Category Archives: Vermont Stem Cells

MONTPELIER, Vt. -

A developer and foreign investors are poised to bring hundreds of jobs to the Northeast Kingdom, but locals say they've heard enough and want to see progress.

The project promises to put the Northeast Kingdom at the forefront of medical innovation, but residents say it's only a promise residents of Newport have heard before until the facility starts hiring.

Bill Stenger, the man behind Jay Peak and its big expansion, spent Monday morning pitching his next big idea.

The plan is to turn a former outdoor clothing manufacturing facility in Newport into one that produces medical devices and billions upon billions of stem cells for pioneering scientists on health's next great frontier.

"There's enormous opportunity where this type of situation occurs. It's a good place to enter the market and AnC Bio is building their facility at a very opportune moment," said Jane Andrews, Frost & Sullivan consultant.

An independent consultant on-hand for the presentation praised the plan.

Foreign investors bear much of the risk because 95 percent of the $100 million investment will be financed through the EB-5 program wherein foreign investors get green cards if not a return on their investment.

"That's their benefit, first and foremost is their visa, our benefit is access to patient capital, to build things, develop jobs, create economic development," said Bill Stenger, developer.

There have been delays in the project, some blamed on EB-5 processing.

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Developers expect to break ground on NEK biotech plant in May

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Travel awards for Stem Cell Therapies Workshop and Conference Vermont, USA

Exciting career opportunities in cell based therapies. Three positions are available in the field of cell based therapies. For more details

Stem Cell stories continue to inform Stem Cell Stories is a stunning touring image exhibition jointly created in late 2013 by the ASSCR and Questacon - the Australian National Science and Technology Centre. The exhibition aims to celebrate the inherent beauty of regenerative medicine research while also stimulating community conversation around stem cells and emerging stem cell therapies. To do so, the exhibition juxtaposes beautiful colour stem cell images with portraits of patients looking to stem cell research for new treatments. The beautiful and thought provoking images contained within the exhibition were provided by scientists across Australia and New Zealand. Display of the exhibition alternates between Questacon, Canberra, and other galleries around Australia. In mid-2014 the exhibition was shown at the Royal Institute of Australia in Adelaide, and in mid-2015 it is planned for display at SciTech in Perth. Future showings are planned for other cities in Australia and New Zealand. The captivating nature of Stem Cell Stories has gathered significant media interest, including the closing credits of the ABC 7:30 Report in Adelaide and an 8-page feature spread in the December 2014 issue of Cosmos magazine.

International Funding Opportunities Two fantastic funding opportunities are available for Early Career Researchers. Both awards provide $1.5M USD (payable over 5 years) to outstanding young researchers from accredited non-profit research and academic institutions throughout the world (subject to eligibility). The RFAs will close on March 18, 2015 at 5:00pm Eastern. More details

Applications are now open for the two $50,000 Metcalf Prizes for Stem Cell Research. The National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia will award and celebrate two exceptional mid-career stem cell researchers with the Metcalf Prizes for Stem Cell Research each worth $50,000.

Applications for the 2015 Metcalf Prizes will close on Monday 16th March More details

Australian stem cell scientists attend ISSCR 2014 National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia funded 5 travel awards for PhD students or early career researchers to attend the 12th annual meeting of the International Society of Stem Cell Research held recently in Vancouver. All of the recipients had a great experience and really used this opportunity to extend their research potential I got to discuss my scientific and entrepreneurial ambitions with the best biotech entrepreneurs in the field Nilay Thakard.Read their complete report

Photographed at the meeting: Luke Aris Diepeveen (University of Western Australia, WA), Jean Tan(Monash Institute of Medical Research, Victoria), Nilay Thakard (University of Queensland, Queensland) and Julie-Ann Hulin (Flinders University, SA). Absent Gautam Wali (Griffith University, QLD)

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Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research The ...

