Local CEO leads biotechnology trade group – Gazette.Net: Maryland Community News Online
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Local CEO leads biotechnology trade group Gazette.Net: Maryland Community News Online The latest feather in the cap for the head of Gaithersburg biotech GlycoMimetics was being named board chair of the Biotechnology Industry Association, or BIO, the industry's leading national trade group. King has long worked on various boards for the ... |
hESC Research Totals $458 Million out of $1.8 Billion from California Stem Cell Agency
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The California stem cell agency today
said that it has awarded $458 million to fund research involving
human embryonic stem cells (hESC) out of a total of $1.8 billion it
has given away during the past eight years.
the key reason that the agency now exists is the perceived
need in 2004 to fund hESC research in the wake of the Bush
Administration restrictions on federal funding in that area. The
restrictions created a national uproar in the scientific and patient
advocate community, which feared that promising therapies would never
be developed.
create the agency focused hard on hESC research to the virtual
exclusion of any mention of adult stem cell research. Opposing the
effort were such forces as the anti-abortion movement and the
Catholic church. But this month LifeNews.com carried a mildly
approving item that pointed to the agency's turn towards adult stem
cell research.
the Bush restrictions, some questions were raised about the need for
the California effort, which is costing state taxpayers $6 billion,
including interest. But those concerns received little public
attention and quickly died out.
state bonds. Cash for new awards is scheduled to run out in 2017. The
agency is looking at developing a public-private effort for thefuture that would need a $50 to $200 million “public investment”
and major private funding.
manager, provided the $458 million figure following publication of
this item yesterday on the California Stem Cell Report.
‘Praise’ for California Stem Cell Agency from Unlikely Corner
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The California stem cell agency this
month received what some might consider a gesture of approval from a
longtime foe – LifeNews.com.
anti-abortion efforts and information and is sharply opposed to research
involving human embryonic stem cells.
read a tacit endorsement of recent CIRM activities in an April 22 piece written by Gene Tame out of Sacramento. It said the most recent
$32 million grant round from CIRM “demonstrates – again – where
the future of stem cell reserch lies.”
“CIRM has been steadily moving away
from its original mission to give preferential
treatment to funding for human embryonic stem cell research
(hESCR). Instead, after adopting a renewed
emphasis on translating research into clinical trials, CIRM
has more and more shifted the bulk of its grants towards funding
research utilizing adult stem cells and other alternatives to hESCR,
such as induced
pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).”
“(T)he lack, once again, of funding
for hESCR only serves to highlight how old and dated that approach to
finding treatments and cures increasingly seems.”
the stem cell agency has moved a considerable distance from its
reason for being – research involving human embryonic stem cells.
In 2004, the ballot campaign to create the agency pitched voters hard
on hESC research and made no real mention of adult stem cells.
Instead, it focused on the threat from the Bush Administration with its
restrictions on hESC research, which have been lifted by the Obama
Administration. .
academic, Aaron Levine, reported that through 2009 only 18 percent of California's dollars went for grants that were "clearly" not eligible for federal funding under the Bush restrictions.
publicly disclosed statistics on its funding of hESC research.
those 240 awards, but it has given away a total of $1.8 billion. (Following publication of this item, the agency told the California Stem Report that it has funded $458 million in hESC research.)
blue-ribbon Institute of Medicine panel that recommended sweeping
changes at CIRM.
Research and Markets: Cell Therapy – Technologies, Markets and Companies – Updated 2013 with New Companies and Profiles
By Dr. Matthew Watson
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2v6lkd/cell_therapy) has announced the addition of Jain PharmaBiotech's new report "Cell Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies" to their offering.
This report describes and evaluates cell therapy technologies and methods, which have already started to play an important role in the practice of medicine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is replacing the old fashioned bone marrow transplants. Role of cells in drug discovery is also described. Cell therapy is bound to become a part of medical practice.
Stem cells are discussed in detail in one chapter. Some light is thrown on the current controversy of embryonic sources of stem cells and comparison with adult sources. Other sources of stem cells such as the placenta, cord blood and fat removed by liposuction are also discussed. Stem cells can also be genetically modified prior to transplantation.
