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Good One Thanks!LOL
Wanted to be first at posting it somewhere. LOL
And you beat me to posting it here!LOL Great Morning!
International Stem Cell Corporation Provides Strategic Update on the Company’s Cornea Transplantation Program
OCEANSIDE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), www.intlstemcell.com, announced today that multiple international meetings taking place between ISCO’s executive management and researchers and clinicians from commercial entities in both Asia and Europe revealed significant clinical-commercial opportunities for the company’s stem cell-derived human cornea technology in those regions.
ISCO has discovered and filed for patents on a cell culture process for the synthesis of fully human, cornea-like structures using either its proprietary human parthenogenic stem cell (hpSC) technology or human embryonic stem cells. The structures are grown to clear hollow spheres with a size of 8-10 mm in diameter and contain tissues and cells similar to those found in normal human corneal tissue. Portions or all of these structures may be suitable for cornea transplantation in humans. Permeability and ocular histology testing has demonstrated compatibility with natural corneas. Future steps include scale-up of the manufacturing process and IND-enabling studies, to be conducted domestically and through international collaborations.
Cornea-related loss or reduction of vision can be caused by physical injuries, infections and a range of degenerative diseases that affect up to 10 million people worldwide. ISCO’s corneal structure may fit into existing medical applications where the surgical techniques are well established. Cornea transplantation has been refined greatly and is now typically performed as a one-two hour outpatient procedure using donated corneas from human cadavers. While most operations previously involved the entire corneal structure it is now common to selectively replace solely the damaged portion.
ISCO’s parthenogenic stem cell technology enables synthesis of corneal tissue that is immune matched for millions of people. This may significantly reduce the rejection rates of 15-30% experienced in current medical practice.
In the US 52,487 transplantations were performed in 2008. However, a shortage of corneal tissue has been a significant problem in much of the rest of the world. Only 3,000-4,000 procedures were performed annually in the UK and Germany due to limited cornea supply. In Asia, the shortage of corneas has been an even greater problem. For example, in Japan during a ten-year period only 16,000 transplantations were performed. China has had over 2 million patients on waiting lists yet only a few thousand procedures have been performed annually. Over 3 million Indians are reported to be blind due to corneal defects.
Dr Radhika Tandon, Professor of Ophthalmology and Officer-in-charge at the National Eye Bank, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi says: “Corneal vision impairment is a large medical problem in India and other developing countries. India has access to less than 20,000 suitable corneas per year yet would need 200,000 corneas to take care of the existing backlog and the new cases added each year. Supply of synthetic human corneas would alleviate the problem and provide great socio-economic benefit by enabling millions of Indians to get back to work and live a more normal life.”
Brian Lundstrom, ISCO’s President, says: “Given the substantial unmet medical need for human corneas in Asia and Europe, ISCO has commenced a targeted effort to partner with clinical development and commercialization partners in these regions. We believe clinical development in this area is particularly attractive given the rapid and hard end points of vision restoration, large available patient pools and modest competition from alternative technologies, particularly such involving live corneas.”
Crackdown urged on 'rogue' stem cell clinics
Treatment benefits exaggerated, risks underestimated, researchers warn
By Margaret Munro, Canwest News ServiceBe the first to post a comment
Scientists and their famous supporters, such as the late actor Christopher Reeve, have extolled the potential curative power of stem cells for years.Photograph by: Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images, Getty ImagesStem cell clinics promising costly cures for everything from Parkinson's disease to spinal cord injury grossly exaggerate the cells' benefits and gravely underestimate the potential risks, warn researchers.
The clinics, most of them in China, India and Latin America, solicit customers over the Internet and typically charge about $21,500 for treatments that infuse "stem cells" into the blood, brain or spine.
But there is scant evidence the therapies work, Timothy Caulfield and his colleagues at the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta note in a report released Wednesday, along with a call for a crackdown on "rogue" stem cell operations.
The clinic websites make bold claims about cures and feature testimonials from satisfied customers. But there's a "big over-estimation of benefit and a huge down-play of risk," says Caulfield. "The available peer-reviewed research simply does not support the claims."
His team could find no legitimate medical studies to support using stem cell therapy to treat Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases. The same was true for treatments offered for dozens of different ailments and disorders by 19 clinic websites assessed, the team reports in the December issue of the journal Cell Stem Cell, which also lays out new guidelines to try to curb use of the unproven treatments.
"Too often rogue clinics around the world exploit patients' hopes by offering unproven stem cell therapies, typically for large sums of money and without credible scientific rationale, oversight or patient protections," says the International Society for Stem Cell Research, representing "professional" stem cell researchers.
Scientists and their famous supporters, such as the late actor Christopher Reeve, have extolled the potential curative power of stem cells for years, saying one day it may be possible to use the cells to repair and replace many diseased cells and tissues. The high-profile promises have helped generate research funding for academic medical researchers, but have also spawned dozens of cell-therapy companies and clinics, which solicit patients over the Internet.
But medical and research authorities say stem-cell therapies are years away from routine clinical practice. The new guidelines aim to steer patients into legitimate treatments and stem cell clinical trials in which the risks and benefits are clearly laid out.
"Stem cell research holds tremendous promise for the development of novel therapies for many serious diseases," says neurologist Dr. Olle Lindvall, at the University of Lund in Sweden, co-chair of the international task force that developed the guidelines posted on the stem cell society's website. "However, as clinicians and scientists, we recognize an urgent need to address the problem of unproven stem cell treatments being marketed directly to patients."
He and his colleagues would like rogue clinics put out of business.
"Regulators have a responsibility to prevent exploitation of patients in their jurisdictions, and where necessary, to close fraudulent clinics and take disciplinary action against the doctors involved," Dr. George Daley, director of the Stem Cell Program at Children's Hospital Boston, said in a statement released with the new guidelines.
The report from the Edmonton group highlights the freewheeling approach taken by clinics trolling for customers online. The websites offer treatment for dozens of different ailments using stem cells isolated from blood and embryos, some even claiming to use cells from aborted fetuses and animal tissues. The treatments offered commonly entail infusing cells through the blood stream, but some use "deep injection" of cells into the brain. Others put the cells directly into the spine.
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
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Scientists and their famous supporters, such as the late actor Christopher Reeve, have extolled the potential curative power of stem cells for years.
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First FDA-Approved Stem Cell Trial in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy
ScienceDaily (Feb. 11, 2010) — Medical College of Georgia researchers are conducting the first FDA-approved clinical trial to determine whether an infusion of stem cells from umbilical cord blood can improve the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
The study will include 40 children age 2-12 whose parents have stored cord blood at the Cord Blood Registry in Tucson, Ariz.
Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can divide and morph into different types of cells throughout the body, said Dr. James Carroll, professor and chief of pediatric neurology in MCG School of Medicine and principal investigator on the study.
Cerebral palsy, caused by a brain injury or lack of oxygen in the brain before birth or during the first few years of life, can impair movement, learning, hearing, vision and cognitive skills. Two to 3 children in 1,000 are affected by it, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Animal studies indicate that infused stem cells help injured brain cells recover and replace brain cells that have died, Dr. Carroll said.
"Autologous stem cell transplantation, in which the transplant recipient is also the donor, is the safest form of stem cell transplantation because it carries virtually no threat of immune system rejection," he said.
While no controlled clinical trials have been conducted to date, previous studies have shown marked improvement in children with cerebral palsy about three months after an initial infusion of cord blood.
"Evidence up to this point has been purely anecdotal," Dr. Carroll said. "While a variety of cord blood stem cell therapies have been used successfully for more than 20 years, this study is breaking new ground in advancing therapies for brain injury -- a condition for which there is currently no cure."
Children will begin the study with a neurological exam by MCG pediatric neurologists Elizabeth Sekul and Nicole Brockway. Then, half of the study participants will receive an infusion of their own cord blood while the other half receive a placebo. Three months later, the children will be evaluated without physicians knowing which group received the stem cell infusion. Afterward, children who didn't get the cord blood initially will receive an infusion. Children will return three and six months later for evaluation.
Researchers will periodically assess the children's motor skills and neurological development.
"For the purposes of this study, we're not looking at stem cells as a possible cure; rather whether stem cells can help change the course of these types of brain injuries in children," Dr. Carroll said.
Study participants must have been unable to sit independently by 12 months or unable to walk by 18 months and must be seizure-free or have seizures that are adequately controlled.
To ensure consistency in cord blood stem cell processing, storage and release for infusion, the Cord Blood Registry is the only family stem cell bank participating in the study.
The trial is also receiving support from the Associazione Figli Inabili Banca d'Italia, a private organization in Italy that provides financial assistance to parents who can't pay for their children's medical treatments.
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Child's own stem cells help her cerebral palsy
Reported by: Linda Hurtado
Email: lhurtado@abcactionnews.com
Last Update: 2/10 4:46 pm
Child's own stem cells help her cerebral palsy
Three-year-old Alyssa Dupuis feeds giant pennies into her piggy bank. The act in itself may seem like child's play - but to dad and mom, it's more like a medical miracle. Andrea says, “At first she would keep her hand clenched and use her left hand to pick up her food and her toys. Shortly after that, her right hand was opening up."
Alyssa is just back from Duke University where she had an infusion of stem cells to treat her cerebral palsy - triggered by brain damage that occurred at birth. Andrea says, “When a person is diagnosed with CP, there is no recovery really. You can do therapy to alleviate some of the pain, some of the rigidity they have in their muscles but it’s a life long battle."
Call it mother's intuition, but years before she had banked Alyssa's umbilical cord blood at birth. “I said to my husband, I said ‘Hey, we may have a shot here to reverse what has happened to Alyssa.’”
The stem cell infusion took only 15 minutes. Back home, the family must report to researchers any changes every 3 months. “Her speech has exploded, unbelievable. She is about what I would consider 85 percent cured from CP. She can walk flatfooted with a leg brace."
The treatment cost about $10,000 - not covered by insurance because its still deemed experimental and the cost to recover and bank those stem cells is also in the thousands of dollars but Andrea says, “When it comes to your child, you'll pay anything."
Doctor Chris Rossbach, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at St. Joseph’s Children's Hospital, doesn't recommend that every mother bank her babies cord blood - partially due to the cost - but also because he says, “There are relatively few conditions where cord blood from a new born baby harvested and stored would be useful for that same child at a later point. However, that being said, there seems to be more and more situations perhaps like this woman you're talking about, where a patients own stem cells may have a major benefit."
Copyright 2010 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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India emerges as a new player in Stem cell research
Submitted by Piyush Diwan on Mon, 02/08/2010 - 20:23. FeaturedResearchTNMHealthIndia
India is emerging as the new leading destination for Stem cell research as both the government and the private sector takes part in the initiatives in the industry.
Stem cell research is seen as the new medial technology around the world. The technology is believed to have the potential to change the ways of treatment. These cells are found in certain parts of the body like umbilical cord, bone marrow, embryo and even teeth.
These cells can become like any other cell in the body. The technology in this sector could grow back body parts.
Other countries are increasing focusing on the field. South Korea has a programme since last eight years and the U. S has recently increased funding for such research programmes. India is now entering the research field in a significant way. The establishments in the country are pursuing programmes aggressively.
The technology is global and no single country is believed to be having a clear advantage. India has a chance to learn from the experiences of the United States and South Korea and implement its programmes with existing knowledge.
The centre has allocated more than Rs. 300 crore over the last five years for basic and applied research programmes in stem cell technology. The research programmes focus on treating diseases that affect millions of Indians.
The government programmes are based on the fundamentals of how stem cells work and involve clinical trails. The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bangalore is leading the government's efforts in the field.
Dean InStem NCBS, S. Ramaswamy said "We are developing model systems, for example planaria or hydra to understand how stem cells work." The model systems leads to principles that can be applied to more complex systems.
Various other institutes like AIIMS, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Center for Stem Cell Research at CMC Vellore and National Centre for Cell Sciences (NCCS) at Pune University are also involved in such initiatives. These institutes run programmes which mainly focus on applied part of the research.
These institutes aim at identifying sources of stem cells and form procedure for treatment. The private sector hence plays an important role. Dr. Satish Patki, along with Dr. Ramesh Bhonde of NCCS, have identified the female genital tract as a rich source of stem cells. Dr. Patki is now trying to see whether these stem cells can be used to generate blood flow to the foetus.
The stem cells technology also requires the cells to be stored. facilities has been created to store stem cells from umbilical cord by the companies like Reliance Life Sciences and Lifecell.
There are concerns about ethical issues and the side-effect of treatment through stem cells. It was reported that some people sold "stem cell" injections for Rs. 80,000. This is a new field in the country and hence the authorities only have guidelines but not a regulatory framework yet
Three Biotechs to Keep a Bullish Eye On (AMEX:NBS) (OTCBB: IRBS) (NasdaqCM: IPCI)
By M.E. Garza
Published: February 9, 2010 @ 6:28 AM PST
Print Email 0 Comment(s) - Post a Comment Rating N/AThere are a number of stocks we've been monitoring since we did both trade and watch-list alerts for our subscribers about them. Now is the time you really want to play close attention to them.