The Controversy

Earlier this November, scientists from the University College London Institutes of Ophthalmology and Child Health and Moorfields Eye Hospital were able to restore vision to blind lab mice. This scientific breakthrough signifies that millions of people with optical conditions such as macular degeneration (loss of sight experienced by the elderly), diabetic retinopathy, and a variety of other forms of blindness could be able to regain sight through a remarkably simple procedure. However, the fact that the procedure requires stem cells from foetusescurrently viewed as a highly controversial method by many politicianshas prevented this procedure from becoming more publicized in the U.S. (1).

The Breakthrough

Researchers have identified certain cells on the margin of adult retinas that are similar to stem cells. Additionally, retinal cell replacement may be the most effective method of "cell transplant therapy because photoreceptor loss initially leaves the rest of the wiring to the brain intact (1). In other words, major surgical reconstruction is not necessary. Any surgical procedure would only involve the superficial layer of the retina and not the particularly sensitive optic nerve wiring at the back of the eye. However, in order to attain human retinal cells at the necessary stage of development, stem cells would need to be extracted from a foetus during the second trimester of pregnancy (1). Because stem cells are able to proliferate and develop into many other types of cells within the human body, they can be extracted from any part of the foetus. However, the timing is imperative if the procedure is to work.

Three Blind Mice See How the Procedure Works...

1. Early stage retinal stem cells were extracted from a 3 to 5 day old newborn mouse (1).

2. The retinal cells were transplanted onto the retinal surface of a blind mouse whose condition was genetically programmed to resemble the gradual loss of sight characteristic to the human disease retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration (1).

3. The cells embed themselves and connected with other cells on the retina of blind mouse. Within 30 minutes the photoreceptors from the retinal stem cells implanted themselves and fused electrical connections with the animals' existing retinal nerve cells (3). As a result, the formerly blind mice's pupils began to respond to light and there was activity in the optic nerve (indicating that the eye was transmitting signals to the brain) (1).

Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye: Photoreceptors

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Stem Cells Cure Blindness | Serendip Studio

This is an obsolete question. Stem cell research has been going on, with cells that are non-fetal for several years now. I think the scientific community figured out how to do research (e.g. using nasal passage cells) when the ban on fetal cells was enacted and I don't see why the govt has to get involved at all at this point in history. 10monsago from a Republican in Newtown, PA.

Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells, as long as all developments are available for public review, and as long as the developments are not used as weapons or in the creation of weapons. 10monsago from a Republican in Pfafftown, NC.

No, leave funding and research to the private sector Fetal stem cell research should be illegal. 10monsago from a Republican in Lorain, OH.

Using non-fetal stem cells only AND leave funding and research to the private sector. 10monsago from a Republican in Diberville, MS.

I agree with stem cell research but feel that strong restrictions must be placed against using cells from voluntarily aborted fetuses out of concern that fetuses could develop a "market value". Mothers should be allowed to donate their cord cells or those of miscarried babies. 10monsago from a Democrat in Glen Carbon, IL.

They are already funding adult stem cell research, they should not fund embryonic stem cell research. 10monsago from a Republican in Alameda, CA.

Yes, but not without restrictions... Regarding fetal cells, mothers need to sign legal papers stating that if there's a complication, and the baby is still born, or suffers an event that creates a mortality while giving birth or soon after, do they agree to the donation of their organs, including stem cells for research. 10monsago from a Republican in Kennedale, TX.

Yes, provided that future findings will benefit those who cannot afford to pay for stem cell treatment. 10monsago from a Democrat in Dallas, TX.

No, funding for such research should be from companies that believe they can make a profit. 10monsago from a Republican in Potwin, KS.

I CONSIDER MYSELF TOO UNFAMILIAR WITH THIS TO SAY, BUT AM AGAINST ANYTHING THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED IMMORAL. 10monsago from a Republican in Casa Grande, AZ.

