July 2005 Archives
Stem Cells Offer Hope For Muscular Dystrophy
The BBC is reporting on how some researchers are looking at a new type of cell which is found naturally in the body that may be the target of treatments for muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
It is being reported that many have long suspected that satellite cells which coat muscles may be able to make new muscle.
...Continue reading "Stem Cells Offer Hope For Muscular Dystrophy"
Posted on July 31, 2005 03:25 PM | Comments (0)
Stem Cell Stocks See Gains On News From Frist
Wired, among other portals, took note of the jump in stem cell stocks on Friday. Much of this came from the support of federal funding which came from a suprising person ....
The U.S. Senate majority leader stated last week that he supported expanding federal financing of the controversial medical research.
Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tennessee), in a break with with President Bush stated that the government should remove some of the administration's limitations on embryonic stem cell research.
...Continue reading "Stem Cell Stocks See Gains On News From Frist"
Posted on July 31, 2005 03:14 PM | Comments (0)
StemCells Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2005 Financial Results
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 2005--StemCells, Inc. (NASDAQ: STEM) today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005.
The Company reported a net loss of $3,868,000, or $0.06 per share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to a net loss of $3,303,000, or $0.08 per share, for the second quarter ended June 30, 2004. Total revenue for the second quarter of 2005 and 2004 was $36,000 and $6,000 respectively. Revenue for 2005 and 2004 was primarily from grants and licensing agreements. Cash and cash equivalents were $36,396,000 at the end of June 30, 2005, compared with $26,022,000 at the end of June 30, 2004.
The increase in net loss from 2004 to 2005 for the quarter reported was primarily attributed to the effect of increasing estimated reserve for the exit cost obligation related to the company's former corporate headquarters in Rhode Island and expenses related to an increase in head count. The increase in expenses was partially offset by an increase in interest income attributed to a higher investment balance in the second quarter of 2005 as compared to the same period in 2004.
...Continue reading "StemCells Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2005 Financial Results"
Posted on July 29, 2005 03:01 PM | Comments (0)
Swedish Researchers Create New Brain Cells From Stem Cells
New functional brain cells have been created by Swedish stem cell researchers by using stem cells taken from the brains of living adults. This new research gives even more hope that one day, effective treatments for illnesses like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's could be near.
The procedure involved neurosurgeons taking neural stem cells from the brains of adults during surgery for hydrocephalus.
As as certain types of growth agents were present to induce cell division, the extracted stem cells created new and working brain cells.
...Continue reading "Swedish Researchers Create New Brain Cells From Stem Cells"
Posted on July 28, 2005 11:44 PM | Comments (0)
PharmaFrontiers Plans to Ask SEC for Accelerated Effective Date
THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 27, 2005 - PharmaFrontiers Corp. (OTCBB:PFTR), a company involved in the development and commercialization of cell therapies, filed a Registration Statement on Form SB-2 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) July 19, 2005. The SEC has advised PharmaFrontiers that it will not review the Registration Statement. The company will request acceleration of the effectiveness of this Registration.
About PharmaFrontiers Corporation
PharmaFrontiers' strategy is to develop and commercialize cell therapies to treat several major disease areas such as cardiac and pancreatic conditions and Multiple Sclerosis. The company holds the exclusive worldwide license from the University of Chicago, through its prime contractor relationship with Argonne National Laboratory, for patents relating to the use of adult pluripotent stem cells derived from patients' own circulating blood. PharmaFrontiers also owns patented and proprietary individualized cell therapies that are in FDA Phase I/II human dose ranging clinical trials to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in treating MS.
...Continue reading "PharmaFrontiers Plans to Ask SEC for Accelerated Effective Date"
Posted on July 28, 2005 11:35 PM | Comments (0)
Combination Therapy Leads to Partial Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Following up on the stem cell therapy to treat spinal cord injuries in rats, the NIH released this latest news article:
Combining partially differentiated stem cells with gene therapy can promote the growth of new "insulation" around nerve fibers in the damaged spinal cords of rats, a new study shows. The treatment, which mimics the activity of two nerve growth factors, also improves the animals' motor function and electrical conduction from the brain to the leg muscles. The finding may eventually lead to new ways of treating spinal cord injury in humans. The study was funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health.
...Continue reading "Combination Therapy Leads to Partial Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in Rats"
Posted on July 28, 2005 11:21 PM | Comments (0)
U.S. BioDefense Sponsors 1-800-STEM-CELLS.com, a Major Success for New Stem Cell Industry Council Non-Profit
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., July 28, 2005 -- U.S. BioDefense, Inc. (OTCBB:UBDE) announced today that it has recently sponsored the successful launch of 1-800-STEM-CELLS.COM, a major success for the Stem Cell Industry Council, a newly formed IRS approved 501C3 Non-Profit Organization "Advocating Stem Cell Education, Research, and Fundraising".
1-800-STEM-CELLS.COM is part of an ongoing campaign to accelerate the awareness of Cord Blood Banking and the advancement of Stem Cell research and to connect patients with physicians. In addition, 1-800-STEM-CELLS.COM will be a center for information on the latest technology and treatments including the growing importance of Cord Blood Banking. Cord blood is a valuable source of stem cells, which are genetically unique to your baby and family. Cord blood, which is also called "placental blood," is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth and after the cord is cut. 1-800-STEM-CELLS.COM provides connections to leading Cancer treatment and regenerative therapy centers at hospitals and research labs in the United States and Internationally.
...Posted on July 28, 2005 10:57 PM | Comments (0)
Chemicon to Expand Labs In Temecula, California
Chemicon International company officials said this week that it will expand its work force in Southwest County, California and start producing research equipment for human embryonic stem cells.
The development there is separate from its operations in Temecula, but both facilities are related to the company's research activities. Chemicon is licensing technology from the University of Wisconsin and plans to incorporate this their into new laboratory products.
These patents include various stem cell research technologies and could have many different applications, Chemicon President Jeff Linton said.
...Continue reading "Chemicon to Expand Labs In Temecula, California"
Posted on July 28, 2005 10:44 PM | Comments (0)
Serologicals Corporation Reports Second Quarter Results; Revenues Increase 46% for the Quarter and 50% for First Six Months
ATLANTA -- Serologicals Corporation (NASDAQ:SERO) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended July 3, 2005. Revenues for the second quarter increased 46.1%, to $64.2 million, compared to $44.0 million in the same period last year while revenues for the first six months of 2005 increased 50.2%, to $120.8 million, compared to $80.5 million in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share were $0.14 and $0.19 per share for the second quarter and first six months of 2005, respectively, compared to $0.18 and $0.29 per share for the same periods in the prior year.
As the result of our numerous acquisitions over the past three years, the Company provides pro forma results that exclude acquisition amortization, other similar acquisition related costs and other one-time costs. The Company provides pro forma information as an addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes that the pro forma presentation is a beneficial supplemental disclosure to investors in analyzing and assessing its past and future performance.
...Posted on July 28, 2005 12:42 PM | Comments (0)
NYT Talks About Stem Cell Research Assisting In Fertility
The New York Times is running an article, discussing research showing that there may be a hidden source of stem cells in the bone marrow. This cache so to speak is capabable of replenishing the ovaries with new eggs.
This is a big leap, as it has long been believed with in the scientific community that a woman is born with a fixed number of eggs that will last throughout her reproductive life.