The first is one you keep hearing me talk about: NeoStem (AMEX:NBS). The company, of course, is set to raise some money (as noted by their recent Securities Registration Statement filing) and that will enable them to grow revenues and start trading at a completely different level than where they are today.
Chatter has them very close to that deal, so please be aware that this stock could start to climb in the coming days. In addition, this morning, the company issued a press release that announced its stem cell collection network has expanded into the southwestern region of the U.S. with the addition of the physician group at Westlake Orthopaedics Spine & Sports ("Westlake") in Austin, TX. The Company is on track to achieve its target of 10 collection centers in its national network by the end of 2010.
This is a company on the move, growing revenue streams very quickly and preparing to double manufacturing and distribution capacities. It's vastly undervalued at today's price, in my humble opinion.
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and Trading Alerts on NeoStem, Inc. (AMEX: NBS) .
As you've read in my previous reports about the company, the Chinese pharmaceutical market forecast to reach $30 billion by 2013 and it positions China to become third largest drug market (behind U.S. and Japan). When Neostem completed the acquisition of China Biopharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. they became a player in that very lucrative Chinese pharmaceutical market. The fact that in the process, they acquired a 51% controlling interest in Erye- the pharmaceutical subsidiary whose revenue has nearly doubled since 2007- as part of that deal instantly puts money in Neostem's coffers for years to come.
The second company is IR Biosciences' ImmuneRegen (OTCBB: IRBS). As we told you in our recent spotlight report, this company seems to be gathering quite a bit of attention from places like the NIH, the National Cancer Institute, BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority), and the armed forces for its development candidate Homspera® - the compound has several broad-reaching applications.
Study results have shown its ability to regenerate and strengthen the immune system and enhance wound healing, thereby providing possible treatments for acute radiation exposure, infectious diseases, vaccine adjuvancy, and chemical exposures. The compound has been modulating the immune system. How it plays a role for various indications has increased the company's confidence in its candidacy for various large market opportunities as well as a rumored and yet to be publicly announced partnership with one integrated pharmaceutical industry player as they get further into clinical studies. That same company has a high level of interest (as do other entities) in purchasing the company's compound as a therapy for cancer -- melanoma specifically. There are people lining up to further study this compound and really try to hone in on the action.
Finally, we're hearing chatter that a big fund took a big position in Intellipharmaceutics (NasdaqCM: IPCI) yesterday. the company has been on a road show and attracting some attention. We're going to try to find out why that is and perhaps arrange an interview with the management team for a future special report.
These funds don't take big positions in the open market like this unless they hear or see something they really like and believe in long-term. Based in Toronto, Ontario, but trading on the Nasdaq, the company reportedly has an impressive and unique drug delivery platform and they are known as a pharmaceutical innovator. Those controlled-release drug delivery technologies are being applied to the development of a wide range of pharmaceuticals. The Company itself has a pipeline of both generic and new drugs.
ISCO opens new facility for stem cell products
9 February 2010
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), has opened its new production facility that will enable development and manufacturing of the company's and its partners’ clinical-grade stem cell products.
ISCO has designed and built a unique cell manufacturing facility in Oceanside, California consisting of separate “suites” for development and production of different cell types from the company’s proprietary human parthenogenic stem cell (hpSC) technology. The facility is located in close proximity to the fertility clinics that provide donated human eggs (oocytes) under ISCO’s recently-established partnerships and also near leading Californian research institutions with whom ISCO collaborates on fundamental stem cell biology and therapeutic applications.
ISCO will implement its parthenogenic stem cell processes at this facility during 2010 and adopt current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) standards. In parallel, ISCO will collaborate with world-leading scientists to demonstrate the therapeutic applicability and the potential immune-rejection advantages of hpSC lines relative to other stem cell classes.
Like embryonic stem cells (ESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent (ie have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body), yet avoid ethical issues associated with destruction or use of viable human embryos. Unlike induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSs), hpSCs do not require manipulation of gene expression back to a less differentiated stage, which may prove to be a safety or regulatory obstacle. However, unlike both ESCs and iPSs, hpSCs can be created in a homozygous form such that each line can be an immunological match for millions of patients.
Dr. Andrey Semechkin, ISCO’s CEO, says: “Our ability to work in this modern facility gives International Stem Cell Corporation the capacity to generate the world’s first cGMP quality hpSC lines. It marks an important milestone since it both expands the resources available to our scientists and expands ISCO’s ability to execute on its plan to become the premier provider of immune-matched stem cells to the global research community. Through these cells, ISCO will be able to treat a range of degenerative diseases in genetically diverse populations around the world.”
SSS.V moving very nicely. ;)
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=11538 for you Canadians and SCTPF for those in the US
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=16906
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Fate Therapeutics Receives Allowance of First U.S. Patent for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Technolo
Posted by mincho2008
Fate Therapeutics, Inc. received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for U.S. Patent Application Number 10/997,146 entitled "Methods for Reprogramming Somatic Cells." Upon issuance, the patent will cover foundational induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology for identifying agents that enable the reprogramming of human somatic cells, including pluripotency genes, small molecules and biologics. The invention by Rudolf Jaenisch, M.D., founding member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and scientific founder of Fate Therapeutics, has a priority date of November 26, 2003 and is believed to be the earliest art that describes broad methods and key agents to reprogram human somatic cells to a pluripotent state. Fate Therapeutics holds an exclusive license to the application in commercial fields, including for drug discovery and therapeutic purposes.
"Dr. Jaenisch's prescient vision in 2003 for creating human iPSCs and how reprogrammed cells could be used to revolutionize drug discovery and enable cell-based therapies is truly unparalleled," said Paul Grayson, president and CEO of Fate Therapeutics. "This first invention provides protectable compositions for identifying pluripotency genes, small molecules and proteins for cellular reprogramming. The reliable and efficient generation of iPSCs is crucial to the development of an industrialized iPSC technology platform where panels of disease-specific phenotypes can be studied for targeted drug discovery."
The Notice of Allowance represents the earliest allowed claims in the U.S. for iPSC technology. In this 2003 application (20080280362), Dr. Jaenisch first describes the groundbreaking potential to generate human pluripotent cells from somatic cells without using embryos, oocytes and/or nuclear transfer technology and how reprogrammed somatic cells can enable autologous cell therapy, including the treatment, prevention or stabilization of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or ALS. In addition, the application covers compositions used in screening for agents to generate these pluripotent cells and further describes specific agents that can be used to reprogram human somatic cells, including certain genes, classes of small molecules and pluripotency proteins. Fate Therapeutics also holds an exclusive license to other inventions of Dr. Jaenisch relating to iPSC technology including PCT/US2008/004516 with a priority date of April 7, 2007, which describes the reprogramming of human somatic cells using one or more pluripotency factors, including Oct3/4, Sox2 and/or Klf4, and combinations thereof.
"With its early priority dates and territory reach, the Jaenisch portfolio is formidable," continued Mr. Grayson. "The disclosures include descriptions of human somatic cell reprogramming and its commercial relevance, methods of human iPSC generation using one or more, as opposed to all, of the key pluripotency factors and compositions to discover next-generation reprogramming agents. We look forward to collaborating with academia and industry to maximize this powerful platform for therapeutic benefit."
Because iPSCs have been shown to behave similarly to embryonic stem cells with the ability to differentiate into various cell types, such as cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, neurons and pancreatic cells, and can be created from any adult somatic cell, like a skin cell, iPSC technology has significant commercial and medical value. For example, iPSCs can be used to assess drug toxicity across diverse genetic backgrounds, enable the development of disease model systems for basic research and drug discovery and may ultimately result in personalized cell therapies. Fate Therapeutics is using iPSCs to recreate adult stem cell niche environments for the discovery of "stem cell modulator" compounds that act in vivo for therapeutic benefit.
In addition to its exclusive license to the iPSC-related inventions of Dr. Jaenisch, Fate Therapeutics has also exclusively in-licensed from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) a portfolio of inventions by Sheng Ding, Ph.D., associate professor at The Scripps Research Institute and a scientific founder of Fate Therapeutics. In April of last year, under a research collaboration with Fate Therapeutics and TSRI, Dr. Ding and his team of scientists became the first group to publish research demonstrating completely non-viral, non-genetic reprogramming methods by using cell penetrating proteins. Dr. Ding also created novel small molecule conditions to generate iPSCs in a manner that is 200 times more efficient than, and twice as fast as, conventional methods for reprogramming adult human cells. The protein-based reprogramming breakthrough was honored as the Top Technology of 2009 by The Scientist, and the Company's iPSC technology received the 2009 North American Technology Innovation Award from Frost & Sullivan.
About Fate Therapeutics, Inc.
Fate Therapeutics is interrogating adult stem cell biology and applying induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to develop Stem Cell Modulators (SCMs), small molecule or biologic compounds that guide cell fate for therapeutic purposes. The Company's award-winning, proprietary iPSC technology platform incorporates the most advanced viral, small molecule and protein reprogramming methods, and offers a highly efficient, minimally invasive system to recapitulate human physiology for commercial-scale drug discovery and therapeutic use. The Company's approach has broad therapeutic potential in areas such as regenerative medicine, hematological diseases, metastatic cancer, traumatic injury and degenerative diseases. Fate Therapeutics is currently conducting a Phase 1b clinical trial of FT1050, a small molecule SCM designed to increase hematopoietic stem cell number and function in dual umbilical cord blood transplant recipients with hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Fate Therapeutics is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit
SCII...Histostem Participates in Successful Stem Cell Treatment for Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Histostem-Participates-Successful-Stem-Cell-Treatment-Acute-Spinal-Cord-Injury-Dogs-1113826.htm
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Geron to Present at the BIO CEO & Investor Conference
Date : 02/08/2010 @ 7:30AM
Source : Business Wire
Stock : Geron Corporation (GERN)
Quote : 5.26 0.0 (0.00%) @ 4:15AM
Geron to Present at the BIO CEO & Investor Conference
Geron Corporation (Nasdaq:GERN) today announced that Thomas B. Okarma, Ph.D., M.D., president and chief executive officer, will present an update of the company’s product development programs at 10:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at the 12th Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference in New York City
The presentation will include updates on Geron’s telomerase inhibitor drug (imetelstat sodium - GRN163L) and telomerase therapeutic vaccine (GRNVAC1) as well as the company’s human embryonic stem cell development programs for spinal cord injury (GRNOPC1), heart disease (GRNCM1), diabetes (GRNIC1), and osteoarthritis (GRNCHND1)
The webcast link for the live audio and slide presentation will be available at the following website address: http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/bio/ceoinvestor2010/94204495.cfm. The presentation will be archived for replay at the same address one hour after conclusion of the live event for a period of 30 days
About Geron Geron is developing first-in-class biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer and chronic degenerative diseases, including spinal cord injury, heart failure and diabetes. The company is advancing an anti-cancer drug and a cancer vaccine that target the enzyme telomerase through multiple clinical trials in different cancers. For more information, visit www.geron.com
Please request chart here. Ask for ticker VTIAF
http://stockcharts.com/help/doku.php?id=support:feedback:symbol_request
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
(repost from CBAI board)My first purchase here was due to large bid size that showed up in my trading platform that didn't show up on level II. Whenever the bid dropped to the .003 range it showed up. Well, guess what? It's happening again. There is huge bid size showing at .0076 that doesn't show up on level II. I just hit it for 100,000 shares at .0077 and it took forever to fill. Take that for whatever it's worth.
See this post from Sunday, September 27, 2009 8:44:33 : http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=41926900
We started our run the next day. Today the bid/ask ratio is 30/1 on my platform. We may not run, but, we don't go lower than .0076 with that bid size. JMO
Edit to add: Just picked up another 100,000 at .0077 in another account and it filled quickly. But, that huge size on bid is still there. GLTA
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Thanks L2 missed that PR!LOL
Press Release Source: International Stem Cell Corporation On Thursday February 4, 2010, 7:00 pm EST
OCEANSIDE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its new cell production facility has passed final building inspection, which will enable development and manufacturing of the company and its partners’ clinical-grade stem cell products.
ISCO has designed and built a unique cell manufacturing facility in Oceanside, California consisting of separate “suites” for development and production of different cell types from the company’s proprietary human parthenogenic stem cell (hpSC) technology. The facility is located in close proximity to the fertility clinics that provide donated human eggs (oocytes) under ISCO’s recently-established partnerships and also near leading Californian research institutions with whom ISCO collaborates on fundamental stem cell biology and therapeutic applications.
ISCO will implement its parthenogenic stem cell processes at this facility during 2010 and adopt current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) standards. In parallel, ISCO will collaborate with world-leading scientists to demonstrate the therapeutic applicability and the potential immune-rejection advantages of hpSC lines relative to other stem cell classes.