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Stem Cell Research Poll Results - iSideWith

Lung diseases remain a significant and devastating cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In contrast to many other major diseases, lung diseases notably chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs), including both asthma and emphysema, are increasing in prevalence and COPD is expected to become the third leading cause of disease mortality worldwide by 2020. New therapeutic options are desperately needed. A rapidly growing number of investigations of stem cells and cell therapies in lung biology and diseases as well as in ex vivo lung bioengineering have offered exciting new avenues for advancing knowledge of lung biology as well as providing novel potential therapeutic approaches for lung diseases. These initial observations have led to a growing exploration of endothelial progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells in clinical trials of pulmonary hypertension and COPD with other clinical investigations planned. Ex vivo bioengineering of the trachea, larynx, diaphragm, and the lung itself with both biosynthetic constructs as well as decellularized tissues have been used to explore engineering both airway and vascular systems of the lung. Lung is thus a ripe organ for a variety of cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches. Current state-of-the-art progress for each of the above areas will be presented as will discussion of current considerations for cell therapy-based clinical trials in lung diseases. Stem Cells 2014;32:1625

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Concise Review: Current Status of Stem Cells and ...

Primary Outcome Measures: Safety [TimeFrame:Through 2 years] [Designatedassafetyissue:Yes] Secondary Outcome Measures: Pulmonary Function Tests [TimeFrame:Through 1 year] [Designatedassafetyissue:No] Exercise Capability [TimeFrame:Through 1 year] [Designatedassafetyissue:No] Quality of life [TimeFrame:Through 1 year] [Designatedassafetyissue:No]

COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It is clear that there is a significant unmet medical need for safe and effective therapies to treat moderate to severe COPD. This patient population has a high mortality rate and requires frequent hospitalizations due to disease-related exacerbations. Based on severity distribution estimates, approximately 70% of all current COPD patients have either moderate or severe COPD. COPD has no known cure, thus current therapeutic intervention is aimed at providing relief of symptoms. Oxygen therapy is the only treatment that has been shown to improve survival. Smoking cessation has been shown to slow the rate of FEV1 decline and COPD progression. In general patients are treated with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, but again, these measures do not provide any significant benefit regarding disease progression or prognosis. The characteristics and biologic activity of PROCHYMAL, along with a good safety profile in human trials to date, suggest that PROCHYMAL may be a good candidate for addressing this unmet medical need.

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PROCHYMAL (Human Adult Stem Cells) for the Treatment of ...

The Parkinsons community has been at the forefront of the struggle to achieve research freedom for scientists working in the field of embryonic stem cell research. The Parkinsons Action Network (PAN) is a founding member of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), which is made up of more than 100 nationally recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, and foundations advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in the field of medical and health research. Together, PAN and CAMR will continue to educate the nation about the importance of medical and scientific research, including embryonic stem cell research.

Why Support Embryonic Stem Cell Research?

Embryonic stem cell research has significant scientific and therapeutic potential for people living with Parkinsons disease. While replacement of human dopamine producing neurons may be one therapy resulting from additional embryonic stem cell research, many avenues of Parkinsons research will benefit from this research. Researchers will be aided in studying the causes of Parkinsons, developing more accurate models to improve our understanding of the disease, and, ultimately, halt the unrelenting neurological degeneration and loss of quality of life for people living with Parkinsons.

Want to learn more about stem cell research? Visit CAMRs informative online brochure on stem cell research.

Advocacy with the Obama Administration

Prior to the start of President Obamas term in office, PANs CEO, Amy Comstock Rick, while serving as the President of CAMR, met with President Obamas transition team, urging him to overturn the prior Administrations funding restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. Thanks to strong advocacy by the Parkinsons community, President Obama issued an Executive Order on March 9, 2009 that lifted the prior Administrations restrictive policy on embryonic stem cell research. The executive order changed the way National Institutes of Health (NIH) could support and conduct human stem cell research.

The Health and Human Services Secretary, through the NIH Director, was required to review existing NIH and other widely-recognized guidelines on human stem cell research and issue new NIH guidance within 120 days of the date of the Executive Order. On April 23, 2009, the NIH published draft guidelines for research involving human embryonic stem cell research. The Parkinsons disease community played a key role in submitting comments to NIH before the final guidelines were released on July 7, 2009. View PAN's comments on the NIH draft guidelines.