Cell therapy technologies overlap with those of gene therapy, cancer vaccines, drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Pharmaceutical applications of stem cells including those in drug discovery are also described. Various types of cells used, methods of preparation and culture, encapsulation and genetic engineering of cells are discussed. Sources of cells, both human and animal (xenotransplantation) are discussed. Methods of delivery of cell therapy range from injections to surgical implantation using special devices.
Cell therapy has applications in a large number of disorders. The most important are diseases of the nervous system and cancer which are the topics for separate chapters. Other applications include cardiac disorders (myocardial infarction and heart failure), diabetes mellitus, diseases of bones and joints, genetic disorders, and wounds of the skin and soft tissues.
Regulatory and ethical issues involving cell therapy are important and are discussed. Current political debate on the use of stem cells from embryonic sources (hESCs) is also presented. Safety is an essential consideration of any new therapy and regulations for cell therapy are those for biological preparations.
The cell-based markets was analyzed for 2012, and projected to 2022. The markets are analyzed according to therapeutic categories, technologies and geographical areas. The largest expansion will be in diseases of the central nervous system, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Skin and soft tissue repair as well as diabetes mellitus will be other major markets.
The number of companies involved in cell therapy has increased remarkably during the past few years. More than 500 companies have been identified to be involved in cell therapy and 287 of these are profiled in part II of the report along with tabulation of 273 alliances. Of these companies, 158 are involved in stem cells. Profiles of 72 academic institutions in the US involved in cell therapy are also included in part II along with their commercial collaborations. The text is supplemented with 55 Tables and 12 Figures. The bibliography contains 1,050 selected references, which are cited in the text.
Key Topics Covered:
Read the rest here:
Research and Markets: Cell Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies - Updated 2013 with New Companies and Profiles
International Stem Cell Corporation to Present at American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy 16th Annual Meeting
By Dr. Matthew Watson
CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwired - May 1, 2013) - International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com) a California-based biotechnology company developing novel stem cell based therapies announced that Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, VP of Research and Development, will present additional data from the primate study of the use of neuronal cells for the treatment of Parkinson's disease at the 16th Annual Meeting of American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, May 15-18, 2013 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT.
The results, including more detailed analysis of the safety and functional activity of the cells, will be presented orally at the following session:
Session: Stem Cell Engineering and Therapy Date: Thursday, May 16, 2013 Time: 2:00 PM Room: Ballroom D Title: Cell Replacement Therapy for Parkinson's Disease with Neuronal Cells Derived from Human Parthenogenetic Stem Cells
In addition ISCO will present two posters detailing progress in our pre-clinical metabolic liver disease program and recent achievements with our "safe" iPS cells, induced pluripotent stem cells that do not rely on viral vectors for the genetic reprogramming. The posters will be presented on Thursday, May 16, 2013 between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm in Exhibit Hall C/D.
About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs) hence avoiding ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenetic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (www.lifelinecelltech.com), and stem cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com). More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To receive ongoing corporate communications via email, visit: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0
To like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter for company updates and industry related news, visit: http://www.facebook.com/InternationalStemCellCorporation and http://www.twitter.com/intlstemcell
Read more from the original source:
International Stem Cell Corporation to Present at American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy 16th Annual Meeting
UT students work on entry for genetic engineering competition – UT The Daily Texan
By Dr. Matthew Watson
![]() UT The Daily Texan | UT students work on entry for genetic engineering competition UT The Daily Texan A team of UT students is working to identify a genetic engineering project to follow-up on last year's success at an international competition. About 20 students are members of UT's International Genetically Engineered Machine, or iGEM, team, which has ... |
Better Living Through Biotechnology? A Book Review – PLoS Blogs (blog)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
![]() PLoS Blogs (blog) | Better Living Through Biotechnology? A Book Review PLoS Blogs (blog) From research labs in China making mice with made-to-order maladies, to sidewalk experiments with wired bug brains in Massachusetts, Anthes takes us by the armchair on a biotechnology adventure intended to dispel the monster myths of Mary Shelley's ... |
As Biotechnology Stocks Soar, Bubble Talk Percolates – Fox Business
By Dr. Matthew Watson
As Biotechnology Stocks Soar, Bubble Talk Percolates Fox Business Biotechnology stocks are quite healthy right now, but some think they are due for a cold. The sector is on a run not seen since the go-go days of the late 1990s, bolstered by a string of clinical and regulatory successes that analysts say could herald ... Biotech's latest rally: exuberance or execution?MarketWatch |
Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine: Learning from Spin-Outs
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The meeting “Commercialization of Your Regenerative Medicine Research: Lessons from Spin Out Successes” was hosted by the Oxbridge Biotech Roundtable (OBR) (Oxford, UK) at the University of Oxford in February, 2013, and attracted a multi-stakeholder audience spanning academia and industry.
