Stem Cell Directors Approve $151 Million to Commercialize Stem Cell Research
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Directors of the California stem cell
agency today approved $151 million in research awards aimed at
commercializing stem cell research and pushing therapies into
clinical treatment.
Patients and researchers cheered when the action was announced.
The awards of up to $20 million each
were ratified by CIRM's governing board, which added two to the
six applications approved by reviewers. The original
six totalled $113 million. Directors budgeted $243 million
for today's round.
Five of the applications involving
appeals were sent back by the board for more review.
(See here, here and here.)
They will be considered again in early September or October.
second largest research round in CIRM's history,
surpassed only by an another, earlier $211 million “disease team”
round. The latest effort is aimed at bringing
proposed clinical trials to the FDA for approval or possibly starting
trials within four years. That deadline coincides roughly
with the date when CIRM is scheduled to run out of cash unless new
funding sources are developed.
private financing. It could also ask voters to approve another state
bond issue. (Bonds currently provide the only real source of cash for
CIRM.) In either case, the agency needs strong, positive
results from its grantees to support a bid for continued funding.
the 15 applicants who were rejected by reviewers appealed the
negative decisions. Two of the appeals were successful at today's meeting. It is a
good bet that at least some of those referred for more review
will be ratified by the board in September.
issues, ranging from technical science questions to inconsistencies
in CIRM's research approaches and mistakes by reviewers.
The outpouring
of appeals was the largest in CIRM history in terms of the
percentage of applicants seeking to overturn reviewer decisions.
another first in terms of the total initially approved by
reviewers. On occasion in the past, reviewers have not approved
enough awards to consume all the funds budgeted by the CIRM board.
But never before has the amount fallen so far short.
connected to persons on 29-member CIRM governing board, continuing a
trend that has existed throughout CIRM's history. Board members with
conflicts, however, are not allowed to vote or participate in the
CIRM press release can be found here.
(Editor's note: This item was updated from an earlier version and the figures increased as the CIRM board added another grant and took additional action.)
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July 29th, 2012
Harvard’s McMahon on His Way to USC
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 |
| Andy McMahon Harvard photo |
The governing board of the California stem cell agency this afternoon approved a $5.7 million grant to lure a Harvard researcher to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
The scientist is Andrew McMahon, who serves on the executive committee of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. CIRM officials said McMahon is ready to begin his work immediately at USC.
McMahon won stellar reviews from CIRM's grant reviewers who said he was an “exceptional scientist and one of the leading young developmental biologists.” Reviewers gave his proposal a score of 90 and, in summary, said,
“Major strengths include the candidate's exceptional productivity and contributions to the fields of mammalian embryology and kidney development, the significance and potential of the research program, the PI's proven leadership capabilities, and the outstanding institutional commitment.”
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StemCells, Inc., and Capricor Stave Off Rejection from Stem Cell Agency
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Two California stem cell firms today
won a reprieve from rejection in their bids for $40 million in
funding from the California stem cell agency.
and Capricor, Inc. of Beverly Hills. StemCells was founded by
Stanford researcher Irv Weissman. Capricor was formed to
commercialize research at Cedars of Sinai that had been previously
financed in part by the state's $3 billion enterprise. Frank
Litvack, who unsuccessfully vied for the chairmanship of the stem
cell agency in June 2011, is the recently appointed executive
chairman of Capricor.
their appeals of reviewers' negative decisions as well as testimony
at the board meeting today. The board will take up the applications, which seek $20 million each, again in early September.
Robert Klein, who was the first
chairman of the stem cell agency, appeared before his old board as a
member of the public on behalf of the StemCells appeal. He said new
evidence will be published soon in a scientific journal that supports
the StemCells approach. Klein also said that he was personally
involved in three CIRM grant reviews in which scientists affirmed the
company's approach. (Here are links to the appeal and to grant reviewer comments.)
information. Litvack, former CEO of Conor Medsystem, told the board
the firm has made considerable progress since CIRM's closed-door
review of applications last April, both in terms of management and
science. The firm's appeal said Litvack's appointment is part of the
management improvements at the firm.
board and former CEO of a Hollywood film studio, enthusiastically
recalled a presentation last year before the board about the results
of the initial research. She the firm has solved the problems cited by reviewers. She said,
“We have a fiduciary responsibility
to select the best science.”
