August 2005 Archives
Florida, Burt Aaronson Launches Drive for Stem Cell Research
Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson, who founded the stem cell committee, is starting a campaign, and he looks at raising $1 million from 1 million Floridians.
"There has to be a million people who are willing to pony up $1."...
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Posted on August 31, 2005 03:26 PM | Comments (0)
Holland's Hottest Start-Ups to Present Latest Stem Cell
Holland's Hottest Start-Ups to Present Latest Stem Cell and High Tech Innovations to Silicon Valley's Investment Community at Netherlands Technology Showcase 2005
LOS ALTOS, Calif., Aug. 25, 2005 - What can Bay Area businesses learn from Northern Europe's experiences in stem cell research and content delivery? While California recently passed a multi-billion dollar initiative in support of stem cell research and the Bay Area continues to be a hub for technological innovations, Northern Europe has captured a global advantage in the technology and biotech arena, including fuel cells, energy, digital signing, stem cell research, consumer electronics, and wireless media and content.
...Continue reading "Holland's Hottest Start-Ups to Present Latest Stem Cell"
Posted on August 30, 2005 02:17 PM | Comments (0)
Schwarzenegger, Feinstein and Villaraigosa Fight for Stem Cell Research
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, joined with patients, advocates and scientists have united last week to protect California’s stem cell research initiative from threat in Washington.
They were joined at a news conference by Robert Klein, Chairman of the Independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Paul Berg, a Nobel Laureate and Professor Emeritus at Stanford University, and Candace Coffee, a Devic’s Syndrome patient (a form of Multiple Sclerosis), UCLA graduate student, and former Miss Bakersfield.
...Continue reading "Schwarzenegger, Feinstein and Villaraigosa Fight for Stem Cell Research"
Posted on August 30, 2005 01:07 PM | Comments (0)
Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Reports Second Quarter 2005 Results
CALGARY, Aug. 23 /CNW/ - Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. ("SCT", TSX-Venture Exchange: SSS) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005.
"We have continued to make significant progress with the development of our lead program for the treatment of stroke, with NTx(TM)-265, in the second quarter." said Dr. Joseph Tucker, President and CEO of SCT.
"Additionally, we continue to strengthen and develop our extensive IP portfolio which currently entails one issued US patent and more than 30 pending applications filed worldwide, and we plan to enter into the clinic with our lead product NTx(TM)-265 by the end of the year."
...Continue reading "Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Reports Second Quarter 2005 Results"
Posted on August 26, 2005 05:33 PM | Comments (0)
Singapore Wants Everyone To Know They Do Stem Cell Research Too
In Asia, South Korea always gets the spotlight .. and sometimes China. Singapore however, has been quietly working on developing procedures based off of some the research being done world wide.
Steven Fang, chief executive of Singapore-based CyGenics, stated that more Singapore-based firms are taking the research being done all over the world and turning it into marketable technology which is already safe for human use.
...Continue reading "Singapore Wants Everyone To Know They Do Stem Cell Research Too"
Posted on August 26, 2005 03:07 PM | Comments (0)
Is Longevity Vaccine in Our Future?
Now this isn't our usual staple of stem cell research. However, sometimes we come across articles that are in a related field .. and since stem cell research so often includes regenerative medicine and the goal of increasing our lifespan AND quality of life, we just couldn't resist this one. Forbes is discussing the idea of how a Longevity Vaccine could be in our future.
Essentially this is about the release of a new report finding that a hormone made by a gene called Klotho suppresses aging in mice.
...Continue reading "Is Longevity Vaccine in Our Future?"
Posted on August 26, 2005 12:36 PM | Comments (0)
Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. and Medicon A/S Report Positive Preliminary Response from Danish Regulatory Agency for Proposed Phase I Clinical Trial and Sign Letter of Intent to Initiate Study
CALGARY, Aug. 24 /CNW/ - Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. ("SCT") and Medicon A/S ("Medicon") of Birkerod, Denmark announced today they have signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") for SCT to retain Medicon to conduct SCT's first Phase I clinical trial in the NTx(TM)-265 therapeutic program for the treatment of stroke.
"We are pleased to announce entering into this LOI with Medicon as it marks a key step towards further developing our NTx(TM)-265 stroke clinical program" stated Dr. Joseph Tucker, President and CEO of SCT. "We look forward to working with a company of Medicon's stature as it is recognized as one of Europe's largest and most modern facilities that conduct clinical trials quickly and efficiently".
SCT and Medicon recently received a positive preliminary response from both the Danish Regulatory officials and the regional Ethics Committee to the Phase I clinical trial synopsis. Following a review of the clinical trial synopsis, both agencies responded by providing no objections to proceed with a final protocol submission of SCT's planned Phase I Clinical study for NTx(TM)-265.
Posted on August 25, 2005 02:24 PM | Comments (0)
Internationally recognized stem cell researcher joins Chemokine's Scientific and Clinical Advisory Boards
VANCOUVER, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Chemokine Therapeutics Corp. (the Company) (OTCBB: CHKT - News; TSX: CTI - News), a biotechnology company developing peptide-based therapies to treat cancer, blood disorders, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases, today announced that Dr. Shahin Rafii, a world-renowned stem cell researcher from Cornell University Medical College, New York, has joined the Company's Scientific and Clinical Advisory boards. Comprised of leading oncologists and scientists, Chemokine's advisory boards play an important role in guiding and participating in Chemokine's research and clinical development programs.
...Posted on August 25, 2005 02:17 PM | Comments (0)
Bio-Matrix Scientific and Cord Blood America Sign Strategic Alliance Agreement for Stem Cell Banking
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 25, 2005--Bio-Matrix Scientific Group Inc. (Pink Sheets:BMXP) announced today that it has signed a Strategic Alliance with Cord Blood America. Through this alliance, Cord Blood America will be marketing Bio-Matrix Scientific Group's adult adipose stem cell banking and cryogenics services in addition to Bio-Matrix's cord blood stem cell banking.
Bio-Matrix Scientific Group and Cord Blood America plan to market Stem Cell cryo-storage utilizing Bio-Matrix's new San Diego-based 15,000-square-foot facility.
Bio-Matrix's Chairman & CEO David Koos stated: "The relationship we are evolving with Cord Blood America is the beginning of a new direction for stem cell banking. Together, Cord Blood and Bio-Matrix are taking stem cell banking from just cord blood into a new direction, the banking of adipose stem cells. In our opinion, these stem cells show great promise for the future in regenerative medicine. We believe Bio-Matrix's facility will be the first U.S. commercial stem cell bank housing adipose stem cells."
...Posted on August 25, 2005 02:05 PM | Comments (0)
Followup On Stem Cell Hearth Therapy
On August 2, 2005 John McKenzie of ABC "World News Tonight” highlighted the work of Dr. Amit Patel who has demonstrated in clinical trials that patients with severe congestive heart failure who had exhausted all other treatment options showed markedly improved heart function following a procedure in which their own stem cells were deployed directly into the heart by way of four tiny incisions in the chest.
Results in more than 100 patients show that, within just three months after the stem cell injections, patients see a significant improvement in blood flow to the heart. The heart muscle itself actually doubles its ability to squeeze or contract. Estimates suggest that these adult stem cells might help tens of millions of heart patients each year.
...Continue reading "Followup On Stem Cell Hearth Therapy"
Posted on August 25, 2005 01:58 PM | Comments (0)
Cord Blood America Signs Agreement with NeoStem, Launches Adult Stem Cell Storage Practice
Los Angeles, CA, August 24, 2005 – Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTC BB: CBAI), an umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company, is pleased to announce it has entered into a sales and marketing agreement with NeoStem Inc., for the purpose of marketing NeoStem’s Services throughout the United States. NeoStem Inc., operating the first and only autologous adult stem cell bank in the world, is pioneering the pre-disease collection, processing and storage of adult stem cells for future medical treatments.