Like embryonic stem cells (ESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent (i.e. have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body), yet avoid ethical issues associated with destruction or use of viable human embryos. Unlike induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSs), hpSCs do not require manipulation of gene expression back to a less differentiated stage, which may prove to be a safety or regulatory obstacle. However, unlike both ESCs and iPSs, hpSCs can be created in a homozygous form such that each line can be an immunological match for millions of patients.
Dr. Andrey Semechkin, ISCO’s CEO, says: “Our ability to work in this modern facility gives International Stem Cell Corporation the capacity to generate the world’s first cGMP quality hpSC lines. It marks an important milestone since it both expands the resources available to our scientists and expands ISCO’s ability to execute on its plan to become the premier provider of immune-matched stem cells to the global research community. Through these cells, ISCO will be able to treat a range of degenerative diseases in genetically diverse populations around the world.”
ThermoGenesis Announces Major Strategic Development With Completion of New Distribution Agreement With GE Healthcare
Date : 02/04/2010 @ 4:10PM
Source : PR Newswire
Stock : Thermogenesis (MM) (KOOL)
Quote : 0.51 -0.0499 (-8.91%) @ 7:22AM
ThermoGenesis Announces Major Strategic Development With Completion of New Distribution Agreement With GE Healthcare
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
ThermoGenesis Corp. (NASDAQ:KOOL), a leading supplier of innovative products for processing and storing adult stem cells, today announced a new enhanced distribution agreement with GE Healthcare, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), for its AXP® AutoXpress (TM) (AXP) System used in the processing of cord blood
"This agreement provides evidence that we are successfully executing our growth strategy and solidifies our joint sales and distribution initiatives," said J. Melville Engle, Chief Executive Officer of ThermoGenesis
Under the revised distribution contract, which runs through July, 2012, GE Healthcare will continue to distribute the AXP product line, excluding certain countries in Latin and South America, Asia, CIS and Eastern Europe. GE Healthcare will provide incremental funding for marketing support and market research beyond its previous commitments. The new arrangement also provides incentives for both parties related to sales success, product quality and delivery
"This contract leverages the strengths of GE Healthcare in those geographies where it has the greatest presence and maximizes our joint efforts. GE Healthcare has created a strong foundation for the AXP, and maintaining continuity of the relationship will be of value to existing customers. Additionally, GE Healthcare has AXP evaluations underway at a number of prospective customer sites that we anticipate will come to fruition over the next few months. The fact that ThermoGenesis is a stronger company today has engendered a renewed commitment from GE Healthcare to support the AXP marketing effort," Engle said
"This agreement represents a major distribution and commercialization milestone for the Company. It positions us well to accomplish both our near and long-term objectives, beginning with achieving leadership in the adult stem cell processing and storage markets, as well as producing increased product revenues that will drive us to sustained profitability," noted Engle. "Our sales growth strategy begins with increasing market share with our core products in existing markets, then expanding into new markets and geographies. We continue to pursue new product opportunities in the regenerative medicine arena."
"Renewing our partnership with ThermoGenesis further demonstrates GE Healthcare's commitment to technology leadership in cord blood processing as part of our strategic Cell Technologies business. We continue to invest in the growth of this business and the AXP forms an important part of our comprehensive offering to customers working with adult stem cells," said Konstantin Fiedler, General Manager, Cell Technologies, for GE Healthcare
The foregoing description of the agreement with GEHC does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
About ThermoGenesis Corp
ThermoGenesis Corp. (http://www.thermogenesis.com/) is a leader in developing and manufacturing automated blood processing systems and disposable products that enable the manufacture, preservation and delivery of cell and tissue therapy products. These products include:
-- The BioArchive® System, an automated cryogenic device, is used by cord blood stem cell banks in more than 30 countries for cryopreserving and archiving cord blood stem cell units for transplant
-- AXP® AutoXpress(TM) Platform (AXP), a proprietary family of automated devices that includes the AXP and the MXP(TM) MarrowXpress(TM) and companion sterile blood processing disposables for harvesting stem cells in closed systems. The AXP device is used for the processing of cord blood. The MXP is used for the preparation of cell concentrates, including stem cells, from bone marrow aspirates in the laboratory setting
-- The Res-Q(TM) 60 BMC (Res-Q), a point-of-care system that is designed for the preparation of cell concentrates, including stem cells, from bone marrow aspirates. This product was launched in July 2009
-- The CryoSeal® FS System, an automated device and companion sterile blood processing disposable, is used to prepare fibrin sealants from plasma in about an hour. The CryoSeal FS System is approved in the U.S. for liver resection surgeries. The CryoSeal FS System has received the CE-Mark which allows sales of the product throughout the European community
This press release contains forward-looking statements, and such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors, including timing of FDA approvals, changes in customer forecasts, our failure to meet customers' purchase order and quality requirements, supply shortages, production delays, changes in the markets for customers' products, introduction timing and acceptance of our new products scheduled for fiscal year 2010, and introduction of competitive products and other factors beyond our control, could result in a materially different revenue or profitability outcome and/or in our failure to achieve the revenue levels we expect for fiscal 2010. A more complete description of these and other risks that could cause actual events to differ from the outcomes predicted by our forward-looking statements is set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, and you should consider each of those factors when evaluating the forward-looking statements
ThermoGenesis Corp
Web site: http://www.thermogenesis.com/ Contact: Investor Relations +1-916-858-5107, or
DATASOURCE: ThermoGenesis Corp
CONTACT: Investor Relations of ThermoGenesis Corp., +1-916-858-5107,
Web Site: http://www.thermogenesis.
Bioheart Launches First US FDA Approved Clinical Trial that Tests Gene-Modified Stem Cell Therapy in Patients with Congestive...
Date : 02/04/2010 @ 9:42AM
Source : Business Wire
Stock : Bioheart, Inc. (BHRT)
Quote : 0.61 -0.04 (-6.15%) @ 8:39AM
Bioheart Launches First US FDA Approved Clinical Trial that Tests Gene-Modified Stem Cell Therapy in Patients with Congestive...
Bioheart, Inc., (OTCBB:BHRT) announced today that the company has commenced work on its REGEN trial, a Phase I Clinical Trial to test genetically modified MyoCell® in patients suffering from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Bioheart’s MyoCell® is a regenerative cell therapy that uses myoblasts, or muscle stem cells,that are grown from a patient’s own muscle. MyoCell® has been tested successfully on patients in four clinical trials. The REGEN trial is designed to test the safety and effectiveness of a composition of muscle stem cells that have been gene-modified to induce a greater than usual release of the SDF-1 protein. The SDF-1 protein is a molecule in the human body that, after an injury, is naturally released by most tissues to attract stem cells. The stem cells assist with the healing process
Unlike other tissues, the heart muscle does not release enough SDF-1 to attract the number of stem cells that would result in complete self-healing. As a result, scar tissue forms and impairs normal heart function
Results from Bioheart’s preclinical animal studies have shown that the genetically modified MyoCell® is far more effective than MyoCell® alone in accomplishing repair and tissue regeneration. With SDF-1, there is a release of additional therapeutic proteins to assist in the tissue repair process, resulting in a more expansive and quicker repair. Once that repair or regeneration has occurred, the patient’s improved heart function permits the patient to return to a normal life style
Karl Groth, Bioheart’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer says, “We are extremely proud and excited to be able to commence our REGEN clinical trial: the first and only FDA-approved clinical study evaluating the therapeutic benefit of combined modified gene/cell therapy for CHF. Bioheart's pre-clinical results using this therapy have demonstrated that our combined gene/cell therapy should significantly enhance the clinical improvements we have already observed in our Phase II/III MyoCell® study. As the leader in regenerative medicine, Bioheart, through its REGEN trial, takes the first step toward making available a solution for the treatment of heart failure, the most rapidly growing of all cardiovascular disorders. According to statistics provided by the American Heart Association, in the US, approximately $22.5 billion are the direct and indirect annual costs of heart failure treatment. To bring effective, safe and cost effective clinical treatments to those with congestive heart failure is our mission.” The treatment with MyoCell® involves taking a biopsy from the patient’s leg muscle, transporting that biopsy to Bioheart’s cell manufacturing facility, expanding the number of cells from the biopsy, and inducing the cells to regress to produce precursors to muscle cells called myoblasts. These cells know that they are muscle cells, but do not know which muscle. Once those precursor cells, or myoblasts, are present, they are segregated from the muscle cells and grown until they number over 1 billion cells. The myoblasts are then transported back to the patient’s treatment centre. Some are then injected into the patient’s heart with a needle tipped injection catheter. The treatment used in the REGEN trial involves genetically modifying myoblasts, utilizing Bioheart’s proprietary process. The modified cells are injected in the same manner into the patient’s heart. The modified myoblasts are created using an adenovirus vector or a non-viral vector. The myoblasts will release increased levels of the SDF-1 protein, which stimulates angiogenesis and regeneration of tissue
A heart attack limits adequate blood flow to the heart. In response, the body naturally increases the level of SDF-1 protein in the heart but not enough to heal the damaged tissue. By modifying the myoblasts to express additional SDF-1, the SDF-1 protein levels present in the heart are multiplied exponentially.. The additional quantities of SDF-1 protein stimulate the recruitment of the patient’s existing stem cells to the cell transplanted area. The recruited stem cells will assist in the tissue repair and blood vessel formation process. Preclinical animal studies showed a 54 percent improvement of heart function when the myoblasts were modified to increase SDF-1 protein prior to injection of myoblasts as compared to 27 percent for the animals treated using myoblasts without modification. The animals treated with a placebo showed a decline in function of 10 percent
Howard Leonhardt, Bioheart’s Chief Scientific and Technology Officer, who led Bioheart during the period when the genetically modified myoblasts were being developed and tested states: "Seven years of intense preclinical development, sponsored substantially by Bioheart, at The Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Marc Penn and the University of Florida with Dr. Barry Byrne and Dr. Carl Pepine led to this landmark clinical study." After completing the REGEN trial, the company plans to transition this second-generation product into its FDA approved Phase II/III MARVEL study. Bioheart plans to further study the modified myoblasts by treating a set of patients who are participating in the study and observing the differences in clinical and heart function among the modified group, those who are treated with MyoCell® alone, and a placebo group
REGEN TRIAL BACKGROUND REGEN Trials Are Being Conducted in Jordan The REGEN trial is being funded by one of the company’s institutional investors, the Ascent Medical Technology Funds, and the Philadelphia BioMed Product Development Centre, PSC, a preclinical and clinical research organization, is responsible for the study. The trial is being conducted in Jordan whose clinical research capabilities and facilities rival those of the US and Europe. The country’s leadership in medicine has made it a destination for patients from the Middle East, Europe, South Asia, and even the United States, for treatments that encompass the full range of complexity, including the most innovative procedures for ameliorating cardiovascular disease and cancers. The Jordanian government and medical community have commenced programs on cell and stem therapies, establishing four research centers to concentrate on these disorders
Executive Committee for REGEN Trial Imad Alhaddad, MD, FACC, FACP and Co-Director of the Jordan Cardiovascular Centre, is Principal Investigator, leading the Study. He is a pre-eminent interventional cardiologist. Previously, he was Director of Vascular Services at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the author of many clinical studies, and an extensive number of publications. He is a member of the REGEN trial’s Executive Committee also
Dr. Alhaddad commented on the study, "Heart muscle damage was considered irreversible and permanent. Now, we can help regenerate and repair heart muscle using innovative techniques like stem cell therapy. The REGEN trial is the milestone study that will help us achieve these goals. We at the Jordan Cardiovascular Center are delighted to lead these efforts that will benefit heart patients." Other members of the Executive Committee, besides Bioheart’s CEO and COO, are:
Christopher O’Connor, MD, Duke University Medical Center, Director of Heart Failure, Assistant Professor of Medicine
Thomas Povsic, MD, Duke University Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine
Warren Sherman, MD. Columbia University Medical Center, Director of Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine at the Center for Interventional Vascular Therapy
Jordan Hospital’s Cardiovascular Center which Dr. Alhaddad co-directs, is accredited worldwide by the Joint Commission for International Hospital Accreditation
Cleveland Clinic in Licensing Agreement with Bioheart for SDF-1 In February 2006, Bioheart signed a patent licensing agreement with the Cleveland Clinic of Cleveland, Ohio which gave the company exclusive license rights to pending patent applications in connection with SDF-1. Dr. Marc Penn, the Medical Director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the Cleveland Clinic and a staff cardiologist in the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cell Biology, joined Bioheart’s Scientific Advisory Board. The license for SDF-1 was passed on to a Cleveland Clinic affiliate, Juventas, in July of 2009. Bioheart has a memorandum of understanding with Juventas pursuant to which the license with Bioheart will be reinstated upon completion of certain milestones
Bioheart Has Opportunity to Commercialize SDF-1 from Ono Pharmaceutical In 2007, Bioheart signed a Letter of Intent with Ono Pharmaceutical which provided rights to conduct clinical development and testing of SDF-1 to determine the effectiveness of SDF-1 for the treatment of damaged myocardium and tissues following acute myocardial infarction, coronary arterial diseases or heart failure. If the results of this testing are deemed successful, then the parties agree to enter into good faith negotiations in an effort to reach a definitive license agreement that will allow Bioheart to commercialize its SDF-1 product candidate in all territories of the world except Japan
