Category Archives: Stem Cell Treatments

WESTFORD, Mass., July 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According toSkyQuest, the global Cell Therapy Marketsize was valued at USD 3.9 Billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 6.7 Billion in 2023 to USD 190.91 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 52% during the forecast period (2024-2031).

The use of different types of cells in unique ways to treat diseases and disorders is known as cell therapy. Advancements in cell research and the growing acceptance of cell therapies for the treatment of multiple chronic indications are forecasted to augment market growth in the future. Growing demand for regenerative medicine is also estimated to open new avenues of opportunities for cell therapy providers in the long run. The global cell therapy market is segmented into cell types, therapy types, therapeutic areas, end user, and regions.

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Cell Therapy Market Overview:

Report Coverage

Details

Market Revenue in 2023

$ 6.7 billion

Estimated Value by 2031

$ 190.91 billion

Growth Rate

Poised to grow at a CAGR of 52%

Forecast Period

20242031

Forecast Units

Value (USD Billion)

Report Coverage

Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends

Segments Covered

Therapy Type, Technology, Therapeutic Area, End User, and Region

Geographies Covered

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America

Report Highlights

High investments in cell therapy research and development

Key Market Opportunities

Increasing incidence of musculoskeletal disorders and high use of cell therapies to treat the same

Key Market Drivers

Growing use of cell therapies to treat cancer indications

Segments covered in Cell Therapy Market are as follows:

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High Demand for Novel Cancer Treatments to Help Oncology Segment Maintain Prominence

Cases of cancer are increasing rapidly on a global level and subsequently the demand for novel treatments for the same as well. Investments in oncology research are also increasing and reaching new heights. Cell therapies have been showing great promise in treating multiple types of cancers. Cell therapy companies are continually focusing on getting new approvals for their offerings related to different cancer indications thereby helping this segment maintain a high market share.

On the other hand, the demand for cell therapies for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders is estimated to surge at an impressive pace. Rising cases of musculoskeletal tissue degeneration and the growing demand for repair or replacement of damaged musculoskeletal tissues will also create a new business scope for cell therapy providers.

High Use of CAR-T Therapies Helps Autologous Therapies Account for Dominant Share

Autologous cell therapies are preferred for their lower risk of life-threatening complications as compared to other types of therapies. There are also no specific requirements to match the donor and receivers in an autologous cell therapy. A higher possibility of treatment success and reduced risk of transplant rejection are also key factors that help this segment hold a high market share. CAR-T therapies are being extensively used to treat a wide array of indications and they are classified under the autologous segment.

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Stem Cells are Estimated to be Used Extensively for Multiple Cell Therapy Types

Stem cells can be guided or manipulated to perform certain biological functions, which is why they are mostly used in cell therapies. Growing investments in stem cell research, the high availability of stem cells, and the proven efficacy of stem cells in the development of novel cell therapies are all factors that help this segment generate new opportunities for cell therapy providers.

High demand for advanced treatments and therapeutics around the world is forecasted to create opportunities for new as well-established cell therapy providers.

Related Report:

3D Bioprinting Market

Cell-Based Assays Market

3D Cell Culture Market

Stem Cell Manufacturing Market

Stem Cell Therapy Market

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Here is the original post:
Cell Therapy Market to Attain a USD 190.91 Billion Valuation in 2031, Rising Investments in Stem Cell Research Spearhead Market Expansion | SkyQuest...

At a Glance

Research into rare diseases and disorders is hampered by the limited number of people available to participate in studies. Many rare diseases and disorders also lack animal models that can help scientists perform early testing of new treatments.

One such rare disorder is Timothy syndrome. Problems with a single gene, called CACNA1C, cause this condition. CACNA1C codes for structures in cells called calcium channels. These help control signals throughout the brain and body. People with Timothy syndrome live with a range of severe symptoms including autism, epilepsy, and interruptions in the hearts normal electrical activity.

After the CACNA1C gene is transcribed into RNA, the RNA can be spliced in different ways to make different versions of the protein. Normally, splicing changes cause one version of the protein to be produced during development, and then another later on. In Timothy syndrome, the first version continues to be produced instead. As a result, calcium channels remain overactive, causing abnormal electrical activity in the bodys cells.

Researchers have been developing compounds called antisense oligonucleotides, or ASOs, to treat some rare genetic disorders. ASOs bind to small portions of RNA to affect how the RNA is processed. In a new study funded in part by NIH, a research team led by Dr. Sergiu Paca from Stanford University tested whether ASOs could block the changes in RNA that cause Timothy syndrome.

The team firstgrew 3D human brain tissue structures called organoids from stem cells donated by people with Timothy syndrome. The study was published on April 25, 2024, in Nature.

The researchers developed several ASOs that, in organoids grown to mimic the brains cerebral cortex, reduced the abnormal RNA splicing. Adding the two most promising ASOs to organoids derived from people with Timothy syndrome restored the functioning of calcium channels to normal levels.

To see whether the treatment could restore normal cell movements during brain development, the team created more complex structures called assembloids. These were made from different organoids fused together to mimic the human forebrain. Treating these assembloids with ASOs restored the normal movement of brain cells during development.

Timothy syndrome manifests during early development. To test how the ASOs might work in the developing brain, the researchers transplanted the human-derived organoids into the brains of newly born rats. The organoids integrated successfully into the growing brain tissue. When the researchers injected the rats with one of the ASOs, production of the abnormally spliced RNA was reduced. Calcium channels in the resulting cells worked more normally, and the cells looked normal under the microscope.

Our study showed that we can correct cellular deficits associated with Timothy syndrome, Paca says. We are now actively working towards translating these findings into the clinic, bringing hope that one day we may have an effective treatment for this devastating neurodevelopmental disorder.

Notably, the approach used in this study has potential for studying new treatments for other rare genetic disorders as well. Many challenges, however, still need to be solved before this technology could be used in the clinic.

References:Antisense oligonucleotide therapeutic approach forTimothysyndrome. Chen X, Birey F, Li MY, Revah O, Levy R, Thete MV, Reis N, Kaganovsky K, Onesto M, Sakai N, Hudacova Z, Hao J, Meng X, Nishino S, Huguenard J, Paca SP. Nature. 2024 Apr;628(8009):818-825. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07310-6. Epub 2024 Apr 24. PMID:38658687.