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July 29th, 2012
$18 Million Cedars Sinai ALS Proposal Headed for Approval
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The California stem cell agency today
cleared the way for approval of an $18 million grant to develop a new
cell-based therapy for treatment of ALS.
application into a category that is expected to approved later today.
researcher Clive Svendsen of Cedars Sinai. Also supporting the
application were a number of persons with ALS.
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July 29th, 2012
Rejected Grants May Be Sent Back for More Review
By Dr. Matthew Watson
California stem cell agency chairman J.T. Thomas has raised the possibility of sending some of the disease team applications back for additional review if the board feels that is necessary to consider new information and resolve scientific disputes.
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July 29th, 2012
Stem Cell Directors Order More Consideration on $20 Million UCLA Research Application
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Directors of the California stem cell
agency today deferred action on a $20 million proposal that was
rejected by its grant reviewers and sent it back for more consideration.
Stanley Nelson and M. Carrie Miceli of UCLA dealing with Duchenne
muscular dystrophy. They are parents of a child with the affliction,
which is usually fatal by age 25. The CIRM review summary said it is
“a devastating and incurable muscle-wasting disease caused by
genetic mutations in the gene that codes for dystrophin, a protein
that plays a key role in muscle cell health.”
overturn reviewers' action. Five mothers and two fathers with
children suffering from the disease made emotional appeals to
CIRM directors on behalf of the application. Following their presentation, Art
Torres, co vice chairman of the CIRM board, responded equally
emotionally that the board is dedicated to finding therapies for such
afflictions as Duchenne muscular dystrophy
application after it was disclosed that a company issued a press
release two days ago that showed that a drug involved in the
proposal was more effective than reviewers believed. Philip Pizzo, a
member of the board and dean of the Stanford medical school,
expressed caution about the press release, given its timing and
source. His comments came prior to the appearance of the parents.
brought back to the full board in September for further action.
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July 29th, 2012
Short-term Borrowing to Continue to Provide California Stem Cell Cash
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The California stem cell agency will continue to be funded with short-term borrowing -- commercial paper -- provided through the state treasurer's office, J.T. Thomas, chairman of the agency's governing board, said today.
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July 29th, 2012
California Stem Cell Directors Open Meeting
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Today's session of the governing board of the $3 billion California stem cell agency has begun. The major item on the agenda is a $243 million grant round that has triggered a record pace for appeals by rejected applicants. At the request of the California Stem Cell Report, the agency has provided the conflict of interest list used by the agency to determine which directors will not be allowed today to vote or participate in the discussion of specific applications. The list can be found below. Conflict of Interest List -- CIRM Directors Meeting 7-26-12ound below.
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Malaya Business Insight
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Details Published on Friday, 27 July 2012 00:00
STEM cell therapy is being eyed to cure the neck and back pains and other illnesses of former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo, alternative medicine doctor Antonia Park said yesterday.
Arroyo went to Parks Green and Young Health and Wellness Center in Tagaytay City yesterday morning for cleansing and alternative healing.
A guard at the La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City, who requested anonymity, said Arroyo left the subdivision at around 7:30 a.m., accompanied by a few staff and a personal nurse. She rode a white Nissan Patrol and her convoy included a gray Toyota Land Cruiser and a police escort.
Arroyo was granted bail Wednesday by a Pasay City court after finding that the electoral sabotage case against her was weak. She posted a P1-million cash bond.
Stem cell treatment involves the introduction of new adult stem cells into the damaged tissue in order to treat a disease or injury. The ability of new cells to regenerate is seen as having significant potential to replace diseased areas of the body, with minimal risk of rejection and side effects.
