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Thursday, 03/09/2017 1:48:02 AM

Thursday, March 09, 2017 1:48:02 AM

Post# of 106822
Warren Buffett is investing in Stem Cells!!!

WARREN BUFFET. Has 3 Healthcare stocks in 2017

DaVita, Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi
have all caught the eye of the Oracle of Omaha.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/31/3-healthcare-stocks-warren-buffett-really-likes.aspx

His picks include: DaVita (NYSE:DVA), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), and Sanofi (NYSE:SNY).

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DaVita represented over $2.5 billion and was Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE:BRK.A) (NYSE:BRK.B) tenth largest dollar holding. Berkshire owned almost 20% of all DVA shares outstanding.



What does DaVita do ? They treat Kidney Disease.



The Kidney Care Resource Chosen by 7 Million People
https://www.davita.com/?gclid=CPCXvMbQvtICFUcHhgodwBcAqA

There is no cure for kidney disease, but it may be possible to stop its progress or at least slow down the damage. In many cases, the correct treatment and lifestyle changes can help keep a person and their kidneys healthier longer.

A person with stage 5 chronic kidney disease has end stage renal disease (ESRD) with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 15 ml/min or less. At this advanced stage of kidney disease, the kidneys have lost nearly all their ability to do their job effectively, and eventually dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to live.
https://www.davita.com/kidney-disease/overview/stages-of-kidney-disease/stage-5-of-chronic-kidney-disease/e/4753

DaVita provides dialysis services in the U.S. for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The company claims a market share of around 36%. Even better, DaVita's revenue stream has steadily increased over the last 10 years.

That revenue growth is one reason why Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway owns over 38 million shares of DaVita stock

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has been buying shares of DaVita HealthCare Partners since 2011.

But what does that have to do with Stem Cells? umm.. How about Everything.

Davita's bottom line stands to be benefit tremendously from Rockwell Medical's recently-approved iron replacement drug Triferic. Dialysis providers like Davita currently spend a combined $2 billion annually on expensive erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, or ESAs. Triferic should allow these providers to significantly reduce the use of these ESAs and save lots of money.

erythropoiesis-stimulating agents administration at an appropriate time after the infusion of stem cells may be effective both in autologous and allogeneic HSCTs.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1517/14712598.2015.971749?journalCode=iebt20

Why DaVita investors thrilled about Rockwell:
http://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/rockwell-medical-inc-rmti-davita-healthcare-partners-inc-dva-why-are-investors-thrilled-about-this-companys-iron-treatment-246983/

Rockwell Medical.
About Rockwell Medical
Rockwell Medical is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company targeting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with innovative products for the treatment of iron replacement, secondary hyperparathyroidism and hemodialysis.

Rockwell’s FDA approved generic drug Calcitriol is for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients. Calcitriol (active vitamin D) injection is indicated in the management of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis. It has been shown to significantly reduce elevated parathyroid hormone levels. Reduction of PTH has been shown to result in an improvement in renal osteodystrophy. Rockwell intends to market Calcitriol to hemodialysis patients in the U.S. dialysis market.

Calcitriol modulates (modulates - exert a modifying or controlling influence on.) the effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on macrophage functions.

Calcitriol will become commercially available in the U.S. in approximately 45 days. Calcitriol is Rockwell’s FDA approved active Vitamin D injection for the management of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis


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June 23, 2016
Rockwell Medical Announces Appointment of Dr. Robin Smith to Board of Directors

She is the former CEO of the NeoStem family of companies, which she led as CEO from 2006 to 2015 and established as one of the preeminent healthcare brands focused on the development of cellular therapies.

In 2008, Dr. Smith founded The Stem For Life Foundation (SFLF), a nonpartisan, 501(c)3 educational organization devoted to fostering global awareness of the potential for regenerative medicine to treat and cure a range of deadly diseases and debilitating medical conditions, as opposed to merely treating their symptoms. In 2009, Dr. Smith forged a historic, first-of-its-kind partnership with The Vatican. The Vatican and SFLF collaborate to create high-profile initiatives that help catalyze interest and development of cellular therapies that could ultimately reduce human suffering on a global scale. In 2016, Dr. Smith expanded the foundation to broaden the scope and become an entity under the Cura Foundation, a global charitable organization which stands as the parent-entity of SFLF and seeks to catalyze funding for the advancement of a wide array of cellular therapies that enhance cellular health and longevity.
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Acute Kidney Injury in Hematopoeitic Cell Transplantation

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) offers cures for many malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases, metabolic disorders, and immune deficiencies that were once incurable or fatal. Worldwide, approximately 30,000–40,000 transplantations are performed annually, and the number continues to increase by 10–20% each year. Despite the improvement in outcomes following HCT, renal injury remains a common complication post-transplant and negatively impacts the outcome

Acute renal failure after allogeneic myeloablative stem cell transplantation: retrospective analysis of incidence, risk factors and survival.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with chronic kidney disease.