Funding:NIHs National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); Stanford University; Autism Speaks, Inc.; Kwan Funds; Senkut Funds; Coates Foundation; Ludwig Family Foundation; Alfred E. Mann Foundation; New York Stem Cell Foundation; Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

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Study suggests approach for treating rare disorder - National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov)

Stem Cell Therapy Market

Read More: https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/11/17/2782506/0/en/Global-Stem-Cell-Therapy-Market-to-Reach-USD-928-6-Million-by-2031-Says-Allied-Market-Research.html

Stem Cell Therapy Market Statistics: The global Stem Cell Therapy market size is estimated to reach $928.6 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2022 to 2031.

Stem Cell Therapy Market Growth Drivers:

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The rising incidence of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions, has created a demand for innovative treatment options. Stem cell therapy offers potential solutions by promoting tissue regeneration and repair.

Advancements in Stem Cell Research: Continuous advancements in stem cell research, including the discovery of new cell sources, improved culturing techniques, and better understanding of stem cell behavior, have expanded the therapeutic applications of stem cell therapy. These advancements are driving the development of more effective and targeted treatment approaches.

Growing Aging Population: The global aging population is increasing, leading to a higher prevalence of age-related diseases and conditions. Stem cell therapy holds promise for addressing age-related degenerative disorders, such as osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and macular degeneration, by stimulating tissue repair and regeneration.

Favorable Regulatory Environment: Many countries are adopting supportive regulatory frameworks for stem cell therapy, which facilitate research, development, and commercialization of stem cell-based treatments. These regulations provide a conducive environment for companies and researchers to invest in stem cell therapy development.

Increasing Investments and Funding: There has been a surge in investments and funding for stem cell research and development from government bodies, private organizations, and venture capitalists. This financial support has accelerated the pace of research and clinical trials, leading to advancements in stem cell therapies.

Technological Advancements: Technological advancements, such as genetic engineering, tissue engineering, and 3D printing, have expanded the possibilities for stem cell therapy. These technologies enhance the precision, efficiency, and safety of stem cell-based treatments, opening new avenues for therapeutic applications.

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The segments and sub-section of Stem Cell Therapy market is shown below:

By Cell Source: Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Cord Blood/Embryonic Stem Cells, Other

By Application: Cancer, Musculoskeletal Disorder, Wounds and Injuries, Cardiovascular Disease, Other

By Type: Allogeneic Transplants, Autologous Transplants

Some of the key players involved in the Market are: Allele Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, Astellas Pharma, Fujifilm Holding, Mesoblast, Novadip Biosciences, NuVasive, Orthofix, Smith & Nephew, Takeda Pharmaceutical, U.S. Stem Cell.

Important years considered in the Stem Cell Therapy study: Historical year - 2018-2022; Base year - 2022; Forecast period** - 2022 to 2032 [** unless otherwise stated]

If opting for the Global version of Stem Cell Therapy Market; then below country analysis would be included: - North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) - Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Nordic Nations, Spain, Switzerland and Rest of Europe) - Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Rest of APAC) - South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Rest of countries etc.) - Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Key Questions Answered with this Study: 1) What makes Stem Cell Therapy Market feasible for long term investment? 2) How influencing factors driving the demand of Stem Cell Therapy in next few years? 3) Territory that may see steep rise in CAGR & Y-O-Y growth? 4) What geographic region would have better demand for product/services? 5) What opportunity emerging territory would offer to established and new entrants in Stem Cell Therapy market? 6) What strategies of big players help them acquire share in mature market? 7) Know value chain areas where players can create value? 8) What is the impact analysis of various factors in the Global Stem Cell Therapy market growth? 9) Risk side analysis connected with service providers?

Introduction about Stem Cell Therapy Market Stem Cell Therapy Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) Stem Cell Therapy Market by Application/End Users Stem Cell Therapy Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications Global Stem Cell Therapy Sales and Growth Rate (2022-2032) Stem Cell Therapy Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type, and Application Stem Cell Therapy (Volume, Value, and Sales Price) table defined for each geographic region defined. Stem Cell Therapy Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data Key Raw Materials Analysis & Price Trends Supply Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Industrial Chain Analysis ..and view more in complete table of Contents

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Originally posted here:
Stem Cell Therapy Market Size, Top Companies, Share, Growth And Forecast 2033 | CAGR 16.2% - openPR

Three people who traveled to Mexico for stem-cell injections that are not approved in the U.S. contracted difficult-to-treat, drug-resistant infections, a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Thursday (May 9).

The infections were caused by Mycobacterium abscessus, a bacterium that's distantly related to the ones behind tuberculosis and leprosy. The microbe commonly lurks in soil, water and dust, and it's known to sometimes contaminate medications and medical devices and thus cause infections in health care settings.

Symptoms can include boils and pus-filled bubbles, in the case of skin infections, as well as fever, chills and muscle aches, when soft-tissue infections occur. Sometimes, the bacteria can invade the bloodstream. Treating the infection involves removing infected tissues and draining pus from the body, as well as giving antibiotics for a prolonged period.

For a given patient, doctors may have to test different drugs against samples of bacteria from their body, in order to find the most lethal combination against the drug-resistant bug.

All three patients who got stem-cell injections in Mexico underwent the procedures in 2022, and as of March 2024, they were still being treated for M. abscessus infection in U.S. hospitals, according to the MMWR.

Related: Dangerous 'superbugs' are a growing threat, and antibiotics can't stop their rise. What can?

"Providers and public health agencies need to be aware of the risk for M. abscessus infections from stem cell treatments for indications not approved by the Food and Drug Administration and maintain vigilance for similar cases," the report's authors wrote. "They also are advised to provide guidance for persons considering medical tourism."

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The only stem-cell products currently approved in the U.S. contain precursors to different cells in the blood, and they're cleared to treat disorders that affect the production of blood.

The first of the three cases involved a Colorado woman in her 30s, who in October 2022 had traveled to Baja California to get stem-cell injections in the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord.

