Category Archives: Stem Cell Therapy

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AgeX Therapeutics , Inc. (AgeX: NYSE American: AGE), a biotechnology company developing therapeutics for human aging and regeneration, reported financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020.

The human tragedy of this pandemic has long tentacles that effect numerous businesses including AgeX, said Greg Bailey M.D., Chairman. Given the current global economic landscape, and the changes that businesses will need to make to accommodate to a post pandemic world, we feel that new business model aligns well to be able to function in this new environment. We see enormous opportunity to license and joint venture PureStem and HLA-G while implementing a definitive plan to begin preclinical trials on tissue regeneration under the leadership of Michael West and Michael May. We will update you in the future as these plans progress.

AgeX has completed a company restructuring to help set it up for success in the future. The combination of company priorities, cash position and the COVID-19 pandemic led to employee lay-offs designed to support the evolution of AgeX's current team to execute on strategic business goals going forward and to ensure cash is directed at near-term priorities to deliver maximum shareholder value. AgeX has a dual business strategy to diversify risk and maximize opportunities. It plans to continue to pursue its licensing and collaboration strategy for its two primary technology platforms, UniverCyte immunotolerance technology for the generation of universal cells, and PureStem cell derivation and manufacturing technology for the production of therapeutic cells with potential advantages, including industrial scalability and lower manufacturing costs. Since the launch of its licensing and collaboration strategy in January 2020, AgeX has delivered a research collaboration in Japan focused on developing universally transplantable cells for therapeutic use based on UniverCyte, entered into a neural stem cell therapy research collaboration for neurological disorders utilizing PureStem at a California University, and AgeX licensee ImStem Biotechnology received the first-ever clearance of a cell therapy derived from AgeXs embryonic stem cells by the FDA to enter human studies.

In addition, AgeX remains committed to pursuing in-house cell therapy product development and plans to raise money to build the optimal team to deliver on its products, AGEX-BAT1 for metabolic diseases such as type II diabetes and AGEX-VASC1 for tissue ischaemia. AgeXs budgetary and personnel adjustments will result in the deferral of in-house product development and may also lead to AgeX seeking arrangements with other companies in the cell therapy or biopharma industry for the development of its product candidates and technology, or outsourcing of some of that work to service providers until further funding can be obtained to rebuild in-house research and development staff for one or more of those programs. Development of AgeXs iTR technology may be done at AgeXs subsidiary Reverse Bioengineering, Inc. subject to successful financing of the subsidiary.

Upwards of 80% of healthcare expenditures in the United States relates to chronic degenerative disease and aging is a principle underlying cause of such conditions, said Michael D. West, Ph.D., AgeXs Chief Executive Officer. Therefore, the ability to manufacture to scale young clinical-grade cells capable of regenerating functionality in diverse tissues of the body has the potential to transform healthcare as we know it today. Perhaps even more noteworthy is the potential of reversing developmental aging in the body itself through AgeXs iTR technology. Our goal in the coming year is to advance the development of our intellectual property with the goal of bringing value to our shareholders.

Q1 Highlights

Liquidity and Capital Resources

AgeX is in need of additional capital to finance its operations. On March 30, 2020, AgeX entered into a Secured Convertible Facility Agreement (the New Loan Agreement) with Juvenescence Limited pursuant to which AgeX may borrow funds from time to time. On April 1, 2020 AgeX drew the initial $500,000, and may draw additional funds from time to time subject to Juvenescences discretion, prior to the contractual repayment date on March 30, 2023. AgeX may not draw down more than $1 million in any single draw. More information about the New Loan Agreement can be found in AgeXs Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2020 and May 14, 2020, respectively.

On April 13, 2020, AgeX obtained a loan in the amount of $432,952 from Axos Bank under the Paycheck Protection Program (the PPP Loan). The PPP Loan will bear interest at a rate of 1% per annum. No payments will be due on the PPP Loan during a six month deferral period commencing on the date of the promissory note. Commencing one month after the expiration of the deferral period, and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the maturity date of the PPP Loan, monthly payments of principal and interest will be due, in an amount required to fully amortize the principal amount outstanding on the PPP Loan by the maturity date. The maturity date is April 13, 2022. The principal amount of the PPP Loan is subject to forgiveness under the PPP to the extent that PPP Loan proceeds are used to pay expense permitted by the PPP, including payroll, rent, and utilities (collectively, Qualifying Expenses), during the time frame permitted by the PPP. AgeX intends to use the PPP Loan amount for Qualifying Expenses. However, no assurance is provided that AgeX will obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loan in whole or in part.

Staff Reductions

During April 2020, AgeX initiated staff layoffs that affected 12 employees, primarily research and development personnel. AgeX has paid approximately $105,000 in accrued payroll and unused paid time off and other benefits and expects to recognize approximately $194,800 in restructuring charges in connection with the reduction in staffing, consisting of contractual severance and other employee termination benefits, substantially all of which are expected to be settled in cash. The staff reductions followed AgeXs strategic review of its operations, giving consideration to the status of its product development programs, human resources, capital needs and resources, and current conditions in the capital markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Going Concern Considerations

As required under Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (ASC 205-40), AgeX evaluates whether conditions and/or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to meet its future financial obligations as they become due within one year after the date its financial statements are issued. Based on AgeXs most recent projected cash flows, and considering that loans from Juvenescence in excess of an initial $500,000 advance under the New Loan Agreement will be subject to Juvenescences discretion, AgeX believes that its cash and cash equivalents, the $500,000 loan under the New Loan Agreement, the PPP Loan and reduction in staff in May 2020 would not be sufficient to satisfy its anticipated operating and other funding requirements for the twelve months following the filing of AgeXs Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2020. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the ability of AgeX to continue as a going concern.