In selected centers, autologous HSCT is performed with some frequency in patients with advanced CKD and even dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with acceptable outcomes, but cure from malignancy rarely is obtained. Allogeneic transplants using reduced-intensity conditioning regimens are being used with increasing frequency in patients with CKD, for both nonmalignant and malignant conditions, relying in the latter case on a graft-versus-malignancy effect to eliminate residual malignancy. In patients with ESRD from myeloma who have suitable donors, simultaneous allogeneic HSCT and kidney transplantation from a human leukocyte antigen-identical sibling provides the opportunity to treat both the malignant condition and the ESRD, avoiding the risks of posttransplant care in a dialysis-dependent patient and freeing the patient of the subsequent burdens of both ongoing dialysis and immunosuppression.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21146125

How do Stem Cells work in patients with chronic kidney disease? ?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also termed chronic renal disease, is a condition in which your kidneys are damaged and unable to filter blood as well as healthy kidneys can. As a result, wastes from the blood remain in the body and may lead to other health problems. It is estimated by the Center of Disease Control that more than 10% of adults in the United States – more than 20 million people – may have CKD.

Stem Cells improve kidney function, make new blood vessels in the kidney and improve our body’s immune system to optimize the defense of the kidneys from diseases.

The increase in circulation from new vessels creates more filtering and better kidney function that decreases waste inside our bodies.

Stem Cells have been shown to help avoid and reduce dialysis. This allows patients to work and continue as productive citizens. This also allows family members and friends more free time because patients regain independence.

The financial benefits of eliminating dialysis and its consequences greatly outweigh the costs of Stem Cells. The long-term expense of dialysis is replaced by a short protocol of Stem Cells, which in all likelihood will eventually be a covered benefit of some insurance plans.
https://www.stemcell.life/kidney-diseases.html
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Buffett hasn't been averse to buying pharmaceutical companies in the past. In addition to Johnson & Johnson, Berkshire also holds a position in French drugmaker Sanofi.

Sanofi Has Just Become a $14B Stem Cell Play

bio incumbent Sanofi (NYSE:SNY). announced on August 7, 2015, that it had entered into an agreement with Germany-based Evotec, with the goal of developing a beta cell replacement therapy using stem cells to treat diabetes. The arrangement is the latest in what is has proven a controversial area of biotech over the past decade or so, stem cell research. However, if successful, it could give both companies exposure to a condition that currently affects just short of 400 million patients worldwide, and is – despite this enormous prevalence – as yet to receive anything close to a one-time treatment.

People with type I diabetes don’t produce enough insulin. This means that – once the blood sugar (glucose) rises – the body is unable to use the glucose effectively. The things that produce insulin in the body are called beta cells, and they are found in what’s called a pancreatic islet – a small bunch of cells found in the pancreas. The traditional way to treat type I diabetes (regular insulin shots aside) is a pancreatic transplant. This basically means taking a transplant from a deceased donor and introducing it to a new host. Obviously, this is very risky, not only because it involves serious surgery, but also there is no guarantee that new host body will take up the pancreas. Further, there is no guarantee that the pancreatic islets in the new pancreas will produce insulin effectively. What Sanofi intends to do, is to take pancreatic islets from stem cells and introduce these into diabetes sufferers pancreas.

https://marketexclusive.com/sanofi-has-just-become-a-14-bb-stem-cell-play/469/

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Then you have Johnson and Johnson:

Johnson & Johnson developing stem cell cure for Type 1 diabetes

Johnson & Johnson and biotech company ViaCyte are exploring a possible cure for Type 1 diabetes with encouraging results, The Associated Press reports. The stem cell treatment involves turning embryotic stem cells into insulin-producing cells in a lab, and then putting them in a small capsule to implant under a patient's skin.

http://theweek.com/speedreads/603503/johnson--johnson-developing-stem-cell-cure-type-1-diabetes

The Next Stem Cell Frontier: Diabetes
https://www.jnj.com/innovation/the-next-stem-cell-frontier-diabetes

https://www.jnj.com/caring/citizenship-sustainability/stem-cells

Although Johnson & Johnson is 130 years old, the company hasn't stopped innovating. J&J's drug pipeline includes more than 30 late-stage clinical studies

J&J gambles $12.5M in rare Big Pharma bet on a stem cell therapy

Later this week a little biotech named Capricor Therapeutics is set to begin a Phase II study of its new stem cell therapy with about $20 million in support from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). And this morning Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) is stepping up with a $12.5 million upfront to buy itself an option and a front-row seat on the program--marking a rare Big Pharma gamble on a field that is trying hard to mount a comeback.