ADULT STEM CELL THERAPEUTICS
The use of adult stem cells as a treatment option for those who develop heart disease, certain types of cancer and other critical health problems is a burgeoning area of clinical research today. NeoStem's mission is to be the leading provider of adult stem cell medical services, a field independent of embryonic stem cell research. Emerging therapies involving one's own adult stem cells are expected to grow rapidly as regenerative medicine revolutionizes treatment options in the 21st Century. For example, over 5,000,000 Americans have chronic heart disease and over 550,000 new cases are being diagnosed every year, with no effective therapy. Adult stem cells are capable of repairing heart muscle, leading the American Heart Association to recognize adult stem cell transplantation for cardiac patients as among the ''Top 10 Lifesaving Advances of 2003.''
...Posted on August 24, 2005 07:04 PM | Comments (0)
Cord Blood America Reports Year to Date Revenues of $1.485M
LOS ANGELES - August 23, 2005 -- Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTC BB: CBAI), an umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company today announced its six months ending June 30, 2005 consolidated results indicate revenues of $1.485 Million more than doubling the revenues over the same period last year.
COMPANY'S GROWTH WELL AHEAD OF THE INDUSTRY
Gross Profit for the six months ending June 30, 2005 reached $398.8K again more than double over the same period last year.
In keeping with the company's growth strategy, the selling and administrative costs increased to $2.5M. This increase is largely due to Cord Blood America becoming a public company. The company reported a net loss of $2.26 Million in the six months ended June 30, 2005 or $0.06 per diluted share. A large portion of the loss is one-time assessments for issued equity.
...Continue reading "Cord Blood America Reports Year to Date Revenues of $1.485M"
Posted on August 24, 2005 06:57 PM | Comments (0)
U.S. BioDefense Dr. Cyndi Chen, Ph.D., To Chair Session
U.S. BioDefense Dr. Cyndi Chen, Ph.D., To Chair Session at Cambridge Healthtech Institute's Inaugural Stem Cell Research Conference and Build Awareness of Neural Crest Stem Cell Technology
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., Aug. 22, 2005 - U.S. BioDefense, Inc. (OTCBB:UBDE) CEO David Chin is pleased to announce that it will sponsor Cambridge Healthtech Institute's Inaugural "Stem Cell Research" conference. The Conference will be hosted at the University Park Hotel at MIT in Cambridge, Mass., and will run from August 29th, 2005 thru August 31st, 2005.
...Continue reading "U.S. BioDefense Dr. Cyndi Chen, Ph.D., To Chair Session"
Posted on August 24, 2005 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
Lantos Affirms Support of Expanded Stem Cell Research - Applauds Commitment by VistaGen Employees and Investors
BURLINGAME, Calif., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Congressman Tom Lantos (D-San Francisco, San Mateo) speaking from the laboratories of VistaGen Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company, affirmed his support of the expansion of stem cell research using human embryos that would otherwise become medical waste. Lantos also applauded the efforts and dedication of employees and investors of stem cell research based VistaGen for their success in helping California and the United States maintain its leadership position in stem cell research.
...Posted on August 24, 2005 01:05 AM | Comments (0)
Growing Human Lungs From Embryonic Stem Cells
Scientists have successfully converted human embryonic stem cells into lung cells, taking a first step towards building human lungs for transplantation.
According to research to be published in the journal Tissue Engineering, the team from Imperial College London, took human embryonic stem cells and 'directed' them to convert into the type of cells needed for gas exchange in the lung, known as mature small airway epithelium.
Dame Julia Polak Opens in new window, from Imperial College London, who led the research team, says: "This is a very exciting development, and could be a huge step towards being able to build human lungs for transplantation or to repair lungs severely damaged by incurable diseases such as cancer."
...Continue reading "Growing Human Lungs From Embryonic Stem Cells"
Posted on August 24, 2005 12:57 AM | Comments (0)
Restorative Therapies, Inc., Receives FDA Clearance for RT300-S
BALTIMORE, MD -- (Market Wire - Aug 23, 2005) -- Restorative Therapies, Inc., a designer and supplier of medical devices, today announces FDA clearance of its breakthrough medical device, the RT300-S, a functional electrical stimulation (FES) motorized cycle ergometer.
In the treatment of neurological damage, FES is used to restore motor functions to previously paralyzed muscles. The RT300-S delivers electrical currents to activate the quadriceps, hamstring and gluteal muscles, enabling the legs to move through a regular patterned physical activity.
...Continue reading "Restorative Therapies, Inc., Receives FDA Clearance for RT300-S"
Posted on August 24, 2005 12:10 AM | Comments (0)
Researchers Devise New Technique for Creating Human Stem Cells
Researchers have developed a new technique for creating human embryonic stem cells by fusing adult somatic cells with embryonic stem cells. The fusion causes the adult cells to undergo genetic reprogramming, which results in cells that have the developmental characteristics of human embryonic stem cells. The new technique may permit scientists to derive new human embryonic stem cell lines without the need to use human embryos.
This approach could become an alternative to somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), a method that is currently used to produce human stem cells. SCNT involves transferring the nuclei of adult cells, called somatic cells, into oocytes in which scientists have removed the nuclei.
...Continue reading "Researchers Devise New Technique for Creating Human Stem Cells"
Posted on August 23, 2005 09:21 AM | Comments (0)
More on Skin Cells "Made Into" Embryonic Stem Cells
Following up on the embryonic stem cells created from skin cells ... this news is flying wildly all over the internet ... with posts coming in from many sources .. will try to post a few of them here ...
Many of the mainstream journals are reporting how Harvard researchers have for the first time have turned ordinary skin cells into what appear to be embryonic stem cells. The biggest piece of this that makes people sit up is, this is all done without using human eggs or making new human embryos in the process .. essentially what has always been required in the past.
...Continue reading "More on Skin Cells "Made Into" Embryonic Stem Cells"
Posted on August 23, 2005 09:03 AM | Comments (0)
First Cord Blood Bank Launches In South Africa
As the first umbilical cord blood bank will open in Cape Town, parents will be able to take health insurance for storing their children's umbilical cord stem cells that will be frozen and used later as it's needed.
...Continue reading "First Cord Blood Bank Launches In South Africa"
Posted on August 22, 2005 06:35 PM | Comments (0)
Cord Blood From Shanghai To Singapore
As this is the first time that a sample of umbilical cord blood is sent abroad, from the Shanghai Stem Cell Bank to Singapore, the bank officials said they decided to offer it for free. The bank is the biggest in storing over 50,000 samples of umbilical cord blood.
...Continue reading "Cord Blood From Shanghai To Singapore"
Posted on August 22, 2005 05:29 PM | Comments (0)
South Korean Scientists Find Mechanism for Neural Stem Cell Death
A South Korean team headed by Prof. Kang Kyung-sun of Seoul National University has uncovered the mechanism of neural stem cell death - targetted a gene responsible for deactivating the differentiation or renewal of neural stem cells.
Prof. Kang Kyung-sun said they found that the protein p38 suppresses the growth of neural stem cell and is confirmed, through experiments on mice with Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1), that the dying neural stem cells could be reactivated by inhibiting the protein.
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Posted on August 22, 2005 05:00 PM | Comments (0)
Biology Professor’s Adult Stem Cell Research Published
A University of Dayton research laboratory may hold the key to someday discovering what causes infertility and certain kinds of cancer.
Research being conducted by UD associate professor of biology Marie-Claude Hofmann is published in the Aug. 18 issue of Nature.