The event featured case studies from Gregg Sando, CEO, Cell Medica (London, UK), John Sinden, CSO, Reneuron (Guilford, UK), and Paul Kemp, CEO and CSO, Intercytex (Manchester, UK).
OBR is a student-led initiative with over 7000 members across eight different UK and US locations with a mission to foster a conversation about the healthcare and life sciences industry.

Notably, we discuss the compatibility of regenerative therapies to the existing healthcare infrastructure, biomanufacturing challenges (including scalability and comparability), and the amenability of regenerative therapies to existing reimbursement and investment models. Furthermore, we reiterate key words of advice from seasoned industry leaders intended to accelerate the translation path from lab bench to the marketplace.
To read the review see: Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine: Learning from Spin-Outs
Anna French, R. Lee Buckler, and David A. Brindley. Rejuvenation Research. April 2013, 16(2): 164-170. doi:10.1089/rej.2013.1423.
Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CellTherapyBlog/~3/4Uv2o54_hWQ/commercialization-of-regenerative.html
Stem Cell Agency Provides More Cost Detail on Future Plans
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The California stem cell agency today clarified the size of the assumed "public investment" in its rough outline of its plan for future activities.
"This hypothetical range of public investment ($50 million to $200 million) is thought of as a one-time investment, with hope of private investments in multiples of that with the fund recharging to some extent based on revenue."
"We have not wanted to post the budget range because we want honest estimates of what folks think the budget should be rather than having them penciling estimates that max out the budget."
California Stem Cell Agency Seeks Lobbyist Bids
By Dr. Matthew Watson
out a bid for a private lobbyist to watch out for its interests in
Sacramento, perhaps severing a longtime relationship with one of the
Capitol's more prestigious power brokers.
a contract since 2005 with Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross &
Leoni LLP of Sacramento, which reported lobbying revenue last
year of more than $5 million. That made it one of the top revenue producers among California lobbyists.
It started at $49,900 for five months in 2005 on a no-bid contract with Nielsen, although the annual figure is now $49,999. The agency's request this month for bids calls for a boost to $65,000 annually.
health care lobbying. Its biotech/pharmaceutical clients have included Genentech, Merck &
Co. and Pfizer. The firm also played a role in the drafting of and
campaign for Proposition 71 in 2004. In 2009, at the behest of
Robert Klein, then chairman of the agency, it produced a legal memo
that Klein used to help box in the agency governing board on taking a
position on the Little Hoover Commission report recommending major
changes at the enterprise.
agencies that hires a private lobbyist, which has raised some
eyebrows. Nearly all agencies handle legislative relations
internally.
Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/0HfVYv0XVQg/california-stem-cell-agency-seeks.html
Deadline This October: California Stem Cell Agency Seeking Detailed Public-Private Plan for its Future
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The $3 billion California stem cell
agency, which is currently scheduled to go out of business in a few
years, hopes to come up with a detailed plan by this fall for a novel
public-private arrangement that would extend its life.
assume $50 to $200 million in “public investment,” although it is
not clear whether that would be a one-time figure or an annual amount
from presumably the state budget or perhaps another state bond
measure. The concept includes additional private funding of a
yet-to-be-determined nature. (The agency later said that the public investment figures would be a one-time event.)
thinking about how to regenerate itself was found in an RFP posted four days ago on its website.
flesh out the general concepts that it has offered. Work would
begin in mid June and be completed in four months, close to the ninth
anniversary of the agency, formally known as the California
Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The RFP did not contain a figure
for the cost of the study, but said that the price would be part of
the criteria for evaluating bids.