Promising Results from Company’s MARVEL Trials on MyoCell The company recently announced positive clinical results for MyoCell following the first part of its Phase II/III, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial called MARVEL. Over the 6-month observation period in this trial, the most pronounced changes were seen in the cell-treated groups. The six minute walk distance (6MWD), an established parameter of efficacy utilized in heart failure studies, one of the primary end points in the trial, increased on average by more than 91 meters, or 35%, in cell-treated patients, whereas in the placebo-treated group a decrease of nearly 4 meters was seen. This suggests that patients with heart failure could return to a more active lifestyle after receiving Bioheart’s treatment. No stem cell related safety issues such as arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeat, were observed. An arrhythmia event is disturbing but not serious. In the MARVEL trial pre-treatment with amiodarone enabled patients to avoid arrhythmias
TGI 1200 Cell Isolation System Seems to Improve Effects of Ischemia Other Company pipeline product candidates include the TGI 1200 Cell Isolation System, which takes advantage of an easily accessible source of regenerative cells from adipose or fat tissue. Bioheart is currently utilizing the regenerative cells isolated by the TGI 1200 System in a variety of clinical applications including chronic heart ischemia in Venezuela and for critical limb ischemia in the Czech Republic
A large quantity of stem cells can be obtained from a patient’s adipose tissue without pain and other side effects, quickly and cheaply. Adipose stem cells are capable of promoting blood vessel formation and assisting with the healing of damaged blood vessels. The procedure for getting adipose derived stem cells from the patient is simple and easily tolerable by the patient even immediately following a heart attack. Fat tissue, itself, is plentiful within the patient’s own body and there is an abundance of stem cells within fat tissue. The stem cells can be separated from the fat cells very quickly with the TGI system, making treatment after an event, like a heart attack, able to be done immediately so that the healing process can begin and scarring can be avoided. In contrast, the alternative procedure is to use bone marrow to obtain stem cells, which often yields a low volume of stem cells and is extremely painful
The CE-marked TGI 1200 System is a fully automated and easy-to-use system, which processes liposuctioned fat tissue and delivers isolated regenerative cells in about an hour. The compact desktop unit requires no tissue pre-processing, and fits easily into any clinical environment. The instrument allows for point-of-care recovery of an average of 30 to 40 million regenerative cells per 60cc of a patient’s processed fat. These cells can then be used at the site of injury or disease to amplify the body’s own repair process by accelerating the healing and repair of damaged and diseased tissue to prevent scarring and loss of function
Lower limb ischemia is pain, often severe enough to be intolerable, due to limited or inefficient blood circulation. Diabetic patients, universally, are fifteen times more susceptible to limb amputation than other patients as a result of lower limb ischemia. These patients can now be treated using the new therapy. Bioheart, in collaboration with University Hospital Ostrava in the Czech Republic, has already begun treating patients with critical limb ischemia utilizing ASCs. Bioheart is working to place the TGI systems throughout the Czech Republic for additional indications including acute myocardial infarction and chronic heart ischemia, and is developing treatment plans targeted for patients with these heart issues
Over 500,000 New Cases of Heart Failure Annually in the U.S. Alone Heart failure is a debilitating condition. When heart failure is in an advanced state, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body to allow a person to enjoy a normal, productive life. This disease affects over 5 million people in the United States. Over 500,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S., making heart failure the most rapidly growing of all cardiovascular disorders. According to statistics provided by the American Heart Association, in the US, approximately $22.5 billion are the direct and indirect annual costs of heart failure treatment. Persons over the age of 65 experience heart failure as the number one cause of hospitalization and the number one cause of death
About Bioheart, Inc Bioheart is committed to maintaining its leading position within the cardiovascular sector of the cell technology industry delivering cell therapies, intelligent devices and biologics that help address congestive heart failure, lower limb ischemia, chronic heart ischemia, acute myocardial infarctions and other issues. The company works to prevent the worsening of any condition with devices that monitor and diagnose cardiac illness. Our goals are to cause damaged tissue to be regenerated, and to improve a patient's quality of life and reduce health care costs and hospitalizations
Specific to biotechnology, Bioheart is focused on the discovery, development and, subject to regulatory approval, commercialization of autologous cell therapies for the treatment of chronic and acute heart damage and peripheral vascular disease. MyoCell is a clinical muscle-derived cell therapy designed to populate regions of scar tissue within a patient's heart with new living cells for the purpose of improving cardiac function in chronic heart failure patients
For more information on Bioheart, visit www.bioheartinc.com
Forward-Looking Statements: Except for historical matters contained herein, statements made in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "may," "will," "to," "plan," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "would", "estimate", or "continue" or the negative other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements
Investors and others are cautioned that a variety of factors, including certain risks, may affect our business and cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These risk factors include, without limitation, (i) our ability to obtain additional financing; (ii) our ability to control and reduce our expenses; (iii) our ability to establish a distribution network for and commence distribution of certain products for which we have acquired distribution rights; (iv) our ability to timely and successfully complete our clinical trials; (v) the occurrence of any unacceptable side effects during or after preclinical and clinical testing of our product candidates; (vi) the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our product candidates; (vii) our dependence on the success of our lead product candidate; (viii) our inability to predict the extent of our future losses or if or when we will become profitable; (ix) our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; and (x) intense competition. The Company is also subject to the risks and uncertainties described in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled "Risk Factors" in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as amended by its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2009,March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009, and September 30, 2009
Affymetrix Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2009 Results
Date : 02/03/2010 @ 4:00PM
Source : Business Wire
Stock : Affymetrix, Inc. (AFFX)
Quote : 5.67 -0.11 (-1.90%) @ 10:51AM
Affymetrix Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2009 Results
Affymetrix, Inc., (NASDAQ: AFFX) today reported its operating results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. Total revenue for the fourth quarter was $88.8 million, as compared to total revenue of $78.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. In constant currency terms, revenue for the fourth quarter 2009 was positively impacted by $2.6 million as compared to 2008. For the full year 2009, total revenue was $327.1 million as compared to $410.2 million, which included a one-time intellectual property payment of $90 million, for 2008
For the fourth quarter of 2009, product revenue was $81.0 million, which consisted of consumable revenue of $71.9 million and instrument revenue of $9.1 million. Service revenue was $5.9 million, and royalties and other revenue were $1.9 million. This compares to fourth quarter 2008 product revenue of $66.6 million, service revenue of $8.5 million, and royalties and other revenue of $3.5 million
For the full year 2009, product revenue was $279.2 million, which consisted of consumable revenue of $255.7 million and instrument revenue of $23.5 million. Service revenue was $39.6 million, and royalties and other revenue were $8.3 million. This compares to full year 2008 product revenue of $270.4 million, service revenue of $32.1 million, and royalties and other revenue of $107.7 million, which included an intellectual property payment of $90 million
Affymetrix shipped 42 systems in the fourth quarter of 2009, bringing its cumulative systems shipped to approximately 1,930
The Company reported a net income of approximately $2.8 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2009. This compares to net loss of $318.7 million, or $4.65 per diluted share, in the same period of 2008 which included a pretax goodwill impairment charge of $239.1 million, or $3.49 per diluted share, and a pretax restructuring charge of $14.3 million, or $0.21 per diluted share
Fiscal year 2009 net loss was $23.9 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, which included a $17.4 million gain from the repurchase of convertible notes, or $0.25 per diluted share, and restructuring charges of $2.2 million, or $0.03 per diluted share. This is compared to net loss of $307.9 million, or $4.49 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2008 which included a pretax goodwill impairment charge of $239.1 million, or $3.49 per diluted share, and a pretax restructuring charge of $43.7 million, or $0.64 per diluted share
For the fourth quarter of 2009, cost of product sales was $31.3 million compared to $36.3 million in the same period of 2008. Cost of services and other was $3.7 million compared to $7.0 million in the same period of 2008. Product gross margin was 61.3 percent, as compared to 45.5 percent in the same period of 2008, including the impact of impairment charges of $4.1 million and acquisition-related charges of $0.7 million
For the full year 2009, cost of product sales was $126.4 million as compared to $126.9 million in 2008. Cost of services and other was $23.9 million compared to $25.2 million in 2008. Product gross margin was 54.7 percent as compared to 53.1 percent in 2008
For the fourth quarter of 2009, operating expenses were $51.3 million as compared to operating expenses of $313.5 million, which included $239.1 million and $3.6 million of goodwill and other asset impairment charges, respectively, and restructuring charges of $14.3 million, in the fourth quarter of 2008
For the full year 2009, operating expenses were $209.9 million which included restructuring charges of $2.2 million, as compared to operating expenses of $500.6 million, which included goodwill impairment charges of $239.1 million and restructuring charges of $43.7 million, in 2008
“In 2009, we successfully executed against the business priorities that we described at the outset of the year, specifically reengineering our technology platform, entering new markets and increasing our operating leverage,” stated President and CEO, Kevin King. “Revenue for the fourth quarter increased 13% over the prior year, driven by an 8% increase in our RNA business and a 30% increase in sales of our genotyping products. In 2010, we expect to generate improved revenue growth and to be profitable for the year.” Quarterly Highlights Genotyping In October, Kaiser Permanente and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) entered into an agreement with Affymetrix to conduct genome-wide analyses of DNA samples from 100,000 Kaiser Permanente members for a large-scale research program designed to create a new resource for studying disease, health, and aging. Scientists from the program will use the just-launched Axiom Genotyping Solution™, which delivers high-throughput, automated technology enabling researchers to find novel and common genetic variations associated with complex disease
Additionally, the Company announced that the Institute for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy (IPIT) at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill is using Affymetrix’s DMET™ Plus biomarker panel to expand the Pharmacogenetics for Every Nation Initiative (PGENI). The PGENI’s mission is to help developing countries use genetic information to improve their drug dosing decision-making process
Affymetrix' management team will host a conference call on February 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. PT to review its operating results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2009. A live webcast can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.affymetrix.com. In addition, investors and other interested parties can listen by dialing domestic: (866) 500-AFFX, international: (706) 643-2771
A replay of this call will be available from 5:00 p.m. PT on February 3, 2010 until 8:00 p.m. PT on February 10, 2010 at the following numbers: domestic: (800) 642-1687, international: (706) 645-9291. The passcode for both replays is 50159245. An archived webcast of the conference call will be available under the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.affymetrix.com
About Affymetrix GeneChip® microarray technology is the industry-standard tool for analyzing complex genetic information. After inventing the technology in the late 1980s, Affymetrix scientists have been dedicated to developing innovative products that provide researchers with a more complete view of the genome. These products accelerate genetic research that will allow physicians to develop diagnostics and tailor treatments for individual patients by identifying and measuring the genetic information associated with complex diseases. Today, Affymetrix technology is used by the world's top pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies, as well as by leading academic, government, and non-profit organizations. Affymetrix has installed almost 1,950 systems around the world and more than 21,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published using its microarray technology. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit the company's website at www.affymetrix.com
All statements in this press release that are not historical are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act as amended, including statements regarding Affymetrix' "expectations," "beliefs," "hopes," "intentions," "strategies" or the like. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially for Affymetrix from those projected, including, but not limited to: risk relating to the company’s ability to successfully commercialize new products, risk relating to past and future acquisitions, including the ability of the company to successfully integrate such acquisitions into its existing business; risks of the company's ability to achieve and sustain higher levels of revenue, higher gross margins and reduced operating expenses; uncertainties relating to technological approaches, risks associated with manufacturing and product development; personnel retention; uncertainties relating to cost and pricing of Affymetrix products; dependence on collaborative partners; uncertainties relating to sole-source suppliers; uncertainties relating to FDA and other regulatory approvals; competition; risks relating to intellectual property of others and the uncertainties of patent protection and litigation. These and other risk factors are discussed in Affymetrix' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and other SEC reports, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for subsequent quarterly periods. Affymetrix expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Affymetrix' expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based
PLEASE NOTE: Affymetrix, the Affymetrix logo, GeneChip, and all other trademarks are the property of Affymetrix, Inc
AFFYMETRIX, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) December 31, December 31, 2009 2008 ASSETS: (Note 1) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 65,642 $ 113,292 Restricted cash—short-term portion 1,686 4,402 Available-for-sale securities—short-term portion 213,377 250,970 Accounts receivable, net 64,933 62,726 Inventories 54,490 51,333 Deferred tax assets—current portion 1,172 1,077 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 15,903 15,725 Total current assets 417,203 499,525 Available-for-sale securities—long-term portion 64,760 26,900 Property and equipment, net 68,182 89,345 Acquired technology rights, net 49,855 62,569 Deferred tax assets—long-term portion 4,720 4,764 Restricted cash—long-term portion 1,109 2,175 Other assets 25,121 28,032 Total assets $ 630,950 $ 713,310 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 57,183 $ 62,559 Deferred revenue—current portion 14,534 16,198 Total current liabilities 71,717 78,757 Deferred revenue—long-term portion 3,898 3,583 Other long-term liabilities 10,295 10,972 Convertible notes 247,201 316,341 Stockholders’ equity: Common stock 710 703 Additional paid-in capital 733,378 721,641 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 4,051 (2,296 ) Accumulated deficit (440,300 ) (416,391 ) Total stockholders’ equity 297,839 303,657 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 630,950 $ 713,310 Note 1: The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2008 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