The injections were reportedly intended to treat the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis, for which there are no approved stem-cell treatments in the U.S. After the injections, she developed headaches and fever, and at a hospital in the U.S., the fluid around her brain and spinal cord tested positive for M. abscessus. This indicated she had a serious infection called bacterial meningitis.

Two similar cases involved men in their 60s one from Arizona and one from Colorado. The Arizona man had developed an infection in his elbow after traveling to Baja California for treatment of psoriatic arthritis. He was treated at a different clinic than the Colorado woman was, and the clinics were 167 miles (269 kilometers) apart.

The Colorado man, meanwhile, had traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, for treatment of osteoarthritis in his knees and then developed infections in both knees. The use of stem-cell injections for multiple sclerosis and arthritis are unproven, as potential stem-cell therapies for these conditions are still being investigated.

While treating the patients, a U.S. hospital obtained samples of the M. abscessus bacteria from the Colorado woman and Arizona man; samples from the Colorado man still need to be closely assessed, but they've been confirmed to be M. abscessus.

Genetic analyses revealed that the two patients' samples were a near-perfect match. Therefore, the investigators "suspect a common infected source" for these two patients, meaning the same products or equipment may have been contaminated in both cases.

However, authorities "attempted to contact clinics that performed the stem cell injections, but received no response," the MMWR notes, and "attempts to identify the product or gather details about its administration have been unsuccessful to date." Authorities in the U.S. and Mexico are continuing to investigate the three known cases and are looking for additional ones.

Medical tourism has been tied to M. abscessus infections in the past. For example, a Canadian man who underwent a hair transplant in Panama developed such an infection on his scalp. So these superbug infections can arise after both cosmetic procedures and therapies intended to treat disease.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

Ever wonder why some people build muscle more easily than others or why freckles come out in the sun? Send us your questions about how the human body works to community@livescience.com with the subject line "Health Desk Q," and you may see your question answered on the website!

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Sketchy stem-cell treatments in Mexico led to drug-resistant infections - Livescience.com

Immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the bodys own immune system to attack cancer cells and halt tumor growth. However, these therapies often need to be tailored to each individual patient, slowing down the treatment process and resulting in a hefty price tag that could soar well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars per patient.

To tackle these limitations, UCLA researchers have developed a new, clinically guided method to engineer more powerful immune cells called invariant natural killer T cells, or iNKT cells, that can be used for an off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy in which immune cells from a single cord-blood donor can be used to treat multiple patients.

This novel technology, described in a study published by Nature Biotechnology, marks a major step toward enabling the mass production of cell therapies like CAR-T cell therapy, making these life-saving treatments more affordable and accessible to a broader range of patients.

The studys senior author,Lili Yang, a professor of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics and a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA and of theUCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, breaks down why this new system is poised to finally help a universal cell product advance to a clinical trial.

What are the key developments of this paper?

In 2021, our team reported amethod for producing large numbers of iNKT cellsusing blood stem cells. That system required the use of three-dimensional thymic organoids and supportive cells, which posed both a manufacturing and regulatory challenge that prevented that method from ever reaching clinical application.

Now, weve developed a technology that can produce large quantities of iNKT cells from blood stem cells in a feeder-free and serum-free manner. This update to the method eliminates the previous hurdles, bringing us closer than ever to delivering an off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy to patients.

How did you reach these findings?

UCLA

Clockwise from top left: Senior author Lili Yang and co-first authors Yan-Ruide Li, Jiaji Yu and Yang Zhou.

Our team isolated the blood stem cells, which can self-replicate and produce all kinds of blood and immune cells, from 15 donor cord-blood samples representing diverse genetic backgrounds. We then genetically engineered each of those cells to develop into useful iNKT cells and estimate that one cord-blood donation can produce between 1,000 to 10,000 doses of a therapy making the system really well suited to create an off-the-shelf immunotherapy.

Next, our team equipped the iNKT cells with chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs, molecules that enable immune cells to recognize and kill a specific type of cancer, to target seven cancers that included both blood cancers and solid tumors. The CAR-iNKT cells showed a robust anti-tumor efficacy against all seven cancers, indicating their promising potential for treating a wide spectrum of cancers. Then in a multiple myeloma model, we demonstrated the CAR-iNKT cells ability to halt tumor growth without causing complications that can sometimes occur when donor cells are transplanted into a patient.

Why are iNKT cells so special?

We consider invariant natural killer T cells to be the special forces of the immune cells because theyre stronger and faster than conventional T cells and can attack tumors using multiple weapons. Its ideal to use iNKT cells as an off-the-self cancer immunotherapy because they dont carry the risk of graft-versus-host disease, a condition in which transplanted cells attack the recipients body and the reason most cell-based immunotherapies have to be created on a patient-specific basis.

What excites you about these developments?

No off-the-shelf cell therapy has ever been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. With this new technology, not only have we shown a high output of iNKT cells, but weve also proven that the CAR-equipped iNKT cells dont lose their tumor-fighting efficacy after being frozen and thawed, which is a key requirement for the widespread distribution of a universal cell product.

While CAR-T cell therapies have been a transformative treatment for certain blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, it has been challenging to develop a cancer immunotherapy for solid tumors. This is in part because solid tumors have an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, meaning the immune cell function is impaired in the environment. iNKT cells can change the tumor microenvironment by selectively and effectively depleting the most immunosuppressive cells in its surroundings giving them the unique opportunity to attack solid tumors. Were extremely excited that this technology has a potential broad application to target a range of blood cancers, solid tumors and other conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

Whats the biggest bottleneck in cancer immunotherapy?

The biggest bottleneck right now for immunotherapies, particularly cell therapies, is manufacturing. As of 2023, the FDA has approved six autologous CAR-T cell therapies with an average cost of around $300,000 per patient, per treatment. Using this novel technology to scale up iNKT cell production, theres a real possibility that the price per dose of immunotherapy can drop significantly to $5,000. By definition, an off-the-shelf product would be readily on hand in clinical settings, so my hope is that this new system will result in a reality where all patients who need the treatment will be able to receive it immediately.

What are the next steps in the study?