J&J inked the deal after a lengthy inspection into every nook and cranny at Capricor ($CAPR) as well as a broad review of the stem cell arena, says CEO Linda Marbán, who has mapped out a goal of developing a world-class regenerative medicine platform at a "fully functional" biotech. "After a full year of due diligence they decided to make the bet," she adds.

Capricor shares shot up 22% this morning on the news.

According to Capricor, J&J will have 60 days following delivery of the 6-month follow-up to Phase II to decide whether it wants to take control of the program and carry it through late-stage studies. And if J&J takes the next step, it will be committed to a $325 million package of milestones, plus royalties on any sales.

http://www.fiercebiotech.com/partnering/j-j-gambles-12-5m-rare-big-pharma-bet-on-a-stem-cell-therapy
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So basically,

1. Stem Cells are used in DaVita's Kidney Treatments.
DaVita, one of his long time favorites, is becoming highly dependent on Stem Cells.

2. Sanofi, has basically become a 14 Billion dollar Stem Cell Stock.

3. Johnson & Johnson, well they are heavily involved and on the cutting edge of regenerative medicine.

So to say Warren Buffet does not have a vested interest in Stem Cells, is just plain wrong.
He is not only invested in Stem Cells, but his only 3 healthcare stocks are entirely involved with stem cells and regenerative medicine.

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NOV 3, 2016 before the election.

Time To Buy Healthcare Stocks:

Warren Buffett wrote a famous op-ed piece in the New York Times in October 2008 in which he that said the following:

“A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. And most certainly, fear is now widespread, gripping even seasoned investors."

This is the mindset of a great investor and how great investors react when there are opportunities like we’re seeing in this beaten down sector. They buy when others are selling.

The point of Buffett’s piece is that you don’t get rich buying into a high market or selling into a falling market. You can get rich though, buying into market corrections and beaten-down markets. When everyone was running from bank stocks in 2008-2009, Buffett was buying. When everyone was running out of energy stocks earlier this year, Buffett was buying. I suspect the same is beginning with healthcare stocks as we head into the election, and will continue in the aftermath.

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Stocks Warren Buffett is buying:

These stock databases are updated on an irregular basis. As you will notice from the list, numerous stock sectors and industries are listed, including coffee stocks, beer stocks, candy stocks, robotics stocks, stem cell stocks, wine stocks, and casino stocks

http://atayas.com/boviewtopic/Forex+America%2527S+Robot/stocks-warren-buffett-is-buying-ae.html

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At last. To prove my point, the end is nigh for the Oracle of Omaha.

Warren Buffett, and his long lasting legacy will leave upon this world one last impression for the advancement of stem cell treatment.

The Giving Pledge is a campaign to encourage the wealthy people of the world to contribute their wealth to philanthropic causes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giving_Pledge

In June 2010, the Giving Pledge campaign was formally announced and Bill Gates and Warren Buffett began recruiting members.

one of the areas which stand to gain the most from the Giving Pledge:

include.. yup you guessed it. stem cell research
https://www.learnvest.com/2012/10/the-billionaire-pledge-is-there-a-downside-to-giving-away-billions/

You see guys, Stem Cell Treatment is about prolonging peoples lives.

And no-one lives forever, even if you have billions of dollars... And for a Philanthropist like Warren Buffett, and all the billionaires involved in "the giving pledge," it makes perfect sense to help with the advancement of regenerative medicine.

ESPECIALLY because, Warren Buffett, had early stage prostate cancer.

and how Ironic, that Stem Cells are now being used to treat Prostate Cancer.

In a study funded by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, which was created by one of the members of "the giving pledge" billionaires group.. .Mr. Milken one of Warren's billionaire's in the group ... has helped to discover that Stem Cells hold the key to treating Prostate Cancer.

https://www.economicclub.org/events/michael-milken

"Stem cells in prostate cancer initiation and progression"

A study funded by Prostate Cancer Foundation.



https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1934594/

When Warren Buffet dies, he will leave the majority of his wealth to the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Who are undeniably supporters of Stem Cell Research.

Warren stated in 2010 that he would donate 99% of his fortune to different foundations, with the largest part 83% of it going to Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he currently is a board member,

Related Articles:

http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2015/10/billionaire-philanthropists-funding-anti-aging-research/page-01

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/science/billionaires-with-big-ideas-are-privatizing-american-science.html?_r=0

https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/guide-to-individual-donors/larry-ellison.html

https://www.google.com/#q=the+giving+pledge+stem+cells&start=10&*

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-08-25-gates-stem-cell_x.htm

Johnson and Johnson:
https://www.jnjinnovation.com/meet-gates-foundation

Atreca ‘Captures’ $56M series A to advance cancer immunotherapies
http://www.bioworld.com/content/wednesday-november-4-2015

https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2008/10/lokey-gives-75-million-to-create-nations-largest-stem-cell-research-center-at-stanford.html

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