...Continue reading "Biology Professor’s Adult Stem Cell Research Published"
Posted on August 22, 2005 02:52 PM | Comments (0)
Efficacy of High-Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Support for High-Risk Neuroblastoma Confirmed
Researchers from Europe have reported that children with poor risk neuroblastoma who receive high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell support have a superior survival compared to patients receiving maintenance chemotherapy. The details of this report appeared in an early on-line publication of Lancet Oncology on August 11, 2005.
High-dose therapy is frequently used to treat patients with recurrent neuroblastoma, but the role of high-dose therapy in up-front treatment of poor-risk patients is less well defined.
...Posted on August 19, 2005 05:46 PM | Comments (0)
Fetal Skin Cells Assist In Healing Burn Victims
Nature is reporting on how applying of a small number of fetal cells to burn patients can spead recovery from their injuries. Futhermore, this latest procedure reportedly provides a faster and more complete recovery than the traditional skin grafts.
Current methods of treating deep second- and third-degree burns with skin grafts involves a two-step surgical procedure where a patch of skin is removed from one area of the body and transplanted to burned area. Though an effective treatment, the patient is often left with severe scaring and may take months to heal.
...Continue reading "Fetal Skin Cells Assist In Healing Burn Victims"
Posted on August 19, 2005 05:28 PM | Comments (0)
Fighting Aging on Fetal Stem Cells Key To Regeneration
Following up on our previous post regarding fetal skin cells, Fighting Aging, which is a fantastic site to those of us that monitor regenerative medicine developments, has a really good post regarding the developments on fetal stem cells and how they may possibly be a source of overall cellular regeneration.
...Continue reading "Fighting Aging on Fetal Stem Cells Key To Regeneration"
Posted on August 19, 2005 05:24 PM | Comments (0)
Shaggy-Haired Mice Help in Research About Cellular Aging
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a strain of long-haired mice that may point to a surprising new role for an enzyme which we well know is linked to aging and cancer.
Steven Artandi, a Stanford cancer researcher, along with graduate student Kavita Sarin and their colleagues are now reporting that a key component of the enzyme, known as telomerase, can activate stem cells in mouse hair follicles.
...Continue reading "Shaggy-Haired Mice Help in Research About Cellular Aging"
Posted on August 19, 2005 12:34 PM | Comments (0)
Embryonic-Like Stem Cells Derived From Umbilical Cord Blood
In a big boost for adult stem cell research, researchers at Kingston University and University of Texas have discovered a means of producing embryonic-like cells from umbilical cord blood which may substantially speed up the development of treatments for life-threatening illnesses, injuries and disabilities. The discovery made during a project undertaken with experts from the University of Texas' Medical School and the Synthecon Corporation in the United States provides medical researchers and physicians with an ethical and reliable source of human stem cells for the first time.
The study, funded by the UK Government’s Department of Trade and Industry, is led by Dr Colin McGuckin and Dr Nico Forraz from Kingston University’s School of Life Sciences. It represents a significant step forward in the fast-developing field of stem cell research. Until now, experts have struggled to find a supply of cells in sufficient numbers that does not offend previous critics of stem cell research. The latest advance looks set to overcome such difficulties.
...Continue reading "Embryonic-Like Stem Cells Derived From Umbilical Cord Blood"
Posted on August 19, 2005 12:26 PM | Comments (0)
Cytori Therapeutics Presents at Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine Symposium: Road to Clinical Applications
Conference Hosted by Healthcare Policy Institute, Japan
SAN DIEGO & TOKYO, Aug. 17, 2005 - Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. (Frankfurt:XMP), a global biotechnology company innovating regenerative medicine, announced today that Marc H. Hedrick, M.D., President for Cytori Therapeutics, is an invited speaker at the Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine Symposium: Road to Clinical Applications, August 18, 2005 in Japan.
His presentation will focus on the development of innovative stem and regenerative cell based therapies and business model strategies.
...Posted on August 18, 2005 06:36 PM | Comments (0)
Cytori Therapeutics Announces Second Quarter and Six Month Financial Results
San Diego, CA August 15, 2005 - Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. (Frankfurt: XMP), a biotechnology company innovating regenerative medicine, announced financial results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2005.
"In the second quarter of 2005, Cytori Therapeutics continued to advance its development of adipose stem cell therapies and systems," said Christopher J. Calhoun, Chief Executive Officer of Cytori Therapeutics.
...Continue reading "Cytori Therapeutics Announces Second Quarter and Six Month Financial Results"
Posted on August 18, 2005 06:25 PM | Comments (0)
Pall Systems Play Key Role in Landmark NIH Study on Cord Blood
East Hills, NY (August 17, 2005) - As cord blood increasingly takes front and center stage as a critical source of stem cells for transplants, it has driven the need for consistent quality standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of this life-saving therapy.
The newly published results of the landmark COBLT (Cord Blood Transplantation) Study advance standards for cord blood collection, processing and cryopreservation.
Along with defining standard operating procedures, Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL) products were the only sets used in the study for the collection, processing and cryopreservation of stem cells from umbilical cord blood.
...Continue reading "Pall Systems Play Key Role in Landmark NIH Study on Cord Blood"
Posted on August 18, 2005 06:13 PM | Comments (0)
CRYO-CELL Board Appoints Mercedes Walton Chief Executive Officer
Appointment Reflects Walton's Strategic Leadership as Interim CEO
OLDSMAR, Fla., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - The Board of Directors of CRYO-CELL International Inc. (OTCBB: CCEL), the world's largest family cord blood bank, announced today that Mercedes Walton has been appointed Chief Executive Officer for the Company and has executed a three-year contract, effective September 1, 2005.
Ms. Walton has been a Director of CRYO-CELL since October 2000 and has served as Chairman of the Board since June 2002. She has served as interim CEO since April 2003.
...Continue reading "CRYO-CELL Board Appoints Mercedes Walton Chief Executive Officer"
Posted on August 17, 2005 05:42 PM | Comments (0)
Cord Blood America Names Medical Advisory Board
Leaders from Broad Range of Blood and Stem Cell Disciplines to Advise Company
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17, 2005 - Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB:CBAI), an umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company, is pleased to announce the formation of an expert Medical Advisory Board to provide the company direction in addressing Cord Blood America's Stem Cell Preservation business.
...Continue reading "Cord Blood America Names Medical Advisory Board"
Posted on August 17, 2005 04:54 PM | Comments (0)
PharmaFrontiers Reports Second Quarter 2005 Financial Results; Provides Research Update
THE WOODLANDS, TX, Wednesday August 16, 2005 - PharmaFrontiers Corp. (OTCBB:PFTR), a company involved in the development and commercialization of cell therapies, today provides an update on its research programs and future plans. In addition, the Company reports financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.
Highlights of the second quarter of 2005 (April through June) include:
1. Positive interim results announced from two Phase I/II Multiple Sclerosis trials with Tovaxin™;
...Posted on August 17, 2005 03:43 PM | Comments (0)
Biotech Investment - 2005 IPO's Looking Good
Boston Herald is running an article focusing on the potential outlook for Biotechs looking to go public. This one especially focuses on the Viacell IPO.
"We had considered it two years ago, and decided it wasn't the right time – the market wasn't ready," said CEO Marc Beer of Cambridge-based biotech ViaCell, Inc. yesterday.
...Continue reading "Biotech Investment - 2005 IPO's Looking Good"
Posted on August 17, 2005 03:38 PM | Comments (0)
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Study Shows How Skin Forms Deep Layers
Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers have new evidence that pushes aside old theories about how skin is able to create layers of different cell types while simultaneously forming a continuously self-renewing, protective barrier.
The discovery helps to explain how skin becomes “stratified” into different layers and may yield new insights into the basic processes by which stem cells can both self-replicate to produce more stem cells and also mature and differentiate to form a tissue.