Our team is advancing this multiple myeloma model project into an IND-enabling study this year, which would result in a Phase 1, first-in-human clinical trial of this technology.

Since this flexible platform allows us to switch the CARs to target different cancers, our team has since adapted this same system to target ovarian cancer, one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers. This represents a big leap from targeting blood cancers to solid tumors, but were hopeful to bring this project to a clinical trial over the next couple of years.

Link:
Novel technology positions 'off-the-shelf' cancer immunotherapy for the clinic - UCLA Newsroom

Our Korean counterparts know whats up when it comes to skincare. Not only did they pioneer the use of sheet masks (alongside the Japanese) but theyre also behind many a trend, from skin flooding to skip-care. They love trying new treatments, tricks and trends, and it shows they are known for their luminous skin.

Want to know what treatments theyre loving right now? Vogue spoke to Dr Jinah Yoo, a Korean UK-trained consultant dermatologist, about the treatments to look for now. When it comes to beauty trends, Korea is light-years ahead of the West, she notes. They use advancements in technology and treatments to create glowy, even and healthy skin.

14 Great Sheet Masks For When Your Skin Needs A Pick-Me-Up

Part of a new field known as regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy is extremely popular. Stem cells are known as the mother cell and they help regenerate new cells in the area in which theyre injected. As bloods or fat (which is where you find them) are harvested from each patients own body, the risk of complication is minimal and much more advanced than exosome therapy, which is gaining popularity in the UK right now. It can be administered through an IV or as an injectable. If you opt for the former, it can strengthen the immune system, anti-age, boost energy levels and revitalise the liver and intestines for optimised wellbeing too. Alternatively, by injecting concentrated stem cells directly into the areas that need intensive regeneration, you can boost collagen regeneration, reinforce the skin barrier, improve skin elasticity and even out skin tone. I highly recommend it for patients suffering from conditions such as psoriasis and alopecia.

A cutting-edge Korean method that focuses on skin tightening, Titanium lifting uses infrared light energy to deeply heat the collagen layer in the skin, which helps to tighten it. Its one of my tried and tested favourites as its pain-free, theres no downtime and it offers many benefits, including improvements in facial contouring, skin tightening, pore reduction and overall skin tone enhancement.

Skin boosters are widely used in Korea as they improve skin texture, elasticity, hydration and overall skin appearance. JuveLook is one of my preferred brands it uses a combination of hyaluronic acid and poly d-lactic acid to provide a dual effect of intense hydration and collagen stimulation. It also improves fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity and texture, while reducing pore size. Skin boosters are great for long-term skin rejuvenation. In fact, theres a big focus in Korea on combining different types of treatment to optimise results. Skin boosters that combine exosomes with polynucleotides, for example, are incredibly popular, plus I also offer a combination of Sofwave, Ultherapy and Thermage, all of which are non-invasive aesthetic treatments that when used together, offer amazing facial contouring and lifting results.

More here:
3 Key Treatments Trending In Korean Skincare Circles, According To A Dermatologist - British Vogue

Unregulated clinics worldwide are offering stem cell therapies that may not live up to the hype, and can worsen a patients health.

The injections of stem cells into his spine were supposed to help Jim Gass, 66, recover from a stroke he had six years ago.

Gass traveled to clinics in Mexico, China, and Argentina to undergo these unproven procedures. Including travel, he spent close to $300,000, according to a story in The New York Times.

After the final round of shots, he was able to walk better. But his hope for a full recovery was cut short. While on vacation in Thailand six months after his treatments, he developed low back pain and difficulty walking and standing.

Back in Boston, doctors at Brigham and Womens Hospital did an MRI scan of his spine, and found a large mass filling the entire lower part of his spinal column.

Genetic testing revealed that the abnormal, primitive cells of the mass did not come from Gass, but from stem cells injected into his spine.

Radiation treatments seemed to slow the growth of the mass and improve Gass symptoms. But another scan done later in San Diego showed that the mass was growing again.

The doctors involved wrote about his case in a letter published June 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Despite the outcome of this case, experts familiar with this kind of stem cell tourism say that some good may still come of it.

It is a really sad case, but its good that its causing discussion around both the potential harm of these therapies and the lack of evidence regarding the benefits, Timothy Caulfield, research director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta, who wrote a recent commentary on stem cell hype, told Healthline.

Read more: Get the facts on stem cell research

This is not the first time that stem cell treatments have led to bad outcomes such as tumors or lesions.

There have been other reports of adverse events as a result of these kinds of therapies, said Caulfield. There have even been reports of adverse events when the procedure is less extreme such as people getting stem cell therapy for anti-aging, anti-wrinkle procedures.

Caulfield is quick to point out that therapy should be in quotes because with the exception of a few approved treatments the use of stem cells to treat illnesses has not reached the point where it is ready for widespread use in clinics.

There are very few stem cell therapies that have been proven, at this point, to be efficacious, said Caulfield. Lots of exciting work is going on theyre in clinical trials right now but for most conditions we simply arent there yet.

Although there are a few documented cases like Gass, many more may go unreported, resulting from treatments at unregulated stem cell clinics around the world.

We dont know exactly how many people are having these procedures, Dr. Jaime Imitola, a neurologist and stem cell researcher at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, who has written about the dangers of stem cell tourism and how to counsel patients, told Healthline.

There are so many diseases that these clinics are often treating for from diabetes to ALS and some of these treatments may involve more risk than others, Imitola said.

Theres a big difference in risk between taking cells from your own body and putting them back in your blood, and injecting foreign cells into your spine, as was done in Gass case.

Also, these clinics are not part of a clinical research program, so there are a lot of unknowns about what happens during the procedures.

Are they actually using stem cells? How are they getting the stem cells into people? said Caulfield. Those are all open questions, because it is such an unregulated field.

While Gass traveled outside the United States for injections, unproven stem cell therapies show up much closer to home.

A paper published online Thursday in the journal Cell Stem Cell found that at least 351 businesses in the United States are marketing stem cell therapies that have not gone through the rigorous clinical trial process, or been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

These businesses marketed stem cells as treatment for a wide range of conditions from spinal cord injuries and immune system problems to heart disease or even cosmetic fixes.