First Quarter 2020 Operating Results

Revenues: Total Revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were $515,000 as compared with $388,000 for the first quarter of 2019. AgeX revenue is primarily generated from subscription and advertising revenues from the GeneCards online database through its subsidiary LifeMap Sciences, Inc. Revenues in 2020 also included approximately $86,000 of allowable expenses under its research grant from the NIH as compared with $15,000 in the same period in 2019.

Operating expenses: Operating expenses reported for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $3.7 million as compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2019. On an as-adjusted basis, operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $3.2 million as compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2019.

The reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses is provided in the financial tables included with this earnings release.

Research and development expenses increased by $0.3 million to $1.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 from $1.3 million during the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $0.2 million in scientific consultants, $0.2 million in laboratory facilities and equipment related expenses and maintenance, $0.1 million in personnel related expenses allocable to research and development, and $0.1 million in depreciation and amortization of laboratory equipment and improvements. These increases were offset to some extent by a decrease of $0.3 million in shared services from Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (Lineage) with the termination of the Shared Facilities and Services Agreement on September 30, 2019.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 remained consistent with the same period in 2019 of $2.1 million despite bearing the full lease and facilities related costs since April 2019, and an increase in head count with the employment of AgeXs own finance team since October 1, 2019. These increases were offset by a decrease in shared facilities and services fees from Lineage following the termination of the Shared Facilities and Services Agreement on September 30, 2019.

About AgeX Therapeutics

AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: AGE) is focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics for human aging. Its PureStem and UniverCyte manufacturing and immunotolerance technologies are designed to work together to generate highly defined, universal, allogeneic, off-the-shelf pluripotent stem cell-derived young cells of any type for application in a variety of diseases with a high unmet medical need. AgeX has two preclinical cell therapy programs: AGEX-VASC1 (vascular progenitor cells) for tissue ischemia and AGEX-BAT1 (brown fat cells) for Type II diabetes. AgeXs revolutionary longevity platform induced Tissue Regeneration (iTR) aims to unlock cellular immortality and regenerative capacity to reverse age-related changes within tissues. AGEX-iTR1547 is an iTR-based formulation in preclinical development. HyStem is AgeXs delivery technology to stably engraft PureStem cell therapies in the body. AgeXs core product pipeline is intended to extend human healthspan. AgeX is seeking opportunities to establish licensing and collaboration arrangements around its broad IP estate and proprietary technology platforms and therapy product candidates.

For more information, please visit http://www.agexinc.com or connect with the company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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 forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. 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 business of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in more detail in the Risk Factors section of AgeXs most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commissions (copies of which may be obtained at http://www.sec.gov). Subsequent events and developments may cause these forward-looking statements to change. AgeX specifically disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise these forward-looking statements as a result of changed events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law.

AGEX THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUE AMOUNTS)

March 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

468

$

2,352

Accounts and grants receivable, net

366

363

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,238

1,339

Total current assets

2,072

4,054

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AgeX Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Business Update - Business Wire

The first UAE patient to recover from Covid-19 after stem-cell therapy has told of his gruelling journey to "full health" after being placed in a coma to stop his organs shutting down.

Abdullahi Rodhile, 50, from Somalia, contracted the virus on March 30 and, because of an existing heart condition, his health deteriorated quickly.

The virus attacked his kidneys and lungs so badly that doctors rushed him into the intensive care unit at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi and put him in an induced coma for 20 days.

Whenever we called the hospital to ask about him, they would say 'just pray for him', Mr Rodhile's sister Zainab, 55, told The National.

Zainab said the family braced themselves for bad news after seeing global death tolls rapidly rise.

I was brought back to life. I was dead and now I am alive

Abdullahi Rodhile

With all this news, we lost our hope," she said. "I swear to God, I thought he was going to [die]. Even his wife prepared herself that he was not coming back.

A week after Mr Rodhile was admitted into the hospital, doctors from the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre proposed a new therapy they believed could help to treat the effects of Covid-19.

Eager to try any treatment that could help, the family agreed and Mr Rodhile became the first Covid-19 patient in the UAE to be given stem cell therapy.

It involves isolating then activating stem cells taken from the patient's blood before they are nebulised into a fine mist so they can be inhaled into the lungs.

The therapy has since been used on 72 other coronavirus patients with severe symptoms.

I was brought back to life. I was dead and now I am alive, said Mr Rodhile, who works as a cargo clerk.

I have never been better. Thank God."

He spent 40 days in intensive care but only after he started the stem cell therapy did his lungs begin to improve slightly.

Mr Rodhile eventually healed enough to gradually awaken from the coma.

The first thing he did after he regained consciousness was call his sister.

He asked for his cell phone and asked them to dial my number," Zainab said. "It was 12am and I saw his name and I was in shock. I couldnt even move."

Mr Rodhile was disoriented and confused at first but slowly began to recover his strength.

I do believe that, after God, stem cell made his life different, his sister said.

Mr Rodhile is father to 10 children with his youngest aged only a month. His wife and children live in Somalia.

His stem cell treatment was free, in line with an order from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, that all costs be covered for any critical coronavirus cases.

The treatment is considered "supportive". It is administered to patients alongside more conventional medical support and established treatment, rather than as a replacement.

"I am grateful and want to thank every person who has supported me and has taken care of me, and for Sheikh Mohamed and the UAE government for covering my treatment," Mr Rodhile said.