...Continue reading "Howard Hughes Medical Institute Study Shows How Skin Forms Deep Layers"
Posted on August 17, 2005 03:33 PM | Comments (0)
Stem Cell Sciences To Commercialise Breakthrough Neural Stem Cell Technology
Stem Cell Sciences Ltd ("SCS"), the Edinburgh based stem cell company which recently listed on the Alternative Investment Market, is pleased to announce its exclusive license to new patented technology to derive and grow neural stem cells.
This announcement follows the publication this week of a unique technique for growing brain cells from neural stem cells, published by SCS’s collaborating academic researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh and Milan.
...Continue reading "Stem Cell Sciences To Commercialise Breakthrough Neural Stem Cell Technology"
Posted on August 16, 2005 07:54 PM | Comments (0)
Functional Analysis of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Expression Using Zebrafish
Hematopoiesis is the process by which hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) give rise to all hematopoietic lineages during the lifetime of an individual. To sustain lifelong hematopoiesis, HSCs must self-renew to maintain or expand the HSC pool [1], and they must differentiate to form committed hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) that progressively lose self-renewal potential and become increasingly restricted in their lineage potential. A combination of extrinsic and intrinsic signals are thought to converge to regulate HSC differentiation versus self-renewal decisions, but the molecular mechanisms that regulate these processes are poorly understood [2].
...Posted on August 16, 2005 05:52 PM | Comments (0)
Researchers Find Key Process In Gene Regulation Occurs In Blood Platelets
In a discovery that upends a longstanding tenet of human biology, University of Utah School of Medicine researchers have shown that a key process in gene regulation can occur in human platelets, unique cells that are unusual because they don't have a nucleus (anucleate).
Scientists long have thought the transformation of pre-mRNA into mature mRNA-called splicing-happens only in a cell's nucleus. But using stem cells from human umbilical cord blood to engineer the precursor cell that forms platelets and platelets isolated from the blood of study subjects, the Utah researchers found that splicing also takes place in the cytoplasm of circulating platelets.
...Continue reading "Researchers Find Key Process In Gene Regulation Occurs In Blood Platelets"
Posted on August 16, 2005 05:36 PM | Comments (0)
ThermoGenesis Corp. Initiates Shipments of Thrombin Processing Devices(TM) (TPD(TM)) To Biomet, Inc.
Agreement Allows Biomet to Immediately Market Their Gravitational Platelet Separation System (GPS) in Europe, Canada and Asia as a Fully Autologous Product
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ThermoGenesis Corp. (Nasdaq: KOOL - News) announced today that the Company has begun shipping its CE marked TPD to the Biomet, Inc. (Nasdaq: BMET - News) subsidiary, Cell Factor Technologies, Inc. (CFT). CFT will use the TPD to prepare autologous thrombin while a customized centrifugal thrombin device, named Clotalyst(TM), is under development by ThermoGenesis. The TPD disposable kit, which produces stable, activated thrombin from the patient's own blood in less than 30 minutes, will enable CFT to immediately address this demand in Europe, Canada, and Asia. Approximately $180 million of thrombin annually is consumed worldwide as a blood clotting enzyme that surgeons use for hemostasis, the treatment of pseudoaneurysms, and to form "platelet gels" for the treatment of damaged tissue.
...Posted on August 16, 2005 05:32 PM | Comments (0)
Institute for the Study of Aging Sponsors Neurogenesis Catalyst Conference
NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 08/16/2005 -- The Institute for the Study of Aging (ISOA), Ltd., a biomedical venture philanthropy founded by the Lauder family, is sponsoring a one-day catalyst conference entitled Neurogenesis as a Therapeutic Strategy for Cognitive Aging and Alzheimer's Disease on Thursday, September 22, 2005, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at The Rockefeller University in New York City. Academic and biotechnology industry scientists working in the field of neurodegeneration are welcomed to attend.
...Continue reading "Institute for the Study of Aging Sponsors Neurogenesis Catalyst Conference"
Posted on August 16, 2005 02:52 PM | Comments (0)
Aastrom Biosciences Receives NIH Grant Extending Proprietary Adult Stem Cell Process to Other Tissues
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASTM - News) today announced that it has received a Small Business Innovation Research Phase II grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) entitled "Clinical-Scale Production of Osteoprogenitor Cells." The two- year Phase II grant award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) totals $740,000, of which $324,000 has been received for the first year of this study. This Phase II grant award follows a Phase I grant issued to Aastrom in 2003 by the NIH's National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
...Posted on August 16, 2005 02:36 PM | Comments (0)
Paralyzed Michigan Teen Feeling Good After Stem Cell Therapy In Portugal
A paralyzed Kent County, Michigan teen is recovering after a sensitive stem cell therapy treatment in Portugal.
Sam Wassink who is fourteen years old, is intent on regaining some feeling in his legs, and hopes to one day walk again.
...Continue reading "Paralyzed Michigan Teen Feeling Good After Stem Cell Therapy In Portugal"
Posted on August 16, 2005 02:23 PM | Comments (0)
Gradient Guides Nerve Growth Down Spinal Cord
The same family of chemical signals that attracts developing sensory nerves up the spinal cord toward the brain serves to repel motor nerves, sending them in the opposite direction, down the cord and away from the brain, report researchers at the University of Chicago, Illinois in the September 2005 issue of Nature Neuroscience (available online August 14). The finding may help physicians restore function to people with paralyzing spinal cord injuries.
Growing nerve cells send out axons, long narrow processes that search out and connect with other nerve cells. Axons are tipped with growth cones, bearing specific receptors, which detect chemical signals and then grow toward or away from the source.
...Continue reading "Gradient Guides Nerve Growth Down Spinal Cord"
Posted on August 16, 2005 02:17 PM | Comments (0)
U.S. BioDefense Director of Research Dr. Cyndi Chen, Ph.D., to Present "Non-Controversial" Adult Neural Crest Stem Cell Line and Its Utilization in Human Transplantation
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., -Aug. 12, 2005 - U.S. BioDefense's (OTCBB:UBDE) Director of Research Dr. Cyndi Chen provides a layperson's guide on "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.
The presentation may be viewed at www.usbiodefense.com by August 31, 2005. U.S. BioDefense is evaluating the neural crest stem cell line and its utilization in human transplantation for commercialization, which can be used to treat brain and spinal cord repair.
...Posted on August 16, 2005 01:50 PM | Comments (0)
Stem Cells Provide Greater Understanding of Neurological Diseases
Scientists at the Universities of Edinburgh in Scotland and Milan, Italy have developed a new technique to grow pure brain stem cells, which may be used to model diseases of the nervous system and develop new drugs to treat these diseases. This research is published online this week, in open-access journal PLoS Biology(*).
In the body, stem cells divide to produce both copies of themselves and other, more specialised, cell types. Until now, scientists had not been able to sustain the ability of neural stem cells to produce copies of themselves when grown in a dish. This meant that the population of cells in the dish would always become mixed, with only a few stem cells and many more specialized cells. By changing the growth conditions for the cells, the Edinburgh and Milan labs have for the first time established pure stem cell divisions, thus avoiding the unwanted differentiated cells.
...Continue reading "Stem Cells Provide Greater Understanding of Neurological Diseases"
Posted on August 16, 2005 01:45 PM | Comments (0)
Brain Tumors May Originate With Neural Stem Cells
Researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Texas have determined that stem cells in a certain region of the brain may be the source of a particular type of incurable brain tumor and may be implicated in other types of brain cancers as well.
The research, conducted in mice, appears in the August issue of the journal Cancer Cell. The findings support growing evidence that adult stem cells may play a role in the development of some forms of cancer, said Dr. Luis Parada, senior author on the paper and director of the Center for Developmental Biology and the Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration at UT Southwestern.