AFFYMETRIX, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2009 2008 2009 2008 REVENUE: Product sales $ 80,988 $ 66,612 $ 279,186 $ 270,392 Services 5,885 8,539 39,563 32,096 Royalties and other revenue 1,915 3,423 8,345 107,761 Total revenue 88,788 78,574 327,094 410,249 COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of product sales 31,330 36,328 126,377 126,909 Cost of services and other 3,650 6,990 23,949 25,231 Research and development 16,950 25,384 77,358 84,482 Selling, general and administrative 34,562 34,379 130,838 127,161 Acquired in-process technology - 300 - 6,200 Restructuring charges 283 14,328 2,180 43,707 Goodwill impairment (credits) charges (450 ) 239,098 (450 ) 239,098 Total costs and expenses 86,325 356,807 360,252 652,788 Income (loss) from operations 2,463 (278,233 ) (33,158 ) (242,539 ) Interest income and other, net 1,299 3,799 2,589 14,629 Interest expense 2,435 3,457 10,945 14,091 Gain from repurchase of convertible notes - - 17,447 - Income (loss) before income taxes 1,327 (277,891 ) (24,067 ) (242,001 ) Income tax (benefit) provision (1,468 ) 40,825 (158 ) 65,918 Net income (loss) $ 2,795 $ (318,716 ) $ (23,909 ) $ (307,919 ) Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share $ 0.04 $ (4.65 ) $ (0.35 ) $ (4.49 ) Shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per common share 68,820 68,598 68,722 68,556 Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per common share 69,374 68,598 68,722 68,556
WGBS WaferGen Scientists to Present Data on SmartChip(TM) Real-Time PCR System at CHI Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference
Date : 02/03/2010 @ 12:04PM
Source : PR Newswire
Stock : (WGBS)
Quote : 2.4 0.05 (2.13%) @ 10:40AM
WaferGen Scientists to Present Data on SmartChip(TM) Real-Time PCR System at CHI Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference
FREMONT, Calif., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTC:WGBS) (BULLETIN BOARD: WGBS) , a leading developer of state-of-the-art genetic analysis systems, today announced that WaferGen scientists will present validation results of the company's SmartChip(TM) Real-Time PCR System at Cambridge Healthcare Institute's 17th International Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference. The conference is being held from February 3-5, 2010 at the Moscone North Convention Center in San Francisco
Details of the poster presentation are as follows:
Title: "Performance of the SmartChip System from WaferGen"
Time: Beginning at 9:40 a.m. PST on Wednesday, February 3 until 3:45 p.m. PST on Thursday, February 4
Summary: An overview of the company's novel whole genome, high-throughput SmartChip Real-Time PCR System, and data to demonstrate the system's ability to quantify gene expression levels by real-time PCR for a large number of genes at one time utilizing a simple workflow
WaferGen's SmartChip Real-Time PCR System consists of three components: a SmartChip, comprising 5184 nanowells preprogrammed with gene-specific reaction content; a SmartChip Nanodispenser for applying sample and reaction mix to the SmartChips; and a SmartChip Cycler for performing and collecting data from the real-time PCR assays. WaferGen's SmartChip Human Oncology Gene Panel was used to quantify changes in gene expression levels in breast and lung tumors. Data from the study support the conclusion that WaferGen's SmartChip system provides an easy solution to perform massively parallel gene expression studies using real-time PCR technology. In addition, the availability of content-ready chips allows for an easy workflow for the researcher. Finally, the system allows analysis of thousands of genes using low (0.5 mg) sample input
About WaferGen
WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. is an emerging leader in the development, manufacture and sale of state-of-the-art systems for genetic analysis for the life science and pharmaceutical industries. The company recently launched its new innovative fee-based service for gene-expression profiling while continuing to actively develop its SmartChip Real-Time PCR System that is designed as the first whole genome, high-throughput gene expression real-time PCR platform. Based on collaborations established with leading research institutions, WaferGen believes that the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System is positioned as the platform of choice for biomarker discovery and validation. For additional information, please see http://www.wafergen.com/
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements". Such statements include statements relating to future events or to the company's future financial performance and are not historical facts, including statements which may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or similar words
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include the risks that: (i) the company may be unsuccessful in commercially developing its products or in achieving market acceptance of new and relatively unproven technologies; (ii) the company will need to raise additional capital to meet its business requirements in the future and the company may not be able to do so on reasonable terms or at all; (iii) the company's proprietary intellectual property rights may not adequately protect its products and technologies; and (iv) the company expects intense competition in its target markets, including from companies that have much greater resources than the company, and there can be no assurance that the company will be able to compete effectively. More detailed information about the company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Investors and security holders are urged to read this document free of charge on the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov/. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise
Contact: WaferGen Mona Chadha 510-651-4450
DATASOURCE: WaferGen Biosystems, Inc
CONTACT: Mona Chadha of WaferGen, +1-510-651-4450,
Web Site: http://www.wafergen.com/
SCII- Current report filing (8-K)
Date : 02/03/2010 @ 8:41AM
Source : Edgar (US Regulatory)
Stock : (SCII)
Quote : 0.105 -0.01 (-8.70%) @ 8:24AM
- Current report filing (8-K)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): (December 1, 2009) February 3, 2010
STEM CELL THERAPY
INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Nevada 000-51931 88-0374180
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Commission
File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
13406 Racetrack Road #233, Tampa, FL 33626
(Address of principal executive offices – zip code)
(813) 283-2556
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17CFR 240.13e-4(c))
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 2.01 COMPLETION OF ACQUISITION OF DISPOSITION OF ASSETS
On January 26, 2010, Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“SCII”), acquired 90% interest in Histostem Co., Ltd., a Korean Company (“Histostem”) pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization and Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) between SCII and Histostem as amended and restated on September 23, 2009. In accordance with the terms of the Amendment, SCII and Histostem issued and delivered shares reflecting the acquisition of Histostem by SCII.
SCII had previously reported closing of the acquisition of Histostem subject to the terms of Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement dated June 19, 2008; however, the terms were not satisfied and the Agreement was further amended and restated on September 23, 2009.
ITEM 5.01. CHANGES IN CONTROL OF REGISTRANT
As a result of the acquisition of Histostem, the shareholders of Histostem acquired a majority equity interest in SCII.
ITEM 5.03. AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OR BYLAWS; CHANGE IN FISCAL YEAR.
On December 1, 2009, SCII filed a Certificate of Amendment with the State of Nevada effecting a name change of the Company to Amstem Corporation and increasing the authorized capital of the corporation to five hundred million (500,000,000) shares of common stock, par value $0.001.
ITEM 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE
Stem Cell Therapy International Inc. (SCII, or “the Company”), announced February 1, 2010 announced that it has completed its merger with Histostem Ltd. of South Korea (“Histostem”), forming one of the first fully merged Pacific Rim stem cell companies and cord blood repositories with a U.S. entity. A copy of the release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.
The information furnished herein, including Exhibit 99.1, is not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This information will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
Exhibits
10.1 Restated Reorganization and Stock Purchase Agreement between Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc., and Histostem Co., Ltd., incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 25, 2009.
99.1 Press release dated February 1, 2010.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
STEM CELL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By: / S / A NDREW J. N ORSTRUD
Name: Andrew J. Norstrud
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Date: February 3, 2010
stems warming up a little more, nice
;o)
Posted by: Jukimol Date: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 12:53:58 AM
In reply to: None Post # of 125
Neostem on Fox News!!
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/health-care/tapping-chinese-healthcare-reform-profits-neostem-amexnbs/
LifeTech Capital Initiates Research Coverage of StemCells, Inc. With Strong Speculative Buy Recommendation
PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb 3, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- StemCells, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEM) announced today that LifeTech Capital has initiated independent research coverage on the Company with a "Strong Speculative Buy" recommendation and a 12-18 month price target of $2.20 per share. The report was authored by Stephen M. Dunn, senior managing director of research for LifeTech Capital. The full report is available to the public and can be accessed at www.lifetechcapital.com.
LifeTech Capital is a boutique investment bank specializing in the biotechnology and medical technology industries. StemCells does not endorse or adopt the reports, projections or statements of any analyst.
About StemCells, Inc.
StemCells, Inc. is focused on the development and commercialization of cell-based technologies. In its cellular medicine programs, StemCells is targeting diseases of the central nervous system and liver. StemCells' lead product candidate, HuCNS-SC(R) cells (purified human neural stem cells), is in clinical development for the treatment of two fatal neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect young children. StemCells also markets specialty cell culture products under the brand SC Proven(R), and is developing its cell-based technologies for use in drug screening and drug development. The Company has exclusive rights to approximately 55 issued or allowed U.S. patents and approximately 200 granted or allowed non-U.S. patents. Further information about StemCells is available at www.stemcellsinc.com.
The StemCells, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7014
Apart from statements of historical fact, the text of this press release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. securities laws, and is subject to the safe harbors created therein. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the clinical development of its HuCNS-SC cells; the prospects for the Company to pursue non-therapeutic applications of its cell-based technologies; and the future business operations of the Company. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof. Such statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain assumptions that may or may not ultimately prove valid. The Company's actual results may vary materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties to which the Company is subject, including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
SOURCE: StemCells, Inc.
CONTACT: StemCells, Inc.
Investor Inquiries
Megan Meloni
(650) 475-3100, ext. 105
Vida Communication, Inc.
Media
Tim Brons
(415) 675-7402
So it isnt a Myth!
Hey Locks. I saw this in a movie and it was the first time I actually started believing people with spinal cord injuries might walk again. It's amazing stuff. The gel helps the stem cells connect the gap between the two broken places and allows the bone to grow back together.
National Institutes Of Health Approves Wisconsin H1 Stem-Cell Line For Continued Use In Federally Funded Research
Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Article Date: 02 Feb 2010 - 11:00 PST
New Stem Cell Treatment
High standard German clinic treats degenerative diseases. Request info
www.xcell-center.com/StemCells
The WiCell Research Institute, a private nonprofit that has advanced stem cell science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and served researchers around the world since 1999, can continue to provide stem cell scientists one of the earliest and most popular human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines in the field for their use in federally funded research projects.
Today (Jan. 29), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) officially approved the H1, also known as the WA1 line, for continued use in research funded by the U.S. government and added it to the National Stem Cell Registry.
Among the most studied of all hESC lines, H1 was derived by James Thomson, director of regenerative biology at the Morgridge Institute for Research and professor of anatomy at UW-Madison, during his 1998 breakthrough discovery of these unique and promising cells. H1 is the first of the formerly approved pre-2001 Bush era lines to meet the new NIH guidelines for stem cell research.
Of the 21 lines formerly listed on the National Stem Cell Registry by the NIH, this line has accounted for more than 30 percent of orders shipped by the National Stem Cell Bank, operated by WiCell since 2005 under an NIH contract. According to Nature Biotechnology (August 2009), it is cited in more than 60 percent of published scientific papers documenting research findings in the field of human embryonic stem cell science.
"H1 is one of the most extensively studied and characterized stem cell lines among researchers worldwide and, along with other early Thomson lines, is considered the 'gold standard' for stem cell research by many scientists," stated Erik Forsberg, WiCell executive director. "We are extremely pleased H1 will continue to be eligible for government funding so that the hundreds of scientists who have built their research upon its use, can continue their work and discoveries without disruption."
With the National Stem Cell Bank preparing to cease operation at the end of next month, Forsberg stated that as of Feb. 2, WiCell will begin distributing the H1 line and all lines formerly available through the National Stem Cell Bank through its own Wisconsin International Stem Cell (WISC) Bank. For more information, visit here.
WiCell is in the process of obtaining the required documentation to complete the NIH application for submitting the other most widely ordered line, H9, and WiCell's three additional lines, for inclusion in the National Stem Cell Registry. H9, cited in 83 percent of published stem cell research papers and the most used by stem cell researchers, was derived by Thomson during the same time period as the H1 line.
Source
University of Wisconsin-Madison
News Columnists / Michael Platt
Mother hoping for stem cell miracle
By MICHAEL PLATT, Calgary Sun
Last Updated: 2nd February 2010, 4:57pm
But for a Calgary mother hoping to see her seven-year-old son walk again, $30,000 is the price of a miracle — that’s how much it will cost to have Joey McNeil injected with stem cells to repair his damaged spine.
“I promised Joey, before I die, he will walk again,” said Amanda McNeil.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.”
Some will see McNeil as determined, others might call her desperate.