...Continue reading "NYT Talks About Stem Cell Research Assisting In Fertility"
Posted on July 28, 2005 11:23 AM | Comments (0)
Researchers Find Circulating Stem Cells Play Role in Lung Repair
HOUSTON, TEXAS — (July 27, 2005)— Circulating stem cells play a minor role in repairing lung damage, according to a team of scientists who used male and female chromosomal differences to analyze the repair process in lung transplant patients.
Reporting in today’s edition of the journal Transplantation, lead author Dani Zander, M.D., of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, and colleagues at the University of Florida College of Medicine found that less than 1 percent of a certain type of reparative lung stem cell originated in the bone marrow of the transplant recipient.
...Continue reading "Researchers Find Circulating Stem Cells Play Role in Lung Repair"
Posted on July 28, 2005 10:09 AM | Comments (0)
PhereSys Therapeutics Announces Consulting Agreement with Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy, LLC
PhereSys(TM) Therapeutics Corporation ("PhereSys") announced today that it has entered into a comprehensive consulting services agreement with Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy LLC ("ACGT"), Scott R. Burger, MD, Principal.
Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy, LLC, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a consulting firm with extensive expertise in the fields of cell, gene and tissue therapies.
...Posted on July 27, 2005 05:53 PM | Comments (0)
Cord Blood Registry (CBR) Reports Increased Consumer Demand and Record Sales for First Half of 2005
SAN BRUNO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2005--Cord Blood Registry (CBR), the leader in the rapidly growing market for family cord blood banking, reported record sales and growth in the first six months of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004. For the first half of 2005, CBR reported:
-- Enrollment growth of 122% over the first half of 2004
-- Revenue growth of 116% over the first half of 2004
"Rapidly increasing consumer demand, and correspondingly, CBR's growth, continues to show remarkable results," said Johnnie Domingue, Cord Blood Registry's VP, COO, and CFO. "The number of client units stored in this past six months is up by 135% over the first six months of last year and we now store over 350,000 units. It is a clear indication of the strength of CBR, the quality of our service, and the increasing value of saving newborn stem cells for family use."
...Posted on July 27, 2005 05:28 PM | Comments (0)
Geron Announces Initiation of Clinical Trial for Its Telomerase Inhibitor Drug GRN163L in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2005--Geron Corporation (Nasdaq:GERN) announced today that it has initiated clinical testing of its lead anti-cancer compound, GRN163L, in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at two clinical sites in the New York metropolitan area.
This initial Phase I/II, dose-escalation trial of GRN163L will be conducted in patients with advanced CLL. The study is primarily designed to demonstrate the safety and tolerability of GRN163L administered intravenously on a weekly basis. Importantly, CLL also provides a unique opportunity to measure both the magnitude and time course of telomerase inhibition in tumor cells achieved at various doses of GRN163L. By serially assessing the effects of the drug on the target enzyme in CLL cells, insights will be gained regarding the dose and dosing interval that optimally inhibits telomerase activity in the tumor. In this way, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters can be correlated with any observed reduction in patients' tumor burden.
...Posted on July 27, 2005 05:21 PM | Comments (0)
Is Osteoporosis Simply Fat Filling Up Old Bones?
Back in the 1930's, doctors found in autopsies, that inside the bones, deep in the marrow, fat cells had grown. Furthermore, as the people got older, the more their bones were filling with fat. This may not sound that hot an issue, but for sufferers of Osteoporosis, this news is the beginning of something that will certainly have an impact going forward.
"You start out with basically zero fat," said Dr. Jeffrey Gimble of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La. "At the time of birth, you have just a little bit of fat in the bones of your fingertips."
...Continue reading "Is Osteoporosis Simply Fat Filling Up Old Bones?"
Posted on July 27, 2005 04:57 PM | Comments (0)
UNMC To Participate In Clinical Trial Using Adult Stems Cells To Enhance Bone Healing
Yesterday was the day of heart and stem cell research news. It appears that today is the day for bone related stem cell news. Makes a guy with a limp smile.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center has become the fifth site in the U.S. to enter into a clinical trial with Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., to determine if special adult stem cells can help speed the healing of severe leg fractures and eliminate the need to do painful bone grafting procedures.
Candidates for the Phase I/II trial are patients with open or non-union fractures of the long bones in the leg. Open or non-union fractures are ones that haven’t completely healed within four months.
Posted on July 27, 2005 04:20 PM | Comments (0)
New Method Proves It Possible To Grow Bone For Grafts Within A Patient's Body
These of the kinds of press releases that make my sore knee less sore.
An international team of biomedical engineers has demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to grow healthy new bone reliably in one part of the body and use it to repair damaged bone at a different location.
The research, which is based on a dramatic departure from the current practice in tissue engineering, is described in a paper titled “In vivo engineering of organs: The bone bioreactor” published online this week by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
...Continue reading "New Method Proves It Possible To Grow Bone For Grafts Within A Patient's Body"
Posted on July 27, 2005 04:11 PM | Comments (0)
What Is The Hayflick Limit?
When discussing stem cell research, especially when looking at potential relationships to cancer, one often comes to articles pertaining to the "Hayflick Limit". The Hayflick Limit is also quite important when one is discussion regenerative medicine. So any discussion of cellular death, regeneration, cancer, or stem cells as a whole, one cannot overlook the importance of this theory.
Back in the 1960's, Dr. Leonard Hayflick found in his research at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia that lung tissue appeared to die out after the cells had divided a certain number of times .. essentially 50 times.
To take this further, he took cell cultures that had been frozen after dividing 25 times. Once the cells were thawed, they would continue until the 50 division limit was reached, then still die. This is now known as the "Hayflick Limit".
Continue reading "What Is The Hayflick Limit?"
Posted on July 27, 2005 03:43 PM | Comments (0)
Study: Well-Known Protein Helps Stem Cells Become Secretory Cells
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that a single protein regulates secretion levels in the fruit fly’s salivary gland and its skin-like outer layer.
Described in the May 15 issue of Development, the finding improves understanding of how cells become specialized for secretion, which is a critical ability of certain glands and cell types in organisms from insects to humans.
The researchers discovered that a protein called CrebA single-handedly controls the entire set of events leading to secretion in the fruit fly’s salivary gland and epidermis, its skin-like outer layer.
...Continue reading "Study: Well-Known Protein Helps Stem Cells Become Secretory Cells"
Posted on July 27, 2005 01:34 PM | Comments (0)
Following Up On Stem Cell Heart Therapy Testing On Pigs
Following up on the news release at Forbes, I thought it best to get the news directly from the Johns Hopkins press release as well
Final results of a study conducted at Johns Hopkins show that stem cell therapy can be used effectively to treat heart attacks, or myocardial infarction, in pigs. In just two months, stem cells harvested from another pig’s bone marrow and injected into the animal’s damaged heart restored heart function and repaired damaged heart muscle by 50 percent to 75 percent.
The Hopkins findings, first presented last fall at the 2004 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association, are to be published in the latest issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences online the week of July 25.
...Continue reading "Following Up On Stem Cell Heart Therapy Testing On Pigs"
Posted on July 27, 2005 01:28 PM | Comments (0)
New Finding May Aid Adult Stem Cell Collection
Work by UC researchers has led to the development of a new chemical compound that can accelerate the movement of blood-regenerating stem cells from the bone marrow to the blood stream in mice—which could eventually lead to more efficient stem cell harvesting for human use.
Cincinnati scientists have discovered how blood-regenerating stem cells move from bone marrow into the blood stream.
The finding has led to the development of a new chemical compound that can accelerate this process (called stem cell mobilization) in mice—which could eventually lead to more efficient stem cell harvesting for human use.
...Continue reading "New Finding May Aid Adult Stem Cell Collection"
Posted on July 27, 2005 12:51 AM | Comments (0)
Genetically Engineered Stem Cells Healing Rats Spines?
Wow, what a great day it is today on the stem cell research front. First we get the news on pigs and heart stem cell therapy, and Nature's article where they show a VERY bright future in regenerative medicine.
Now we get news where genetically engineered stem cells are helping rats' spinal cords which had been severed grow back together.
...Continue reading "Genetically Engineered Stem Cells Healing Rats Spines?"
Posted on July 27, 2005 12:38 AM | Comments (0)
Nature Foretells Regenerative Medical Precedures That Sound Like Sci-Fi
Now don't get me wrong, I think Nature is right on the mark with this article. However, it certainly will make people sit up and go wow. This really is something that is INSIDE the realm of possibility. In fact I think this is quite likely to be sooner than even they predict here.
Lets look at the premise they setup and then you can go take a look to read the rest ...
...Continue reading "Nature Foretells Regenerative Medical Precedures That Sound Like Sci-Fi"
Posted on July 27, 2005 12:23 AM | Comments (0)
Heart Attacks In Pigs Treated With Stem Cells
Now here is some news right from Forbes who is waking up more and more the the stem cell news of late. Researchers are now reporting the use of stem cell therapy to treat heart attack tissue damage in pigs. Needless to say that this is one breakthrough that will help researchers move towards human trials.
"There is reason for optimism about these findings, possibly leading to a first-ever cure for heart attack in humans," said senior author Dr. Joshua Hare. Dr. Hare is a professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, and a cardiologist.
...Continue reading "Heart Attacks In Pigs Treated With Stem Cells"
Posted on July 27, 2005 12:15 AM | Comments (0)
U.S. BioDefense, Inc. Retains Researcher Dr. Cyndi Chen, Ph.D. as Director of Stem Cell Research
City of Industry, CA -- July 26, 2005 -- City of Industry, CA -- 07/26/2005 - U.S. BioDefense (OTCBB: UBDE) announced today that is has retained Dr. Cyndi Chen, 26, as the new director of Stem Cell research. Dr. Chen will immediately begin to spearhead the Stem Cell Center of Excellence strategic plan and to evaluate the six (6) month option to license "Generation of Human Neural Crest Stem Cell Line and Its Utilization in Human Transplantation" world patent application WO 03/054202 A1 and U.S. patient application 5,958,767 and related applications with the University of British Columbia developed by Dr. Seung Kim in the Department of Neurology at UBC. U.S. BioDefense joins Aastrom (Nasdaq: ASTM), Geron (Nasdaq: GERN), and Viacell (Nasdaq: VIAC) in the industry and alongside StemCells, Inc. (Nasdaq: STEM) is the only other public company to focus on pioneering Neural Crest Stem Cell technology in the United States. A webcast powerpoint presentation by Dr. Chen will provide a layperson's guide to the breakthrough stem cell technology in the near future.
...Posted on July 26, 2005 11:05 PM | Comments (0)
StemCyte, Inc. Completes Significant Round of Financing
Leader in Stem Cell Technology Adds New Investors
ARCADIA, Calif., July 19 /PRNewswire/ - StemCyte®, Inc., a leading umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation and therapeutic products company, today announced it has recently completed a significant round of financing from new investors within both the United States and abroad. StemCyte sold approximately $13.7MM of new securities.
StemCyte, Inc., and its subsidiary in Taiwan, maintain one of the largest and most ethnically diverse collections of donated cord blood stem cells in the world and have now provided transplant and cancer centers with umbilical cord blood units for over 200 stem cell transplantation procedures worldwide.
...Continue reading "StemCyte, Inc. Completes Significant Round of Financing"
Posted on July 26, 2005 01:55 PM | Comments (0)
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Publishes New Coloring Book to Help Children Receiving Stem Cell Transplants
WHITE PLAINS, NY - For a child with blood cancer, getting a stem cell transplant often involves long stays at the hospital, with much of the time spent in isolation.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has produced a new coloring book designed to help children confront their fears and anxieties by presenting information about this difficult experience in a fun, child appropriate format.
The coloring book offers encouragement and support during the hospital stay, while also providing entertainment.
...Posted on July 26, 2005 01:00 AM | Comments (0)
Scientists Discover Stem Cell Origin Of Neck And Shoulders
Research published in Nature (21 July) will outline for the first time the stem cell origin of the structure of the neck and shoulders in vertebrates. The scientists believe that instead of groups of stem cells creating the skeletal and muscle structure separately they actually appear to make them together as a sort of ‘composite’. This could have significant implications for clinical medicine and our understanding of vertebrate evolution.
Scientists at the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research of University College London, part-funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and working with international collaborators, used a new genetic technique to tag embryonic stem cells and then trace them to the adult animal.
...Continue reading "Scientists Discover Stem Cell Origin Of Neck And Shoulders"
Posted on July 26, 2005 12:53 AM | Comments (0)
Regal One Distributes American Stem Cell Stock to Its Shareholders
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 19, 2005--Regal One Corporation (OTCBB:RONE) today announced that the company will distribute pro-rata 1,000,000 shares of American Stem Cell Corporation (ASC) common stock to all shareholders of record possessing 100 shares or more of Regal One stock, at close of business on August 1, 2005.
Regal One is assisting in the filing of an SB-2 with the SEC, wherein these shares may be registered in whole or in part for public trading under the 1933 Securities Act. This dividend is the first of a planned program of distribution of common stock of Regal One portfolio companies.
...Continue reading "Regal One Distributes American Stem Cell Stock to Its Shareholders"
Posted on July 26, 2005 12:49 AM | Comments (0)
Chemokine Therapeutics' Cancer Drug Granted Orphan-Drug Designation For The Treatment Of Osteogenic Sarcoma
Vancouver, BC (July 19, 2005) – Chemokine Therapeutics Corp. (the Company) (OTCBB: CHKT, TSX: CTI), a biotechnology company developing peptide-based therapies to treat cancer, blood disorders, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases, today announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan-drug designation to CTCE-9908 for the treatment of osteogenic sarcoma, a bone cancer that occurs in children and young adults.
The Company has designed CTCE-9908 to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer, with the potential for use with existing therapies (chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation) to improve treatment outcomes. A recently completed Phase I study demonstrated that healthy adults tolerated a single intravenous administration without any significant toxicity. The Company has scheduled a Phase Ib/II study, initially in adults with several types of cancer, to commence in the fourth quarter of 2005.
...Posted on July 26, 2005 12:36 AM | Comments (0)
Chemokine Therapeutics coverage initiated by JENNINGS CAPITAL
Vancouver, BC (July 7, 2005) – Chemokine Therapeutics Corp. (the Company) (TSX: CTI, OTCBB: CHKT), a biotechnology company developing peptide-based therapies to treat cancer, blood disorders, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases, is pleased to advise investors that coverage has been initiated by Shameze Rampertab, Senior Healthcare and Biotechnology Analyst of Jennings Capital.
Jennings Capital Inc. is a full service, Canadian owned investment dealer offering private client service, corporate finance, institutional sales and trading, and investment research.
...Continue reading "Chemokine Therapeutics coverage initiated by JENNINGS CAPITAL"
Posted on July 26, 2005 12:34 AM | Comments (0)
Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Announces the Appointment of a New Director
CALGARY, July 18 /CNW/ - Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. ("SCT") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. James M. DeMesa, MD, MBA as a member of its Board of Directors.