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Posted on August 16, 2005 01:38 PM | Comments (0)
Largest-Ever Gathering of World’s Leading Stem Cell Researchers is Recognized as a Forum for Scientific Advancement, Possibilities and Concerns
Northbrook, Ill. — “You are my heroes,” said Robert Klein, addressing the more than 2,100 scientists assembled for the International Society for Stem Cell Research 3 rd Annual Meeting. The meeting was the largest gathering of stem cell researchers yet convened. Participants from 45 countries included well-known stem cell science pioneers and post-doctoral researchers representing the field’s future.
By happy coincidence, the meeting was held in San Francisco just two weeks after the city won the competition to become home of the new California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, the $3 billion stem cell research initiative approved by the state's voters last fall. Klein, chairman of the board of the California Institute, compared San Francisco to the great city-states of history – Florence, Paris and London – which nurtured academia and science when national governments didn’t exist, or weren’t interested.
...Posted on August 15, 2005 03:27 PM | Comments (0)
North Carolina Representative Earl Jones Promotes Stem Cell Research Funding
North Carolina would be joining states like California in funding research on human stem cells, including those referred to as embryonic stem cells, with proposed legislation sponsored by a Guilford County member of the General Assembly.
This new bill proposes using $10 million derived from the state's tobacco settlement to fund research that uses stem cells to find cures for diseases.
...Continue reading "North Carolina Representative Earl Jones Promotes Stem Cell Research Funding"
Posted on August 13, 2005 03:54 PM | Comments (0)
New National Poll Finds Vast Majority of Americans Support Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Public Support for Stem Cell Research Up 10 Percent Since 2001 Executive Order Limiting Its Federal Funding
San Jose, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2005) – Exactly four years after the last new line of embryonic stem cells were allowed to be studied using federal money, results from a new nationwide poll released today reveal that 73 percent of Americans believestem cell research could one day lead to new disease treatments and cures, and 70 percent support increasing federal funding for the research. The results mark a sharp increase in public support forstem cell research since a 2001 executive order limited the federal government’s role in the research. That year, an ABC News poll found that 58 percent of Americans supportedstem cell research, and 60 percent said the federal government should fund it.
...Posted on August 13, 2005 03:49 PM | Comments (0)
CalbaTech Announces Significant Six-Month Revenue Increase, Details the Company's Expectations for LifeStem Inc., Its Adult Stem Cell Subsidiary
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 12 - CalbaTech, Inc. (OTCBB: CLBE), an emerging life sciences company concentrating on providing products and platforms to the biotech and pharmaceutical research market and to academic institutions, today announced revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2005 totaled $625,345, up from $58,217 for the same period in 2004.
Revenues for the second quarter totaled $310,525, compared to revenues of $40,941 for the same period in 2004. CalbaTech announced a loss of ($454,087) or ($0.01) per share for the second quarter compared to a loss of ($379,656) or ($0.02) per share in 2004.
...Posted on August 13, 2005 12:59 PM | Comments (0)
Cytori Therapeutics Completes Development of the Celution(TM) System; To Submit CE Mark Application for European Approval
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 11, 2005 - Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. (Frankfurt:XMP), today announced it has completed the development of its Celution(TM) System for the isolation and concentration of adipose stem cells and will submit CE Mark application seeking approval for the system in Europe.
"The completion of the development and testing of our Celution(TM) System represents an important achievement," stated Christopher J. Calhoun, Chief Executive Officer for Cytori Therapeutics.
...Posted on August 11, 2005 06:13 PM | Comments (0)
VistaGen Therapeutics Secures Development Support for New Drug Candidate for Huntington's Disease
BURLINGAME, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a development stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel small molecule and protein therapeutics using embryonic stem cell technologies, announced today that the High Q Foundation, Inc. has agreed to support VistaGen's preclinical efficacy studies of AV-101 for the treatment of Huntington's disease (HD). VistaGen and its scientific advisors have observed that AV-101, VistaGen's lead drug candidate for epilepsy and neuropathic pain, can reduce the production of quinolinic acid, a neurotoxin produced in the brain and believed to be involved in the pathology of HD.
...Posted on August 11, 2005 06:08 PM | Comments (0)
Michael Monko Named Vice President Sales, Serologicals Corporation Research Products Group
ATLANTA, GA – August 10, 2005 – Serologicals Corporation (NASDAQ: SERO) announced today that Michael Monko has joined the Company as Vice President, Sales for the Research Products Segment, consisting of Chemicon International, Inc. and the Upstate Group, Inc. Mr. Monko will report directly to Jeffrey D. Linton, President and will be a member of Research Segment Executive Operating Committee.
In his new role, Mr. Monko will direct all sales activities worldwide for the Company's research products and drug discovery markets bringing his many years of expertise in these sectors to our customers and sales team.
...Posted on August 11, 2005 05:59 PM | Comments (0)
Genentech In The Top At The 2005 Pharma Achievement Awards
Harvard’s Judah Folkman Honored with 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award
On Monday evening, the 2005 Pharmaceutical Achievement Awards were presented in a black tie dinner ceremony at Boston’s State Room. Over 350 guests were in attendance to honor eighteen recipients of sixteen separate awards – and to see Dr. Judah Folkman of the Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital Boston receive the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Posted on August 11, 2005 05:25 PM | Comments (0)
London, Ontario Stem Cell Researcher Heads to McMaster
Robarts Research Institute, in Canada is losing yet another top stem cell scientist. 35-year Dr. Mick Bhatia has already been offered more than $500,000 U.S. to move to the US.
Dr. Bhatia has thusfar turned down American offers and instead chosen to accept a position as scientific director of a new research centre at McMaster University in Hamilton.
...Continue reading "London, Ontario Stem Cell Researcher Heads to McMaster"
Posted on August 11, 2005 05:19 PM | Comments (0)
Missouri Blocks Kansas City Research
The ethical debate over embryonic stem cells reaches beyond Washington to state capitals and research parks across the country. With competition hot from Maryland to California for cutting-edge research and the profits that could follow, many states are evaluating the overall economic impact of choosing not to fund stem cell research.
As an example, in Maryland advocates have begun a campaign to provide state money for stem cell research. However, a House of Delegates effort to spend $23 million a year on research failed to pass in the Senate earlier this year after a filibuster threat by Republicans and conservative Democrats.
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Posted on August 11, 2005 05:17 PM | Comments (0)
NIGMS Funds New Stem Cell Centers
Focus on Basic Biology, Training Scientists
Human embryonic stem cells have properties that make them uniquely valuable for studying virtually any cellular process. Despite their promise for research and therapeutic purposes, stem cells are difficult to grow in the laboratory and scientists do not know how to reliably direct them to become a specific cell type.
"If we are to realize the tremendous potential of stem cells, we urgently need more fundamental knowledge about their basic biology and more scientists trained to work with them," said Jeremy M. Berg, Ph.D., director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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Posted on August 11, 2005 05:10 PM | Comments (0)
Chemokine Therapeutics Corporation announces Second Quarter Results
Vancouver, BC (August 9, 2005) – Chemokine Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: CTI; OTCBB: CHKT), a biotechnology company developing peptide-based therapies to treat cancer, cardiovascular and infectious disease, today announced the financial and operating results of the second quarter ended June 30, 2005.
Second quarter highlights:
Release of results of phase I clinical trials for the Company’s immune booster drug CTCE-0214 in healthy volunteers: the Company confirmed that the safety profile and efficacy results from the Phase I trial of CTCE-0214 warrant continued investigation;
...Continue reading "Chemokine Therapeutics Corporation announces Second Quarter Results"
Posted on August 11, 2005 04:35 PM | Comments (0)
Korean Researchers Again On Patient Matched Stem Cells
South Korean researchers have a new announcement following up on the genetically matched stem cells they created from before. They have again used skin to create embryonic stem cells that genetically match injured or sick patients.
