StemCells Therapy » Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell co Gamida Cell raises $10m

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:12:11 +0000

Stem cell therapies developer Gamida Cell Ltd. has raised $10 million in its fifth financing round from all its investors. The company will use the proceeds to support the global commercialization of its lead cell therapy product, StemEx, as an alternative therapeutic treatment for patients with blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, who can be cured by bone marrow transplantation but do not have a matched bone marrow donor.

Gamida Cell is developing StemEx with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: TEVA; TASE: TEVA), and it is seeking a strategic partner for the product’s global commercialization.

The company will also use the proceeds for the further development of other products, primarily a clinical trial of its NiCord treatment for sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

Gamida Cell chairman Reuven Krupik said, The investors were unanimous in their decision to reinvest, understanding the importance of bringing StemEx to market as well as maintaining the companys leadership role in the stem cell industry. Gamida Cell is a game changer.”

Gamida Cell completed enrollment for a pivotal Phase III clinical trial of StemEx in February, and expects results in the fourth quarter. The company plans to launch the product in 2013, and it could be the first allogeneic stem cell product in the market.

The company’s current investors include Elbit Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq: EMITF; TASE: EMIT), Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd. (TASE: CBI), Israel Healthcare Venture, Teva, Amgen, Denali Ventures and Auriga Ventures.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news – www.globes-online.com – on May 15, 2012

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Stem cell co Gamida Cell raises $10m

Vet undertakes stem cell surgery

Brightline@hfx.eastlink.ca — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:12:10 +0000

Animal stem cell regenerative therapy is the newest service at the Animal Hospital of Tiffin.

“We are the official first site for the therapy in Ohio,” said veterinarian Bob McClung.

The technology uses an adult animal’s stem cells to heal itself.

Veterinarian Mike Brothers performed the surgery Monday on his dog, Tucker, a 2-year-old labrador retriever. It was the second surgery performed at the clinic.

Brothers said his dog’s joint problems are hereditary and he’s had problems since he was a puppy.

“What we’ve been able to do is slow down the arthritis,” Brothers said. The cause of the degeneration will continue, but the fatty tissue removed from the dog can be used for future treatments.

From a piece of fatty tissue of the size removed from Tucker, McClung estimated $3.2 billion stem cells were harvested.

Each injection uses about 90 million cells, so there will be enough of the material for future treatments.

“We have basically 2 billion cells to bank,” he said. “We use cryo-preservation.”

In the freezing process, the cells are gradually cooled to prevent damage and stored in liquid nitrogen at temperatures of minus 80 to minus 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Link:
Vet undertakes stem cell surgery

Stem cell banking firms to deploy marketing initiatives to boost sales

Anjali — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:12:08 +0000

Kolkata, May 15:

Stem cell banking companies are looking at aggressive marketing initiatives to move into the mass market segment. Direct marketing to customers and reduction in price tag for storing umbilical cord blood are on the cards.

The umbilical cord blood and cord tissue are one of the richest sources of stem cells and have potential to treat over 75 serious ailments.

The average cost for storing these for a period of 21 years ranges between Rs 75,000 and Rs 90,000 in India.

According to Chennai-based Life Cell, high price points and lack of proper marketing have limited the penetration of cord blood banking in India. Affordability is the key factor in India.

Only when the prices come down will we see more customers opting for the service. We are working on it (bringing down prices), Mr Mayur Abhaya Srisrimal, Executive Director Life Cell, told Business Line.

Stem cell bankers have already rolled out easy finance options such as EMIs to make the services attractive. CordLife, for instance, offers EMI facility for 12-24 months.

This has helped boost our sales. We have been acquiring 350-400 clients each month, said Managing Director, Mr Meghnath Roy Chowdhury.

Finance, however, is not the only stumbling block. Cord blood bankers have, so far, been depending largely on hospital network for signing up clients. Bangalore-based Ms Deepa Shankar, who is expecting and is due for delivery in June, recently opted for Life Cell services through the hospital.

It’s not a sustainable approach. We need to get into direct marketing for pushing up volumes growth, Mr Srisrimal points out. To strike a cord with the would-be mothers, the company has roped in Lisa Ray as brand ambassador. Ms Ray was cured of multiple myeloma courtesy stem cell therapy.