Either way, the 27-year-old mom is scraping money together to take Joey to the Dominican Republic, where an American doctor claims he has the medicine to help.
If what Dr. William Rader says is true, the injection of stem cells into Joey’s paraplegic body will reverse the damage done to him four years ago, when a speeding car slammed into his mother’s vehicle.
Police in Nova Scotia, where the crash took place, said the driver was doing 130 km/h when his car skidded on the rain-soaked street, and T-boned McNeil’s car.
McNeil, who was pregnant, lost the baby she was carrying. She later found out her three-year-old son, while alive, had suffered a spine injury that would change his life.
“They told me he’d never walk again,” said McNeil.
And so far he hasn’t. Joey, confined to a wheelchair, struggles with life the way one would expect — he can’t take part in physical games with friends, and he’s still too young to properly manoeuvre his wheelchair.
The nerves in his back weren’t severed, but they are pinched, leaving Joey with no feeling or control from the waist down. It’s a source of embarrassment for the boy, who’s had to leave school with wet trousers before.
There’s nothing doctors can do for him. At least that’s the case for doctors in North America, where stem cell therapy remains restricted and controversial.
Human fetal stem cells aren’t approved for use here, yet Dr. Rader claims they can treat everything from Alzheimer’s to multiple sclerosis to brain injury, through a few simple injections.
The controversy over exploiting fetuses has hampered stem cell treatment in most Western countries, though in theory, the cells might be able to do just what Rader suggests.
But with little more than anecdotal evidence to back his claims and use of fetal cells, Rader has become a source of controversy himself.
Some accuse him of being a modern-day snake-oil peddler, while others praise the doctor as a miracle worker.
Just outside of Ottawa, Ont., Erin Kilby calls herself a believer.
“What it’s done for my son is awesome — he’s doing things he could never do before, like running and jumping,” said Kilby.
“I swear by it, and I honestly do believe in it. Without it, Brody wouldn’t be the same.”
In June, four-year-old Brody underwent stem cell treatment at Rader’s Medra Clinic in the Dominican Republic, after a long fund-raising campaign helped by local firefighters.
Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Brody had been hobbling around, barely able to walk, after his muscles started to fail.
Kilby says the difference now is night and day, and she knows plenty of parents who feel the same.
She says the mom in Calgary needs to damn the critics, and raise the cash.
“I wish that mom all the luck in the world, because it’s a lot of money,” said Kilby.
“I can tell her though, she will be impressed with it.”
In Calgary, McNeil is praying for a miracle, but she’d settle for improvement.
She’s reads reams of reports, studies and criticism about the clinic, and she’s convinced it’s for real.
She has even spoken to Dr. Rader himself, who isn’t promising anything, though he is hopeful of success.
McNeil said she’d be happy if Joey could get some feeling and control back, and maybe start on the long road to recovery.
She says her son, who is terrified of needles, says he’s willing to undergo any number of shots if it means his legs might work again.
“I asked if it would be okay to get a couple of needles, if it meant he could walk again,” said McNeil.
“He had just one word for me: Yes.”
Your Comments
Scientists successfully treat rats' injured spinal cords
CTK | 2 February 2010
Once hydrogel with stem cells was inserted inside an injured rat's spinal cord, new nerve fibres were created and the mobility and sensitiveness of the rat 's hind legs improved within half a year. (CTK)
Prague, Feb 1 (CTK) - Czech scientists have succeeded in treating spinal cord chronic injuries in rats and want to start testing hydrogel with stem cells in people as soon as possible, Eva Sykova, from Science Academy Experimental Medicine Institute, told CTK yesterday.
The experiment is financially supported by the French Association of Patients. French and Spanish patients are to participate in the clinical study of the new method.
People with an injured spinal cord often end up in a wheelchair and the new method is a hope for them.
If a hydrogel with stem cells was inserted in the place of an injury in a rat's spinal cord, new nerve fibres were created and the mobility and sensitiveness of its hind legs improved within half a year.
"We expect the hydrogel with stem cells to be approved for clinical testing within a year and we will then immediately start checking it in people," Sykova said.
She said the method will be applicable to injuries old even several years.
"It has shown that neither cell stems alone nor hydrogels alone are sufficiently effective. Combination of minimally the two things, and in the future also probably of further factors is necessary," Sykova said.
Journal stem cell work 'blocked'
By Pallab Ghosh
Science correspondent, BBC News
Billions of pounds of public money is spent on stem cell research
Stem cell experts say they believe a small group of scientists is effectively vetoing high quality science from publication in journals.
In some cases they say it might be done to deliberately stifle research that is in competition with their own.
It has also emerged that 14 leading stem cell researchers have written an open letter to journal editors in order to highlight their dissatisfaction.
Billions of pounds of public money is spent on funding stem cell research.
The open letter to the major scientific journals claims that "papers that are scientifically flawed or comprise only modest technical increments often attract undue profile. At the same time publication of truly original findings may be delayed or rejected".
Two internationally-renowned researchers have spoken to BBC News about their concerns.
They are Robin Lovell-Badge, who is speaking in a personal capacity, and Austin Smith, from the University of Cambridge.
Professor Lovell-Badge said: "It's turning things into a clique where only papers that satisfy this select group of a few reviewers who think of themselves as very important people in the field is published.
It's an editor's responsibility to ensure that delays are minimised, and we stop using any referee where a pattern of delays is apparent
Philip Campbell, Nature
"You can get a lot of hype over a paper published on stem cell research that's actually a minimal advance in knowledge whereas the poor person that is doing beautiful research that is not catching the eye of the editor, you don't get to hear about that, even though it could be the world changing piece of research."
The issue is important because billions of pounds of public money are spent on funding stem cell research internationally. The funding is directed largely towards groups and individuals who have had their research published in the top journals. So if the journals are getting it wrong then public money is going to waste.
Dr Philip Campbell, the editor of Nature, which is one of the leading journals in the field, said: "Last year we used about 400 reviewers in stem cell and developmental biology, and we constantly recruit new referees. The idea that there's some privileged clique is utterly false."
It is a requirement of publicly funded research to publish in scientific journals.
This process involves sending a report of the research to an editor at a journal.
If the editor deems it sufficiently novel and interesting, they will ask two or three scientists who are experts in the field to review the research and send in comments.
It is at this stage where scientists who may well be rivals of the person who submitted their research say whether the research is good or bad. They can also suggest to the journal editor that more experiments need to be carried out in order to justify the conclusions of the research.
'Extra experiments'
The journal editor decides to publish the research paper usually when the majority of reviewers are satisfied. But professors Lovell-Badge and Smith believe that increasingly some reviewers are sending back negative comments or asking for unnecessary experiments to be carried out for spurious reasons.
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In some cases they say it is being done simply to delay or stop the publication of the research so that the reviewers or their close colleagues can be the first to have their own research published.
"It's hard to believe except you know it's happened to you that papers have been held up for months and months by reviewers asking for experiments that are not fair or relevant," Professor Smith said.
Dr Campbell denies this as far as his journals are concerned: "It's an editor's responsibility to ensure that delays are minimised, and we stop using any referee where a pattern of delays is apparent, whatever the reason might be."
These kinds of allegations are not new and not confined to stem cell research. But professors Smith and Lovell-Badge believe that the problem has become particularly acute in their field of research recently for two reasons.
Firstly, research grants and career progression are now determined almost entirely by whether a scientist gets published in a major research journal. Secondly, in stem cell science, hundreds of millions of pounds are available for research - and so there is a greater temptation for those that want the money to behave unscrupulously.
"The problem has become more common and more serious now," said Professor Smith.
"The issue here is all about public funding because you have to get these papers published to be able to get your next grant. It could be worth half a million pounds. It can be difficult for people in that position to be objective."
Even if research is not being deliberately stifled, high quality work is being overlooked as an "accidental consequence of journal editors relying too much on the word of a small number of individuals", according to Professor Lovell-Badge.
"You will have what looks like a very good paper by a very reputable scientist - but the journal takes the word of one particular reviewer too strongly. They have their favourite reviewers and what this means is that it distorts what gets published because that's going to be the view of one individual which may not reflect where the field should be going," he said.
Practical obstacles?
Dr Campbell says that as far as his journals are concerned the charge is untrue: "Our editors, who frequently attend conferences and visit laboratories in order to keep abreast of the field and the people in it, have always used their own judgement in what we publish. We have not infrequently overruled two or even three sceptical referees and published a paper."
We are seeing the publication of a lot of papers in high profile journals with minimal scientific content or advance
Robin Lovell-Badge
But at a recent stem cell scientific meeting, 14 of the world's leading stem cell researchers said that journal editors hadn't seen through what they described as "unreasonable or obstructive" reviews. In an open letter to the journals, they proposed that if a paper was published, the accompanying reviews should be provided as supplementary material online.
Dr Campbell said that he was sympathetic to the idea although he envisaged practical obstacles. Professor Lovell-Badge believes that the journal editors could do more to identify bias in the review process.
"Editors should be able to see when reviewers are asking for unnecessary experiments to be carried out and if it's the difference between an opinion of the referee and a factual problem. But what tends to happen is that the editor takes the opinion of an editor rather than the factual substance," he said.
One of the main reasons for this, according to Professor Smith, is that journals are in competition. Editors have become dependent on favoured experts who both review other people's stem cell research and submit their own papers to the journal. If the editor offends these experts, they may lose future papers to a rival.
This is leading to the journals publishing mediocre science, according to Professor Lovell-Badge.
"We are seeing the publication of a lot of papers in high profile journals with minimal scientific content or advance, and this is partly because of these high-profile journals needing to keep their so called 'impact factors' as high as possible. That's determined by the number of citations that the papers have and they know that some of this trendy work is going to get cited and they seem not to care about whether its a real scientific advance or not," he said.
Commenting on the allegations, Monica Bradford, executive editor of Science, another major journal, said: "Our current policy is to preserve the confidentiality of reviewers' names and comments. Some journals have tried experiments to test the impact of open review on the quality of the feedback received through peer review.
"We have not been convinced to switch to such a system, but we will continue to monitor such experiments. We also will discuss the pros/cons of our current process internally and with our senior editorial board.
"We do recognise that human factors such as competition and potential financial gains can bias a reviewer's assessment of a paper and we expect our editors to consider these factors when evaluating the comments of the reviewers, particularly in cutting-edge areas of research."
Better oversight could cure doubts of stem cell project
Michael Hiltzik
Stop looking to feds to cure California's budget crisis
Proposition 71 gave the leadership of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine almost unassailable control of its $3 billion in funding. It's time for that to change.
By Michael Hiltzik
February 1, 2010
It's never pretty to see people get blown up by their own bombs. But it sure can be educational.
A case in point is the leadership of the California stem cell program, which pushed through Proposition 71 in 2004 to create the program, entrenched itself in almost unassailable control of its $3 billion in funding, and has self-righteously fought every attempt to improve public oversight over its disbursement of what is, after all, the people's money.
That includes any attempt to amend the original language of Proposition 71, which they regard as Holy Writ.
Here's the rub. They now assert that one provision written into Proposition 71 has become a big problem for them. This is the rule that limits the program to a maximum of 50 employees.
That's not sufficient to manage a program that has already committed more than $1 billion to researchers, they say.
"Since 2006, we've gone from a portfolio of 16 grants to more than 320," says the program's vice president for operations, John Robson, who told me last week that the staff numbers 43 today.
"Our oversight responsibilities are increasing at the same time we're trying to support new research," he says. "We're going to bump up against this 50-person cap." He says it's imperative to augment the program's current complement of 21 science officers, who are MDs and PhDs qualified to ride herd on the program's grant and loan recipients.
But raising the cap to accommodate the extra staffers requires approval by the state Legislature, which the stem cell program has always treated as an enemy. This is what Shakespeare described in Hamlet as being “hoist on [one’s] own petard." (A petard was an explosive mine of the era.)
The good news for taxpayers is that the program's request for more staff could open the door for our elected representatives to finally insist on some jurisdiction over the spending of our $3 billion -- $6 billion including interest on the state bonds with which the money is raised. The key questions are these: Is it being spent appropriately, and is it being spent without conflicts of interest? On both issues, there's reason for doubt. Unfortunately, the program has managed to fend off every effort by elected officials to weigh in.
Here's some background.
The stem cell program -- the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, to use its formal designation -- was launched in response to President George W. Bush's Luddite war on embryonic stem cell research. Proposition 71 was the creation of Robert Klein, a Palo Alto businessman whose son suffered from juvenile diabetes, a disease stem cell researchers were targeting.
Prop. 71, which Klein drafted, aimed to turn the state into a stem cell research mecca. But the initiative was also a model of legalistic micromanaging. It barred state legislators from making any change to the program for three years, and then only on a 70% vote of both houses. It specified that the program's board would have 29 members and dictated how the seats were to be apportioned among interest groups. Klein ended up as its chairman.
The 50-employee limit was trumpeted by Proposition 71's supporters as proof that the program would be lean and mean, with almost all the money going to science. You might think they must have known from the start that managing a $3-billion scientific research program would require a larger staff, but then that would make them look cynical, and who wants to do that?