Dr. James M. DeMesa became President & Chief Executive Officer and a
director of Migenix (TSX: MGI) on October 1, 2001. Dr. DeMesa has served as a senior executive with several international companies in the areas of corporate management, pre-clinical and clinical pharmaceutical and medical device product development.
Continue reading "Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Announces the Appointment of a New Director"
Posted on July 26, 2005 12:23 AM | Comments (0)
Geron Corporation Appoints Charles Homcy To Its Board Of Directors
Menlo Park, CA – July 19, 2005 – Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN) announced today the appointment of Charles J. Homcy, M.D., to its board of directors.
Dr. Homcy is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Portola Pharmaceuticals, a privately held biotechnology firm focused on developing novel cardiovascular therapies. Dr. Homcy holds A.B. and M.D. degrees from Johns Hopkins University.
...Continue reading "Geron Corporation Appoints Charles Homcy To Its Board Of Directors"
Posted on July 26, 2005 12:17 AM | Comments (0)
What is Telomerase?
As simply as possible ... Telomerase is an enzyme that is found in the telomeres of certain chromosomes that are active in cell division. It is thought that telomerase plays a important role in the proliferation of cancer cells.
Telomerase seems to provide cells with replicative immortality in tumors, which allows the cancer to grow and metastasize over long periods of time. Because telomerase is inactive or only transiently expressed in normal human tissues, and is critical to the growth and progression of most cancer types, it is thought of as a universal and specific cancer related enzyme.
...Continue reading "What is Telomerase?"
Posted on July 26, 2005 12:13 AM | Comments (0)
Geron Enters into a Collaboration and License Agreement with MERCK & CO., INC. for Cancer Vaccines Targeting Telomerase
Menlo Park, CA – July 18, 2005 – Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN) announced today it has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) to develop a cancer vaccine targeting telomerase utilizing Merck’s expertise in vaccine technologies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Geron will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments upon achievement of certain development and regulatory events, and royalties. Merck has also agreed to acquire equity in Geron at a future date as part of Geron’s next round of financing. Additional financial terms were not disclosed.
...Posted on July 26, 2005 12:08 AM | Comments (0)
MultiCell Reports Second Quarter 2005 Results
WARWICK, R.I. – (BUSINESS WIRE) – July 18, 2005 – MultiCell Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MCET), an innovator in liver cells, announced financial results for its fiscal 2005 second quarter ended May 31, 2005. The Company had revenue of $39,693 versus revenue for the same period in fiscal 2004 of $176,299. The reduction in revenue was a result of the Company's decision to stop amortizing prepaid royalties under the XenoTech license agreement.
New sales of human hepatocytes were approximately unchanged when excluding the non-cash revenue. MultiCell reported an operating loss of $1,119,350 compared to a loss of $352,349 in the same period a year-earlier. The increased operating loss was a result of higher research and development expenses, relating to increased activity surrounding the Company's intellectual property portfolio and higher administrative costs.
...Continue reading "MultiCell Reports Second Quarter 2005 Results"
Posted on July 26, 2005 12:02 AM | Comments (0)
Study Finds Industrial Pollution Begins in the Womb
Do Chemical Companies Know Where Their Toxins End Up?
WASHINGTON, July 21 — As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today releases its third national body burden study measuring the pollution in people, Environmental Working Group (EWG) calls upon the government to begin testing the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies.
EWG also sent letters to 20 top chemical manufacturers asking them to release any internal tests to determine whether their products pollute babies.
...Continue reading "Study Finds Industrial Pollution Begins in the Womb"
Posted on July 25, 2005 06:36 PM | Comments (0)
Some Alternatives to Embryonic Stem Cell Resources Covered
Cryo-Cell International Inc., as many of us know, is a umbilical cord blood banking firm that processes and stores stem cells. Currently, its affiliate, Saneron CCEL Therapeutics Inc., does research on the uses of cord blood stem cells to find treatments for cardiovascular disease and neurological conditions.
Stem Cell Therapies International Inc. currently is researching the use of stem cells derived from rabbits and transplanted into humans to treat complications of diabetes, aging diseases and other disorders.
...Continue reading "Some Alternatives to Embryonic Stem Cell Resources Covered"
Posted on July 25, 2005 03:31 PM | Comments (0)
StemLife To Provide Grants To NUSNNI For Stem Cell Research
StemLife Sdn Bhd is announcing that it will provide a grant of at least RM300,000 to the National University of Singapore Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Initiatives (NUSNNI) to fund the exploration of the uses of nanofibre technology for stem cell expansion.
Now we have never really covered StemLife, but this looks rather interesting, as it is a method of growing stem cells in volume .. which is obviously something we need.
This round of funding from StemLife will enable scientists at NUSNNI to develop specific nanofibres for the expansion of stem cells and explore new avenues of research in the emerging field of biotechnology, said StemLife chief executive officer, Professor Aw Tar Choon.
It will accelerate a field of research with great potential to address the shortage of available stem cells for transplantation and therapy, Aw said at the signing of a research agreement between StemLife and NUSNNI Monday.
Under the agreement, StemLife will have shared access to research findings and intellectual property rights to the data and materials developed by scientists at NUSNNI.
...Continue reading "StemLife To Provide Grants To NUSNNI For Stem Cell Research"
Posted on July 25, 2005 03:25 PM | Comments (0)
Bioindustry Disappointed by Commission's Uncertain Position on Patenting
The European association for bioindustries, EuropaBio, has expressed its disappointment at the failure of the European Commission to take a position on the patenting of human DNA and human stem cells, which were not clarified in the EU Biotechnology Patents Directive.
Directive 98/44 entered into force in July 2000 after ten years of debate between the EU institutions. In 2002, the Commission charged a group of experts with clarifying two topics within the Directive: the scope to be conferred to patents on sequences or partial sequences of genes isolated from the human body; and the patentability of human stem cells and of cell lines obtained from them.
...Continue reading "Bioindustry Disappointed by Commission's Uncertain Position on Patenting"
Posted on July 25, 2005 11:09 AM | Comments (0)
Embryonic Stem Cell Public Research Starts in Spain; Therapeutic Cloning Expected To Follow Suit
Barcelona's Research Regenerative Medicine Centre (CIMRB) has started to unfreeze the first embryos from a bank that will provide the cells necessary to generate embryonic stem cell lines and analyse their transformation in different tissues, namely cardiac and bone cells, in mice. The use of embryos in the research was approved by the parents of the embryos.
Presently six embryos have been unfrozen from a total of 140 available for research. The aim of the research is to see 'in vivo how inserting them in the mouse embryo they can transform and give rise to any tissue. This would be pioneering in the world,' explained CMB's director, Juan Carlos Izpisúa.
'The objective is that those embryonic cells, which have the ability to turn into any of the body's tissues, keep this potential.' What is wanted, he highlighted, is 'to understand and manage the mechanism that allows to culture indifferent stem cells'. If this is achieved, the stem cells will be made available to the rest of the authorised Spanish cell research groups. The extraction of these embryonic stem cells will be performed in Barcelona, while the Salk Institute in the US will carry out the study on the process of transformation in cardiac tissue in mice.
...Posted on July 25, 2005 11:02 AM | Comments (0)
Stem Cell Research Stalls In Senate .. Again
Wired is covering the stall in the Senate on expanding federal funding of stem cell research. Backers of the bill are unable to get the anticipated vote in July have instead promised today to force the issue one way or another.
Regardless of the threat of a veto by President Bush, the embryonic stem cell bill passed in the House this past May with a broad bipartisan margin. As a result, backers of the bill had believed that they had the momentum needed in the Senate and a vote was set for this month. This however doesn't appear to be the case.