Park, in a statement distributed to the media, said Arroyo complained of difficulty in swallowing with choking due to her bulge along the posterior pharyngeal wall, together with a change of her voice and losing weight due to her difficulties of swallowing the food (solid) and angina as well as continuous neck and back pain.
Thats why our center is accepting her for possible stem cell therapy and another treatment of pain management and giving natural food by means of fresh fruit and vegetable juices for which management is warranted and which the stem cell therapy is contemplated and strongly considered, she said.
She said the stem cell therapy can be given by her clinic in Tagaytay while Arroyo can continue her physical therapy at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center four times a week.
Park said Arroyo can to go her district, referring to the second district of Pampanga, over the weekend provided she takes care to wear a brace and avoid talking too much so as to protect the bulging interior of the throat, and provided she resumes physical therapy as soon as possible.
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July 26th, 2012
Analysis: GSK bolsters medicine chest with biotechnology buy – Reuters
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 AFP | Analysis: GSK bolsters medicine chest with biotechnology buy Reuters LONDON (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline chief executive Andrew Witty has an eye for a bargain. Despite paying a 99 percent premium for Human Genome Sciences, he is still getting the biotechnology company for less than half what it was worth 14 months ago. GSK bolsters medicine chest with biotechnology buyReuters UK GSK clinches $3B deal to buy Human GenomeNational Post Glaxo to Buy Human GenomeWall Street Journal |
Source:
http://news.google.com/news?q=biotechnology&output=rss
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July 22nd, 2012
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology joins genetic fight against ALS – al.com (blog)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 al.com (blog) | HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology joins genetic fight against ALS al.com (blog) HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Huntsville's HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is joining top researchers across America and Canada to fight one of the world's most devastating diseases. HudsonAlpha will work with Duke University to sequence the ... Biogen to map genomes of ALS patientsMass High Tech |
Source:
http://news.google.com/news?q=biotechnology&output=rss
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July 22nd, 2012
Companies selectively targeting cancer stem cells
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Today, I posted this to Twitter:
3 Innovative Cancer Treatments...But Which Is The Best Bet? seekingalpha.com/a/fjed $GSK $IMUC $VSTM #cancerSC via @seekingalpha — Jim Till (@jimtill) July 17, 2012
The article is about three companies that are working on treatments designed to target cancer stem cells (CSCs). The companies are OncoMed, Verastem and ImmunoCellular Therapeutics. The article is interesting.
Source:
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July 22nd, 2012
Royalty Rules at the California Stem Cell Agency: Business Friendly Changes Proposed
By Dr. Matthew Watson
If you are looking to follow the money
trail at the $3 billion California stem cell agency, next Thursday's meeting of its 29-member board of directors is a good place to start.
intellectual property rules, which are all about who gets paid and how much and when – should an agency-financed product generate
significant cash.
The key question about the proposed changes is whether they will generate an appropriate return for the state, given its $6 billion investment, including interest on the bonds that finance CIRM. The impact of the changes is not crystal clear. And the staff memo does not mention two important definition changes that appear to be quite business friendly.
created the stem cell agency, California voters were told that the
state would share as much as $1 billion or more in royalties. Eight
years later, no royalties have materialized since CIRM research has
not yet resulted in a commercial therapy.
directors will be asked to modify CIRM rules for royalties that CIRM
staff said "could be a disincentive" for business. A staff memo said the proposals would alter provisions that create "administrative challenges and uncertainty." The memo asserted
the proposed changes would ensure "a comparable economic
return to California" equal to the existing provisions.
However, the memo provided no explanation or evidence for how that
result would come about. The proposed changes could also be applied
retroactively with the agreement of CIRM and the grantee.
collaborators must share as much as 25 percent of their licensing
revenue in excess of $500,000, depending on the proportion of agency
funding for the product. The IP rules also contain a provision for
payments in the event of development of a "blockbuster" therapy.
The staff memo described how that would work.