Klein and CIRM have always responded with indignation to any legislative effort to exert oversight over the program. When then-state Sen. Sheila Kuehl proposed a bill in 2008 ensuring that Californians receive affordable access to treatments arising from CIRM-funded research, she was attacked by Americans for Cures Foundation, a lobbying group closely connected to Klein. The group boorishly smeared her as being "ignorant," "mindless" or "playing dumb in a craven attempt to get Republican votes to back her legacy as defender of the poor." Just so you know, while she served in the Senate, Kuehl was one of its outstanding progressive Democrats and a national leader on healthcare reform.
The lobbying group presently apologized, and Klein resigned as its president. But it still operates out of his office suite in Palo Alto.
Last year, when the Little Hoover Commission -- the state panel devoted to keeping state agencies accountable -- recommended changes in the way CIRM governs itself and in its relationship with elected state officials, CIRM blasted it with both barrels.
The commission observed that the unwieldy board contained no truly independent voices; Proposition 71 mandated that it be composed mostly of representatives of California institutions eligible for CIRM funding (UC campuses currently account for eight seats) and advocates for patients with conditions that may be treatable through stem cell therapies. The commission recommended cutting the board to 15 members and giving four seats to independent individuals, such as eminent citizens or scientists not eligible for its research handouts.
Two law firms associated with CIRM responded with a combined 24 pages of tendentious legal argument, to the effect that the proposals would "fly in the face of the voters’ intent." CIRM hinted it might take the matter to court if the legislature tried to enact the commission's recommendations without going to the voters.
It's not surprising that CIRM isn't enamored of outside scrutiny, as the little it gets hasn't been wholly complimentary. At last week's annual meeting of the Citizens Financial Oversight Accountability Committee, an auditing body established under Proposition 71 and chaired by state Controller John Chiang, CIRM officials came under withering questioning by committee member Loren Lipson, a physician and research scientist.
Lipson objected to CIRM's practice of keeping the identities of grant applicants secret until and unless they win a grant. He thinks that without full transparency, it's impossible to know whether the scientific peer reviewers or the board have shown undue favoritism to the victors.
That's especially a problem, Lipson believes, because the stem cell research community is small and so much of the board is, by design, self-interested. "To me it looks like an old-boys club," he told me after the meeting. "When I look at that board I get a bad feeling of impropriety."
CIRM officials assured him that conflicts of interest aren't a problem on the board or among its scientific peer review teams, but he remains unimpressed. "They never really answered my questions," he says.
Chiang's panel, meanwhile, passed a resolution at the meeting in favor of expanding its monitoring authority to look at performance issues, not merely financial matters. CIRM issued a statement the next day that said, essentially: Forget it -- Proposition 71 doesn't allow that.
There's no question that CIRM has funded important work and bolstered the state's research profile. And there's no reason to doubt that CIRM needs more staff scientists to make sure grant recipients are spending our money properly, especially since the program is about to start doling out loans to commercial companies, not just grants to academics.
But it's ridiculous for CIRM to maintain that increased legislative oversight and a more compact and objective board are inimical to its purpose of fostering stem cell research in California. CIRM mouthpieces love to claim that the "voters' intent" should be honored by keeping the program rigorously free of political oversight -- but then the voters' intent was also to give it 50 staff members, and not a soul more.
Nothing requires the Legislature to crack open the door on Proposition 71 only as far as CIRM wishes. The Legislature should let the program have the additional staff, but on its own terms. These should include a change in CIRM's board structure and imposition of the sort of oversight the program should have had in the first place -- including a reduction in the requirement for legislative amendments from 70% to a bare majority and giving Chiang the broader authority he requested. That's the way to create a public stem cell research program that exemplifies not only good science, but good government.
Michael Hiltzik's column appears Mondays and Thursdays. Reach him at michael.hiltzik@latimes.com, read previous columns at www.latimes.com/hiltzik, and follow @latimeshiltzik on Twitter.
Please request chart for ENTB, and MBLTY.
ENTB trades in US, just click on Nasdaq/OTC/BB
MBLTY trades in Australia on the ASX, just click on Not Sure.
They have a substantial equity holding in Angioblast Systems Inc, an American company.
http://stockcharts.com/help/doku.php?id=support:feedback:symbol_request
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
I've been doing a lot of research on quite a few while redoing iboxes. ISCO had been one of my favourites thus far. But, I missed the ride. Ridiculous too, since I had told my daughter to load up on it. lol Just never got around to it since I was fascinated by some others too. Once done, I'll make my list of my top five favourites and just buy and hold.
I hope you got in for that ride. ;)
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Good morning Karin,
Sill here... been watching the wild ride on ISCO.
I saw the news on SCII and the merger....Looks good. Gotta do a bit more homework on it. : )
thanks med.rare... I'll check it out. ;)
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
not a stem cell company but check out cgen...interesting company and mentioned along with ISCO from Patrick Cox
L2PlayPennies... Where have you been hiding?
Anyway, good morning to you and everyone else. ;)
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
ISCO did really well today.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Posted by: 0815ax Date: Monday, February 01, 2010 12:17:29 PM
In reply to: None Post # of 1781
www.advantageofstemcellresearch.com
Two New Innovations in Stem Cell Research
Filed under: Uncategorized
01 Feb 2010
http://www.advantageofstemcellresearch.com/two-new-innovations-in-stem-cell-research.html
Stem cell research has been riddled with controversy since its inception.
It is because of this controversy that stem cell research hasn’t received as much support, under past administrations, as it should have.
Most of the controversy over stem cell research stem from the idea that a fetus has to be destroyed in order for the stem cells to be harvested.
This might not be the case anymore with the discovery of two unique methods of collecting stem cells.
The first of these methods entails extracting the stem cells from the placenta of a fetus.
By doing this not only are researchers able to collect stem cells, they do no harm whatsoever to the fetus.
The second of these innovations in stem cell research is the potential use of skin cells to emulate stem cells.
Scientists have devised a way to manipulate the genes within a skin cell in order for it to behave exactly like a stem cell.
If this method of creating stem cells can be perfected, it opens up a completely different avenue for stem cell research to progress.
No longer will there be any real controversy over the subject of stem cell research, as the necessity for embryonic stem cells can be eliminated.
Under the Obama administration, all restrictions over federal funding of stem cell research has been repealed.
With the increase funding going towards stem cell research, new advances and potential benefits are sure to be found.
Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. Closes Merger With Histostem Ltd.
Date : 02/01/2010 @ 1:20PM
Source : MarketWire
Stock : Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. (SCII)
Quote : 0.1275 0.0125 (10.87%) @ 8:21AM
Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. Closes Merger With Histostem Ltd.
TAMPA, FL -- (Marketwire) -- 02/01/10 --
Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. (OTCBB: SCII) announced that it has completed its merger with Histostem Ltd. of South Korea ("Histostem"), forming one of the first fully merged Pacific Rim stem cell companies and cord blood repositories with a U.S. entity
David Stark, President and CEO of SCII, commented, "This merger brings together two well respected stem cell companies with complementary areas of expertise and we are very pleased to partner with Dr. Hoon Han, a preeminent scientist in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Histostem, which will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, brings one of the world's largest, fully accredited cord blood banks, with more than 80,000 cord blood units for use in research and treatments
Additionally, Histostem has market ready products such as the stem cell based facial cream, SteMixx, which has received full Korean FDA approval as an effective treatment to combat the effects of aging skin, which is in the beginning stages of our marketing plan."
With the close of the merger, SCII will have approximately 176 million common shares outstanding, which includes the approximately 13 million shares that will be issued five days after the announcement of this merger
Andrew J. Norstrud, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "With the merger completed and our initial financing mechanism in place, management is excited about accelerating our strategic plan, which includes, but is not limited to, product sales, medical treatments, additional acquisitions, partnership opportunities and medical research."
About Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc
Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. (OTCBB: SCII) is in the field of regenerative medicine. SCII (soon to be renamed AmStem Corporation) is a company devoted to the treatment of patients with stem cell transplantation therapy as well as providing the supplies of biological solutions containing new lines of stem cell products
About AmStem International Inc
AmStem International Inc. ("AmStem") is a new biotechnology company based in Northern California, in the watershed of stem cell innovation fueled by President Obama's recent announcement to lift Federal funding limitations for stem cell research. AmStem provides biotherapeutic and cosmetic stem cell products, stem cell collection and storage know-how, and access to nanotechnology vital to cutting edge stem cell research. Its web site is under construction at www.amsteminc.com
About Histostem Co. Ltd
Histostem was founded in Seoul, Korea in 2000. To date it has treated more than 500 patients with stem cells and currently has approximately 50 full-time employees and several part-time employees. Histostem's intellectual property portfolio consists of 6 patents that have been granted and 5 patents pending. To its knowledge, Histostem is one of the very few stem cell companies in the world currently earning several million dollars in income from its products and technology. A comprehensive list of Histostem's achievements can be found at the company's website http://www.histostem.co.kr (click on English version when entering the site)
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements included in this press release, particularly those anticipating future clinical and business prospects for Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. may be forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Among the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially are the following: our ability to obtain necessary capital, , successfully complete clinical trials, our ability to meet anticipated development timelines, our ability to establish global market for the cord blood cells, clinical trial results, successfully consummate future acquisitions, manufacturing capabilities or other factors; and other risk factors identified from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
Any forward-looking statements set forth in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof
CONTACTS:
Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc
(813) 283-2556
Investor relations: Jennifer Belodeau John Nesbett Institutional Marketing Services (IMS) (203) 972-9200 IR@amsteminc.com
David Stark CEO DStark@amsteminc.com
Andrew Norstrud CFO Anorstrud@amsteminc.com
Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc
13406 Racetrack Road #233 Tampa, FL 33626
SCII merger closed... we are moving now!
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Waiting on News!Biotech
FDA response for ACT anticipated on January 31 (NASDAQ:ACTC)
By John McCalister on 01/30/2010 – 2:51 pm PST2 Comments .
vote
nowBuzz up!
On November 19, 2009, Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACTC.OB), which is a biotechnology company that uses cloning techniques to develop a number of life-saving drugs, disclosed that the company has sent an Investigational New Drug (IND) Application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The objective of the IND Application is seeking the approval of the FDA to start a Phase I/II study at multiple centers. The study would involve the use of retinal cells, which have been developed from the stem cells of the embryo, for the treatment of patients suffering Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy (SMD). On January 8, 2010, the company again announced that the FDA has put it on “clinical hold”. This means the FDA is soon going to send Advanced Cell Technology a response to the latter’s submitted IND application. The company expects to receive the response on January 31, 2010.
Degenerative diseases of the eye part – the retina – are the most common diseases responsible for causing blindness. In addition, there is no way to restore the lost vision. More than 10 million people in the US alone suffer from degenerative disease of the photoreceptor – that is, the retina. Apart from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Stargardt’s Macular Dystropy is the next common degenerative disease. It causes blindness in young people. For treating this disease, Advanced Cell Technology has developed a unique technique. Through cloning, the company was able to derive cells found in the retina – called collectively, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) – from stem cells. These cells would help the photoreceptors for providing vision. In the onset of Stagardt’s Macular Dysrophy, the RPE cells die. This causes blindness.
Before the development of the RPE cells through cloning techniques by Advanced Cell Technology and its partners, there was no cure for this serious eye disorder. The ACT has carried out many studies to show that the RPE cells could cure blindness in animals. For instance the Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rat model found out that RPE cells could achieve a staggering success rate of 100% in restoring lost vision. In addition, the study found out that there no side effects were associated with such technique.
Dr. Robert Lanza, who is the Chief Scientific Officer of Advanced Cell Technologies, said:
“It has been over a decade since human embryonic stem cells were first discovered. The field desperately needs a big clinical success. After years of research and political debate, we’re finally on the verge of showing the potential clinical value of embryonic stem cell research. Our research clearly shows that stem cell-derived retinal cells can rescue visual function in animals that otherwise would have gone.”
The submission of the Investigational New Drug application to the FDA represents a crucial point in the development of a substantial cure for Stargardt’s Macular Dystropy. William M. Caldwell IV, who is the Chief Executive Officer and also the Chairman of the ACT said:
“The filing of this IND places Advanced Cell Technology in position to help lead the industry in validating the stem cell platform. Over the past year, we have taken important steps to advance our RPE program while overcoming significant financial challenges. Advanced Cell today is uniquely positioned within the regenerative medicine industry; as it has the technology, a renowned scientific and development team and access to capital to become one of the first companies to make the use of an embryonic stem cell derived therapy a reality in treating a major unmet medical need.”
Skin cells turned directly into neurons
By Clive Cookson
Published: January 28 2010 02:00 | Last updated: January 28 2010 02:00
Stem cell scientists at Stanford University in California announced "a huge step forward" last night, with the publication of research that turned skin into nerve cells without any intermediate step.