Additionally, these scientists did so far faster and making it easier to grow human stem cells than researchers had thought possible.
This isn't merely a nifty achievement. This is a major advance that may one day allow doctors to use stem cells to grow customized cell or tissue transplants to treat spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's and other ailments. Naturally this will also some news that is likely to increase the heat of the debate surrounding the ethics involved.
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Posted on August 10, 2005 10:09 PM | Comments (0)
Curis Reports Second Quarter 2005 Results
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 9, 2005 - Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRIS), a therapeutic drug development company, today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005.
For the second quarter of 2005, we reported a net loss of $4,675,000 or ($0.10) per share as compared to a net loss of $4,301,000 or ($0.10) per share for the prior year period.
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Posted on August 10, 2005 06:18 PM | Comments (0)
What Is the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway?
The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway is a mechanism within the body to control the normal development and growth of stem cells and certain tissues systems.
The Hedgehog gene got its name after studies of fruit flies lacking it revealed that cell types were jumbled, instead of organized in the neat lines of normal flies. The jumbled cells, the scientists decided, resembled the round, porcupine-like animal.
It is also known, humorously, as Sonic The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway ...
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Posted on August 10, 2005 05:47 PM | Comments (0)
ViaCell, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2005 Financial Results
CAMBRIDGE, August 9, 2005 - ViaCell, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIAC), a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to enabling the widespread application of human cells as medicine in the areas of cancer, cardiac disease, diabetes and infertility, today reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.
Total revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 were $11.4 million, an increase of $1.7 million or 18% over total revenues of $9.7 million for the same period in 2004. Revenues from the processing and storage of cord blood were $11.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, an increase of $1.9 million or 21% compared to processing and storage revenues of $9.3 million in the second quarter of 2004.
...Continue reading "ViaCell, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2005 Financial Results"
Posted on August 10, 2005 05:22 PM | Comments (0)
Favrille Reports Second Quarter 2005 Financial Results
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 9 - Favrille, Inc. (Nasdaq: FVRL), a biopharmaceutical company developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer and diseases of the immune system, today reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2005.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company reported net losses of $9.4 million and $17.8 million, respectively, compared to net losses of $6.0 million and $11.1 million for the same periods in 2004.
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Posted on August 10, 2005 05:12 PM | Comments (0)
PharmaFrontiers to Present Tovaxin(TM) Research at International Multiple Sclerosis Meeting
PharmaFrontiers Corp. (OTCBB:PFTR), announced today that their research of their Phase I/II clinical trials of Tovaxin(TM), a novel T cell therapeutic vaccine for Multiple Sclerosis, has been accepted for presentation at the 21st Congress of the European Committee/10th Annual Meeting of the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis to be held September 28 - October 1, 2005, in Thessaloniki, Greece. The interim trial results have indicated that the treatment appears safe and well tolerated.
Tovaxin(TM) is a trivalent formulation of attenuated myelin-peptide reactive T cells (MRTCs), which are derived from peripheral blood and produced ex vivo as myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) reactive T cells.
...Posted on August 10, 2005 02:50 PM | Comments (0)
Serologicals Corporation to Receive Start Magazine’s 2005
President & CEO David A. Dodd, Previously Named One of Start’s CEO Visionaries, Featured Speaker at Manufacturing Conference
ATLANTA, GA – August 9, 2005 – Serologicals Corporation (NASDAQ: SERO) announced today that it has been awarded an Editor’s Choice Technology & Business award from Start magazine. Serologicals President and CEO David A. Dodd will accept the award at the 8th Annual Technology & Business Awards ceremony on August 11 in Chicago.
Start will award four manufacturers the Editor’s Choice Technology & Business award. The winners were selected for their commitment and understanding of how technology can help them improve and enhance their company.
...Continue reading "Serologicals Corporation to Receive Start Magazine’s 2005"
Posted on August 9, 2005 05:54 PM | Comments (0)
Robert Lanza, M.D. to Deliver a Keynote Presentation at the Biotechniques Live! / Drug Discovery Technology & Development World Congress’ Annual Conference
Presentation to Highlight the Potential of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapies
Worcester, MA – Robert Lanza, MD, Vice President of Medical and Scientific Development, Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., (OTCBB:ACTC.OB) will deliver a keynote presentation today, "The Promise of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapies," at Biotechniques Live!, held in conjunction with the 10th annual Drug Discovery Technology & Development World Congress conference.
...Posted on August 9, 2005 05:29 PM | Comments (0)
ViaCell, Inc. to Announce Second Quarter Results on August 9, 2005
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ViaCell, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIAC - News) announced today that it will report second quarter 2005 results on Tuesday August 9, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Following the announcement, ViaCell senior management will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss operational and financial results and the Company's outlook for the future.
The conference call will be simultaneously webcast and can be accessed from ViaCell's website at http://www.viacellinc.com. The live audio of the conference call is also accessible via telephone to investors, members of the news media and the general public by dialing either (800) 819-9193 (United States and Canada) or (913) 981-4911 (International) and typing in the passcode 6530848.
...Continue reading "ViaCell, Inc. to Announce Second Quarter Results on August 9, 2005"
Posted on August 9, 2005 05:15 PM | Comments (0)
Mouse Bank Approved For Setup To Produce Embryonic Stem Cells
The BBC is announcing that scientists in Europe have been given approval to set up a mouse library to assist in disease research.
The pan-Europe project is intending to produce embryonic stem cells for 20,000 mutated mice to help scientists find how certain genes cause conditions such as cancer.
Researchers expect that mice will play a "pivotal role" in understanding more, as 99% of all human genes are also found in these animals.
...Continue reading "Mouse Bank Approved For Setup To Produce Embryonic Stem Cells"
Posted on August 9, 2005 04:57 PM | Comments (0)
Medipost Pioneers Breaking Therapy Barriers
Recently, investors hustled to buy into shares of the biotechnology industry Medipost Corp., which recently debuted on the stock market.
Medipost is a biomedical company which specializes in umbilical cord blood repository and stem cell therapies for intractable diseases like cancer and heart disease.
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Posted on August 9, 2005 04:36 PM | Comments (0)
Johns Hopkins Top Of Research Funding List
Stem cell research isn't all that puts John Hopkins in the top of list for university leaders in innovation .. they spend quite well to stay in the top too it would seem ....
Johns Hopkins University did roughly $1.24 billion in scientific, medical and engineering research in fiscal year 2003. This makes it, for the 25th year in a row, the US's leading academic institution in expenditures, according to a new National Science Foundation ranking.
Johns Hopkins was also first on NSF's list of federally funded research expenditures, spending $1.107 billion in FY2003 on research funded by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, NASA, NSF and the Department of Defense.
Johns Hopkins remains the only university ever to cross the $1 billion threshold on either list. It became the first to do so in FY2002, when it recorded $1.140 billion in total research and $1.023 billion in federally sponsored research.
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Posted on August 9, 2005 02:53 PM | Comments (0)
MicroRNA's involved in more than just Cancer and Stem Cells ..
Micro RNAs play role in egg making
Researchers at Northwestern University and Carnegie Mellon University have found that a recently described class of molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating oogenesis, the process by which females make eggs. MiRNAs silence genes by binding to genetic elements called messenger RNA and preventing them from making new proteins -- the molecules primarily responsible for cell activities.
While previous research has identified some miRNA targets, investigators haven't yet seen how they impact developmental processes.
...