Read more: Stem cell treatments offering hope for MS patients

With few treatments available for many diseases, stem cell clinics step in to fill the void, many overhyping the actual research being done in this area.

[Clinics] are leveraging excitement around legitimate stem cell research and the pop culture footprint Ill put it that way of stem cells, said Caulfield.

Some of this hype has been generated when high-profile athletes undergo stem cell therapy and see improvements, like Peyton Manning did in Germany for a neck injury.

The company that Gass contacted had been involved in the treatment of former NFL quarterback John Brodie.

These remarkable success stories offer people hope. But because they happened outside a clinical trial, its impossible to know if the athletes health would have improved on their own.

Imitola compares this to using acupuncture alongside proven treatments.

If I give you acupuncture after a stem cell treatment, I cannot make the distinction whether what happens is a result of the acupuncture or the treatment, said Imitola, because this is not a clinical trial.

Researchers, universities, and the media also have a hand in stem cell hype. The time element, in particular, can be misrepresented.

I think that the scientific community really needs to be careful how they talk about stem cell research, said Caulfield. We did a study that showed, for example, that the time from doing basic research to getting into the clinic is often exaggerated when people talk about stem cell research. Our study found that it was often portrayed as if the research was going to be in the clinic in 5 to 10 years, or sooner, which is really, really fast. It creates unrealistic expectations.

Read more: Stem cells as a possible treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

Patients with spinal cord injuries or diseases are often anxious for new treatments to be approved quickly. But stem cell researchers have good reason to be cautious.

One characteristic that stem cells share with cancer cells is that they both multiply rapidly. This is why stem cell researchers have long been concerned that stem cells could form tumors.

Thats why there are so many years of testing in the lab, in animal models, and finally in clinical trials.

It is unethical to offer a procedure or a drug that is unproven, said Imitola.

When clinics skip ahead and offer treatments that have not been properly tested, they may end up hurting people instead of helping them.

Its interesting because [Gass] case, and others, is generating a new disease, a new complication, an iatrogenic tumor, said Imitola.

Of course, bad outcomes can happen during a clinical trial. But these are tracked, and clinical trials can be shut down if unforeseen side effects happen.

A recent stem cell clinical trial in Japan was stopped, because when the researchers looked at whether the cells were clean from a genetic point of view, the cells had some problems, some changes, said Imitola, So the researchers said, We cant do that, we cant inject the cells.

Imitola recently co-authored a paper in JAMA Neurology calling on doctors to educate patients with neurological diseases about stem cell tourism.

But he admits that cases like Gass can serve as an even more effective warning.

This patient, in particular, is important because he put a human face to this tragedy, said Imitola. We need more patients to come forward. Most likely, this is not an isolated case.

Read more: Stem cell treatment for COPD

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Unproven Stem Cell Treatments Offer Hope & Risks - Healthline

Problems soon after transplant

Many of the problems that can happen shortly after the transplant come from having the bone marrow wiped out by medicines or radiation just before the transplant. Others may be side effects of the conditioning treatments themselves.

Your transplant team can help you cope with side effects. Some can be prevented, and most can be treated to help you feel better. This is not a complete list and you should tell your doctor or transplant team about any problems you have or changes you notice. Some of these problems can be life-threatening, so its important to be able to reach your doctor or transplant team at night, on weekends, and during holidays. Ask for their after hours contact numbers to makesure you will be able to do this.

Mucositis (inflammation or sores in the mouth) is a short-term side effect that can happen with chemo and radiation. It usually gets better within a few weeks after treatment, but it can make it very painful to eat and drink.

Good nutrition is important for people with cancer. If mouth pain or sores make it hard to eat or swallow, your transplant team can help you develop a plan to manage your symptoms.

Because chemotherapy drugs can cause severe nausea and vomiting, doctors often give anti-nausea medicines at the same time as chemo to try to prevent it. As much as possible, the goal is to prevent nausea and vomiting, because its easier to prevent it than it is to stop it once it starts. Preventive treatment should start before chemo is given and should continue for as long as the chemo is likely to cause vomiting, which can be up to 7 to 10 days after the last dose.

No one drug can prevent or control chemo-related nausea and vomiting 100% of the time. In many cases, two or more medicines are used. Youll need to tell your transplant team how well the medicines are controlling your nausea and vomiting. If they arent working, they will need to be changed.

For at least the first 6 weeks after transplant, until the new stem cells start making white blood cells (engraftment), you can easily get serious infections. Bacterial infections are most common during this time, but viral infections that were controlled by your immune system can become active again. Fungal infections can also be an issue. And even infections that cause only mild symptoms in people with normal immune systems can be quite dangerous for you. This is because right after the transplant you don't have many white blood cells that are working well, and they are the primary immune cells that fight off infections.

You may be given antibiotics to try to prevent infections until your blood counts reach a certain level. For instance, pneumocystis pneumonia (often called PCP) is a common infection thats easy to catch. Even though the germ doesnt harm people with normal immune systems, for others it can cause fever, cough, and serious breathing problems. Antibiotics are often used to keep transplant patients from getting this.

Your doctor may check you before the transplant for signs of certain infections that may become active after transplant, and give you special medicines to keep those germs under control. For example, the virus called CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a common infection that many adults have or had in the past. Adults with healthy immune systems may not have any symptoms because their immune system can keep the virus under control. But, CMV can be a cause of serious pneumonia in people who have had transplants, because the transplant lowers the amount of white blood cells they have. Pneumonia from CMVmainly happens to people who were already infected with CMV, or whose donor had the virus. If neither you nor your donor had CMV, the transplant team might follow special precautions to prevent this infection while you are in the hospital.

After engraftment, the risk of infection is lower, but it still can happen. It can take 6 months to a year after transplant for the immune system to work as well as it should. It can take even longer for patients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD, see below). It's important to talk to your cancer care team about your risk for infection during this time.

Because of the increased risk, you will be watched closely for signs of infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or diarrhea. Your doctor may check your blood often, and extra precautions will be needed to keep you from being exposed to germs. While in the hospital, everyone who enters your room must wash their hands well. They may also wear gowns, shoe coverings, gloves, and masks.