...Continue reading "Stem Cell Research Stalls In Senate .. Again"
Posted on July 22, 2005 08:21 PM | Comments (0)
Canada's Bioms Medical Commences U.K. Patient Enrollment in Multiple Sclerosis Trial
Edmonton, Alberta, July 21, 2005 - BioMS Medical Corp (TSX: MS), a leading developer in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), today announced that the first patients in the United Kingdom have been enrolled in its pivotal Phase II/III clinical trial for MBP8298, a proprietary synthetic peptide for the treatment of secondary progressive MS. Patient enrollment is now active across both Canada and the U.K.
"The successful expansion of our pivotal trial into Europe is an important milestone for BioMS. The European market represents a significant portion of MS patients globally with approximately 85,000 MS patients in the U.K. and 450,000 across Europe," said Mr. Kevin Giese, President of BioMS Medical. "The expansion of this trial into Europe is expected to continue with the addition of another jurisdiction in the near future."
...Posted on July 22, 2005 05:15 PM | Comments (0)
Even More News out of Temple Regarding Heart Therapy and Stem Cell Research
If you've ever used a loofah in the shower, you've stirred up some stem cells. As the outer layer of skin sloughs off, stem cells in the dermis rush to repair and replace those buffed away.
Now imagine a tiny loofah that works in much the same way inside the corridors of the human heart. As it scrubs, it alerts heart stem cells to rush to the site of dying cells to begin renewal and repair of cardiomyocytes - cells that pump blood through the heart.
...Continue reading "Even More News out of Temple Regarding Heart Therapy and Stem Cell Research"
Posted on July 22, 2005 04:59 PM | Comments (0)
More Evidence Stem Cells Help Heart Patients
Scientists at the Texas Heart Institute are reporting that they have new evidence showing the effectiveness of treating congestive heart failure with a patient's own stem cells.
The researchers performed a postmortem examination of a trial participant who died of an unrelated condition 11 months after receiving the therapy. They found that stem cells injected directly into the heart had not only improved blood flow and blood-vessel formation but even grew new tissue.
...Continue reading "More Evidence Stem Cells Help Heart Patients"
Posted on July 22, 2005 04:46 PM | Comments (0)
Cord Blood America Provides Corporate Update to Shareholders
LOS ANGELES, July 19, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) - Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB:CBAI), an umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company, is pleased to provide this second installment in a series of Corporate Updates.
The purpose of this information campaign is to provide both Cord Blood America investors and the investment community as a whole with a comprehensive overview of the Company, its services and its industry during a time of rapid growth and development.
...Continue reading "Cord Blood America Provides Corporate Update to Shareholders"
Posted on July 21, 2005 11:02 PM | Comments (0)
CRYO-CELL International, Inc. Retains The Ruth Group for Investor and Public Relations Services
CRYO-CELL International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CCEL - News), the world's largest family cord blood bank, announced today that it has retained The Ruth Group (TRG) as its investor and public relations agency to further enhance its communications with investors and the media.
The Ruth Group (http://www.theruthgroup.com) will work to increase awareness of CRYO-CELL's corporate mission, growth strategy, and industry leadership by implementing a strategic communications strategy that focuses on the investment community and financial and trade media.
...Posted on July 21, 2005 05:26 PM | Comments (0)
Scientists Discover Stem Cell Origin of Neck and Shoulders
Research published in Nature on July 21st will outline for the first time the stem cell origin of the structure of the neck and shoulders in vertebrates. The scientists believe that instead of groups of stem cells creating the skeletal and muscle structure separately they actually appear to make them together as a sort of 'composite'. This could have significant implications for clinical medicine and our understanding of vertebrate evolution.
Scientists at the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research of University College London, part-funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council ( BBSRC ) and working with international collaborators, used a new genetic technique to tag embryonic stem cells and then trace them to the adult animal. They discovered that instead of homogeneous groups of stem cells making up the bones of the shoulder and neck and another making the muscles, a newly-discovered group of stem cells called mesenchymal stem cells make both the muscles and the point where it joins the skeleton.
Continue reading "Scientists Discover Stem Cell Origin of Neck and Shoulders"
Posted on July 21, 2005 05:03 PM | Comments (0)
Stem Cells Could Treat Diabetes If Coaxed Onto That Path
As many of you already know, diabetes is one of the most targetted uses for stem cell research. Fortunately, many corporate and university level research teams are making some progress in getting stem cells to differentiate into pacreatic cells or beta cells, replacing the faulty cells that are no longer producing insulin.
"We think that ultimately the way to cure people with diabetes, or at least many patients with diabetes, is to replace those cells," said Michael German of the University of California-San Francisco's Diabetes Center.
Currently clinics worldwide have been working on some forms of treatment, including the University of California - San Francisco, where they transplant beta cells from cadavers into diabetes patients.
...Continue reading "Stem Cells Could Treat Diabetes If Coaxed Onto That Path"
Posted on July 21, 2005 04:54 PM | Comments (0)
Australian Discovery of Adult Stem Cells in the Uterus
Australia's Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) senior scientist Dr Caroline Gargett's discovery of adult stem cells in the uterus that can be grown into bone, muscle, fat and cartilage, has been hailed as a major medical and scientific development by international reproduction experts.
Taking out a major award at the recent European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) conference in Copenhagen, one of the most prestigious meetings in this field, Dr Gargett explained how two types of adult stem cells have been extracted from endometrial tissue in the uterus.
"While adult stems cells have been found in other parts of the body, no-one has ever identified them in the uterus before," said Dr Gargett, a senior scientist in the Centre for Women's Health Research at MIMR.
...Continue reading "Australian Discovery of Adult Stem Cells in the Uterus"
Posted on July 21, 2005 04:51 PM | Comments (0)
Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Announces Granting of Stock Options
CALGARY, July 19 - Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (SCT) today announced the granting of 175,000 stock options at the price of CAD$0.25 in connection to the addition of its new director, Dr. James DeMesa, MD, MBA. The granting of options is subject to approval by the TSX-Venture Exchange.
The options were awarded in accordance with the Stock Option Plan approved by Shareholders at SCT's Annual General Meeting held May 10, 2005 and by the TSX-Venture Exchange on May 18, 2005.
Continue reading "Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Announces Granting of Stock Options"
Posted on July 20, 2005 01:23 PM | Comments (0)
Cytori Therapeutics Reports Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Home to, Engraft and Repair Injured Heart Muscle in Preclinical Model of Heart Attack-Like Injury
San Diego, CA, July 19, 2005 - Cytori Therapeutics (Frankfurt: XMP) today reported preclinical findings, which demonstrate that adipose-derived stem cells (ADCs) will engraft in injured heart muscle following a heart attack-like injury. Adipose, also known as fat tissue, contains a specialized class of stem cells, which are comprised of multiple cell types that may promote healing and repair. The results are reported in the July issue of Cytotherapy (2005; 7: 282-291), the journal of the International Society for Cellular Therapy. The paper is titled, "Expression of Cardiomyocytic Markers on Adipose Tissue-Derived Cells in a Murine Model of Acute Myocardial Injury."
"Our results expand upon our earlier preliminary findings that ADCs may repair or minimize damage to an injured heart through multiple mechanisms, including differentiation into heart muscle and through the recruitment of oxygen to the damaged area through the induction of blood vessel growth," said Marc H. Hedrick, M.D., President for Cytori Therapeutics. "The study also suggests that adipose-derived stem cells home in on specific sites of injury through biological signaling that occurs naturally during heart attacks."