____________

Sheikh Mohammed calls for UAE to make 'fastest recovery' from pandemic

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche, as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city.Victor Besa / The National

Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit & vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , May 6 2020 :- A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. UAE government ease the coronavirus restriction for the residents around the country. (Pawan Singh / The National) For News/Standalone/Online/Stock/Instagram

Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back totheir home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operatingfrom select cities.Karim Sahim / AFP

Passengers from an Emirates flight from London line up before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP

Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place. toprotect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa/The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 9, 2020. Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi will be open from noon to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National

Workers pass by Al Mina Vegetables and Fruits Market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National

Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at Abu Dhabi'sMussafah Industrial Area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Updated: May 12, 2020 09:56 AM

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UAE's first Covid-19 patient to recover after stem-cell therapy tells of medical journey - The National

MGTA-145 was shown to be a rapid, reliable, efficient and G-CSF-free method to obtain high numbers of functional HSCs in a Phase 1 trial; the cells could be gene modified and engraft in animals. MGTA-145 could be used to improve collection and gene therapy outcomes

Additional preclinical data show MGTA-145 serves as efficient, same-day mobilization regimen for in vivo HSC gene therapy in animals, which could be applicable in treating sickle cell disease and other genetic disorders

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Magenta Therapeutics(Nasdaq: MGTA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel medicines to bring the curative power of blood and immune reset to more patients, presented preclinical data on its stem cell mobilization therapy clinical candidate, MGTA-145, this week at the annual meeting of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT).

Magenta is developing MGTA-145 as a first-line standard of care for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization in a broad range of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, blood cancers and genetic diseases, such as sickle cell disease. MGTA-145, a CXCR2 agonist, acts in combination with plerixafor, a CXCR4 antagonist, and met all endpoints in a Phase I trial showing reliable same-day mobilization and collection of HSCs for genetic modification and transplant. MGTA-145 has been dosed in more than 100 healthy volunteers.

Magenta intends to initiate multiple Phase 2 trials of MGTA-145 and generate initial Phase 2 data in 2020. These trials, which will include both allogeneic and autologous transplant settings, will evaluate mobilization and collection of functional HSCs and their engraftment in patients after transplant to rebuild the blood and immune systems.

MGTA-145 has the potential to fundamentally transform the standard of care for stem cell mobilization, collection and engraftment for patients and donors, said John Davis Jr., M.D., M.P.H., M.S., Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer, Magenta Therapeutics. These data provide further confirmation that cells obtained with MGTA-145 can be used in gene therapy and gene editing settings across various genetic diseases. These are encouraging findings for the breadth of applications for MGTA-145, showing safe and robust mobilization of functional cells that can be used for stem cell transplant, as well as for gene therapy applications, expanding the programs potential for even more patients beyond the 150,000 patients presently eligible in the U.S. and Europe.

MGTA-145 Preclinical Data

These data demonstrate that MGTA-145, in combination with plerixafor, enables the same-day mobilization of sufficient functional HSCs that can be gene modified and engrafted.

Title: MGTA-145, in Combination with Plerixafor, Rapidly Mobilizes Large Numbers of HSCs in Humans That Can Be Gene Edited with CRISPR/Cas9 and Mediate Superior Engraftment to Standard-of-Care (Abstract #123)Presenter: Kevin Goncalves, Ph.D., Magenta Therapeutics, Cambridge, Mass.Date and Time: Tuesday, May 12, 2020 3:45-5:30pm

In a limit dilution study using CD34+ cells from a Phase 1 healthy volunteer study, same-day, single-dose mobilization with MGTA-145, in combination with plerixafor, led to 10x higher numbers of engrafting human HSCs in NSG mice, as compared to current standard-of-care approaches. Higher engraftment was confirmed by congenic mouse transplant models in primary and secondary recipients, indicating durable engraftment with MGTA-145 plus plerixafor mobilized blood.

To determine whether MGTA-145 plus plerixafor mobilized blood CD34+ cells could be efficiently gene-modified for use in a variety of therapeutic applications, CD34+ cells from two healthy donors were edited with CRISPR/Cas9 targeting beta-2-microglobulin. Ninety percent editing was achieved, and these cells were successfully engrafted in an NSG mouse model.

This same-day mobilization and collection regimen could potentially offer a significant improvement of cell collection protocols and autologous gene therapy outcomes for a variety of genetic diseases.

Title: MGTA-145/Plerixafor-Mediated HSC Mobilization and Intravenous Gene Therapy in Mice Allows for Efficient in vivo HSC Transduction and Stable Gene Marking in Peripheral Blood Cells (Abstract #810)Presenter: Chang Li, Ph.D., Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of WashingtonDate and Time: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 5:30-6:30pm

These results show, for the first time, that MGTA-145 plus plerixafor can enable robust, same-day mobilization of large numbers of stem cells in animal models that can be efficiently modified in vivo by gene therapy without transplant, which could be applicable in patients with sickle cell disease or other genetic disorders.

The data show that the one-hour MGTA-145 + plerixafor mobilization regimen was superior compared to the five-day G-CSF + plerixafor approach, yielding less leukocytosis, lower cytokine release after virus delivery, better cost effectiveness and, potentially, improved performance in models of hemoglobinopathies.

About Magenta Therapeutics

Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Magenta Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel medicines for patients with autoimmune diseases, blood cancers and genetic diseases. By creating a platform focused on critical areas of unmet need, Magenta Therapeutics is pioneering an integrated approach to allow more patients to receive one-time, curative therapies by making the process more effective, safer and easier.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws, including express or implied statements regarding Magentas future expectations, plans and prospects, including, without limitation, statements regarding expectations and plans for presenting pre-clinical and clinical data, the anticipated timing of our clinical trials, and the development of our product candidates. The use of words such as may, will, could, should, expects, intends, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, projects, seeks, endeavor, potential, continue or the negative of such words or other similar expressions can be used to identify forward-looking statements. The express or implied forward-looking statements included in this press release are only predictions and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation: uncertainties inherent in clinical studies and in the availability and timing of data from ongoing clinical studies; whether interim results from a clinical trial will be predictive of the final results of the trial; whether results from preclinical studies or earlier clinical studies will be predictive of the results of future trials; the expected timing of submissions for regulatory approval or review by governmental authorities; regulatory approvals to conduct trials or to market products; risks, uncertainties and assumptions regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Magentas business, operations, strategy, goals and anticipated timelines; and other risks concerning Magenta are described in additional detail in its risks set forth under the caption Risk Factors in Magentas most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 3, 2020, as updated by Magentas most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although Magenta believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. Moreover, except as required by law, neither Magenta nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements included in this press release. Any forward-looking statement included in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it was made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Magenta Therapeutics Presents Data at Annual Meeting of American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Demonstrating Cells Mobilized with MGTA-145 in a...

The recently published market study by GLOBAL MARKETERS.BIZ highlights the current trends that are expected to influence the dynamics of the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market in the upcoming years. The report introspect the supply chain, cost structure, and recent developments pertaining to the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market in the report and the impact of the COVID-19 on these facets of the market. Further, the micro and macro-economic factors that are likely to impact the growth of the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market are thoroughly studied in the presented market study.

Get PDF Samplecopy(including TOC, Tables, and Figures) @https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/life-sciences/global-animal-stem-cell-therapy-market-2019-by-manufacturers,-regions,-type-and-application,-forecast-to-2024/130268#request_sample

Leading Players Are :

Medivet Biologics LLCVETSTEM BIOPHARMAJ-ARMU.S. Stem Cell, IncVetCell TherapeuticsCelavet Inc.Magellan Stem CellsKintaro Cells PowerAnimal Stem CareAnimal Cell TherapiesCell Therapy SciencesAnimacel

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Critical Data in the Animal Stem Cell Therapy Market Report

Company share analysis and competition landscape

Recent trends and notable developments in the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market space

Growth projections of each market segment and sub-segment during the forecast period

COVID-19 impact on the global Animal Stem Cell Therapy market

Recent innovations, product launches, and technological advances relevant to the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market

Regional Assessment

The regional assessment chapter in the report offers an out and out understanding of the potential growth of the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market across various geographies such as:

Application Assessment

The presented study ponders over the numerous applications of the Animal Stem Cell Therapy and offers a fair assessment of the supply-demand ratio of each application including:

Market Taxonomy

By Type

DogsHorsesOthers

By Application

Veterinary HospitalsResearch Organizations

Enquire Here For Customization:

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By Region

North America

Latin America

Europe

China

Japan

SEA and Other APAC

MEA

Get Table of Contents with Charts, Figures & Tables https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/life-sciences/global-animal-stem-cell-therapy-market-2019-by-manufacturers,-regions,-type-and-application,-forecast-to-2024/130268#table_of_contents

The report resolves the following doubts related to the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market:

1. Who are the leading market players operating in the current Animal Stem Cell Therapy market landscape?

2. Which region is expected to dominate the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market in terms of market share and size during the forecast period?

3. What are the various factors that are likely to contribute to the growth of the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market in the upcoming years?

4. What is the most impactful marketing strategy adopted by players in the Animal Stem Cell Therapy market?

5. What is the projected CAGR growth of application 1 during the forecast period?

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Global Animal Stem Cell Therapy Market Types, Application, and Regions, Forecast 2020- 2025. :Global Globalmarketers.biz - Cole of Duty

The year of 2020 has been unlike any other year. Since January, the global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives affecting our health, our economy and our livelihoods. With the world in lockdown, the race is on to find a solution to the fast spreading deadly virus.

Scientists and researchers are uniting in a global effort to develop cutting edge technologies and novel treatments for the virus. As a result, numerous early studies have emerged, proposing stem cells as an effective method in treating the disease, with several clinical trials now underway. In particular, these studies have focused on the therapeutic potential of stem cells from the umbilical cord in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) harvested from umbilical cord blood have attracted significant attention in clinical trials for COVID-19 due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties.

When an individual contracts COVID-19, an immune overreaction is triggered in the body, producing large amounts of inflammatory factors whilst simultaneously destroying numerous essential cells. This results in in an overproduction of immune cells and cytokines, which researchers refer to as an inflammatory storm.

Here, the idea to use MSCs in the treatment of COVID-19 patients was coined, to prevent the storm release of cytokines by the immune system and promote repair by reparative properties of the stem cells.

These MSCs oppose viral infections due to the presence of specific cytokines improved qualities. Subsequently, they can prevent lung tissue damage by counteracting the cytokine storm through their immunomodulatory function and differentiation ability to regenerate and reconstruct damaged tissue. As a result, it has been demonstrated that MSCs significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory failure.

The application of these stem cells seems to be particularly effective in cases of critically ill patients, as reported in the Aging and Disease journal. In this study, seven COVID-19 patients were administered with MSCs from the umbilical cord. After two days of receiving the MSC treatment, the pulmonary function and symptoms of the seven patients were significantly improved without any adverse effects.

Another study of a critically ill COVID-19 patient has shown remarkable reversal of symptoms using MSCs. The 65-year-old woman, whose condition had progressed despite intensive therapy, was on a ventilator and was showing evidence of liver damage. The patient was treated with three intravenous infusions of MSCs, three days apart. Within four days of the first dose of the MSC treatment, she was able to come off the ventilator and walk again.

The FDA have also recently authorised compassionate use of stem cells, including MSCs and cells taken from the placenta, for intravenous infusions in patients with a severe prognosis. This has come following the success of a placenta-based cell-therapy to treat COVID-19 patients, which has resulted in the coronavirus-recovered patients being discharged from hospital.

To date, there are 17 completed clinical trials which have investigated the application of MSCs in treating COVID-19 as well as more than 70 other trials in this regard currently ongoing. Whilst the clinical use of MSCs in treating COVID-19 is still in its early phases, the initial results are certainly promising.

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has gained global traction in recent years due to their vast regenerative potential and their role in immune disorders. In particular, the umbilical cord has been identified as the richest and purest source of these stem cells. These cells can be easily harvested, isolated, cultured and used in cell-based therapy, from basic research to clinical trials.

Stem cells from the umbilical cord are widely recognised by doctors as an invaluable resource for regenerative therapies as they can transform into a wide array of tissue types. They play a significant role in repair and renewal of damaged tissue, and clinical studies have even demonstrated its ability to regenerate entire organsUmbilical cord blood stem cells were first introduced in the 1980s, when it was used to successfully treat a young boy with Fanconi anaemia. Today, cord blood stem cells can treat more than 80 conditions, including many blood cancers and immune disorders such as leukaemia, lymphoma and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).

These stem cells are also now central to hundreds of promising clinical trials for common and often life-threatening conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

To find out more about umbilical cord stem cells and their role in regenerative medicine, visit cells4life.com

References

Campbell & MacDonald, (2020) Exploring the Utility of Stem Cell Therapy for COVID-19, BioPharma, available at:

https://www.technologynetworks.com/biopharma/articles/exploring-the-utility-of-stem-cell-therapy-for-covid-19-334068

Bing Liang et al., (2020) Clinical remission of a critically ill COVID-19 patient treated by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, ChinaXiv, available at:http://chinaxiv.org/abs/202002.00084

Golchin et al., (2020) Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for COVID-19: Present or Future, Stem Cell Reviews and Reports, available at:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152513/

Zikuan Leng et al., (2020) Transplantation of ACE2- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves the Outcome of Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia, Aging and Disease, available at:http://www.aginganddisease.org/EN/10.14336/AD.2020.0228

Michael Hill (2020) Hospital uses placenta cells to try to improve two COVID-19 patients NJTV News, available at:

https://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/hospital-uses-placenta-cells-to-try-to-improve-two-covid-19-patients/

Pluristem (2020) Pluristem Reports Preliminary Data from its COVID-19 Compassionate Use Program, Treating Seven Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure, Pluristem, available at:

https://www.pluristem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PSTI-PR-Follow-up-on-Covid-19-treatments-FINAL-FOR-RELEASE.pdf

Ballen et al., (2013) Umbilical cord blood transplantation: the first 25 years and beyond, Blood, available at:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3952633/

Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, (2020) Diseases Treated, available at: https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/diseases

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Umbilical cord stem cells have the potential to treat COVID-19 - Open Access Government

Presentation of new and updated results from ongoing Phase 1/2 HGB-206 study of LentiGlobin for sickle cell disease will include additional patients treated in the study

New and updated data, including analysis of healthy red blood cell production in patients with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia following treatment with betibeglogene autotemcel (LentiGlobin for -thalassemia) to be shared

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE) announced today that data from its gene therapy programs for sickle cell disease (SCD), transfusion-dependent -thalassemia (TDT) and its cell therapy program for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) will be presented during the Virtual Edition of the 25th European Hematology Association (EHA25) Annual Congress.

New data from the companys Phase 1/2 HGB-206 study of LentiGlobin gene therapy for SCD will be presented, including updated data from patients in Group C.

bluebird bio will also present data from its ongoing clinical studies of betibeglogene autotemcel (formerly LentiGlobin gene therapy for -thalassemia), including the Phase 3 Northstar-2 (HGB-207) study in patients who do not have a 0/0 genotype and the Phase 3 Northstar-3 (HGB-212) study in patients who have 0/0, 0/+IVS-I-110, or +IVS-I-110/+IVS-I-110 genotypes.

Data from studies of idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel; bb2121), the companys anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in development with Bristol Myers Squibb, will be presented, including an encore presentation of results from the pivotal Phase 2 KarMMa study.

Sickle Cell Disease Data at EHA25

Oral Presentation: Outcomes in patients treated with LentiGlobin for sickle cell disease (SCD) gene therapy: Updated results from the Phase 1/2 HGB-206 group C study Presenting Author: Julie Kanter, M.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala.

Transfusion-Dependent -Thalassemia Data at EHA25

Oral Presentation: Improvement in erythropoiesis in patients with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia following treatment with betibeglogene autotemcel (LentiGlobin for -thalassemia) in the Phase 3 HGB-207 study Presenting Author: John B. Porter, MA, M.D., FRCP, FRCPath, University College London Hospital, London, UK

Poster: Betibeglogene autotemcel (LentiGlobin) in patients with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia and 0/0, +IVS-I-110/+IVS-I-110, or 0/+IVS-I-110 genotypes: Updated results from the HGB-212 study Presenting Author: Evangelia Yannaki, M.D., George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece

Multiple Myeloma Data at EHA25

Oral Presentation:Phase II KarMMa study: Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel; bb2121), a BCMA-targeted CAR T cell therapy, in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma Presenting Author: Jesus San-Miguel, M.D., Ph.D., Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Navarra, Spain

Poster: Quality of life in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma treated with the BCMA-targeted CAR T cell therapy Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel; bb2121): results from the KarMMa Trial Presenting Author: Michel Delforge, M.D., Ph.D., Leuven University College, Brussels, Belgium

Poster: Matching-adjusted indirect comparisons of efficacy outcomes for idecabtagene vicleucel from the KarMMa study vs selinexor PLUS dexamethasone (STORM part 2) and belantamab mafodotin (DREAMM-2) Presenting Author: Paula Rodriguez-Otero, M.D., Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Navarra, Spain

Poster: Baseline and postinfusion pharmcodynamic biomarkers of safety and efficacy in patients treated with idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel; bb2121) in the KarMMa study Presenting Author: Justine DellAringa, Bristol Myers Squibb, Seattle, Wash.

Poster: Correlation of tumor BCMA expression with response and acquired resistance to idecabtagene vicleucel in the KarMMa study in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma Presenting Author: Nathan Martin, Bristol Myers Squibb, Seattle, Wash.

Abstracts outlining bluebird bios accepted data at the EHA25 Virtual Congress have been made available on the EHA25 conference website. On Friday, June 12 at 8:30 AM CEST, the embargo will lift for poster and oral presentations accepted for EHA25.

About betibeglogene autotemcel The European Commission granted conditional marketing authorization (CMA) for betibeglogene autotemcel, marketed as ZYNTEGLO gene therapy, for patients 12 years and older with TDT who do not have a 0/0 genotype, for whom hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is appropriate, but a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched related HSC donor is not available. On April 28, 2020, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) renewed the CMA for ZYNTEGLO, supported by data from 32 patients treated with ZYNTEGLO including three patients with up to five years of follow-up.

TDT is a severe genetic disease caused by mutations in the -globin gene that result in reduced or significantly reduced hemoglobin (Hb). In order to survive, people with TDT maintain Hb levels through lifelong chronic blood transfusions. These transfusions carry the risk of progressive multi-organ damage due to unavoidable iron overload.

Betibeglogene autotemcel adds functional copies of a modified form of the -globin gene (A-T87Q-globin gene) into a patients own hematopoietic (blood) stem cells (HSCs). Once a patient has the A-T87Q-globin gene, they have the potential to produce HbAT87Q, which is gene therapy-derived hemoglobin, at levels that may eliminate or significantly reduce the need for transfusions.

Non-serious adverse events (AEs) observed during the clinical studies that were attributed to betibeglogene autotemcel were abdominal pain, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, hot flush, dyspnoea, pain in extremity, and non-cardiac chest pain. One serious adverse event (SAE) of thrombocytopenia was considered possibly related to LentiGlobin for -thalassemia for TDT.

Additional AEs observed in clinical studies were consistent with the known side effects of HSC collection and bone marrow ablation with busulfan, including SAEs of veno-occlusive disease.

The CMA for ZYNTEGLO is only valid in the 28 member states of the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. For details, please see the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted betibeglogene autotemcel Orphan Drug status and Breakthrough Therapy designation for the treatment of TDT. Betibeglogene autotemcel is not approved in the United States.

Betibeglogene autotemcel continues to be evaluated in the ongoing Phase 3 Northstar-2 and Northstar-3 studies. For more information about the ongoing clinical studies, visit http://www.northstarclinicalstudies.com or clinicaltrials.gov and use identifier NCT02906202 for Northstar-2 (HGB-207), NCT03207009 for Northstar-3 (HGB-212).

About LentiGlobin for Sickle Cell Disease LentiGlobin for sickle cell disease is an investigational gene therapy being studied as a potential treatment for SCD. bluebird bios clinical development program for LentiGlobin for SCD includes the ongoing Phase 1/2 HGB-206 study and the ongoing Phase 3 HGB-210 study.

SCD is a serious, progressive and debilitating genetic disease caused by a mutation in the -globin gene that leads to the production of abnormal sickle hemoglobin (HbS), causing red blood cells (RBCs) to become sickled and fragile, resulting in chronic hemolytic anemia, vasculopathy and painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). For adults and children living with SCD, this means unpredictable episodes of excruciating pain due to vaso-occlusion as well as other acute complicationssuch as acute chest syndrome (ACS), stroke, and infections, which can contribute to early mortality in these patients.

LentiGlobin for SCD received Orphan Medicinal Product designation from the European Commission for the treatment of SCD.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug status and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation for LentiGlobin for the treatment of SCD.

LentiGlobin for SCD is investigational and has not been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or FDA.

bluebird bio is conducting a long-term safety and efficacy follow-up study (LTF-303) for people who have participated in bluebird bio-sponsored clinical studies of betibeglogene autotemcel and LentiGlobin for SCD. For more information visit: https://www.bluebirdbio.com/our-science/clinical-trials or clinicaltrials.gov and use identifier NCT02633943 for LTF-303.

About idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel; bb2121) Ide-cel is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy. The ide-cel CAR is comprised of a murine extracellular single-chain variable fragment (scFv) specific for recognizing BCMA, attached to a human CD8 hinge and transmembrane domain fused to the T cell cytoplasmic signaling domains of CD137 4-1BB and CD3- chain, in tandem. Ide-cel recognizes and binds to BCMA on the surface of multiple myeloma cells leading to CAR T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and subsequent cytolytic killing of BCMA-expressing cells.

In addition to the pivotal KarMMa trial evaluating ide-cel in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, bluebird bio and Bristol Myers Squibbs broad clinical development program for ide-cel includes clinical studies (KarMMa-2, KarMMa-3, KarMMa-4) in earlier lines of treatment for patients with multiple myeloma, including newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. For more information visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Ide-cel was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and PRIority Medicines (PRIME) designation, as well as Accelerated Assessment status, by the European Medicines Agency for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

Ide-cel is being developed as part of a Co-Development, Co-Promotion and Profit Share Agreement between Bristol Myers Squibb and bluebird bio.

Ide-cel is not approved for any indication in any geography.

About KarMMa KarMMa (NCT03361748) is a pivotal, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, multinational, Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of ide-cel in adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma in North America and Europe. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate as assessed by an independent review committee (IRC) according to the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. Complete response rate is a key secondary endpoint. Other efficacy endpoints include time to response, duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, minimal residual disease evaluated by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) assay and safety. The study enrolled 140 patients, of whom 128 received ide-cel across the target dose levels of 150-450 x 10P6P CAR+ T cells after receiving lymphodepleting chemotherapy. All enrolled patients had received at least three prior treatment regimens, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor and an anti-CD38 antibody, and were refractory to their last regimen, defined as progression during or within 60 days of their last therapy.

About bluebird bio, Inc. bluebird bio is pioneering gene therapy with purpose. From our Cambridge, Mass., headquarters, were developing gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and cancer, with the goal that people facing potentially fatal conditions with limited treatment options can live their lives fully. Beyond our labs, were working to positively disrupt the healthcare system to create access, transparency and education so that gene therapy can become available to all those who can benefit.

bluebird bio is a human company powered by human stories. Were putting our care and expertise to work across a spectrum of disorders including cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, sickle cell disease, -thalassemia and multiple myeloma, using three gene therapy technologies: gene addition, cell therapy and (megaTAL-enabled) gene editing.

bluebird bio has additional nests in Seattle, Wash.; Durham, N.C.; and Zug, Switzerland. For more information, visit bluebirdbio.com.

Follow bluebird bio on social media: @bluebirdbio, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

ZYNTEGLO, LentiGlobin, and bluebird bio are trademarks of bluebird bio, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: regarding the potential for betibeglogene autotemcel to treat transfusion-dependent -thalassemia and the potential for LentiGlobin for sickle cell disease (SCD) to treat SCD; and the risk that the efficacy and safety results from our prior and ongoing clinical trials will not continue or be repeated in our ongoing or planned clinical trials. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause our actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the section entitled Risk Factors in our most recent Form 10-Q, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and bluebird bio undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200514005234/en/

Contacts

Media: Catherine Falcetti, 339-499-9436 cfalcetti@bluebirdbio.com Victoria von Rinteln, 617-914-8774 vvonrinteln@bluebirdbio.com

Investors: Ingrid Goldberg, 410-960-5022 Ingrid.goldberg@bluebirdbio.com Elizabeth Pingpank, 617-914-8736 epingpank@bluebirdbio.com

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bluebird bio to Present Data from Its Gene and Cell Therapy Programs During the Virtual Edition of the 25th European Hematology Association Annual...

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Animal Stem Cell Therapy Market Forecast 2020-2025, Latest Trends and Opportunities - ZZReport

The novel coronavirus cant be killed or stopped with the current drugs that we have, the WHO said earlier this week. Dr. Anthony Fauci said separately that its virtually impossible to eradicate the virus. But there are plenty of therapies that can be used to reduce the severity of COVID-19 and shorten the recovery period.

The WHO is studying four or five of the best drugs for the new illness, but there are plenty of new lines of therapy that are discovered on a regular basis. The latest one consists of a treatment thats usually given to Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.

Cedars-Sinai doctors have given six patients an experimental treatment consisting of cells grown from human heart tissues, according to ABC7. This therapy improved the overall condition of all patients, each of whom were critically ill before the Hail Mary treatment was administered. Four of them have come off ventilators and were discharged, while the other two are still in the hospital, but theyre alive.

Dr. Eduardo Marban and his colleagues were using the treatment for muscular dystrophy patients with heart failure before considering it for COVID-19. The novel coronavirus can do severe damage to the heart, and that may have been the reason why the doctors attempted this novel therapy.

This can only be considered anecdotal evidence at best, but the doctors are hoping that the FDA can approve a more extensive study that can evaluate the benefits of the therapy. The doctors have additional doses available in the freezer for the research.

Cells grown from human heart tissues sound a lot like stem cells, although the report doesnt refer to them as such. This wouldnt be the first time that stem cell use would prove to be helpful in COVID-19 cases. A few weeks ago, doctors from Mount Sinai reported theyve treated 12 patients using stem cells derived from bone marrow, and the therapy allowed 10 of them to come off ventilators. Those physicians also noted that further study is required.

Marban and his colleagues detailed the benefits of injections of cardiac progenitor cells (cardiosphere-derived cells or CDCs) for patients with muscular dystrophy in February 2018. Cardiosphere-derived cells are stem cells derived from cardiac tissue.

We unexpectedly found that treating the heart made the whole body better, Marban said at the time. These basic findings, which have already been translated to clinical trials, rationalize why treating the heart may also benefit skeletal muscle function in boys and young men with Duchenne.

The study showed the stem cells acted not just on the heart tissue, but also on skeletal muscle, and that the benefits persisted. We found that within a few weeks, the injected cells were undetectable, Marban said, but the benefits persisted for at least three months, which led us to discover that exosomes secreted by CDCs are responsible.

The same type of therapy was likely used to treat COVID-19 patients.

Image Source: John Minchillo/AP/Shutterstock

Chris Smith started writing about gadgets as a hobby, and before he knew it he was sharing his views on tech stuff with readers around the world. Whenever he's not writing about gadgets he miserably fails to stay away from them, although he desperately tries. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

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Doctors just discovered another promising coronavirus therapy - BGR

Nearly a quarter of Americans suffer from arthritis, most commonly due to the wear and tear of the cartilage that protects the joints. As we age, or get injured, we have no way to grow new cartilage. Unlike humans and other mammals, the skeletons of sharks, skates, and rays are made entirely of cartilage and they continue to grow that cartilage throughout adulthood.

And new research published this week in eLife finds that adult skates go one step further than cartilage growth: They can also spontaneously repair injured cartilage. This is the first known example of adult cartilage repair in a research organism. The team also found that newly healed skate cartilage did not form scar tissue.

"Skates and humans use a lot of the same genes to make cartilage. Conceivably, if skates are able to make cartilage as adults, we should be able to also," says Andrew Gillis, senior author on the study and a Marine Biological Laboratory Whitman Center Scientist from the University of Cambridge, U.K.

The researchers carried out a series of experiments on little skates (Leucoraja erinacea) and found that adult skates have a specialized type of progenitor cell to create new cartilage. They were able to label these cells, trace their descendants, and show that they give rise to new cartilage in an adult skeleton.

Why is this important? There are few therapies for repairing cartilage in humans and those that exist have severe limitations. As humans develop, almost all of our cartilage eventually turns into bone. The stem cell therapies used in cartilage repair face the same issue--the cells often continue to differentiate until they become bone. They do not stop as cartilage. But in skates, the stem cells do not create cartilage as a steppingstone; it is the end result.

"We're looking at the genetics of how they make cartilage, not as an intermediate point on the way to bone, but as a final product," says Gillis.

The research is in its early stages, but Gillis and his team hope that by understanding what genes are active in adult skates during cartilage repair, they could better understand how to stop human stem-cell therapies from differentiating to bone.

Note: There is no scientific evidence that "shark cartilage tablets" currently marketed as supplements confer any health benefits, including relief of joint pain.

Reference:Marconi, A., Hancock-Ronemus, A., & Gillis, J. A. (2020). Adult chondrogenesis and spontaneous cartilage repair in the skate, Leucoraja erinacea. ELife, 9. doi:10.7554/elife.53414

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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Little Skates Could Hold the Key to Cartilage Therapy in Humans - Technology Networks

Dr Shikha Sharma

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an unforgettable word in 2020. World health organization has declared COVID-19 as pandemic and according to the Worldometer site, it has affected 212 countries and territories and has caused approximately 2.8 lakhs deaths so far. According to the various published scientific evidences COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by new coronavirus that can lead to lung dysfunction. There are 7 coronaviruses that are known to cause disease in humans and among these 3 can cause the severe respiratory infection. These are severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) identified in 2002 in China, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV2) commonly called COVID-19 identified in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and COVID-19 are closely related but COVID-19 spread more quickly than the other two. Over 8000 people from 29 different countries were affected with SARS-CoV epidemic during 2002-2004 while 40.78 lakhs people are affected with COVID-19 so far. In most cases, immune response (bodys defence system) triggered by the COVID-19 infection is sufficient to combat its pathogenesis leads to the recovery of patient. However, in some cases, COVID-19 infection causes highly inflammatory form of lung cells death and injury as the most dangerous phase of its pathogenesis which leads to the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines by bodys own immune cells creating cytokine storm that results in damage to the lung tissues causing pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis. In Pneumonia and ARDS air sac of lungs fill with fluid or pus. These complications lead to severe condition such as shortness of breath that require treatment with oxygen and ventilator. Therefore controlling inflammatory response is utmost important to prevent coronavirus lethality rate and for the longer life of a patient. Currently no specific treatment is available for COVID-19 infection but several vaccines, drugs and stem cells testing in various countries has generated hope to combat its pathogenesis. Recent breakthrough has demonstrated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as cell medicine therapy to reduce COVID-19 infection.What are MSCsMSCs are multipotent adult stem cells that are capable of differentiating into various cell types such as fat cells, bone cells, liver cells, pancreatic cells, brain cells, heart cells and skin cells thus can participate in the repair and regeneration of various tissues and organs of the body. Inside the body, upon injury, MSCs migrate to the injured site and participate in the regeneration and repair of the organ either by differentiation or by paracrine secretion or both. In addition MSCs possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that contributes to its cell medicinal properties. MSCs can be isolated from various tissues such as bone marrow, peripheral blood, body fat, muscle, placenta, umbilical cord, umbilical cord blood, teeth and hair follicles and can be expanded ex vivo and used for transplantation for treating disease and disorders after genetic stability test.How MSCs reduce COVID-19pathogenesisAs reported by various research groups that upon intravenous injection or through mist inhalation the significant population of MSCs migrate to the lung and secrete various immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory factors to cure lung dysfunction by normalizing immune response altered by COVID-19 and stimulate lung repair. Moreover MSCs are resistant to COVID-19 infection and can be used for autologous and allogenic transplantation.Clinical trial with MSCs for COVID-19There are several clinical trials registered with MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19 from various countries such as China, USA, UK, Germany, UAE, Jordan and Iran and some reports have been published. Approximately 100 patients have been treated with MSCs therapy from moderate to critical conditions within 10-15 days of transplantation. A first case treated with MSCs showed the recovery of 65 year old critical ill patient in Baoshan Peoples Hospital, Longling County, China. Initially the patient was treated with antiviral therapy and immunomodulator thymosin alpha1 but hasnt shown any recovery. Later after 10 days patient was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan injury, type2 diabetes, moderate anaemia, electrolyte disturbance, immunosuppression, acute gastrointestinal bleeding and other symptom was shifted to ICU and on ventilator. They showed that after three MSCs injections along with thymosin alpha1 lead to the recovery of patient from COVID-19 infection. FDA has approved 24 patient clinical trial in USA to test safety and efficacy of MSCs from umbilical cord to prevent COVID-19 infection. Recently, in USA three critically ill patients in ICU and on ventilator recovered from COVID-19 infection with MSCs treatment. An Israeli pharmaceutical company Pluristem therapeutics have tested MSCs therapy on 7 critically ill patient and found positive results. More recently, UAE also reported the treatment of 73 COVID-19 infected patients with stem cells. They have developed the technology to isolate the stem cells from patient blood, activate them and reintroduce them by mist inhalation. These reports are indicative that MSCs hold the potential to treat the COVID-19 infection by preventing bodys own defense system from overreacting and normalise its response to fight against COVID-19 infection. Many companies from different countries are seeking approval to begin clinical trial with stem cells against COVID-19 infection.Why are we lagging behind when we have stem cell companies/labs/facility in our country? We also produce GMP grade stem cells for transplantation. China tested the stem cell therapy on first patient when all other therapies failed and stem cells was one of option left to save the life of the patient. In India also so many deaths are happening due to COVID-19 we can also check if stem cells can reduce the mortality rate. Moreover as per some reports MSCs dont stay inside the body for more than 1-3 months and they eventually die and dont result in teratoma formation. Our government along with doctors and scientist can also formulate committee on stem cells and begin such initiative to test MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Nevertheless, MSCs has joined the army along with the other possible interventions to prevent the COVID-19 illness.(The author is (PhD and Postdoc in Stem Cells)feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com

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Stem cells therapy A prospective treatment against coronavirus? - Daily Excelsior