California voters approved Proposition 71, a ballot initiative. Since
then it has awarded $1.8 billion to 595 recipients. It is funded by
money borrowed by the state (bonds), but cash for new grants is
scheduled to run out in 2017. Interests costs on the bonds raise the
total cost of the agency to roughly $6 billion.
its future should provide
“...an in-depth analysis of various
public-private funding models with potential to attract private
sector investment to, and facilitate further development of the most
promising CIRM-supported research projects; and recommend a single
preferred approach for achieving this goal, complete with details
relating to the recommended structure and an operational plan.”
$31,750 study by CBT Advisors of Cambridge, Mass, that examined
mechanisms for financing translational research, which is the key
focus nowadays at the stem cell agency. Such research is aimed at
pushing laboratory findings into the marketplace.
whose lead author was Steve Dickman, said,
“The nature of CIRM as a state agency
is perhaps the biggest weak point (and) has to be addressed politically
and cleared up as soon as possible or raising money will be
unnecessarily challenging.”
might be done, which could be a considerable task. Proposition 71
modified the state constitution and state law and can be altered only
by a super, super majority vote of the legislature or by another
ballot initiative.
provide billions for stem cell research by using borrowed money. It
also is unique in California state government in that its funding
flows directly to the agency and cannot be altered by the governor or
the legislature.
public-private arrangement would be novel among state government
departments and could well require legislative or voter approval.
queried the agency concerning the frequency of the assumed “public
investment” and CIRM's budget for the RFP. We will report that
information when we receive it. (The agency later declined to disclose what it was prepared to pay for the study.)
MS Stem Cell Therapy – Part 1 – Video
By Dr. Matthew Watson
MS Stem Cell Therapy - Part 1
Over the last decade a Canadian team has been working on a ground breaking stem cell therapy their research has yet to be published, but the patients who hav...
By: GlobalToronto
Read the original:
MS Stem Cell Therapy - Part 1 - Video
New breed of GM animals on the way – Independent Online
By Dr. Matthew Watson
![]() Independent Online | New breed of GM animals on the way Independent Online Professor Bruce Whitelaw of the Roslin said that the new technique produces GM animals with between 10 and 15 percent efficiency, compared with an efficiency of less than one percent for the standard method of genetic engineering. “We can do it without ... Pig born using new GM approachTelegraph.co.uk Scientists who created Dolly the sheep clone bring GM food a step closer by ...Daily Mail A pig similar to this one has been created by scientists using 'gene editing ...Metro RT all 9 news articles » |
Food For Thought – A Few Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering – RedOrbit
By Dr. Matthew Watson
![]() RedOrbit | Food For Thought – A Few Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering RedOrbit While there are many advantages to the ability to modify genes, there are also a number of genetic engineering disadvantages. However, unlike the pros – such as super-sized strawberries, drought-proof corn or fungus-resistant soybeans – the cons of ... |
Minor Skirmishes In The Great Debate Over Genetic Engineering In Agriculture – RedOrbit
By Dr. Matthew Watson
![]() RedOrbit | Minor Skirmishes In The Great Debate Over Genetic Engineering In Agriculture RedOrbit Officials and scientists across the United States are debating the role of genetic engineering in agriculture. While some see genetically modified foods as a sign of technological progress and a way to maximize profits, others see it as a potential ... |
Are Biodegradable Heart Stents Safe?
By Dr. Matthew Watson
A breakthrough has been achieved in the stream of medical science. An alternative to the metallic stent has been found and is called biodegradable or bio-absorbable stents.
Difference between the two
Metallic stents which are in use for a long time now, had some disadvantages. These stents helps to keep the blocked arteries open to enable the flow of oxygen and blood, but also causes retenosis, that is, it scars up vessel tissue causing the arteries to clog again. Even though drug infused metallic stents have also been used as an alternative, it still does not lower the risks of other complications.
Biodegradable stents, on the other hand causes no such complications. It opens up the blocked arteries and dissolves itself after fulfilling its task, thus, minimizing the occurrence of any complication. It is made up of poly-l-lactide, a naturally dissolving material. It is said to dissolve in a time span of 18 months to three years. Another advantage of this stent is that it does not prevent the detection of other blockages as opposed to the metallic stents which would refract the rays of the scan, making it hard for detection.