Posted on July 20, 2005 12:45 PM | Comments (0)
Bio-Matrix Scientific Group Inc. Has Filed Two New Patent Applications on Its Stem Cell Devices
SAN DIEGO-(BUSINESS WIRE)-July 14, 2005-Bio-Matrix Scientific Group Inc. (Pink Sheets: BMXP) announced today that it has filed two new patents on its stem cell instruments and devices. By the end of next week, Bio-Matrix believes it will have a total of 5 provisional patent applications filed which will be used in its 128 stem cell instruments and devices product line.
Dr. Philip Watts, Director of Research and Development, stated, "Bio-Matrix has filed two new patents on its stem cell medical devices.
...Posted on July 19, 2005 12:35 PM | Comments (0)
Stem Cell Institute Must Abide by 'Good Government' Rules Before Issuing Grants
Santa Monica, CA - The California taxpayer-funded stem cell research institute must abide by the same good government rules that apply to every other state board, according to the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR).
...Continue reading "Stem Cell Institute Must Abide by 'Good Government' Rules Before Issuing Grants"
Posted on July 19, 2005 10:47 AM | Comments (0)
American Academy of Neurology Supports Embryonic Stem-Cell Research Bill
St. Paul, Minn. – The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) delivered its position statement on embryonic stem-cell research to all members of the U.S. Senate today to demonstrate its support for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (S.471), which passed the House earlier this year. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has said the Senate will likely take action on the legislation in mid-July.
...Continue reading "American Academy of Neurology Supports Embryonic Stem-Cell Research Bill"
Posted on July 19, 2005 10:40 AM | Comments (0)
VistaGen Therapeutics Awarded $197,000 NIH Grant for Expanded Preclinical Development of New Drug Candidate for Neuropathic Pain
BURLINGAME, Calif., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a development stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel small molecule and protein therapeutics for Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) disorders and metabolic diseases using embryonic stem cell technologies, announced today that the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), has awarded the company a $197,000 grant entitled, "Preclinical Development of 4-Cl-KYN to Treat Pain."
This new NIH grant, a Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant, is the third for AV-101 (4-Cl-KYN), the Company's lead drug candidate.
...Posted on July 19, 2005 10:13 AM | Comments (0)
ReNeuron Announces Intention to List on AIM. 12/07/05
Guildford, UK, 12 July 2005: ReNeuron Group plc ("ReNeuron" or the "Company"), the UK-based adult stem cell research and development company, today announces its intention to list on AIM ( Alternative Investment Market) via an institutional placing. Collins Stewart is acting as nominated advisor and broker to the Company.
The Company was formerly listed on AIM and was taken private in mid 2003 by Merlin Biosciences. Since that time, ReNeuron has made significant progress in applying its proprietary and highly efficient c-mycERTAM stem cell expansion technology to the development of therapies for a number of significant disease conditions.
Continue reading "ReNeuron Announces Intention to List on AIM. 12/07/05"
Posted on July 19, 2005 09:51 AM | Comments (0)
USC Partnership Studies Stem Cells In Quest To Restore Nervous System Function
In the brave new world of neuroscience, surgeons will no longer simply remove diseased parts of the brain; they will replace them with new, healthy cells grown in the lab.
Parkinson’s patients will steadily grasp a pen without shaking. Stroke victims will limp no more.
Just a thing of science fiction? Not if Charles Liu and fellow bio-explorers have their way. Liu, who joined the Keck School of Medicine faculty as assistant professor of neurosurgery on July 1, has partnered with a cast of eminent scientists at the Keck School, Caltech and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden in pursuit of the neurosciences’ holy grail: restoring function to a damaged or faulty central nervous system.
...Continue reading "USC Partnership Studies Stem Cells In Quest To Restore Nervous System Function"
Posted on July 18, 2005 06:12 PM | Comments (0)
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Announces Adult Stem Cell Breakthrough for Neurodegenerative Diseases; Differentiation into GDNF-Producing Astrocytes
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics (OTCBB:BCLI), today announced a breakthrough in the development of adult stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The company's scientific collaborators at Tel Aviv University, have successfully used adult stem cells to produce glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNF producing cells hold great promise for treatment of Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
In the current study, the research team at Tel Aviv University used proprietary technology, to differentiate human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal-stem cells into neural supporting cells that produce GDNF. Worldwide rights to these research results are exclusively licensed to BrainStorm.
...Posted on July 18, 2005 06:09 PM | Comments (0)
Illinois Gov. Blagojevich, Comptroller Hynes Announce $10 Million Stem Cell Research Program To Fund Medical Cures
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and Comptroller Dan Hynes announced, on July 12th, that Illinois will become the first state in the Midwest, and only the fourth state in the nation, to commit public funds to the life-saving work of stem cell research. Studying stem cells allows scientists and doctors to better understand what causes serious medical illnesses and conditions in hopes of discovering new ways to treat or even cure them.
By Executive Order, Governor Blagojevich directed the Illinois Department of Public Health to create a program that will award $10 million in grants to medical research facilities for the development of treatments and cures.
...Posted on July 18, 2005 11:20 AM | Comments (0)
CRYO-CELL International, Inc. Reports Results for Second Quarter 2005
Company Reports Net Income, Increased Revenues, and Strong Cash Position
SOLID FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL PROGRESS REFLECT SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN POSITIONING COMPANY FOR GROWTH
Oldsmar, FL – July 15, 2005 - CRYO-CELL International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board Symbol: CCEL) (the “Company”), the world’s largest private cord blood bank, announced today financial results for the second quarter ended May 31, 2005. Consolidated revenues for the quarter were approximately $3.6 million, up 12% from approximately $3.2 million for the second quarter ended May 31, 2004. The revenue increase was attributable primarily to the successful implementation of price increases during 2003 and 2004 for new clients, as well as an overall increase in the customer base. The price increases resulted in a positive impact on revenues starting in the third quarter 2003 which has continued through the second quarter of 2005.
Continue reading " CRYO-CELL International, Inc. Reports Results for Second Quarter 2005"
Posted on July 15, 2005 05:34 PM | Comments (0)
Elderly Mice Provide Insight Into The Process of Growing Old
A strain of mice that have been engineered to age rapidly has helped scientists find that an accumulation of genetic mutations prompts a cascade of programmed cell death that seems to underpin the aging process. Not sure how this makes me look at my wrinkles in a better way, but I suppose it is progress.
A team of scientists led by University of Wisconsin-Madison geneticist Tomas A. Prolla described in Science some of their experiments using mutant and normal mice that illustrate some of the roots of mammalian aging.
In theory, growing old occurs as mutations build up in the DNA of the mitochondria, which in turn, triggers cell death that goes on such things as hair and weight loss, hearing and vision impairment, loss of muscle mass, weakened bones and fewer circulating red blood cells.
...Continue reading "Elderly Mice Provide Insight Into The Process of Growing Old"
Posted on July 15, 2005 01:57 PM | Comments (0)
The Debate Over Testing Human Brain Cells in Primates
As many of us have likely noticed, there has been a lot of press lately about the debate over testing human brain cells within primates. What is at issue is that if stem cells are to ever show promise in treating diseases of the human brain, any potential therapy would certainly need to be tested on animals. However, it goes beyond simple animal testing.
The issue here is putting human brain stem cells into monkeys or apes could raise new ethical dilemmas, which involve the the possibility of generating a humanlike mind in a monkey's body.
No such experiments are currently planned right now. However, in a paper in the journal Science, a group of scientists and ethicists is advising researchers to exercise caution concerning these kinds of experiments, particularly if the result leads to a large fraction of a chimpanzee's brain's being composed of human neurons.