“It provides that grantees and
collaborators must share revenues resulting from CIRM funded research
as follows: after revenues exceed $500,000, three times the grant
award, paid at a rate of 3% per year, plus upon earning
$250M(million) in a single calendar year, a onetime payment of three
times the award, plus upon earning revenues of $500M in a single
calendar year, an additional onetime payment of three times the award
and, finally, in the instance where a patented CIRM funded invention
or CIRM funded technology contributed to the creation of net
commercial revenue greater than $500M in a single calendar year, and
where CIRM awarded $5 million or more, an additional 1% royalty on
revenues in excess of $500 million annually over the life of the
patents.”
memo said, in order to maximize the amount businesses can "re-invest
in product development." The proportionality payment provision
would be changed to require only 15 percent of licensing revenues if
CIRM's investment is less than 50 percent and 25 percent if it is
more than 50 percent. Revenue sharing would be extended to "commercializing entities." No definition of "commercializing entities" was provided in the board agenda material, but a June version of the changes defined them as "A For-Profit Grantee and its Collaborator or Licensee that sells, offers for sale or transfers a Drug, product(s) or services resulting in whole or in part from CIRM-Funded Research."
enshrined in a 2011 state law. However, the law also provided that
they can be altered by the agency, the CIRM memo said, “if it
determined that it was necessary to do so either to ensure that
research and therapy development are not unreasonably hindered as a
result of CIRM’s regulations or to ensure that the State of
California has an opportunity to share in the revenues derived from
such research and therapy development.”
"The proposed amendments re-strike
the balance both to ensure that industry will partner with CIRM and
to ensure that the State has the opportunity to benefit from
successful therapy development."
go-ahead for posting the proposals as part of the official state
administrative rules process. They are subject to additional changes
in that process.
(Editor's note: The agency has now reposted the version of the text of the changes that was on the agenda earlier, saying that it was having problems with its web site. For the definitions of terms, however, it is still necessary to refer to the June documents.)
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July 22nd, 2012
UC Davis Researchers Score Big in $113 Million Stem Cell Award Round
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Scientists at the University of
California at Davis are set to win nearly half of $113 million
expected to be awarded next week by the California stem cell agency
as it pushes aggressively to turn research into marketplace cures.
virtually certain to approve awards to three researchers at UC Davis,
which operates its medical school and other research facilities in
nearby Sacramento. The other three expected winners are from UCLA,
Stanford and StemCells, Inc., of Newark, Ca., a publicly traded firm.
another, earlier $211 million “disease team” round. The latest
effort is aimed at bringing proposed clinical trials to the FDA for approval or possibly starting trials within four years. That deadline
is close to the time when CIRM is scheduled to run out of cash unless
new funding sources are developed.
private financing. It could also ask voters to approve another state
bond issue. (Bonds currently provide the only real source of cash for
CIRM.) In either case, the agency needs strong, positive results from
its grantees to support a bid for continued funding.
the latest awards one week from tomorrow at a public meeting in Burlingame in the San Francisco area. The agency's policy is to
withhold the identities of applicants and winners until after formal
board action. The California Stem Cell Report, however, has pieced
together their identities from public records.
grant review summaries, listed in order of the CIRM scientific
scores:
- Vicki Wheelock, UC Davis, $19 million,
for development of a genetically modified cell therapy for
Huntington's disease, an inherited neurodegenerative disorder.
Scientific score 87. - Antoni Ribas, UCLA, $20 million, for
genetic reprogramming of cells to fight cancer. Scientific score 84. - Nancy Lane, UC Davis, $20 million, for
development of a small molecule to promote bone growth for the
treatment of osteoporosis. Scientific score 80. - John Laird, UC Davis, $14.2 million,
for development of mesenchymal stem cells genetically modified for
treatment of critical limb ischemia, which restricts blood flow in
the lower leg and can lead to amputation. Scientific score 79. - StemCells, Inc., (principal
investigator not yet known), $20 million, for development of human
neural stem cells to treat chronic cervical spinal cord injury. The
company, founded by Stanford scientist Irv Weissman, who serves on
its board, said earlier this year that it had filed two applications
in this round, one of which dealt with cervical cord spinal injury.