The production of neurons [nerve cells] directly from other adult cells, without making stem cells en route, could transform "regenerative medicine" - providing a plentiful supply of neurons for treating people with degenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson's or those with spinal injuries.
"We actively and directly induced one cell type to become a completely different cell type," said Marius Wernig of Stanford's Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. "These are fully functional neurons. They can do all the principal things that neurons in the brain do."
This includes making connections with and signalling to other nerve cells - critical functions if the cells are eventually to be used as therapy for brain disease. The study is published online in the journal Nature .
Although research had suggested that specialised cells could be coaxed to show properties of other cell types, this is the first time skin cells have been converted into neurons in a laboratory.
The change happened within a week of treating mouse skin cells with a mixture of three genes, with an efficiency of up to nearly 20 per cent. The scientists are now working to duplicate the feat with human cells.
Until recently, scientists believed cellular differentiation was a one-way process, with primitive and versatile embryonic stem cells giving rise to all the body's more specialised cells.
Then, in 2007 they discovered how to turn the clock back, reversing the specialisation process by converting adult cells to "induced pluripotent stem cells", which could then become a different type of cell.
The latest discovery shows that this intermediate step is unnecessary. But many years of work will be needed before direct conversion reaches the clinic.
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BIO Announces Initial Companies Selected to Present at the Twelfth Annual BIO® CEO & Investor Conference
Conference Will Be Held February 8-9 at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel New York City
Buzz up! 0 Print..Press Release Source: Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) On Tuesday January 5, 2010, 12:32 pm EST
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today announced the first 100 companies selected to present at the Twelfth Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference. Presenting companies were selected through a rigorous screening process and were evaluated based on several criteria, including their potential to deliver on near-term clinical catalysts and accomplishments across major therapeutic markets and areas of unmet medical need.
Over 120 presenting companies will be selected and posted on the conference website on a rolling basis. To view the latest list, please visit http://ceo.bio.org.
This year’s presenting companies were chosen using metrics developed by BIO’s internal Industry Analysis team and were further vetted by an Advisory Committee, comprised of members from top-tier investment firms and CEOs from leading biotech companies:
•Alger Boyer; Managing Director, Equities Group, Rodman & Renshaw, LLC
•Benjamin R. Bowen, Ph.D.; Managing Director, Investment Banking, Rodman & Renshaw, LLC
•Ron Cohen, M.D.; President & CEO, Acorda Therapeutics
•J. Donald deBethizy, Ph.D.; President & CEO, Targacept
•David Farhadi, M.D.; Vice President, Senior Analyst/Co-Portfolio Manager, Fred Alger Management, Inc.
•Howard Furst, M.D.; Partner, Deerfield Management
•Cory W. Kasimov; Vice President , J.P Morgan
•David Kroin; Managing Director, Great Point Partners, LLC
•Kelly Lisbakken; Vice President, Investment Banking, Wedbush PacGrow Life Sciences
•Mark Schoenebaum, M.D.; Managing Director & Senior Biotechnology Analyst, Deutsche Bank AG
•Chris Swindle; Managing Director, Wedbush PacGrow Life Sciences
“The BIO CEO & Investor Conference will showcase companies representing the industry’s most promising investment opportunities with late-stage clinical pipelines, well-established business strategies or strong M&A and partnering potential,” said Alan Eisenberg, executive vice president, Emerging Companies & Business Development at BIO. “Selected companies are also distinguished by significant opportunities for value creation with near-term clinical, regulatory and corporate catalysts that will continue to foster the growth of our industry in the new decade.”
Now in its twelfth year, the BIO CEO & Investor Conference is the largest independent investor conference for the life sciences industry focused on publicly-traded biotechnology companies. The meeting provides a neutral forum where institutional investors, industry analysts, and senior executives from leading global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have the opportunity to shape the future investment landscape of the biotechnology industry.
This year’s meeting will feature issue-oriented plenary sessions, company presentations and educational sessions focused on business trends and hot therapeutic areas in life sciences. Access to top investors and industry executives will also be powered by BIO One-on-One Partnering, BIO’s interactive online system that allows you to intelligently search, contact and schedule one-on-one meetings.
To learn more about the BIO CEO & Investor Conference, including registration and program information, please visit http://ceo.bio.org. Registration is complimentary for qualified investors and credentialed members of the media.
The following companies will present at the Twelfth Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference:
4SC AG (VSC)
Acorda Therapeutics Inc. (ACOR)
Actelion Ltd. (ATLN)
Acucela Inc. (Private)
Addex Pharmaceuticals S.A. (ADXN)
Affymax Inc. (AFFY)
Alexza Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALXA)
Alkermes Inc. (ALKS)
Allon Therapeutics Inc. (NPCUF)
Allos Therapeutics Inc. (ALTH)
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY)
Amarin Corp. PLC (AMRN)
Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics Holding N.V. (AMT)
Anadys Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ANDS)
ARCA biopharma, Inc. (ABIO)
Ardea Biosciences Inc. (RDEA)
Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ARNA)
Array BioPharma Inc. (ARRY)
Bavarian Nordic A/S (BAVA)
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BCRX)
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (BMRN)
Bionomics Ltd. (BNO)
BioSante Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BPAX)
BioTie Therapies Oyj (BTH1V)
Cell Therapeutics Inc. (CTIC)
Cellectis S.A. (ALCLS)
CEL-SCI Corp. (CVM)
CERUS CORP (CERS)
Chelsea Therapeutics International Ltd. (CHTP)
ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (CXS)
Cleveland BioLabs Inc. (CBLI)
CombinatoRx Inc. (CRXX)
Curis Inc. (CRIS)
Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CYCC)
Cytokinetics Inc. (CYTK)
DepoMed Inc. (DEPO)
Diamyd Medical AB (DMYDF)
Discovery Laboratories Inc. (DSCO)
DUSA (DUSA)
Dyax Corp. (DYAX)
Elan Pharmaceuticals (Private)
EMISPHERE TECHNOLOGIES INC (EMIS)
EpiCept Corporation (EPCT)
Exelixis Inc. (EXEL)
Genta Inc. (GETA)
GenVec Inc. (GNVC)
GeoVax Labs Inc. (GOVX)
Geron Corp. (GERN)
Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD)
GlobeImmune (Private)
Hana Biosciences, Inc (HNAB)
Human Genome Sciences Inc. (HGSI)
Icagen, Inc. (ICGN)
Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IDIX)
Idera Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IDRA)
Immunogen Inc. (IMGN)
Immunovaccine Inc. (IMV)
Inovio Biomedical Corp. (INO)
Ista Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ISTA)
Javelin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (JAV)
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (LXRX)
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (LGND)
MannKind Corp. (MNKD)
MDRNA Inc. (MRNA)
Medivation Inc. (MDVN)
Micromet Inc. (MITI)
Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MIPI)
MolMed S.p.A. (MLM)
Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MNTA)
Neuralstem Inc. (CUR)
NeurogesX Inc. (NGSX)
NexMed Inc. (NEXM)
NicOx S.A. (COX)
Nile Therapeutics Inc. (NLTX)
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NBY)
Novavax Inc. (NVX)
NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NPSP)
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (ONC)
Oncothyreon Inc. (ONTY)
Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. (OREX)
Paion AG (PA8)
PDL BioPharma Inc. (PDLI)
Pharmacyclics Inc. (PCYC)
Poniard Pharmaceuticals Inc. (PARD)
Prolor Biotech Inc. (PBTH)
Repligen Corp. (RGEN)
Resverlogix Corp. (RVX)
Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Inc. (RNN)
Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc. (RIGL)
RXI Pharmaceuticals Corp. (RXII)
Sangamo BioSciences Inc. (SGMO)
Soligenix, Inc. (SNGX)
Somaxon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SOMX)
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SPPI)
SuperGen Inc. (SUPG)
SYGNIS Pharma AG (LIO)
Targacept Inc. (TRGT)
Transgenomic Inc. (TBIO)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRTX)
VirtualScopics Inc. (VSCP)
VIVUS Inc. (VVUS)
XOMA Ltd. (XOMA)
YM BioSciences Inc. (YM)
BIO CEO & Investor Conference Bank Sponsors
BIO is pleased to acknowledge the leadership provided by the BIO CEO & Investor Conference bank sponsors, including Lead Bank Sponsor Wedbush PacGrow Life Sciences, Conference Co-Host Rodman & Renshaw, LLC and Supporting Bank Sponsor Lazard.
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
Upcoming BIO Events
7th Annual BIO Asia Partnering Conference
January 25-26, 2010
Tokyo, Japan
12th Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference
February 8-9, 2010
New York, NY
9th Annual Windhover & Windhover PSO
February 23-25, 2010
New York City, NY
BIO-Europe Spring
March 8-10, 2010
Barcelona, Spain
BIO Intellectual Property Counsels Spring Conference and Committee Meeting
April 19-21, 2010
New Orleans, LA
BIO International Convention
May 3-6, 2010
Chicago, IL
McCormick Place Convention Center
2010 BIO Human Resources Conference
May 4-7, 2010
Chicago, IL
Contact:
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)Press Contact:Erin Reese, 202-962-9235orInvestor Contact:John Craighead, 202-962-6632 Buzz up! 0
January 28, 2010 07:30 AM Eastern Time
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Shareholder Conference Call
ISCO Chairman Kenneth Aldrich to Discuss “State of the Company”
OCEANSIDE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), a California-based biotechnology company creating human stem cell lines from unfertilized eggs, today announced that it is has scheduled a conference call for February 5, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. PST. ISCO Chairman Mr. Kenneth Aldrich will discuss both the present status of the company and its vision for the coming year. The dial-in number for participants is 1 (800) 774-6070 and the pass code ID is 8273 225#. An alternate dial-in number is 1 (630) 691-2753 and the pass code will be the same for both numbers. A replay of the call will be available via the Investor Relations link on the company’s web site at: http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of parthenogenetic human stem cells from unfertilized eggs (oocytes). Like embryonic stem cells (ESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent (i.e. have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body), yet avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™, while avoiding the ethical issue of using fertilized eggs. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. More information is available at ISCO’s website, www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Statements pertaining to anticipated future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
Contacts
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Or
International Stem Cell Corporation
Jeffrey Janus, Sr. VP, Operations
President & CEO, Lifeline Cell Technology
760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.com
Permalink: http://www.businesswire.com/news/cnnmoney/20100128005360/en/International-Stem-Cell-Corporation-Announces-Shareholder-Conferenc
7:36AM Celgene reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs in-line (CELG) 58.11 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.62 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.62; revenues rose 21.1% year/year to $761 mln vs the $743.3 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.55-2.60, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $2.63 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $3.20-3.30 bln vs. $3.23 bln consensus. Revlimid $497.1 mln vs. $484.9 consensus; Vidaza $117 mln vs. $116.5 mln consensus; Thalomid $108 mln vs. $105. mln consensus. Co sees FY10 Revlimid sales of $2.1-2.2 bln vs the $2.15 bln consensus
This board is primarily for companies into cord blood storage since control of inventory will control treatments in the future. Discussion of updates in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine will also be found.
Stem Cells – An overview
http://www.youtube.com/user/rorygirl#p/c/C9DB8E6493B73432/8/mUcE1Y_bOQE
Regenerative Medicine: Re-Growing Body Parts
http://www.youtube.com/user/rorygirl#p/c/C9DB8E6493B73432/16/GwcT1ViM-hw
Regenerative Medicine: Pathways to Cure - Version 2.0
http://www.youtube.com/user/rorygirl#p/c/C9DB8E6493B73432/15/tQ41GrOIbkE
The Stem Cell Stock Index
http://www.stemdex.com/2009/07/stem-cell-stock-index.html
The Stem Cell Tracker
http://www.stemcelltracker.com/
Diseases NOW Being Treated by Repair Stem Cells
http://repairstemcells.org/Treatment/Diseases-Treated.aspx
Global Cord Blood Stem Cells Market to Hit US$15 billion by 2015
http://www.prlog.org/10453315-global-cord-blood-stem-cells-market-to-hit-us15-billion-by-2015.html
Following are just a few of the companies in this arena. Listings are in alphabetical order by ticker:
ACTC - http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=5319
http://www.advancedcell.com/
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AMST, formerly SCII - http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=120
http://amsteminc.com/
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BCLI – http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=4829
http://www.brainstorm-cell.com/
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CBAI - http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=3650
Websites:
http://www.cordblood-america.com
http://www.cordpartners.com
http://www.cord-blood-video.com
http://www.curesource.net
http://www.corcell.com
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CCEL - http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=3965
http://www.cryo-cell.com
Cryo-Cell Mexico offers services in Mexico, Central America and Ecuador.
Asia Cryo-Cell Private Limited offers services in India.
C'elle distributor opportunity for doctors that specialize in female issues. See video:
http://www.celle.com/distributorVideo.aspx#
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CO - http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=16014
http://www.chinacordbloodcorp.com
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ISCO - http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=13281
http://www.internationalstemcell.com/index.html
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SSS.V - http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/board.aspx?board_id=11538
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Last update 4.20.2010
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