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Stem cell banking firms to deploy marketing initiatives to boost sales

International Stem Cell Corporation Scientists to Present Pre-Clinical Research Results at American Society of Gene …

Stronger Health — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:12:04 +0000

CARLSBAD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO.OB – News) (www.internationalstemcell.com) today announced that several of its leading scientists will present experimental results from three of ISCOs pre-clinical therapeutic programs.

Firstly, the application of A9 dopaminergic neurons derived from human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSC) for the treatment of Parkinsons disease. Demonstrating functional dopaminergic neurons in vivo represents an important milestone towards the goal of creating well characterized populations of cells that could be used to develop a treatment for Parkinsons.

Secondly, the differentiation of hpSC and embryonic stem cells into cornea-like constructs for use in transplantation therapy and the in vitro study of ocular drug absorption. There are approximately ten million people worldwide who are blind as a result of damage to their cornea. Generating human corneas from a pluripotent stem cell source should increase the likelihood that people will receive treatment in the future even in the absence of suitable tissue from eye banks.

Lastly, the in vivo and in vitro characterization of immature hepatocyte derived from hpSC. Such cells could be used to develop a treatment for individuals with a liver that has been damaged by disease or sufferers of genetic disorders that inhibit normal liver function. In both cases, implanting healthy hepatocyte cells could treat the underlying disease and prolong the life of the individual.

These results not only show the progress we have made in these important programs, but also demonstrate the broad application of human parthenogenetic stem cells in the development of treatments for incurable diseases, says Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President of Research and Development.

The presentations will take place at the 15th Annual Meeting of American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, in Philadelphia at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17th.

About International Stem Cell Corporation

International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO’s core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the 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 for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (www.lifelinecelltech.com), and stem cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com). More information is available at www.internationalstemcell.com or follow us on Twitter @intlstemcell.

To receive ongoing corporate communications, please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0

New maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma looks promising, study suggests

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:54 +0000

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer where the plasma cells in the bone marrow grow out of control, causing damage to bones as well as predisposing patients to anemia, infection and kidney failure. Unfortunately, multiple myeloma continues to progress even after a transplant. A new study now offers promising news about a new long-term therapy, lenalidomide, that can be used after transplantation to slow down the progression of the disease.Source:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/rss/health_medicine/stem_cells.xml

Gene-modified stem cell transplant protects patients from toxic side effects of chemotherapy, study suggests

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:53 +0000

For the first time, scientists have transplanted brain cancer patients’ own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Initial results of the ongoing, small clinical trial of three patients with glioblastoma showed that two patients survived longer than predicted if they had not been given the transplants, and a third patient remains alive with no disease progression almost three years after treatment.Source:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/rss/health_medicine/stem_cells.xml

Regenerative medicine: Could the ways animals regenerate hair and feathers help restore human fingers and toes?

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:53 +0000

A review article that examines what’s known about regenerative biology and applies it to regenerative medicine. Perhaps this knowledge could one day be used to regrow lost body parts.Source:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/rss/health_medicine/stem_cells.xml

Successful stem cell differentiation requires DNA compaction, study finds

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:53 +0000

New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: Differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to the various types of tissues and structures in the body.Source:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/rss/health_medicine/stem_cells.xml

Mild head injuries can cause structural disruption of axons in the brain

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:52 +0000

Even mild head injuries can cause significant abnormalities in brain function that last for several days, which may explain the neurological symptoms experienced by some individuals who have experienced a head injury associated with sports, accidents or combat, according to a study by Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine researchers.Source:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

NBHA commends FDA for continuing investigation of bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:51 +0000

In response to today’s Perspective pieces published in the New England Journal Of Medicine, the National Bone Health Alliance (NBHA), a public-private partnership bringing together the expertise and resources of its 42 members from the private and non-profit sectors to collectively advance bone health and prevent disease, commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for continuing to investigate the risks and benefits of long-term bisphosphonate treatment.Source:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

Factors associated with successful vaginal birth after Caesarean

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:51 +0000

Melissa Lunsford wants a vaginal delivery for her fourth child. Following a series of Caesarean and vaginal deliveries for her other children, she couldn’t find a doctor or a hospital willing to give her the vaginal birth option for her current pregnancy.Source:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

HIV community supports rapid OTC testing

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:51 +0000

Who’s Positive, a national HIV awareness organization, today announced the results of a year-long online survey measuring support for over-the counter (OTC) HIV testing. The organization will present these results at the upcoming U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) on May 15, 2012.Source:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

