Johns Hopkins Medicine Media Relations and Public Affairs

JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE NEWS TIPS FROM THE 2013 ANNUAL CLINICAL CONFERENCE OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS, OCT. 6-10, WASHINGTON, D.C.

GENE AND STEM CELL THERAPY COMBINATION COULD AID WOUND HEALING

--Findings in elderly mice offer insight into helping elderly people recover from burns

Newswise Johns Hopkins researchers, working with elderly mice, have determined that combining gene therapy with an extra boost of the same stem cells the body already uses to repair itself leads to faster healing of burns and greater blood flow to the site of the wound.

Their findings offer insight into why older people with burns fail to heal as well as younger patients, and how to potentially harness the power of the bodys own bone marrow stem cells to reverse this age-related discrepancy.

As we get older, it is harder for our wounds to heal, says John W. Harmon, M.D., a professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who will present his findings to the American College of Surgeons Surgical Biology Club on Sunday at 9 a.m. Our research suggests there may be a way to remedy that.

To heal burns or other wounds, stem cells from the bone marrow rush into action, homing to the wound where they can become blood vessels, skin and other reparative tissue. The migration and homing of the stem cells is organized by a protein called Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1). In older people, Harmon says, fewer of these stem cells are released from the bone marrow and there is a deficiency of HIF-1. The protein was first discovered about 15 years ago at Johns Hopkins by Gregg L. Semenza, M.D., Ph.D., one of Harmons collaborators.

Harmon and his colleagues first attempted to boost the healing process in mice with burn wounds by increasing levels of HIF-1 using gene therapy, a process that included injecting the rodents with a better working copy of the gene that codes for the protein. That had worked to improve healing of wounds in diabetic animals, but the burn wound is particularly difficult to heal, and that approach was insufficient. So they supplemented the gene therapy by removing bone marrow from a young mouse and growing out the needed stem cells in the lab. When they had enough, they injected those supercharged cells back into the mice.

After 17 days, there were significantly more mice with completely healed burns in the group treated with the combination therapy than in the other groups, Harmon says. The animals that got the combination therapy also showed better blood flow and more blood vessels supplying the wounds.

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Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Combination Could Aid Wound Healing

Freeport, The Bahamas (PRWEB) October 03, 2013

Okyanos Heart Institute, whose mission is to bring a new standard of care and better quality of life to patients with coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy, has announced that they will be hosting a free educational seminar for the business community and all other interested individuals on Tuesday, October 22nd from 5:30 6:30 pm in the Coral Reef Room of the Pelican Bay Hotel in Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island. Registration is requested to attend as seating is limited.

Howard Walpole, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. and chief medical officer and interventional cardiologist for Okyanos Heart Institute will provide an overview of stem cell therapy for heart disease, the source of stem cells, how it is intended to work, and the protocol that will be used by the cath lab for patients once the facility is open in February, 2014. Erika Mangrum, SVP of Communications for the company, will provide an overview of what services will be needed by small businesses on the island, such as janitorial, hospital grade laundry, transportation, catering and more. A preliminary list of jobs that Okyanos Heart Institute will need to fill towards the end of the year will also be shared.

We welcome the local business community to learn about what we will be doing in treating patients with heart disease, said Walpole. Stem cell therapy is a growing field still with some confusion around where stem cells come from, what they do, and how they can potentially help someone with heart disease. We want to answer as many questions as we can.

President of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) Ian Rolle, is pleased with how plans are progressing as the Institute prepares to open its doors locally in early 2014. Legislation has recently been enacted to support stem cell therapy, research and development in The Bahamas. This is of monumental proportions as Grand Bahama Island is now poised to become a leading centre for medical advancement, Rolle said. We heartily welcome the Okyanos Heart Institute and support their efforts towards public education. Additionally, the employment of skilled professionals and outsourcing of ancillary services, mean permanent engagement and greater business opportunities for many of our citizenry.

Okyanos Heart Institute will have a number of service needs from the local business community, said Mangrum. We hope to meet potential suppliers and servicers and share what our needs will be from service providers, and share employment needs once we are close to opening in February. We could not be more enthused about bringing patients to the beautiful island of Grand Bahama in the hopes of improving the quality of their lives by restoring flow to their hearts.

Registration for the seminar is requested as seating is limited. Call 242-688-2667 or email freeseminar(at)okyanos(dot)com by Oct 18.

ABOUT OKYANOS HEART INSTITUTE: (Oh key AH nos) Based in Freeport, The Bahamas, Okyanos Heart Institutes mission is to bring a new standard of care and a better quality of life to patients with coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy. Okyanos adheres to U.S. surgical center standards and is led by Chief Medical Officer Howard T. Walpole Jr., M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. Okyanos Treatment utilizes a unique blend of stem and regenerative cells derived from ones own adipose (fat) tissue. The cells, when placed into the heart via a minimally-invasive catheterization, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. The treatment facilitates blood flow in the heart and supports intake and use of oxygen (as demonstrated in rigorous clinical trials such as the PRECISE trial). The literary name Okyanos (Oceanos) symbolizes flow. For more information, go to http://www.okyanos.com.

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Okyanos Heart Institute Offers Educational Seminar About Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy In Lucaya, Grand Bahama

Healing With Stem Cell Therapy
http://www.ihealthtube.com http://www.facebook.com/ihealthtube Stem cell treatments have long been controversial, mostly because they started with the use of...

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Healing With Stem Cell Therapy - Video

Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Autism with MR by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India
Improvement seen in just 3 months after Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Autism with MR by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India After Stem Cell Therapy 1. Her sitting tolerance has improved from 15...

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Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Autism with MR by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India - Video

Orange, CA (PRWEB) September 17, 2013

The top regenerative medicine clinic in Southern California, TeleHealth, is now offering stem cell therapy for back pain due to degenerative disc disease. The treatment has the potential to repair and regenerate damaged spinal discs and is performed as an outpatient procedure. For more information and scheduling, call (888) 828-4575.

One of the most troublesome spinal conditions to treat has been degenerative disc disease. Normally, a spinal disc contains 80% water. However, as it degenerates that percentage decreases and the discs are not great at regenerating themselves. This degeneration may unfortunately happen at a young age due to genetics or post traumatic deterioration.

TeleHealth, the leading stem cell therapy clinic in California, is now offering regenerative medicine treatments for degenerative disc disease. This includes either platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP), bone marrow derived stem cell injections, fat derived stem cell injections or a combination of therapies.

The treatments are on the cutting edge of medicine and have brought home to millions of individuals suffering from degenerative arthritis, disc disease and soft tissue injuries. TeleHealth also provides stem cell injections for osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendonitis, achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, ligament sprains and new indications such as hair loss and breast reconstruction after cancer.

The essential problem is that the metabolism of the degenerative disc is too slow and not able to heal itself. Stem cell treatments bring in vital reparative cells to the area along with growth factors to spur healing. The stem cell treatments for degenerative disc disease are not covered by insurance, however, most other treatments are at TeleHealth.

The treatments are all outpatient and offered by Board Certified doctors. For more information and scheduling of stem cell treatments for disc disease, call (888) 828-4575.

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Southern California Regenerative Medicine Clinics Now Offering Stem Cell Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease and ...

Manila, Philippines More health groups are supporting the stand of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) to strengthen government control against the unapproved use of stem cell therapy until conclusive trials had proven its safety and efficacy.

The University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) released a statement stressing the importance of clinical trials in proving the efficacy of stem cell treatments.

Aside from the NIH, the other medical societies opposing the highly advertised unproven treatments are the Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine, Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Philippine Society of Nephrology, Philippine Neurological Association, Philippine Society of General Surgeons, Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine Heart Association, Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, Diabetes Philippines, Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine, Philippine Society for Vascular Surgery, Philippine Urological Association, Philippine College of Chest Physicians, Philippine Rheumatology Association, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine, Philippine Society of Nuclear Medicine, Academy of Filipino Neurosurgeons, and the Philippine Dermatological Society.

The NIH said stem cell therapy, in all its stages collecting, processing, cryopreservation, and delivery of stem cells, must undergo clinical trials.

Dr. Marita V.T. Reyes of the Philippine Health Ethics Research Board emphasized that experimental therapy is not considered a standard therapy.

Reyes said experimental therapy may lead to unidentified harms that will cause probable risks on the patients.

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Stem cell therapy control sought

Stem Cell Therapy For Pets
Stemcellvet.co.uk offer adipose derived Stem Cell Therapy for pets in the UK. We treat cats and dogs predominantly for arthritis but there is also the potent...

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Short video of Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Transverse Myelitis by Dr Alok Sharma Mumbai India
Improvement seen after Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Transverse Myelitis by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. After Stem Cell Therapy PT assessment: Objective...

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Short video of Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Transverse Myelitis by Dr Alok Sharma Mumbai India - Video

Stem Cell Therapy Day 0 -1 🙂
Montana starting to build new hips.

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Stem Cell Therapy Day 0 -1 🙂 - Video

The bad news: "Stem cells by themselves do not work."

The good news: "Stem cells by themselves do not work."

Take it from the doctor who has treated 5,000 patients with stem cell therapy, a doctor who is himself a cancer survivor. Thirteen years ago, Dr. Sam Bernal - oncologist, chemist, molecular biologist, lawyer, professor and lecturer, among other things - was a cancer patient who thought he was at death's door. Using stem cells sourced from his bone marrow and peripheral blood, he overcame the disease and has since become an advocate of living fit, living well in order to look good.

Dr. Bernal, who divides his time between Los Angeles, Prague, Makati, and Germany, was a pioneer in stem cell research in the Philippines early on in his career, for which he was cited when he received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Filipinos Overseas from President Benigno S, Aquino III in 2012.

At a recent meeting with journalists, Dr. Bernal hurled the challenge: "What do you need stem cell therapy for if you eat well, sleep soundly, exercise regularly, don't smoke, have a positive attitude, and know how to live in the moment as you gaze at a painting and get a thrill out of small things like that?"

Not only is the doctor a passionate advocate of living the good life, the simple life, and, yes, Argentine tango - "It's better than boring exercises at the gym!" - he believes in healthy eating. "I brought a group of European friends to Manila and they were flabbergasted at our vegetable dishes - laing, gising-gising, buko juice - our simplest food was gourmet cuisine to them!"

No, he's not a vegetarian, but a "flexitarian."

But if stem cells - the body's own master and repair cells - aren't the key to staying young, what is? The holistic approach works best, according to the doctor, stating that the procedure should be recommended by doctors "on a case by case basis." In effect, the doctor prescribes "customizing your stem cell therapy."

In his book, molecular biology provides the battleground from which to attack the afflictions of aging that signal a desire or need to repair or replace one's stem cells. Speaking of books, Dr. Bernal continues to teach at Harvard, Ateneo, UST, and Medical City as a component of his mission to spread the benefits of technology transfer, which is the vision of his company, GlobeTek Science Foundation (based in Makati).

Excerpt from:
‘Customize’ your stem cell therapy

By: Jet Villa, InterAksyon.com August 18, 2013 5:02 PM

REUTERS FILE PHOTO

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will conduct on Friday, August 23, a public hearing on the regulation of stem cell therapy in the country.

The FDA said the public hearing is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p,m, at the Audio-Visual Room, 3rd floor, Annex Building, FDA office on Civil Drive in Alabang Muntinlupa.

The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the regulation of stem cell therapy, the stem cell products, and the health facilities that are offering the service in the court, it said.

The FDA also established an online reporting system to document adverse events linked to human cells, tissues, and cellular- and tissue-based products such stem cell therapies acquired in any facility.

The agency said those who experienced any untoward event or side effect or treatment failures after undergoing stem cell procedures can report through FDA website at http://www.fda.gov.ph under eReport and Adverse Drug Reaction, Report section.

E-mails may also be sent toreport@fda.gov.ph.

All consumers are assuredthat all information given will be treated with utmost confidentiality.Contact details are needed in case of a need for follow-up and validation.However, anonymous reports will still be accepted, the FDA added.

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FDA hearing on stem cell therapy set on Friday, Aug. 23

Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Peripheral Nerve Injury by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India.
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Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Peripheral Nerve Injury by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. - Video

By: Jet Villa, InterAksyon.com August 16, 2013 8:24 AM

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE - 10:12 a.m.) A consultant of Secretary Enrique Ona resigned Friday, calling the Health chiefs position that patients undergoing experimental stem cell therapy should pay unacceptable.

Dr. Anthony Leachon, who is in Davao City, said he emailed his resignation letter to Ona.

It is with deep regret that I'm resigning asDepartment of Health consultant for non-communicable diseases effective today (Friday). I have been privileged and honored to be a part of your administration even as a one peso a year consultant. I value our friendship and camaraderie which started years ago, Leachon, vice president of the Philippine College of Physicians and Onas consultant for non-communicable diseases, wrote.

Because his position is directly opposed to Onas, Leachon told the Health secretary, I believe I have lost your trust and confidence and I might not be effective serving the DOH and fighting the PCP and medical societies ' cause in the service of the Filipino patient.

Leachon was Onas consultant for non-communicable diseases since November 2011.

Ang pinaka-hindi ko nagustuhan ay yung sisingilin ang pasyente kahit clinical trial pa lang. Yon ang unacceptable sa akin (What I disagree with most is charging patients even if what they undergo are just clinical trials. That is unacceptable), Leachon said.

His resignation came as the National Health Institute, the research arm for health sciences of the University of the Philippines-Manila, joined the growing opposition to the Health secretarys stand on experimental stem cell therapy.

Leachon, a cardiologist at the Manila Doctors Hospital, called Onas position a complete violation of the Code of Ethics (for doctors) and being the secretary of health, alam niya dapat yon (he should know that). This is not a sign of ignorance, pero siguro may mga taong iba ang sinasabi sa kaniya (but there may be people telling him otherwise).

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Consultant quits over DOH chief's stand on stem cell therapy

Hello Doctor Zee 24 Taas Dr Nandini Gokulchandran talk show on stem cell therapy treatment
Hello Doctor Zee 24 Taas Dr Nandini Gokulchandran talks about Brain Related different types diseases and for them effective Stem Cell Therapy Treatments Stem...

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Hello Doctor Zee 24 Taas Dr Nandini Gokulchandran talk show on stem cell therapy treatment - Video

By: InterAksyon.com August 9, 2013 10:02 AM

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - The controversy over unregulated stem cell procedures in the country, including the role of unlicensed foreign doctors, has reached Congress, from where several alleged victims of malpractice came. The vice chairman of the House blue-ribbon panel is set to deliver a privileged speech Monday ahead of hearings on the current state of things in the stem cell therapy practice in the country, where experts warned earlier the "fad-like" atmosphere poses serious threat to public health and safety.

Rep. Doy Leachon of Oriental Mindoro is expected to train his sights on, among others: the unethical practice of stem cell therapy without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and on unapproved indications; the charging of exorbitant fees for still-experimental procedures; the criminal liabilities of doctors who prey on the miseries of desperate sick patients; a review of the potential conflict of interest, unethical conduct of self-promotion and violation of FDA rules in pushing stem cell therapy and charging of fees involving the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM).

Leachon wants the academe, ethics experts and the Philippine College of Physicians to shed light on the multidimensional controversy.

The House inquiry may also focus on the deaths of two congressmen who allegedly died after undergoing stem cell therapy; and the case of Dangerous Drugs Board chairman Antonio Villar, who developed adverse reactions.

Expected to be summoned to the House hearings, besides representatives of the PMA and PSSCM are officials of the FDA, Department of Health, PRC, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Internal Revenue and other stakeholders.

Earlier this week, the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) served notice it would require special permits from foreign doctors who conduct stem cell procedures in the country. It warned that those failing to do so, as well as their local partners, face criminals charges for medical malpractice.

For his part, Leachon--saying a class suit is possible against doctors in cases where the stem cell therapy was found to have caused deaths and adverse reactions--encouraged patients victimized by "unscrupulous con artists and who developed side effects" to report to his office.

Leachon, a lawyer, was a TOYM awardee in public service in 2011.

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House panel trains sights on unregulated stem-cell therapy in PH

MANILA - Foreign doctors are now required to secure a permit to perform stem cell therapy in the country or face criminal liability.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)s Board of Medicine (BOM) made the announcement yesterday, explaining that the requirement is part of government efforts to regulate the practice of stem cell therapy in the country to ensure the safety of patients.

In a statement, the BOM said foreign physicians who intend to practice stem cell therapy here must obtain special temporary permit from the PRC to avoid being charged with medical malpractice.

Even local doctors who have aided foreign physicians illegal practice of stem cell therapy shall be also held criminally liable, the BOM added.

To secure the special temporary permit, a foreign doctor must submit proof of education and actual practice in the field of stem cell therapy and current license authenticated by the Philippine embassy and the embassy in the country of origin.

The board said physicians should have acquired the necessary education, supervised training and extensive clinical experience prior to performing the treatment. It noted that the argument that stem cell therapy falls under the general practice of medicine since it only involves injection of stem cell solution is erroneous.

As professionals, physicians should be able to conduct self-assessment and self-evaluation regarding what they can and what they should not do, they added.

The BOM also noted that stem cell therapy should be practiced only in hospitals and clinics licensed by the Department of Heath for assurance that these medical facilities have the necessary manpower and equipment to prevent risks and hazards to patients.

The board also warned patients desiring to undergo stem cell therapy abroad to first verify the status of clinics and hospitals as well as practitioners from regulatory authorities.

Earlier, the Food and Drug Administration and the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) reported receiving numerous complaints of foreign doctors performing stem cell therapy in hotels and other non-medical facilities. The PMA said foreign doctors injected patients with animal-based stem cells at P1 million per shot, but these foreigners are not even licensed to practice medicine in the country.

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Foreign doctors need permit for stem cell therapy

Blue Hills Veterinary Hospital - Stem Cell Therapy Success
Visit http://www.bluehillsvet.co.za for more information.

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Blue Hills Veterinary Hospital - Stem Cell Therapy Success - Video

(PRWEB) July 22, 2013

The Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics (IRMO), world-renowned stem cell therapy experts, applauds the use of stem cell therapy for treatment of spinal injuries. In recent times, stem cell therapy has been increasingly sought after to support treatments of various injuries, especially in the sports world. Its use in repairing spinal injuries comes as good news to the thousands of Americans currently living with spinal cord injuries who are seeking the latest in breakthrough medical solutions.

Stem cell therapy is of the most exciting and promising treatments in modern medicine. Inroads are made every day, as the many applications of stem cell treatments become better understood by medical professionals around the world. Experts, like Dr. Joseph Purita of the Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics, have been utilizing stem cell treatments for many years to treat sports injuries.

Recent scientific and technological advancements have made stem cell extraction relatively inexpensive and accessible. Today, medical professionals have unprecedented access to these remarkable cells and are increasingly applying them in new ways to better aid in the bodys repair process. This includes advances in platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP), a process that takes a concentration of a persons own plasma and injects it into areas in need of new growth and tissue repair.

The use of stem cell therapy in the treatment of spinal cord injuries presents probably the biggest challenge yet for proponents of the treatment. Researchers are increasingly using stem cells to hopefully better understand its capabilities. The hope for spinal cord injuries is that one day stem cells can be used to generate new passageways for nerve signals to connect to muscles. The more stem cells are used for treatment in spinal cord injuries, the closer the medical field will be to fulfilling this promise.

Headed by the world-renowned stem cell treatment pioneer, Dr. Purita, the Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics is continually advancing the world of stem cell therapy treatments. They are one of the few orthopedic practices in existence that utilizes stem cell therapy, and PRP therapy, with orthopedic surgery to maximize a patients recovery outcome. As more stem cell treatments are being used to treat spinal injuries, Dr. Purita and his group look forward to seeing what great strides are made in battling the crippling condition in the near future.

About Stem Cell Orthopedic: The Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics (IRMO) is a world-class orthopedic practice and stem cell facility staffed with seasoned board certified orthopedic surgeons. They differ from most orthopedic practices because they offer stem cells and platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy in conjunction with surgery or as alternative to surgical procedures. They utilize state-of-the-art technology and the latest in stem cell research to best treat their patients. IRMO uses hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), which are found circulating in blood, fat, and bone marrow, to help repair the body. They are headed by Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Purita, a world-renowned pioneer in laser orthopedic surgery and graduate of the esteemed Georgetown University Medical School. For more information, visit http://www.stemcellorthopedic.com/ or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

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Stem Cell Orthopedic Applauds Use of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Injuries

Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Left Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India.
Improvement seen in just 5 day after Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Left Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. After Stem Cell Therapy...

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Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Left Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. - Video

DUBLIN, July 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets ( http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dhdp3r/cell_therapy) has announced the addition of Jain PharmaBiotech's new report "Cell Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies" to their offering.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130307/600769 )

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 were 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.

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Cell Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies - Updated 2013 with New Companies and Profiles