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Posted on August 9, 2005 02:38 PM | Comments (0)
Stewart Craig, PhD, Joins Progenitor Cell Therapy (PCT) as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
HACKENSACK, New Jersey-(August 4, 2005)- Progenitor Cell Therapy, LLC (PCT) is pleased to announce that it has strengthened its management team with the addition of Stewart Craig, PhD, a pioneer in cellular medicine, as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
As Chief Operating Officer at Xcyte Therapies, a company developing cell-based technology for the immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer and other diseases, Dr. Craig was responsible for various functions, including: process and assay development; GMP facilities; GMP operations; quality systems; and regulatory affairs. He was also involved in business development activities, the preparation and filing of an S1 to the SEC and also participated as a key team member in Xcyte’s successful efforts to be listed as a public company.
...Posted on August 8, 2005 06:30 PM | Comments (0)
Follow Up on Amniotic Epithelial Cells As Alternative To Embryonic Stem Cells
Following up on our previous article on Amniotic Epithelial Cells
A part of the placenta called the amnion, or the outer membrane of the amniotic sac, is comprised of cells that have strikingly similar characteristics to embryonic stem cells, including the ability to express two key genes that give embryonic stem cells their unique capability for developing into any kind of specialized cell, the researchers report. And according to the results of their studies, these so-called amniotic epithelial cells could in fact be directed to form liver, pancreas, heart and nerve cells under the right laboratory conditions.
"If we could develop efficient methods that would allow amnion-derived cells to differentiate into specific cell types, then placentas would no longer be relegated to the trashcan. Instead, we'd have a useful source of cells for transplantation and regenerative medicine," said senior author Stephen C. Strom, Ph.D., associate professor of pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and a researcher at the university's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
According to U.S. census figures, there are more than 4 million live births each year. For each discarded placenta, the researchers calculate there are about 300 million amniotic epithelial cells that potentially could be expanded to between 10 and 60 billion cells relatively easily.
...Continue reading "Follow Up on Amniotic Epithelial Cells As Alternative To Embryonic Stem Cells"
Posted on August 8, 2005 06:16 PM | Comments (0)
Curis to Release 2005 Second Quarter Financial Results and Hold Conference Call on August 9, 2005
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 2, 2005 - Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRIS), a therapeutic drug development company, will release its second quarter financial results on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 before the market opens.
The Company will also hold a conference call to discuss the financial results, progress of its therapeutic product development programs, and additional corporate activities at 10:00 A.M. Eastern time.
...Posted on August 8, 2005 06:13 PM | Comments (0)
University of Pittsburgh Researchers Discover Possible Embryonic Stem Cell Alternative in Human Placenta
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that a type of cell, called an amniotic epithelial cell, in the human placenta which appears to be in many ways similar to a human embryonic stem cell. The exciting part of this is in the cell's ability to develop into different tissues.
Stephen Strom and Yoshio Miki, professors at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's Department of Pathology -- also will describe their findings in a future issue of the journal Stem Cells.
...Posted on August 8, 2005 05:52 PM | Comments (0)
Advanced Cell Technology Announces New Board Member
Alan C. Shapiro, Ph.D., brings wealth of corporate and international financial management experience
Worcester, MA – Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (OTCBB:ACTC.OB) today announced that Alan C. Shapiro, Ph.D., has been elected to serve as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors effective August 1, 2005. Dr. Shapiro will serve as Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee.
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Posted on August 8, 2005 05:47 PM | Comments (0)
Guam Opens Cord Blood Bank
Guam is getting onboard the cord blood banking bandwagon if you will. They are setting up new policies in order to help preserve cord blood and will further develop options to have cord blood stored.
Dr. Thomas Shieh has announced a new process to begin banking cord blood from Guam, which means collecting the blood within minutes of birth and storing it at extremely low temperatures in a California facility so it can be used later, if needed. The optional collection and storage process costs the patient about $1,800.
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Posted on August 8, 2005 01:57 PM | Comments (0)
Osiris and JCR Pharmaceuticals Reach Milestone, Expand License Agreement
Companies to expand stem cell technology into a new market opportunity
BALTIMORE, Maryland August 4, 2005 - Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that it has expanded the terms of its license agreement with JCR Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. of Ashiya, Japan, allowing JCR to sell stem cells for use in the field of drug screening and evaluation in the territory of Japan.
This technology will allow companies involved in the screening of pharmaceutical compounds the ability to determine certain critical metabolic effects on viable human cells. This represents a totally new market for our stem cell technology, said C. Randal Mills, PhD, President and CEO of Osiris. The market is readily accessible given the demand for this application and the fact that it does not carry the significant regulatory burden of a drug product.
...Continue reading "Osiris and JCR Pharmaceuticals Reach Milestone, Expand License Agreement"
Posted on August 5, 2005 06:43 PM | Comments (0)
Cord Blood America Reports Preliminary YTD Revenues of $1.48M, 185 Percent Increase over Last Year
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB:CBAI), an umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company, today announced that year-to-date second quarter consolidated results indicate revenues of $1.48 million representing a 185% increase over the same period last year in which the Company reported revenues of $519.7K.
GROSS PROFIT INCREASES BY 158 PERCENT
The Six Months YTD Gross Profit results reached $398K representing a 158% increase over the same period last year in which the Company reported gross profit of $154.5K.
...Posted on August 5, 2005 06:35 PM | Comments (0)
Statewide Public Cord Blood Bank Operational in San Antonio; The Texas Cord Blood Bank Has Begun Accepting Donations
SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 2, 2005 - The Texas Cord Blood Bank (TCBB), a publicly and privately funded program established to create a public supply of umbilical cord blood, announced today that it has begun collection and storage of the life-saving resource.
TCBB, a division of the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, is the state's only public bank for umbilical cord blood. Although usually discarded after the birth of a healthy baby, umbilical cord blood is rich in blood-making cells that can be used, like bone-marrow transplants, to treat a number of potentially fatal diseases. These include cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemias; disorders of the blood-making system, such as sickle-cell anemia; severe immune-system disorders; and genetic defects affecting the blood-making system.
...Posted on August 5, 2005 06:28 PM | Comments (0)
Cord Blood America Applauds Senator Frist's Endorsement of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act
Los Angeles, CA, August 2, 2005 - Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB:CBAI), applauds the recent endorsement by Senator Bill Frist, M.D. on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.
"STEM CELLS TAKEN FROM CORD BLOOD HAVE SHOWN GREAT PROMISE"
Senator Frist's comments on Stem Cell Research came from the floor of the Senate on July 29, 2005. The following is taken from Senator Frist's statements: "... And stem cells taken from cord blood have shown great promise in treating leukemia, myeloproliferative disorders and congenital immune system disorders. Recently, cord blood cells have shown some ability to become neural cells, which could lead to treatments for Parkinson's disease and heart disease.
...Posted on August 5, 2005 06:21 PM | Comments (0)
Advocacy Group Applauds Stem Cell Institute
New Generation of Scientists: First Stem Cell Training Grants to Be Approved
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 3 - Susan DeLaurentis, CEO of the Alliance for Stem Cell Research, responded today to the announcement by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) of its recommendations for a first set of training grants, stating, "Despite all of the obstacles the opponents of research have thrown at us, we are pleased that the first wave of stem cell research grants is underway."
...Continue reading "Advocacy Group Applauds Stem Cell Institute"
Posted on August 5, 2005 06:10 PM | Comments (0)
New Jersey Plans $10.5M In Stem Cell Research Funding
Acting New Jersey Gov. Richard J. Codey, announced that the state will spend $10.5 million for stem-cell research. He went further saying that the funding will help attract top scientists to New Jersey to heal the afflicted.
"We are providing hope to people who suffer," said Codey, gesturing toward the patients at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in his hometown.
Codey stated that the $10.5 million already exists in this year's state budget, with $5.5 million earmarked for the Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick. The goal is the funding is to help recruit and support scientists and $5 million going to pay for competitive research grants.