No other applicants filed a proposal for such research. Scientific score 79. - Robert Robbins, Stanford, $20 million,
development of a human embryonic stem cell treatment for end-stage
heart failure. Scientific score 68.
In the case of businesses, the awards
come in the form of loans. Grants go to nonprofits. One of the
reasons behind the varying mechanisms is the difference in CIRM's
intellectual property rules for businesses and nonprofits.
year approved the applications during closed door sessions. The full
CIRM board has ultimate authority on the applications, but it has
almost never rejected a positive action by the grant reviewers.
applications rejected by reviewers and approve any of them, which the
board has done in other rounds. In this round, three rejected
applications scored within seven points of the lowest rated
application approved by reviewers, which could lead some directors
to argue that the scores are not significantly different. One of the
three came from Alexandra Capela of StemCells, Inc., and was scored at 61. The other two and their scores are Clive Svendsen of
Cedars-Sinai, score 64, for ALS research, and Roberta Brinton of
USC, score 63, for an Alzheimer's project.
reviewer decisions to the full CIRM board in writing and in public
appearances before directors.
to apply for funding, CIRM told the California Stem Cell Report.
Applicants qualified by either winning a related planning grant from
CIRM last year or by being granted an exception to that requirement
by CIRM staff. Of the 22 researchers who ultimately applied(one
nonprofit dropped out), six came from biotech businesses. Three of
those qualified through exceptions. Three other businesses won
planning grants last year out of the eight businesses that applied.
negligible funding of stem cell firms and is moving to embrace
industry more warmly.
reviewers involves research with human embryonic stem cells, which
was the critical key to creation of the California stem cell agency.
California voters established the agency in 2004 on the basis that it
was needed because the Bush Administration had restricted federal
funding of human embryonic stem cell research.
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July 22nd, 2012
California’s $12.4 Million Stem Cell Recruitment Lure
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Directors of the California stem cell
agency next Thursday are likely to approve spending $12.4 million to
lure a couple of stem cell stars to the Golden State.
program that has brought three highly regarded scientists to three
California research institutions, all of which have representatives
on the CIRM board. (See here, here and here.)
identify the potential recipients in advance of the meeting or the
institutions that are recruiting them. However, if you have a modicum
of knowledge about the specific fields involved, it is likely that
you can identify them based on the information in CIRM's review summaries and some Internet searching.
$5.7 million award--would go a scientist who won raves from CIRM's
reviewers. The researcher was described as an “exceptional
scientist and one of the leading young developmental biologists.”
Reviewers gave his proposal a score of 90 and, in summary, said,
“Major strengths include the
candidate's exceptional productivity and contributions to the fields
of mammalian embryology and kidney development, the significance and
potential of the research program, the PI's proven leadership
capabilities, and the outstanding institutional commitment.”
The other grant was larger–$6.7
million–but reviewers raised a number of questions about the
candidate although they recommended it for funding. The review summary ranked the application at 57 and said,
“In summary, this is an application
from an established leader in NSC biology to pursue research focused
on disease mechanisms in PD. Strengths of the proposal include the
quality of the PI, the focus of the project on an interesting
hypothesis, and the leadership in basic science that the candidate
would bring to the applicant institution. Weaknesses included
deficiencies in the research plan, the limited track-record of the PI
in PD research and an institutional environment lacking adequate
support for basic science investigations.“
directors rejected a $6.3 million recruitment grant with a score of
76 sought by the Buck Institute, which is not represented on the
board.
on at a public CIRM board meeting in Burlingame, Ca.
(Editor's note: an earlier version of this item incorrectly said the total of both grants was $13.4 million.)
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July 22nd, 2012
TiGenix Signs Up 4th Major Hospital in the Netherlands for Innovative Cartilage Repair Therapy
By Dr. Matthew Watson
LEUVEN, BELGIUM--(Marketwire -07/17/12)- TiGenix (EURONEXT:TIG), the European leader in cell therapy, announced today that after obtaining national reimbursement for ChondroCelect in the Netherlands last month, the company has now contracted with four major hospitals to make its innovative cartilage repair therapy available to their patients on a routine basis: University Medical Center Utrecht, University Hospital Maastricht, Martini Hospital Groningen, and, most recently, the Elisabeth Hospital Tilburg. Discussions with other Cartilage Expert Centers are ongoing. Reimbursement for ChondroCelect in the Netherlands is retroactive per January 1, 2011.