...Continue reading "The Debate Over Testing Human Brain Cells in Primates"
Posted on July 15, 2005 01:54 PM | Comments (0)
Stem Cells Involved In Protecting Brain and Nervous System
Reuters did a good write up regarding a new study being released that shows that stem cells may be part of what protects the brain and nervous system against damage from tumours and conditions such as multiple sclerosis. This study was done by researchers at Milan's San Raffaele Scientific Institute.
Essentially, mice with a disease similar to multiple sclerosis demonstrated that when stem cells are injected into the blood stream they migrated to inflamed or damaged areas in the brain and spinal cord, killing inflammatory cells.
What this type of research could conclude is that a single injection of stem cells could be used to treat many different areas of damage in the body, .. which would naturally reduce clinical signs of certain diseases. Needless to say its all early stage, and focused on mice currently. However, it does show some potential promise going forward.
...Continue reading "Stem Cells Involved In Protecting Brain and Nervous System"
Posted on July 15, 2005 01:53 PM | Comments (0)
Lifebank Grants Stock Options
BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(CCNMatthews - July 11, 2005) - Lifebank Cryogenics Corp. (TSX VENTURE:LBK) announces that, under it's stock option plan, it has granted incentive stock options to directors, officers and employees of the Company to purchase up to a total aggregate of 387,500 Common shares in the capital stock of the Company at a price of $0.12 per share.
The options are exercisable for a period of five years ending on July 8, 2010.
...Continue reading "Lifebank Grants Stock Options"
Posted on July 12, 2005 11:54 AM | Comments (0)
ThermoGenesis Rejoins the Russell 3000(R) Index and Becomes a Member of the Russell Microcap(TM) Index
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., July 5 - THERMOGENESIS CORP. (Nasdaq: KOOL) announced today that it has maintained its membership in the Russell 3000 Index and has been included in the newly-established Russell Microcap Index.
Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for both passive and active investment strategies.
...Posted on July 12, 2005 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
Thermogenesis Corp. Completes Enrollment Of 150-Patient Human Clinical Trial Of CRYOSEAL® Fibrin Sealant System
RANCHO CORDOVA, California (June 22, 2005) – ThermoGenesis Corp. (NASDAQ: KOOL) announced today that enrollment is now complete for its pivotal U.S. 150-patient blinded, randomized, multi-center clinical trial for the CryoSeal Fibrin Sealant (FS) System.
This pivotal trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Fibrin Sealant prepared by the CryoSeal FS System as an adjunct to hemostasis for patients undergoing liver resection surgery. The data will be compiled and included in a PMA submission expected to be filed in calendar 2005. The review process after a PMA submission typically takes six months.
...Posted on July 12, 2005 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
Ixion Biotechnology Comes out from under Q-Med Umbrella
ALACHUA, Fla. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - July 11, 2005 - Ixion Biotechnology, Inc. closed a transaction in which it transferred assets, liabilities and employees relating to its oxalate technology to a subsidiary of Q-Med AB (listed on the Stockholm stock exchange as QMED.ST), its former majority shareholder. In the split out, Ixion received almost all of Q-Med's Ixion stock, $344,000 in cash, and debt forgiveness of over $6 million. Ixion also has retained over $175,000 in NIH grant funds for research. The biotechnology company, which had been a subsidiary of Q-Med, has returned to independent status.
...Continue reading "Ixion Biotechnology Comes out from under Q-Med Umbrella"
Posted on July 12, 2005 11:29 AM | Comments (0)
Woman "Born Again" following Stem Cell Treatment
CLARKSTON - Barbara Greenstone was reborn April 13.
Following four months of an experimental stem cell treatment - the first treatment of its kind for ovarian cancer patients Greenstone has returned home cancer-free.
"The day they implant the stem cells is referred to as your new birthday," said Greenstone, actually 53.
...Continue reading "Woman "Born Again" following Stem Cell Treatment"
Posted on July 12, 2005 11:24 AM | Comments (0)
New Life Scientific, Inc. Information to Be Available through S&P Market Access Program
FREEHOLD, N.J., July 8, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- New Life Scientific, Inc. (OTCBB:NWLF) announced today that its company information will be made available via Standard & Poor's Market Access Program, an information distribution service that enables subscribing publicly traded companies to have their company information disseminated to users of Standard & Poor's Advisor Insight.
The company information to be made available through this program includes share price, volume, dividends, shares outstanding, company financial position, and earnings.
...Posted on July 12, 2005 11:22 AM | Comments (0)
MacroPore Biosurgery, Inc. Changes Name to Cytori Therapeutics, Inc.
San Diego, CA, July 11, 2005 - MacroPore Biosurgery, Inc. (Frankfurt: XMP) today announced it has changed its name to Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. The change was made to better reflect the company's focus and significant progress in the development of regenerative therapeutics. The Company will continue to trade its shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol XMP.
To learn more about the richest source of stem cells and Cytori's stem cell-based regenerative therapeutics, the Company invites you to visit its new website at www.cytoritx.com.
...Continue reading "MacroPore Biosurgery, Inc. Changes Name to Cytori Therapeutics, Inc."
Posted on July 11, 2005 11:41 PM | Comments (0)
Majority of Americans Back Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Overwhelming Support for U.S. Global Leadership in Research
Washington, DC—Six in 10 Americans (58%) say they support using embryonic stem cells in medical research, according to a new national poll by Research!America and PARADE magazine. Three in 10 (29%) are opposed. The poll asked 1,000 adults their views on embryonic stem cell research and the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in research. Results will be published in the July 10 issue of PARADE.
Other key findings include:
...Continue reading " Majority of Americans Back Embryonic Stem Cell Research"
Posted on July 11, 2005 08:09 PM | Comments (0)
U.S. BioDefense Signs Exclusive Option Agreement To License Generation of Human Neural Crest Stem Cell Line and its Utilization in Human Transplantation and Related Patent Applications with University of British Columbia
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. - July 2005 - U.S. BioDefense (OTCBB:UBDE) is pleased to announce today that it has signed a six (6) month option to license world patent application WO 03/054202 A1 and US patient application 5,958,767 entitled "Generation of Human Neural Crest Stem Cell Line and Its Utilization in Human Transplantation" and related applications with the University of British Columbia developed by Dr. Seung Kim in the Department of Neurology at UBC. U.S. BioDefense joins StemCells, Inc. (Nasdaq: STEM) as the only two major public companies to pioneer Neural Crest Stem Cell technology in the United States.
...Posted on July 11, 2005 07:57 PM | Comments (0)
Chemokine Therapeutics Coverage Initiated by JENNINGS CAPITAL
Vancouver, BC (July 7, 2005) – Chemokine Therapeutics Corp. (the Company) (TSX: CTI, OTCBB: CHKT), a biotechnology company developing peptide-based therapies to treat cancer, blood disorders, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases, is pleased to advise investors that coverage has been initiated by Shameze Rampertab, Senior Healthcare and Biotechnology Analyst of Jennings Capital.
...Continue reading "Chemokine Therapeutics Coverage Initiated by JENNINGS CAPITAL"
Posted on July 11, 2005 07:52 PM | Comments (0)
Chemokine Therapeutics Coverage Initiated by Fundamental Research
Vancouver, BC (July 5, 2005) – Chemokine Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: CTI, OTCBB: CHKT), a biotechnology company developing peptide-based therapies to treat cancer, blood disorders, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases, is pleased to advise investors that coverage has been initiated by Fundamental Research Corp. ("FRC") an independent equity research firm.