Benefits of not having a permanent stent
One of the greatest benefits of not having a permanent stent is that it allows the lumen to expand. When a permanent metallic stent is used it does not allow the lumen to grow, thus hindering remodeling even though it allows the vessel around the stent to develop.
Another benefit is they do not produce any kind of inflammatory reactions as opposed to metallic stents.
How does a biodegradable stent work?
Arteries start getting clogged up due to the accumulation of fatty matter like chlorestol on the inner wall of the arteries that are responsible for providing blood to the heart. As it advances, it reduces the width of the lumen in return diminishing the amount of blood flowing into the heart. This is when a person undergoes a chest pain known as angina.
This disease can be arrested at the initial stage with the help of medication. But a person suffers a heart attack when the precautions are not taken, or when the artery is fully obstructed. That is when the surgical procedure of angioplasty is done. In angioplasty, a balloon is introduced into the artery through a guide wire and is inflated where the blockage is located. After this the stent is introduced so that it keeps the artery open.
The biodegradable stent releases a drug called everolimus which prevents irregular tissue growth.
Researches and studies that classify biodegradable as safe
Kunhiko Kosuga, who has a MD, PhD and is also the director of cardiology at Shiga Medical Center for Adults in Moriyana City, Japan, did a research on these new stents. He and his fellow researchers studied 44 men and 6 women who had undergone angioplasty and had used biodegradable stents to open up the affected arteries. They looked for various complications like clots, deaths, and other causes. The result is as follows:
? for the deaths associated with heart diseases, the survival rate was 98%.
? for death from all causes, the survival rate was 87%.
? there was no main cardiac problems in half the patients.
? Only four patients suffered heart attacks.
? The blood vessel involved had re-narrowed in 16% of the patients, in one year after undergoing the procedure.
? there were two clots that were found within the stent. One was due to the drug-infused stent close to the biodegradable one.
Countries who welcomed biodegradable stents
Nine European countries, Middle East, parts of Latin America and parts of Asia like India, Hong Kong, Philippines and Vietnam are already using these stents. In Europe, Asia-Pacific, Canada and Latin America, over 600 patients have taken part in the trial which aspires to have 1000 patients from over 100 centres present in these counties. Even Singapore has approved of these stents from 20th December, 2012.
However, doctors are still awaiting results for the long term effects on the patients
Even though the cost for manufacturing these stents is very expensive, doctors worldwide are optimistic that they will replace metallic stents eventually.
About The Author: Alia is a writer/blogger by profession. She loves writing, travelling and reading books. She contributes to Hydroxycut
Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/entry/biodegradable-heart-stents-safe/
America’s Supreme Court is to rule on the patenting of genes – The Economist
By Dr. Matthew Watson
![]() The Economist | America's Supreme Court is to rule on the patenting of genes The Economist It pits America's Association for Molecular Pathology and various other interested parties—represented by lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union—against Myriad Genetics, a biotechnology firm that holds patents on two human genes, called ... US Supreme Court asks whether human genes can be patented?Economic Times Our View: Patents for genes not OKMerced Sun-Star In Australia, Gene Patents Also Subject of High Court StruggleScience AAAS Lamron -The National Law Review -Bloomberg BNA all 53 news articles » |
Biotechnology can bring revolution in agri sector – The Nation – The Nation
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Biotechnology can bring revolution in agri sector - The Nation The Nation LAHORE : Use of biotechnology can bring a revolution in the fields of agriculture, medicine and pharmaceutical industry. Those countries who are using biotechnology, their economies are rapidly growing, said chairperson Federation of Bio-tech ... |
6 Ways Gene Patent Case Could Impact Biotechnology – Yahoo! News
By Dr. Matthew Watson
![]() ABC News | 6 Ways Gene Patent Case Could Impact Biotechnology Yahoo! News The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today (April 15) in a case to decide whether human genes can be patented. The court will decide whether Myriad Genetics, a biotechnology company, has the right to patent human genes — in this case, two gene ... Goodwin Procter | Supreme Court to Decide Important Biotechnology Patent ...Linex Legal (registration) (press release) Human Gene Patent Case Goes to Supreme CourtU.S. News & World Report Biotech Industry at Stake as High Court Weighs Human Gene Patent (Washn)Toledo Blade Kaiser Health News -Bloomberg -WEAR all 229 news articles » |