...Continue reading "New Jersey Plans $10.5M In Stem Cell Research Funding"
Posted on August 5, 2005 06:06 PM | Comments (0)
Leading Stem Cell Coalition Applauds Frist Announcement
Washington, DC—July 28, 2005 — The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), comprised of over 95 nationally-recognized patient groups, scientific societies and academic institutions, expressed its strong support for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist’s announcement today supporting embryonic stem cell research.
"We applaud Senator Frist for his decision today to side with patients and science by supporting embryonic stem cell research. Dr. Frist showed this morning that he is at heart still a physician and scientist, intent on using his position to help patients," stated Daniel Perry, president of CAMR.
...Continue reading "Leading Stem Cell Coalition Applauds Frist Announcement"
Posted on August 5, 2005 06:01 PM | Comments (0)
Historic Stem Cell Legislation Never Sees Light of Day in Senate
Patient groups express disappointment in Senate maneuvers to stonewall bill
Washington, DC—July 28, 2005 — Today, the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), comprised of over 95 nationally-recognized patient groups, scientific societies and academic research institutions, expressed its disappointment that legislation to expand federal support for embryonic stem cell research was not brought to a vote in the Senate prior to Congressional recess, despite promises from Senate leadership to do so.
...Continue reading "Historic Stem Cell Legislation Never Sees Light of Day in Senate"
Posted on August 5, 2005 05:55 PM | Comments (0)
New Life Scientific, Inc. and Professor V.A. Kordyum Ph.D. Present Research Data to the ETES
FREEHOLD, N.J., Aug. 1, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) - Professor V.A. Kordyum, Doctor of Sciences, Research and Development Partner of New Life Scientific, Inc. (OTCBB:NWLF), will present his report on "Genomic Cellular Tissue Reconstruction" at the 4th Annual Meeting of the European Tissue Engineering Society, ETES 2005 in Munich, Germany on September 3, 2005.
Professor Kordyum is head of the Department of Cell Regulation Mechanisms, at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (IMBG), Kiev, Ukraine, which was founded in 1969 and is a corresponding member of NASU and the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.
...Posted on August 5, 2005 03:24 PM | Comments (0)
Patient Groups, Scientists, Advocates Hold National 'Call the White House Day' to Urge Bush to Support Stem Cell Legislation
The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), comprised of over 95 nationally-recognized patient groups, scientific societies and academic institutions, will commemorate the fourth anniversary of President Bush's decision to severely limit embryonic stem cell research in the U.S. (August 9th, 2001) with a national "Call The White House Day". Patient groups, scientists, and advocates throughout the nation will call the White House switchboard to urge the President to join Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) and other bipartisan Members of Congress in supporting H.R. 810.
H.R. 810 would change the current federal stem cell policy to allow federally supported scientists to study additional stem cell lines, expand research among America's top academic researchers and accelerate the cure and treatment of diseases. H.R. 810 imposes ethical and legal regulations on the research even as it expands Federal research of additional stem cell lines from voluntarily donated in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos that will otherwise be discarded.
...Posted on August 5, 2005 03:12 PM | Comments (0)
Tulane Gene Therapy Center Receives $10 Million Grant For Stem Cell Research
The Tulane Center for Gene Therapy announced a grant of more than $9.5 million from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health to study the use of adult stem cells for lung diseases. The five-year grant will fund four projects involving investigators at the Tulane and LSU Health Sciences Centers. In addition, Tulane announced a major expansion of the center's activities.
"We're excited to announce today the expansion of our gene therapy program," says Paul Whelton, senior vice president for health sciences at Tulane. "With the expertise we have in the field of regenerative medicine and the excitement about the future of adult stem cell therapy, Tulane is investing additional resources and space."
...Continue reading "Tulane Gene Therapy Center Receives $10 Million Grant For Stem Cell Research"
Posted on August 5, 2005 03:08 PM | Comments (0)
Geron Corporation Reports 2005 Second Quarter Financial Results and Events
Geron saw a reduction in overall net loss in regards to the same quarter last year, with a reasonably increased revenue. Hope to see some more progress going forward for them and I for one have high hopes regarding the telomerase inhibiting work they are doing....
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 5, 2005-- Geron Corporation (Nasdaq:GERN) today reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005.
For the second quarter of 2005, the company reported a net loss of $3.1 million or $(0.06) per share compared to $8.9 million or $(0.20) per share in the second quarter of 2004. Net loss for the first six months of 2005 was $12.8 million or $(0.23) per share compared to $60.6 million or $(1.41) per share for the same period in 2004.
...Continue reading "Geron Corporation Reports 2005 Second Quarter Financial Results and Events"
Posted on August 5, 2005 02:59 PM | Comments (0)
Bio-Matrix Scientific Exhibiting Stem Cell Instruments & Stem Cell Bank at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Convention in Chicago September 24 - 28
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 3, 2005 - Bio-Matrix Scientific Group Inc. (Pink Sheets:BMXP) announced today that it will participate in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Convention in Chicago September 24 - 28 as an exhibitor. The Company will be displaying its Stem Cell Devices, Adult Stem Cell Banking technologies, and other Medical Devices.
Currently, the Company's stem cell and tissue management instruments are being prepared for package sterilization review by the FDA. The Company believes it will be able to take orders for its stem cell and tissue management instruments at the convention.
...Posted on August 5, 2005 02:49 PM | Comments (0)
AnorMED Reports Fiscal 2006 First Quarter Results, Progress on Phase III Trials, and Announces New Vice President, Marketing
Vancouver, British Columbia - AnorMED Inc. (TSX:AOM) today reported financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2005.
AnorMED recorded a net loss of $8,025,000 ($0.25 per common share) in this quarter.
This is in comparison to the net losses incurred in the previous fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2005 of $7,619,000 ($0.24 per common share) and the prior year’s first quarter, ended June 30, 2004, of $3,814,000 ($0.12 per common share).
...Posted on August 5, 2005 02:33 PM | Comments (0)
Bio-Matrix Scientific Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Former American Red Cross Facility for Its New Stem Cell Bank and Research Center
SAN DIEGO, July 29, 2005 - Scientific Group Inc. (Pink Sheets: BMXP) announced today that it has signed a letter of intent on the long-term lease of a facility formerly operated by the American Red Cross. This facility was one of seven American Red Cross Blood Testing and Research facilities nationwide.
The American Red Cross no longer occupies this facility, which a Company spokesperson noted is perfect for Bio-Matrix's stem cell banking and research operations.
...Posted on August 5, 2005 02:12 PM | Comments (0)
Pennsylvania Heart Patient Treated With Own Stem Cells
With clinical studies underway across the US, not all patients have the option of participating.
This was the case with Jeannine Lewis in Pennsylvania, and she didn't wait .. and headed to Bangkok for treatment. Her doctor, Amit Patel, from University of Pittsburgh was recently on TV discussing the procedures currently in testing ...
...Continue reading "Pennsylvania Heart Patient Treated With Own Stem Cells"
Posted on August 5, 2005 01:33 PM | Comments (0)
Tissue Regeneration Operates Differently Than Expected
Max Planck researchers in Bad Nauheim discover the mechanism by which adult stem cells are integrated into skeletal or heart muscle tissue ...
Embryonic and adult stem cells are thought to become a chance for new therapeutic approaches, making the regeneration of damaged tissue and organs possible. An increasing line of indications suggests that these cells may have the potential to repair damaged tissue. There is disagreement, however, about the mechanism on which repair processes are based. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim, Germany, in co-operation with colleagues from Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, have now shown that skeletal muscle tissue can fuse with adult stem cells, via a mechanism based on the participation of mediators which are general