The final guidelines provide a pathway for existing stem cell lines, on which current research has only been able to proceed with non-federal funding, to gain the full support of the Federal government. Using the final guidelines, NIH is now approving stem cell lines for use and funding research grants. Visit the NIH Stem Cell Information Web site to learn more.

Stem Cell Policy History

On August 9th, 2001, former President George W. Bush announced that for the first time, federal funding would be used for human embryonic stem cell research, but only on stem cell lines that were created prior to that date. At the time of the 2001 policy announcement, 78 stem cell lines were assumed eligible for federal funding. In fact, only 21 lines were available for distribution and study due to contamination and changes to the cells over time rendering many of the lines unusable.

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Stem Cell Research | Parkinson's Action Network

Vermont Stem Cell Treatments Worldstemcells.com is one of the leading stem cell therapy and treatment providers for residents of Vermont and across the nation. Our cutting edge technology and compassionate staff truly set us apart from the competition. We are a US based company that understands your needs and concerns when looking for a stem cell treatment center. Our treatment center is located in Cancun, Mexico.

Getting Started With Your Stem Cell Therapy and Treatments Here at World Stem Cells LLC we try to make the process of receiving stem cell transplants as easy as possible. We will help you figure out what your needs are and help you reach your goals as fast as possible. Follow the steps below on what to do.

Option 1 1.) Go to any page on our website and fill out the contact form. 2.) Fill in the required information and select the condition you would like to treat with stem cell therapy. 3.) Be sure to include any special information in the comments section. 4.) Click the submit button and we will contact you in a timely manner. 5.) Thats it, youre done!!!

REQUEST INFORMATION NOW!

Option 2

Call 800-234-1693 and speak with a representative regarding your stem cell therapy needs and requirements.

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Vermont Stem Cell Treatments | Stem Cell Treatments

October 14, 2013

Sarah Keblin Vermont Cancer Center University of Vermont (802) 656-3099

Michael Carrese Fletcher Allen Health Care (802) 847-2886

The Vermont Cancer Centers Stem Cell Transplant Program at Fletcher Allen Health Care recently received accreditation by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) located at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

FACT accreditation is validation for the programs outstanding capabilities and quality in treating patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other forms of cancer with stem cell therapy. The accreditation specifically recognizes quality in autologous adult stem cell transplantation - in which healthy stem cells are collected from an individual and re-introduced to that person as well as cell collection, and cell processing.

Stem cells are typically found in bone marrow and the bloodstream and help form the critically important red and white blood cells and platelets often destroyed by high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy treatments for cancer. Stem cell transplants following these therapies support the bone marrows ability to produce the blood cells the patient needs.

This accreditation validates an already strong program with a history of excellence and recognizes our organizations daily commitment to high-quality patient care within the adult stem cell transplant program, said Julian Sprague, M.D., assistant professor of Medicine in the division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen, and director of the Stem Cell Transplant Program at the Vermont Cancer Center.

Accreditation by FACT brings with it notable advantages for the Vermont Cancer Center, its partners, and the patients they serve. Adherence to FACT standards is increasingly necessary for both health insurance and government funding eligibility and will provide opportunities for the academic medical center to invest further in research, and to expand its services, in cellular therapies. In just the last week, in response to this accreditation, one of Vermonts major insurance plans has approved the program for reimbursement, increasing coverage and access for patients here in Vermont and the region to receive this life-saving treatment.

Patients seek FACT accredited programs when looking for care, and we know that enabling patients to receive treatment close to home is highly advantageous in helping them to maintain a normal life and also in increasing positive outcomes for them and their families, said Sprague. Im incredibly proud of the team here at Fletcher Allen and the Vermont Cancer Center and what they have done and will continue to do for patients.

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The Vermont Cancer Center's Stem Cell Transplant Program ...