House subcommittee approves FY13 U.S. international affairs spending bill without amendment

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:50 +0000

The House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations subcommittee on Wednesday approved, without changes, its version of the FY 2013 U.S. international affairs appropriations bill, Devex reports (Mungcal, 5/10).Source:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

Anti-epilepsy drug phenobarbital stunts neuronal growth

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:50 +0000

A brain study in infant rats demonstrates that the anti-epilepsy drug phenobarbital stunts neuronal growth, which could prompt new questions about using the first-line drug to treat epilepsy in human newborns.Source:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

Killer coating destroys bacteria and fungi on contact

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:49 +0000

Better than antibiotics, it is being used in contact lenses to prevent infections and biomedical products are the next stageSource:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

Damaging consequences of potential spending cuts to medical research

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:49 +0000

The report “Sequestration: Health Research at the Breaking Point,” released today by Research!America, demonstrates the damaging consequences of potential automatic spending cuts, or sequestration, to the nation’s medical research enterprise and public health, and offers examples on how these cuts would delay scientific discoveries that could lead to new treatments and cures for deadly diseases.Source:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

Viewpoints: Two views on how to fight obesity; Tough choices for big business on health costs

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:48 +0000

Forgive us if we don’t cheer at the prospect of adding 32 million to the total number of Americans who are dozens of pounds too heavy, a count that stood in 2010 at 78 million.Source:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

Study describes new compounds that inhibit PRMT1 enzyme

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:47 +0000

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have found the first chemical compounds that act to block an enzyme that has been linked to inflammatory conditions such as asthma and arthritis, as well as some inflammation-promoted cancers.Source:
http://www.news-medical.net/syndication.axd

Correction

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:33 +0000

The StemCells, Inc., item earlier today
incorrectly stated that the disease team applications will come
before the board of the California stem cell agency later this month.
In fact, they are scheduled to come up at the board meeting in late
July.

Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

StemCells, Inc., Hoping for as Much as $40 Million from California Stem Cell Agency

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:58:32 +0000

StemCells, Inc., said today it has
applied for as much as $40 million in funding from the California
stem cell agency for two projects dealing with Alzheimer’s disease
and cervical spinal cord injury.

The announcement came in a news release
dealing with the publicly traded firm’s quarterly earnings. The applications are part of a $240 million round expected to be acted on in late July by the board
of the $3 billion California stem cell agency. Funding for
businesses in the disease team round is expected to come through a
loan.

StemCells, Inc., of Newark, Ca., said,

“In January 2012, we submitted two
applications to the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine
(CIRM) for ‘Disease Team Therapy Development Research Awards,’ one
for Alzheimer’s disease and one for cervical spinal cord injury. A
research award may be up to $20 million, payable over four years, to
fund preclinical and IND-enabling activities with the aim of starting
human clinical trials within a four-year window.”

Applications in the round were reviewed
behind closed doors in April. CIRM also has a policy of not releasing the
names of applicants until its board acts and then only if an
applicant is approved. CIRM says it does not want to embarrass firms
that do not win approval. That includes individual researcher names
as well as the names of such institutions as the University of
California.

During discussion of grant applications by the CIRM board, directors are not told the names of the applicants,
just the number of the application. If board members have conflicts
of interest on specific applications, they are barred from voting on
and discussing the application. The names of applicants have
occassionally slipped out. Sometimes their identities can also be
discerned by information contained in the summaries of the reviews of
the applications, which become available on the CIRM web site shortly before the directors act. The summaries normally carry scientific scores and recommendations for funding.

Most companies seeking funding from
CIRM do not identify themselves in advance, although they do if they
appeal a negative decision by reviewers. The board has ultimate
authority for approval of grants but has almost never rejected a
recommendation for funding by reviewers.

StemCells Inc. was founded by Irv Weissman of Stanford, who sits on its board of directors. Weissman is also on its scientific advisory board along with Fred Gage
of Salk and David Anderson of Caltech. Weissman and Gage have won
substantial grants from CIRM.

StemCells Inc.’s stock price closed at
92 cents yesterday. Its 52-week high was $8.20, and its 52 week low
was 70 cents.

Here is a link to an analyst’s report
on the company.

(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this item incorrectly stated that the disease team round will be acted on later this month.)

Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss