Old life capable of revealing new tricks after all – UC Los Angeles
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Nanowerk LLC | Old life capable of revealing new tricks after all UC Los Angeles Robert Gunsalus, a UCLA professor of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics, developed an interest in Archaea because of their ability to thrive in harsh environments. Now, using state-of-the-art imaging equipment at the California NanoSystems ... Old life capable of revealing new tricks after allPhysOrg.com |
Cell Therapy’s Got Talent Technology Showcase – A Call for Cell Therapy Manufacturing Technology Presentations
By Dr. Matthew Watson
in collaboration with:
In an effort to showcase the latest technologies driving the production of cell therapies, the Cell Therapy Group and Informa Life Sciences are proud to announce the introduction of the "Technology Showcase" session and award to be held in conjunction with Informa's Cell Therapy Manufacturing conference to be held 30 November to 1 December 2011 in Brussels Belgium.
Having held the same conference last year in London, Informa is committed to building on the success of last year's event by continuing to create a meaningful European forum for the issues related to the clinical and particularly commercial-scale production of cell-based therapies.
The Technology Showcase session, taking place on the main agenda, will feature 6 x 10 minute presentations from innovative companies developing cutting-edge technologies in the field of cell therapy manufacturing, and is particularly relevant to SME and academic groups with limited marketing resources.
All presentations will be reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Board with the winner announced at the end of the session. Exposure on BioProcess International's website is also included.
Technologies we'd like to promote include:
- Manufacturing systems including bioreactor technologies
- Cell harvest/collection technologies
- Cell storage/logistics technologies
- Clinical cell delivery and/or other point-of-care technologies
- Automation technologies
- Cell separation system
- Cell process devices
- Innovative reagents, scaffolds, matrices, and other “ancillary” tools
- Technologies to close currently open systems
- Suspension-based production systems
- Disposable technologies
How to apply:
To apply to present companies must submit an abstract (<300 words) to daniel.barry@informa.com and lbuckler@celltherapygroup.com outlining the product or service to be presented and why it is a critical technology related to cell therapy manufacturing.
The deadline for applications is SEPTEMBER 15 2011 - Priority given to early submissions
The cost of taking part in the Technology Showcase is £2,700 which includes the following benefits:
- 1 x 2-day conference pass (normal price £1,599)
- 10-minute podium presentation within main conference room
- 1 poster display in the Exhibition Hall
- Marketing - company logo displayed on website and event guide
- Exposure in BPI Magazine
Terms and conditions:
To be eligible the product or service to be presented must be:
- On the market for no less than 2 years or expected to be on the market no later than Q4 2012
- Appropriate for, applicable to, and compliant with clinical-grade manufacturing requirements (technologies only available for research use will not be considered)
Plus...
- The company must have no more than 15 employees
- The company has been running for no more than 5 years, and
- The company generates annual revenue of no more than $5m
For further information please contact: daniel.barry@informa.com or lbuckler@celltherapygroup.com
XCell-Center Stem Cell Therapy Christmas Video 2010
By NEVAGiles23
Successfully treated stem cell therapy patients hailing from around the globe share their pictures and comments. Happy Holidays from the XCell-Center to all of them and to our growing list of satisfied patients and supporters
See the original post:
XCell-Center Stem Cell Therapy Christmas Video 2010
Bone Marrow Stem Cell Applications
By raymumme
stemcell.md How many times have you seen a patient interview his or her doctor?
View post:
E’shee HBA Global Expo 2011, NYC. Skin Care Anti-Aging Symposium
By JoanneRUSSELL25
This dynamic session introduced participants to several very current areas of skin research including skin stem cells, cellular senescence, latest ingredients and technology for skin rejuvenation.
See the original post here:
E'shee HBA Global Expo 2011, NYC. Skin Care Anti-Aging Symposium
The Skin Gun
By Sykes24Tracey
Explorer : How to Build a Beating Heart : MON FEB 7 10p et/pt : channel.nationalgeographic.com A simple idea backed by stem cell research allows victims of severe burns to heal in merely days.
Follow this link:
The Skin Gun stem cell research
By Sykes24Tracey
Amazing Discovery - A new stem cell spray gun to heal burn victims.
View post:
A Major Breakthrough in Skin Care and Nutrition
By daniellenierenberg
After extensive research into the power of skin stem cells to reverse aging, a new cosmetic has been born. “Signals,™” this new concept will change your perception of skin care from the genes in your body to the surface of your skin. We took the stem cells from a healthy 19-year old and created a powerful new cosmetic to restore your skin to its youthful, vibrant beauty
See more here:
Adult Stem Cells May Target and Repair Heart Attack Damage
By LizaAVILA
A 41-site clinical trial, testing the restorative effect that adult bone marrow stem cells have on damaged or injured myocardium in heart attack patients, is being led at Wake Forest Baptist by Sanjay Gandhi, MD.
Link:
Bone marrow transplantation HD, ENG subtitles
By JoanneRUSSELL25
HD Movie made for: bonemarrowdonor.wordpress.com Clip showing both methods of bone marrow [or Hematopoietic Stem Cells - HSC] transplantation. The movie was made in Poland, but I've added professional English subs, so that You can watch it too... follow me! twitter.com
The rest is here:
Bone Marrow Stem Cells
By Sykes24Tracey
just a quick word about how they r going to take the bone marrow cells
See more here:
Diet, Exercise Better Than Vitamins in Promoting Health
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Harvard men's health watch is telling everyone how dangerous vitamin supplements are. Unfortunately they are not kidding!
Please know that although we have our references to try to refute these statements, your patient's families will be hearing this stuff.
While it was once hoped that supplements of folic acid could help reduce colon cancer, new research has shown that taking more than the minimum daily requirement would be harmful. Simon says other studies underscore the downside to dietary supplements, which are unregulated in the United States. "The most striking example is beta carotene, which we used to be very hopeful about, but actually increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Vitamin E increases the risk of second head-neck cancers in people who have been successfully treated for a first malignancy. Read more...
Immunice for Immune Support
Lilly announces new biotechnology investment – CSL Recruitment
By Dr. Matthew Watson
InPharm | Lilly announces new biotechnology investment CSL Recruitment Lilly is to create more clinical research jobs worldwide via a new multimillion-dollar investment in its biotechnology capabilities. The pharmaceutical company has announced plans to undertake new drug development projects and appoint additional ... Lilly announces new investment in biotechnologyZenopa Eli Lilly to strengthen biotechnology capabilitiesPharmaceutical Business Review Lilly to invest millions to boost biotechnology researchMedReps (subscription) Pharma Times -North County Times (blog) -Indianapolis Star all 423 news articles » |
Muhyiddin Promotes Malaysia’s Biotechnology Industry – Bernama
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Malaysia Star | Muhyiddin Promotes Malaysia's Biotechnology Industry Bernama WASHINGTON, June 29 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin lent his hand to "sell" Malaysia's biotechnology industry to the biotechnology's movers and shakers attending the BIO International Convention here as he presented the ... Melbourne's Thriving Biotechnology Industry Showcased at the BIO International ...Business Wire (press release) India Showcases It's Biotechnology Strengths through India Pavilion at BIO ...Orissadiary.com Foot Traffic, NC Innovations Slow to Materialize at BIO 2011NCTechNews (press release) Vancouver Sun -Bradenton Herald -Frederick News Post (subscription) all 145 news articles » |
Malaysia To Host Pacific Rim Summit On Industrial Biotechnology And Bioenergy – Bernama
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Bernama | Malaysia To Host Pacific Rim Summit On Industrial Biotechnology And Bioenergy Bernama The Pacific Rim Summit to be held in Malaysia in November will focus on industrial biotechnology and bioenergy across Asia and emerging regions of the world, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (left) said at the launch of BioMalaysia 2011 ... |
In vivo cell trafficking just took a leap forward
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Today Celsense, Inc. and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center announced that the FDA has authorized the use of the Cell Sense imaging reagent for use in a phase I clinical trial of a dendritic cell caccine to treat colorectal cancer patients.
This is the first FDA authorization of the use of Cell Sense in patients. Cell Sense is a novel perfluorocarbon tracer agent used to safely and efficiently label cells ex vivo without the use of transfection agents. Labeled cells are then transplanted into the patient enabling researchers and clinicians to non-invasively track the administration and migration of therapeutic cells using MRI. Applications include tracking cells in immunotherapy or regenerative medicine as well as the diagnosis of inflammatory sites by tracking selected populations of immune cells.
Cell Sense has been studied extensively in preclinical testing with many different human cell types including human cells in animals. For instance, in 2009 a paper was published in Informa's Cytotherapy, in which Celsense’s novel perfluorocarbon tracer agent (product “Cell Sense”) was used to label human DCs ex vivo for the purpose of tracking the cells in vivo post-transplant by 19F MRI. The paper provided an assessment of the technology and demonstrated that human DCs were effectively labeled without significant impact on cell viability, phenotype or function. Furthermore, the labeled dendritic cells were clearly detected in vivo by 19F MRI in a model system, with the labeled cells being shown to migrate selectively towards draining lymph node regions within 18 hours after transplant.
Many investigators looking at various ways to label cells to enable in vivo imaging have expressed concern that the FDA would delay the regulatory progress of their therapeutic candidates if an imaging modality was introduced.
This concern is based on numerous reports of MRI contrast reagents, such as the commonly investigated USPIO (ultrasmall superparamagnet iron oxide), deleteriously affecting the cells (see recent paper in Cell Transplantation).
"We believe that the authorization of this IND will alleviate such concerns and lower the barriers for adoption. The agency’s tangible support for bringing new technologies to bear in the translation of cell-based therapeutics is very encouraging,” s Charlie O'Hanlon, President and CEO of Celsense.
While there have been approved uses of imaging reagents (e.g., Feridex, etc) with cell therapies in other countries (e.g. Isreal), I believe this may be the first FDA-sanctioned use of a particle-based imaging label with a cell-based therapy. Other approaches to cellular imaging include nuclear imaging reagents and genetically modifying cells with reporter genes such as those provided by CellSight Technologies.
Imaging labels are capable of providing investigators with data demonstrating where the cells go, at what volumes, and for how long they stay at the target location.
The industry has been keen to see these kinds of technologies clinically employed but different cell-based labels have created their own technical, clinical, and/or regulatory hurdles. I'm hopeful that Celsense and others like them are now ushering us into a new era where we will eventually be able to use various technologies to monitor and collect valuable data concerning cells after they have been administered as a therapy to a patients.
Additional resources on the topic of imaging for cell therapies:
CIRM recently hosted a webinar - "CIRM/RMC Webinar: Imaging Technology for Cellular Therapies. One of the speakers, Dr. Shahriar Yaghoubi from CellSight Technologies, provides an overview of cell therapy imaging with emphasis on PET. Click hear for the archived playback.
A very interesting article posted today on Harvard's StemBook website. "In-vivo Stem Cell Imaging - Regulatory Challenges and Advances". Nice overview intel from J. Bulte and a snapshot into E. Wirth's (of Geron) perspective re: stem cell imaging.
A new book from CRC Press edited by Dara Kraitchman and Joe Wu will be out soon. It gathers together different methods for comparison. The issue will remain the sensitivity of the methods to track few cells. "Stem Cell Labeling for Delivery and Tracking Using Non-Invasive Imaging".
MRI contrast agents can change stem cell proliferation
There s also a very informative discussion thread on the topic in the Cell Therapy Industry group on LinkedIn.
Close Encounters of Science and Medicine
By Dr. Matthew Watson
From medicine to science
When I was about 3 or 4 years old, I got very sick. I stayed in bed for many weeks and every day a nurse would come to give me a penicillin shot. The pain from shots turned into fear, in time fear turned into a plan for revenge. When I got better I demanded to have my own syringe and cruelly treated all teddy bears and dolls. If they didn’t look sick I made them sick, just to perform surgeries, sew wounds and give shots. I even offered my service to family members; unfortunately, they stubbornly kept on being healthy.
Lifeline Cell Technology’s FibroLife Media Used to Cultivate Tissue-Engineered Blood Vessels for Cytograft Tissue Engineering
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Jeffrey Janus
President and CEO, Lifeline Cell Technology
760-940-6383
jjanus@lifelinecelltech.com
International Stem Cell Corporation’s Lifeline Cell Technology Subsidiary Expands Sales and Distribution While Enhancing Manufacturing Capability and Clinical Product Opportunities
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) (http://www.intlstemcell.com), the first company to perfect a method of creating human "parthenogenetic" stem cells derived from unfertilized human eggs, reports that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology (Lifeline), grew 2011 first quarter product sales by 35% and gained well over 200 new customers compared with the prior year through new product introductions and the development of worldwide distribution channels. Lifeline also made significant progress in its strategy to expand its product applications into manufacturing human tissues and cells for clinical use. Lifeline Cell Technology develops, manufactures and markets the Lifeline® brand of cell culture products used by researchers to grow human cells for basic and pre-clinical research. Lifeline also fulfills an important role in parent ISCO's long-term strategy to be a leading developer and manufacturer of human cells and human-cell-based products for clinical applications.
Lifeline's chief executive officer, Jeffrey Janus, stated, "Our product sales growth was largely due to the development and launch of more than 30 new products in 2010, including products that allow researchers to study human stem cells. Lifeline also opened new distribution channels in Japan, India, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore and has achieved significant sales in those new markets. Importantly, we have also moved closer to validating the feasibility of ISCO's strategic plan as our proprietary FibroLife® media is being used to cultivate tissue-engineered blood vessels for Cytograft Tissue Engineering in Novato, California. Cytograft's vessels are expected to be used as coronary grafts for coronary bypass procedures, as peripheral grafts to prevent lower limb amputations and as living tissue shunts for hemodialysis patients."
Cytograft's technology was recently featured at the American Heart Association's conference of emerging technology and can be viewed on the AHA's "Emerging Science Series Webinar" at scientificsessions.org/emergingscience.
Cytograft's chief executive officer, Todd McAllister, Ph.D., said, "Cytograft's clinical programs are going forward in Phase III trials and we are excited to be working with Lifeline as one of our key media developers and suppliers as we transition to commercialization and as we develop our next generation platform."
In anticipation of producing clinical grade products, Lifeline recently moved into new laboratory facilities that are capable of cGMP level manufacturing. Said Janus, "Lifeline Cell Technology provides ISCO the capacity to develop and manufacture human cell-based products for growing field of regenerative medicine, while at the same time generating revenue in the research market. The Cytograft opportunity is but one example of many potential clinical applications for Lifeline's products."
About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells 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). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background. This offers 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, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications, please click on the following link:http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
Forward-looking Statements
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, product development and marketing plans, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, competition, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
International Stem Cell Corporation
Jeffrey Janus
President and CEO, Lifeline Cell Technology
760-940-6383
jjanus@lifelinecelltech.com
or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com
International Stem Cell Corporation Executives to Speak at Health and Beauty Expo in New York City
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) announced today that Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, President and CEO of Lifeline Skin Care® (http://www.lifelineskincare.com), a subsidiary of ISCO, which develops and markets stem cell based anti-aging skincare products, will be addressing recent advances in stem cell technology at the HBA Global Expo being held June 28 – 30 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. This annual conference attracts more than 15,000 beauty industry professionals and is one of the largest events in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Product development and marketing executives attend the annual HBA conference for education and information on the latest trends in ingredients and raw materials.
Mr. Aldrich is participating in the "Executive Leadership Panel: Generating the Future in the Skin Anti-Aging Category," on Tuesday, June 28, at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Semechkin is presenting at the Expo's Anti-Aging Symposium as an expert on emerging technologies in skincare. Dr. Semechkin's presentation, titled "Stem Cell Derived Growth Factors - the Next Breakthrough in Anti-Aging," is scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, at 1:30 p.m.
International Stem Cell is a world leader in the research and development of parthenogenetic stem cells for therapeutic applications and is developing and commercializing stem cell-based research and cosmetic products through Lifeline Skin Care®. The first cosmetic products, a defensive day moisture serum and a recovery night moisture serum containing extracts from human parthenogenetic stem cells, were launched in November 2010 and are available for purchase through http://www.lifelineskincare.com and selected luxury spas across the United States.
About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells 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). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background. This offers 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, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications, please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
Forward-looking Statements
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, product development and marketing plans, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, competition, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
International Stem Cell Corporation
760-940-6383
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD
Vice President, ISCO
President and CEO, Lifeline Skin Care
ras@intlstemcell.com
or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley, 310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com