"Our close collaboration with the Dutch hospitals is key to making ChondroCelect available to patients in the Netherlands," said Eduardo Bravo, CEO of TiGenix. "Dutch scientists and clinicians have made important contributions to the development of this innovative cartilage repair therapy. Patients who suffer from cartilage lesions in the knee that cause recurrent pain and can be incapacitating can now be routinely treated and literally find their footing again. We expect to soon expand the number of hospitals in the Netherlands where ChondroCelect is available."
Damage to the articular cartilage in the knee can be caused by sports or professional activities in which the knee is repeatedly and forcefully impacted. It is a condition that predominantly occurs in young adults, who as a result suffer from recurrent pain, locking or limited range of motion, and risk being incapacitated. TiGenix has developed ChondroCelect as a therapy to help patients regain their mobility and fully active lives by effectively repairing the damaged cartilage in the knee.
About ChondroCelect ChondroCelect for cartilage regeneration in the knee is an implantation suspension of characterized viable autologous (from the patient her- or himself) cartilage cells. The product is administered to patients in an autologous chondrocyte implantation procedure known as Characterized Chondrocyte Implantation (CCI), a surgical procedure to treat cartilage defects, in conjunction with debridement (preparation of the defect bed), a physical seal of the lesion (placement of a biological membrane, preferentially a collagen membrane) and rehabilitation.
Cartilage defects of the knee are very common and the spontaneous healing capacity of cartilage is limited. Currently, roughly 2 million cases of articular cartilage defects of the knee are diagnosed worldwide every year. TiGenix estimates that in Europe and the United States around 130,000 patients are eligible for treatment with cartilage regeneration products such as ChondroCelect.
ChondroCelect is the first cell-based product to successfully complete the entire development track from research to clinical development, and was approved by the European Medicines Agency as an Advanced Medicinal Therapy Product in October 2009. ChondroCelect is to date the only EMA approved cartilage repair therapy, and is commercially available in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, and Spain.
About TiGenixTiGenix NV (EURONEXT:TIG) is a leading European cell therapy company with a marketed cell therapy product for cartilage repair, ChondroCelect, and a strong pipeline with clinical stage allogeneic adult stem cell programs for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. TiGenix is based out of Leuven (Belgium) and has operations in Madrid (Spain), and Sittard-Geleen (the Netherlands). For more information please visit http://www.tigenix.com.
Forward-looking informationThis document may contain forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated future performance of TiGenix and the market in which it operates. Certain of these statements, forecasts and estimates can be recognized by the use of words such as, without limitation, "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will" and "continue" and similar expressions. They include all matters that are not historical facts. Such statements, forecasts and estimates are based on various assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable when made but may or may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict and may depend upon factors that are beyond TiGenix' control. Therefore, actual results, the financial condition, performance or achievements of TiGenix, or industry results, may turn out to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements, forecasts and estimates. Given these uncertainties, no representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates only speak as of the date of the publication of this document. TiGenix disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statement, forecast or estimates to reflect any change in TiGenix' expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement, forecast or estimate is based, except to the extent required by Belgian law.