...Continue reading "Chemokine Therapeutics Coverage Initiated by Fundamental Research"
Posted on July 11, 2005 07:49 PM | Comments (0)
Using Two Different Umbilical Cord Blood Samples To Treat Leukemia and Lymphoma
It has long known that blood stem cells extracted from umbilical cords can help treat lymphomas and leukemias. The issue has been however, the average umbilicus contains only enough stem cells to help the smallest of patients, mainly children.
Now however, there are research results from a new study that show some alternatives that have demonstrated some success. Stem cell researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston are reporting that they have successfully treated adult blood cancer patients using stem cells extracted from two separate cords.
...Continue reading "Using Two Different Umbilical Cord Blood Samples To Treat Leukemia and Lymphoma"
Posted on July 11, 2005 05:16 PM | Comments (0)
StemCell Pharma Acquires Exclusive Rights to New Stem Cells/Placenta Products
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2005--StemCell Pharma announces that it has acquired exclusive rights on two types of products containing placenta-derived stem cells, namely: 1. A line of anti-aging/aging control products in oral form and 2. Cosmetics from face creams to hair products.
More Info About Stem Cell/Placenta Implant
...Continue reading "StemCell Pharma Acquires Exclusive Rights to New Stem Cells/Placenta Products"
Posted on July 11, 2005 05:09 PM | Comments (0)
South Korean Medical Firm Planning Hospital For Stem Cell Therapy
A South Korea medical firm has stated that it plans to open the world's first hospital for providing treatment using exclusively stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood.
Histostem Co. Ltd. has announced that it is close to a final agreement with an unnamed European investment company to set up the hospital in the southern resort island of Jeju in the first half of 2007.
Under this agreement, Histostem and the European investor will put in 80 million dollars to set up a hospital which will have nearly 100 beds.
...Continue reading "South Korean Medical Firm Planning Hospital For Stem Cell Therapy"
Posted on July 11, 2005 03:40 PM | Comments (0)
Researchers ID Genes Involved with Blood Stem Cell Development
Discovery has implications for future treatments
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (July 5, 2005) - Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified for the first time a group of genes that impact the development and function of blood stem cells, a discovery that brings researchers a step closer to harnessing the power of stem cells for disease treatments.
Every day, blood stem cells divide and differentiate to generate approximately 200 billion new blood cells in the bone marrow of adults.
...Continue reading "Researchers ID Genes Involved with Blood Stem Cell Development"
Posted on July 11, 2005 03:26 PM | Comments (0)
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Ready to Disburse Funds
California's $3 billion experiment in state-financed stem cell research has finally reached a major milestone.
Officials leading the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine have announced that they have reached "essential agreement" with legislative foes in order to settle disputes about conflicts of interest and open meetings. Furthermore, the institute's leaders are preparing for the next phase. Disbursement of funding.
...Continue reading "California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Ready to Disburse Funds"
Posted on July 11, 2005 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
Republicans Seeking A Way To Fund Stem Cell Research
As we all well know, the GOP is currently split over the issues surrounding stem cell research. The key is finding more alternatives it seems, to embryonic stem cell research.
As a result, the question is, are the current alternatives to the most promising stem cell science are enough to win the attention of pro-life Republicans and President Bush. MSNBC is covering the growing efforts within the GOP to find firm footing to support stem cell research endeavors.
...Continue reading "Republicans Seeking A Way To Fund Stem Cell Research"
Posted on July 8, 2005 12:10 PM | Comments (0)
BioPAL(TM) Announces the Successful Development of Important New Technologies for Stem Cell Therapy
WORCESTER, Mass.-(BUSINESS WIRE)-June 30, 2005-BioPhysics Assay Laboratory (BioPAL), Inc.:
Proprietary nanocolloids are being used to quantify in vivo administered stem cells. Tissue regeneration from stem cell therapy is measured with labeled microspheres. Unique gadolinium nanocolloids have been developed to simultaneously image and track injected stem cells in real time.
...Posted on July 8, 2005 11:26 AM | Comments (0)
Cord Blood America Launches The Partners' Circle Marketing Program
LOS ANGELES, July 6, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB:CBAI), an umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company, is pleased to announce the launch of its Partners' Circle sales and marketing program. The purpose of The Partners' Circle is to rapidly build a nationwide network of motivated individuals to provide marketing information on behalf of Cord Blood America's subsidiary -- Cord Partners -- in order to capitalize on the rapidly expanding market for cord blood stem cell preservation.
The Partners' Circle will comprise a special group of people who believe in the life-saving potential of umbilical cord blood stem cells. They share Cord Partners' information with expectant parents, and earn additional income when these parents become Cord Partners' customers. The Partners' Circle is open to qualified individuals that are excited about the opportunity of promoting the lifesaving benefits of umbilical cord blood preservation to expectant parents.
...Continue reading "Cord Blood America Launches The Partners' Circle Marketing Program"
Posted on July 7, 2005 01:25 PM | Comments (0)
StemCells, Inc. Grants License to ReNeuron, Receives Stake in UK Stem Cell Company
PALO ALTO, Calif., July 6, 2005 – StemCells, Inc. (NASDAQ: STEM) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with ReNeuron, a privately-owned UK biotech corporation. The agreement enables ReNeuron to exploit its "c-mycER" conditionally immortalized adult human neural stem cell technology for therapy and other purposes.
In return for the license, StemCells received an equity interest in ReNeuron and a cross-license to the exclusive use of ReNeuron’s technology for certain diseases and conditions, including lysosomal storage diseases, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. ReNeuron will supply cells for StemCells use under the cross-license.
...Posted on July 7, 2005 01:12 PM | Comments (0)
Replublicans Don't All Agree on Bush's Stem Cell Research Bill Pending Veto
Well, getting back from vacation and back into the swing of things, it appears that Republicans don't all follow the lead of the Commander in Chief in regards to the pending embryonic stem cell research funding bill.
Polls are currently showing that most main stream Republicans favor increased federal funding for such research, despite the opposition of President Bush and other conservative leaders. This past May, 50 Republican House members joined Democrats in approving a measure to expand funding.
Now the Senate's is lined up to consider the same issue. As a result, backers of expanded research say they have a chance to further, hoping to garner a majority large enough to override a presidential veto.
...Continue reading "Replublicans Don't All Agree on Bush's Stem Cell Research Bill Pending Veto"
Posted on July 7, 2005 01:00 PM | Comments (0)
Chemokine Therapeutics coverage initiated by fundamental research
Vancouver, BC (July 5, 2005) – Chemokine Therapeutics Corp. (the Company) (TSX: CTI, OTCBB: CHKT), a biotechnology company developing peptide-based therapies to treat cancer, blood disorders, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases, is pleased to advise investors that coverage has been initiated by Fundamental Research Corp. ("FRC") an independent equity research firm.
Continue reading "Chemokine Therapeutics coverage initiated by fundamental research"
Posted on July 6, 2005 12:31 AM | Comments (0)
Favrille, Inc. to Report Data From Two Phase II Clinical Trials at the 2005 Pan Pacific Lymphoma Conference
SAN DIEGO, June 30 - Favrille, Inc. (Nasdaq: FVRL), a biopharmaceutical company developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer and diseases of the immune system, announced today that data from two Phase II clinical trials evaluating the Company's lead product candidate, FavId(R), for the treatment of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) will be presented at the 2005 Pan Pacific Lymphoma Conference in Kauai, Hawaii.
...Posted on July 2, 2005 05:08 PM | Comments (0)