: Eighty-four (84%) of representative isolates possessed the invA genes. The percent occurrence and diversity of Salmonella subspecies in chickens were 1.8130.9% and was highest in Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. Notably, the following serotypes Salmonella bongori (10.09%), Salmonella Pullorum (1.81%), Salmonella Typhimurium (12.72%), Salmonella Weltevreden, Salmonella Chingola, Salmonella Houten and Salmonella Bareily (1.81%). Isolates (96.6%) displayed multidrug resistance profiles and the identification of isolates with more than nine antibiotic resistance was a cause for concern.Conclusion: This study indicates that isolates had pre-exposure histories to the antibiotics tested and may pose severe threats to food security and public health.

Keywords: Salmonella, diversity, antimicrobial resistance, phylogenetic, chickens

This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License.By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.

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Occurrence, Genetic Diversities And Antibiotic Resistance Profiles Of | IDR - Dove Medical Press