Since flowers and plants can carry bacteria and fungi, theyre not allowed in your room. For the same reason, you may be told not to eat certain fresh fruits and vegetables. All your food must be well cooked and handled very carefully by you and family members. You might need to avoid certain foods for a while.

You may also be told to avoid contact with soil, feces (stool, both human and animal), aquariums, reptiles, and exotic pets. Your team may tell you to avoid being near disturbed soil, bird droppings, or mold. You will need to wash your hands after touching pets. Your family may need to move the cats litter box away from places you eat or spend your time. Also, you should not clean pet cages or litter boxes during this time. Instead, give this task to a family member or friend.

Your transplant team will tell you and your family in detail about the precautions you need to follow. There are many viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can cause infection after your transplant. You may be at risk for some more than others.

Despite all these precautions, patients often develop fevers, one of the first signs of infection. In fact, sometimes fever is the only sign of infection, so it's very important to contact your cancer care team if you have one or if you have any other signs of infection. You'll probably be asked to take your temperature by mouth every day or twice a day for a while. And your cancer care team will let you know when you should call in your temperature to them. If you get a fever, tests will be done to look for possible causes of the infection (chest x-rays, urine tests, and blood cultures) and antibiotics will be started.

After transplant, youre at risk for bleeding because the conditioning treatment destroys your bodys ability to make platelets. Platelets are the blood cells that help blood to clot. While you wait for your transplanted stem cells to start working, your transplant team may have you follow special precautions to avoid injury and bleeding.

Platelet counts are low for at least several weeks after transplant. In the meantime, you might notice easy bruising and bleeding, such as nosebleeds and bleeding gums. If your platelet count drops below a certain level, a platelet transfusion may be needed. Youll need to follow precautions until your platelet counts stay at safe levels.

It also takes time for your bone marrow to start making red blood cells, and you might need red blood cell transfusions from time to time as you recover.

For more information on the transfusion process, see Blood Transfusion and Donation.

Pneumonitis is a type of inflammation (swelling) in lung tissue thats most common in the first 100 days after transplant. But some lung problems can happen much later even 2 or more years after transplant.

Pneumonia caused by infection happens more often, but pneumonitis may be caused by radiation, graft-versus-host disease, or chemo rather than germs. Its caused by damage to the areas between the cells of the lungs (called interstitial spaces).

Pneumonitis can be severe, especially if total body irradiation was given with chemo as part of the pre-transplant (conditioning) treatment. Chest x-rays will be taken in the hospital to watch for pneumonitis as well as pneumonia. Some doctors will do breathing tests every few months if you have graft-versus-host disease (see next section).

You should report any shortness of breath or changes in your breathing to your doctor or transplant team right away. There are many other types of lung and breathing problems that also need to be handled quickly.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can happen in allogeneic transplants when the immune cells from the donor see your body as foreign. (Remember: The recipients immune system has mostly been destroyed by conditioning treatment and cannot fight back, so the new stem cells make up most of the immune system after transplant.) The donor immune cells may attack certain organs, most often the skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and liver. This can change the way the organs work and increase the chances of infection.

GVHD reactions are very common and can range from barely noticeable to life-threatening. Doctors think of GVHD as acute or chronic. Acute GVHD starts soon after transplant and lasts a short time. Chronic GVHD starts later and lasts a long time. A person could have one, both, or neither type of GVHD.

Acute GVHD can happen 10 to 90 days after a transplant, though the average time is around 25 days.

About one-third to one-half of allogeneic transplant recipients will develop acute GVHD. Its less common in younger patients and in those with closer HLA matches between donor and the patient.

The first signs are usually a rash, burning, and redness of the skin on the palms and soles. This can spread over the entire body. Other symptoms can include:

Doctors try to prevent acute GVHD by giving drugs that suppress the immune system, such as steroids (glucocorticoids), methotrexate, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or certain monoclonal antibodies. These drugs are given before acute GVHD starts and can help prevent serious GVHD. Still, mild GVHD will almost always happen in allogeneic transplant patients. Other drugs are being tested in different combinations for GVHD prevention.

The risk of acute GVHD can also be lowered by removing immune cells called T-cells from the donor stem cells before the transplant. But this can also increase the risk of viral infection, leukemia relapse, and graft failure (which is discussed later). Researchers are looking at new ways to remove only certain cells, called alloactivated T-cells, from donor grafts. This would reduce the severity of GVHD and still let the donor T-cells destroy any cancer cells left.

If acute GVHD does occur, it is most often mild, mainly affecting the skin. But sometimes it can be more serious, or even life-threatening.

Mild cases can often be treated with a steroid drug applied to the skin (topically) as an ointment, cream, or lotion, or with other skin treatments. More serious cases of GVHD might need to be treated with a steroid drug taken as a pill or injected into a vein. If steroids arent effective, other drugs that affect the immune system can be used.

Chronic GVHD

Chronic GVHD can start anywhere from about 90 to 600 days after the stem cell transplant. A rash on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet is often the earliest sign. The rash can spread and is usually itchy and dry. In severe cases, the skin may blister and peel, like a bad sunburn. A fever may also develop. Other symptoms of chronic GVHD can include:

Chronic GVHD is treated with medicines that suppress the immune system, much like those used for acute GVHD. These drugs can increase your risk of infection for as long as you are treated for GVHD. Most patients with chronic GVHD can stop the immunosuppressive drugs after their symptoms improve.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a serious problem in which tiny veins and other blood vessels inside the liver become blocked. Its not common, and it only happens in people with allogeneic transplants, and mainly in those who got the drugs busulfan or melphalan as part of conditioning, or treatment that was given before the transplant.

VOD usually happens within about 3 weeks after transplant. Its more common in older people who had liver problems before the transplant, and in those with acute GVHD. It starts with yellowing skin and eyes, dark urine, tenderness below the right ribs (this is where the liver is), and quick weight gain (mostly from fluid that bloats the belly). It is life-threatening, so early diagnosis of VOD is very important. Researchers continue to find ways to try to measure a person's chances of getting VOD so that treatment can start as soon as possible.

Grafts fail when the body does not accept the new stem cells (the graft). The stem cells that were given do not go into the bone marrow and multiply like they should. Graft failure is more common when the patient and donor are not well matched and when patients get stem cells that have had the T-cells removed. It can also happen in patients who get a low number of stem cells, such as a single umbilical cord unit. Still, its not very common.

Graft failure can lead to serious bleeding and/or infection. Graft failure is suspected in patients whose counts do not start going up within 3 to 4 weeks of a bone marrow or peripheral blood transplant, or within 7 weeks of a cord blood transplant.

Although it can be very upsetting to have this happen, these people can get treated with a second dose of stem cells, if they are available. Grafts rarely fail, but if they do it can result in death.

The type of problems that can happen after a transplant depend on many factors, such as the type of transplant done, the pre-transplant chemo or radiation treatment used, the patients overall health, the patients age when the transplant was done, the length and degree of immune system suppression, and whether chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is present and how bad it is. The problems can be caused by the conditioning treatment (the pre-transplant chemotherapy and radiation therapy), especially total body irradiation, or by other drugs used during transplant (such as the drugs that may be needed to suppress the immune system after transplant). Possible long-term risks of transplant include:

The medicines used in transplants can harm the bodys organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, bones/joints, and nervous system. You may need careful follow-up with close monitoring and treatment of the long-term organ problems that the transplant can cause. Some of these, like infertility, should be discussed before the transplant, so you can prepare for them.

Its important to find and quickly treat any long-term problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes or problems. Physical exams by your doctor, blood work, imaging tests, lung/breathing studies, and other tests will help look for and keep tabs on organ problems.

As transplant methods have improved, more people are living longer and doctors are learning more about the long-term results of stem cell transplant. Researchers continue to look for better ways to care for these survivors to give them the best possible quality of life.

The goal of a stem cell transplant in cancer is to prolong life and, in many cases, even cure the cancer. But in some cases, the cancer comes back (sometimes called relapse or recurrence depending on when it might occur after a transplant). Relapse or recurrence can happen a few months to a few years after transplant. It happens much more rarely 5 or more years after transplant.

If cancer comes back, treatment options are often quite limited. A lot depends on your overall health at that point, and whether the type of cancer you have responds well to drug treatment. Treatment for those who are otherwise healthy and strong may include chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Some patients who have had allogeneic transplants may be helped by getting white blood cells from the same donor (this is called donor lymphocyte infusion) to boost the graft-versus-cancer effect. Sometimes a second transplant is possible. But most of these treatments pose serious risks even to healthier patients, so those who are frail, older, or have chronic health problems are often unable to have them.

Other options may include palliative (comfort) care, or a clinical trial of an investigational treatment. Its important to know what the expected outcome of any further treatment might be, so talk with your doctor about the purpose of the treatment. Be sure you understand the benefits and risks before you decide.

Along with the possibility of the original cancer coming back (relapse) after it was treated with a stem cell transplant, there is also a chance of having a second cancer after transplant. Studies have shown that people who have had allogeneic transplants have a higher risk of second cancer than people who got a different type of stem cell transplant.

A cancer called post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD), if it occurs, usually develops within the first year after the transplant. Other conditions and cancers that can happen are solid tumor cancers in different organs, leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes. These other conditions, if they occur, tend to develop a few years or longer after the transplant.

Risk factors for developing a second cancer are being studied and may include:

Successfully treating a first cancer gives a second cancer time (and the chance) to develop. No matter what type of cancer is treated, and even without the high doses used for transplant, treatments like radiation and chemo can lead to a second cancer in the future.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is an out-of-control growth of lymph cells, actually a type of lymphoma, that can develop after an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Its linked to T-cells (a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system) and the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). T-cells normally help rid the body of cells that contain viruses. When the T-cells arent working well, EBV-infected B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) can grow and multiply. Most people are infected with EBV at some time during their lives, but the infection is controlled by a healthy immune system. The pre-transplant treatment given weakens the immune system, allowing the EBV infection to get out of control, which can lead to a PTLD.

Still, PTLD after allogeneic stem cell transplant is fairly rare. It most often develops within 1 to 6 months after allogeneic stem cell transplant, when the immune system is still very weak.

PTLD is life-threatening. It may show up as lymph node swelling, fever, and chills. Theres no one standard treatment, but its often treated by cutting back on immunosuppressant drugs to let the patients immune system fight back. Other treatments include white blood cell (lymphocyte) transfusions to boost the immune response, using drugs like rituximab to kill the B cells, and giving anti-viral drugs to treat the EBV.

Even though PTLD doesnt often happen after transplant, its more likely to occur with less well-matched donors and when strong suppression of the immune system is needed. Studies are being done to identify risk factors for PTLD and look for ways to prevent it in transplant patients who are at risk.

Most people who have stem cell transplants become infertile (unable to have children). This is not caused by the cells that are transplanted, but rather by the high doses of chemo and/or radiation therapy used. These treatments affect both normal and abnormal cells, and often damage reproductive organs.

If having children is important to you, or if you think it might be important in the future, talk to your doctor about ways to protect your fertility before treatment. Your doctor may be able to tell you if a particular treatment will be likely to cause infertility.

After chemo or radiation, some women may find their menstrual periods become irregular or stop completely. This doesnt always mean they cannot get pregnant, so birth control should be used before and after a transplant. The drugs used in transplants can harm a growing fetus.

The drugs used during transplant can also damage sperm, so men should use birth control to avoid starting a pregnancy during and for some time after the transplant process. Transplants may cause temporary or permanent infertility for men as well. Fertility returns in some men, but the timing is unpredictable. Men might consider storing their sperm before having a transplant.

For more information on having children after being treated for canceror sexual problems related to cancer treatment, see Fertility and Sexual Side Effects.

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Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant Side Effects - American Cancer Society

It was a $137 million day for the Golden States stem cell agency no small event even for an enterprise that is backed by billions.

The scientific scope covered by the $137 million was impressive. It ranged from bolstering the vauntedAlpha Clinic Networkinitiated around the state by theCalifornia Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), as the agency is legally known, to raising the number ofCIRMs clinical trials to 83. Plus, CIRM directors gave the go-ahead to a $50 million program to finance shared labs around the state.

CIRMs cash comes from $5.5 billion that voters approved in 2020. The money is borrowed by the state via state bonds. The agency, however, does not have all its boodle lying around in a vault in its South San Francisco headquarters. CIRM can only receive $540 million in bond funding annually. But the cash carries over from year to year.

CIRMs $137-million-day came on Oct. 27, a few days before CIRM officially turned 18.

Nonetheless, awarding the money sooner rather than later is in CIRMs best interest. No research is done without cash. CIRM needs to generate results that will convince voters to approve more billions in about 10 years when its funding runs out. Given the slow pace of therapy development, a decade may span only the initial steps in the process.

CIRMs $137-million-day came on Oct. 27, a few days before CIRM officially turned 18. The ballot measure that gave birth to the agency, the largest such state enterprise in the country, was approved on Nov. 2, 2004. Voters awarded CIRM an initial $3 billion, hoping for quick development of miraculous stem cell therapies available to the general public. CIRM is still working on that promise.

The biggest chunk of last months $137 million went for the Alpha Clinics $72 million on top of the $40 million already invested in the network. Continued CIRM funding of the existing Alpha Clinic sites does raise questions about the initial rationale behind network

The first request for applicationsfor Alpha clinic was posted in 2013. It said the applications would be judged on whether they present a feasible and compelling business/fundraising proposal, and the likelihood that implementation of the plan would support the Alpha Stem Cell Clinics beyond the 5-year funding provided by this RFA. Last months awards are also for five years.

One criterion considered by reviewers was whether the (UCSD) application met the needs of underserved and disproportionately affected communities.

The clinics are aimed at expanding existing capacities for delivering stem cell, gene therapies and other advanced treatment to patients, according to CIRM. They also serve as a competency hub for regenerative medicine training, clinical research, and the delivery of approved treatments.

At last months meeting, CIRM directors expanded the program to includeStanford UniversityplusCedars-Sinaiand theUniversity of Southern California, both in Los Angeles. The network already includedUCLA, UC Davis, UC San Francisco, UC Irvine, UC San Diegoand theCity of Hope.

UC San Diegos bid for $8 million more hit a roadblock, however, when it was rejected prior to the Oct. 27 board by CIRMs application reviewers, who make the de facto decisions on grants while meeting behind closed doors. The board almost never overturns a positive decision by the reviewer on applications.

The reviewers found significant flaws in the UC San Diego application (number INFR4-13597). They included criticism of the diversity plan and problems with training. One criterion considered by reviewers was whether the application met the needs of underserved and disproportionately affected communities.

In other awards, the sole clinical trial application for $12 million went toJana Portnowat theBeckman Research InstituteofCity of Hope

The review summary said that was an underdeveloped portion of the proposal. Ability to effectively increase DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) in enrollment seems to be there but so many aspects of recruitment, retention, etc were missing.

The review summary also cited the limited number of patients enrolled clinically in stem cell and gene therapy trials.

Catriona Jamieson, director of the current Alpha program at UC San Diego, successfully appealed the rejection of the application by reviewers ina five-page, single-spaced letterto CIRM directors.

CIRM ChairmanJonathan Thomastold the board that the San Diego program, which will extend into rural Imperial County, is absolutely first rate and has produced many excellent projects.

In other awards, the sole clinical trial application for $12 million went toJana Portnowat theBeckman Research InstituteofCity of Hopefor a phase one trial involving the development of a delivery vehicle for a cancer-killing virus that targets brain tumor cells (application number CLIN2-13162 #2). It was the second try by Portnow for CIRM funding.

Another $3 million was awarded toBoris MinevofCalidi Biotherapeuticsof La Jolla, Ca., for work to initiate a clinical trial involving skin cancer (application number CLIN1-14080).

The $50 million shared labs planwas approved by directors but does not immediately involve individual awards. CIRM plans a deadline of next spring for applications. They are scheduled to be approved in late 2023.

The aim of the labs effort is to overcome hurdles in stem cell research. Not all research laboratorieshave local access to relevant infrastructure and training, nor do all have the opportunity to collaborate with a stem cell-based modeling laboratory, CIRM said in the plan proposal.

Laboratories well-versed in stem cell-based modeling that share their expertise and/or provide models collaboratively cant meet demand, as it is time-consuming and costly to divert resources to educating and supporting other researchers.

Regarding the Alpha awards, below are the names of the recipient institutions and principal scientists, along with their application numbers. The numbers are needed to locate the specific application review summaries, which do not identify the applicants. The review summaries include both positive and negative comments about the applications. All of the awards are for $8 million.All of the review summaries can be found at this link.

Cedars Sinai Michael Lewis, INFR-13586

City of Hope Leo Wang, INFR4-13587

Stanford University Matthew Porteus,INFR4-13579

UC Davis Mehrdad Abedi, INFR4-13596

UC Irvine Daniela Bota,INFR4-13952

UC Los Angeles Noah Federman, INFR4-13685

UC San Diego Catriona Jamieson,INFR4-13597

UC San Francisco Mark Walters, INFR4-13581Editors Note: David Jensenis a retired newsman who has followed the affairs of the $3 billion California stem cell agency since 2005 via his blog, the California Stem Cell Report,where this story first appeared.He has published thousands of items on California stem cell matters.

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Stem cell: $137 million buys more clinical trials, shared labs ...

How are new treatments developed?

If you have seen a stem cell treatment advertised, featured in the media, or mentioned to you by a friend or fellow patient, it can be hard to work out if it may be an option for you.

Although there is a lot of attention surrounding the potential of stem cells, in reality, the range of diseases for which there are current proven stem cell treatments is quite small. Within Australia the only proven treatments available involving stem cells are corneal and skin grafting, and blood stem cell transplants for the treatment of some blood disorders, inherited immune and metabolic disorders, cancer and autoimmune diseases. There are many other potential treatments, but these are still in the research phase or in clinical trials and are yet to be proven as safe and effective.

This page provides a breakdown of the steps that should occur before a stem cell treatment makes it to you in a clinic, and identifies who should be looking after your interests.

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Stem Cells Australia | Australian research, stem cell treatments and ...