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TiGenix Signs Up 4th Major Hospital in the Netherlands for Innovative Cartilage Repair Therapy
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July 18th, 2012
Cuba uses biotechnology to revive coffee industry – Xinhua
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 IANS | Cuba uses biotechnology to revive coffee industry Xinhua HAVANA, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Cuban researchers are trying to revive the nation's wilting coffee production by using bio-technology, an industrial expert said. A research project involving three institutions nationwide has made headway in developing new ... Cuba Coffee industryLive Trading News |
Source:
http://news.google.com/news?q=biotechnology&output=rss
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July 15th, 2012
Look For A Possible Long Entry In This iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) – ETF Daily News
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 ETF Daily News | Look For A Possible Long Entry In This iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) ETF Daily News Stocks recovered dramatically from session lows yesterday, on higher volume. All five major indices closed lower on the session but well off their worst levels of the day. The S&P 500 contained losses to 0.5% after being as much as 1.2% down on the day. |
Source:
http://news.google.com/news?q=biotechnology&output=rss
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July 15th, 2012
NeoStem to Present at the Seventh Annual JMP Securities Healthcare Conference
By Dr. Matthew Watson
NEW YORK, July 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeoStem, Inc. (NYSE MKT:NBS) ("NeoStem" or the "Company"), a cell therapy company, today announced that its CEO will present at the Seventh Annual JMP Securities Healthcare Conference on July 12, 2012.
The presentation will be webcast live and available to view at the following web address: http://wsw.com/webcast/jmp18/nbs/. The webcast will be archived for 90 days following the live presentation.
The Seventh Annual JMP Securities Healthcare Conference
About NeoStem, Inc.
NeoStem, Inc. ("we," "NeoStem" or the "Company") continues to develop and build on its core capabilities in cell therapy to capitalize on the paradigm shift that we see occurring in medicine. In particular, we anticipate that cell therapy will have a large role in the fight against chronic disease and in lessening the economic burden that these diseases pose to modern society. Our January 2011 acquisition of Progenitor Cell Therapy, LLC ("PCT") provides NeoStem with a foundation in both manufacturing and regulatory affairs expertise. We believe this expertise, coupled with our existing research capabilities and collaborations, will allow us to achieve our mission of becoming a premier cell therapy company. Our PCT subsidiary's manufacturing base is one of the few current Good Manufacturing Practices ("cGMP") facilities available for contracting in the burgeoning cell therapy industry. Amorcyte, LLC ("Amorcyte"), which we acquired in October 2011, is developing a cell therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Amorcyte's lead compound, AMR-001, represents NeoStem's most clinically advanced therapeutic and Amorcyte is enrolling patients for a Phase 2 trial to investigate AMR-001's efficacy in preserving heart function after a heart attack. We also expect to begin a Phase 1 clinical trial by 2012/2013 to investigate AMR-001's utility in arresting the progression of congestive heart failure and the associated comorbidities of that disease. Athelos Corporation ("Athelos"), which is approximately 80%-owned by our subsidiary, PCT, is engaged in collaboration with Becton-Dickinson that is exploring the earlier stage clinical development of a T-cell therapy for autoimmune conditions. In addition, our pre-clinical assets include our VSELTM Technology platform as well as our MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) product candidate for regenerative medicine.
For more information on NeoStem, please visit http://www.neostem.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, as of the date of this press release, and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements herein with respect to the successful execution of the Company's business strategy, including with respect to the Company's successful development of cell therapeutics, as well as the future of the cell therapeutics industry. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward- looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that could cause future results to materially differ from the recent results or those projected in forward-looking statements include the "Risk Factors" described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2012 and in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company's further development is highly dependent on future medical and research developments and market acceptance, which is outside its control.
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NeoStem to Present at the Seventh Annual JMP Securities Healthcare Conference
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July 10th, 2012
Needle-Sharing by Sex Workers Tied to Spread of Syphilis
By Dr. Matthew Watson
(HealthDay News) -- Needle-sharing among drug abusers may play as big a role as risky sexual behavior in the transmission of syphilis, a new study suggests.
American and Mexican researchers interviewed more than 900 female sex workers in the Mexican border towns of Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, which are adjacent to San Diego and El Paso, Texas, respectively. The sex workers, who were also tested for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), operate legally in the two Mexican towns, which are located on major drug trafficking routes.
The researchers found that female sex workers who didn't have HIV, but tested positive for active syphilis infection, were more likely than those without active syphilis infection to inject drugs, to use illegal drugs before or during sex in the past month, and to have U.S. clients who had higher rates of drug use, including the use of injection drugs. Read more…
Integrative Medicine
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July 8th, 2012