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Stem cell collaboration could set stage for company’s growth

Posted: May 9, 2012 at 8:15 pm

A stem cell breakthrough at UCLA could mark a big step for a biopharmaceutical company to use its proprietary technology to forge partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and other research institutions.

Fibrocell Sciences technology isolates, purifies and multiplies a patients fibroblast cells, connective skin cells that make collagen. In a research collaboration with the company, UCLA used the technology to isolate, identify and increase the number of different skin cell types, which lead to two rare adult stem cell-like subpopulations being identified in adult human skin SSEA3-expressing regeneration-associated cells associated with skin regeneration after injuries and mesenchymal adult stem cells.

The findings could have broad applications for personalized medicine. Currently, adult stem cells are derived from adipose tissue and bone marrow. Using mesenchymal stem cells would be less invasive and could be more efficient. Mesenchymal stem cells are being used in research to develop osteoblasts, or bone cells; chondrocytes, or cartilage cells; and adipocytes, or fat cells.

David Pernock, the chairman and CEO of Fibrocell, said the move could mark a significant step in the companys growth.

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Pernock added: Once we have shown we can produce these stem cells in meaningful quantities safely and efficiently, I think well be in a position where companies would want to partner with us to develop them for a variety of indications.

In addition to collaborations, the company has been developing its own therapeutics.

The company is poised to launch its first U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy Laviv. The therapy uses individuals fibroblast cells to reduce nasolabial fold wrinkles, folds on both sides of the face that start from the outer corners of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. It is also advancing its acne therapy through phase 3 clinical trials and its burn scar therapy through phase 2 trials.

Pernock joined the company two years ago from GlaxoSmithKline. He said the developments under way at the company indicate it is growing and expects to add engineering staff to its Exton, Pennsylvania office later this year.

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Pluristem stem cell therapy saves a patient, shares jump

Posted: May 9, 2012 at 8:15 pm

Wed May 9, 2012 3:35pm BST

(Reuters) - Pluristem Therapeutics Inc said a 7-year old girl suffering from a bone marrow disease experienced a reversal of her condition after receiving its experimental stem cell therapy, sending the Israeli company's shares up 32 percent.

The girl, suffering from aplastic bone marrow in which the patient has no blood-forming stem cells, had a significant rise in her red cells, white cells and platelets following an injection of Pluristem's therapy -- PLacental eXpanded cells.

"The results of this unique case indicate that PLX cells may be effective in treating other diseases that affect the bone marrow," Reuven Or, the child's physician at Hadassah Medical Center, was quoted in a statement by Pluristem.

Last September, the company said animal studies showed that the therapy had the potential to treat blood tissue complications related with acute radiation syndrome, commonly called radiation sickness.

Last month, the U.S. health regulators gave a go ahead to the company to start a mid-stage trial of the therapy for treating Intermittent Claudication -- a subset of peripheral artery disease.

Pluristem shares, which have gained 5 percent since receiving the FDA nod for the mid-stage trial, were up 15 percent at $2.70 in morning trade on the Nasdaq. They touched a high of $3.10 earlier.

(Reporting by Esha Dey in Bangalore; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)

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TiGenix : Presenting at Key Conferences – Spring 2012

Posted: May 9, 2012 at 4:11 pm

LEUVEN, BELGIUM--(Marketwire -05/08/12)- TiGenix (TIG), a leader in the field of cell therapy, announced today that during the months of May and June the company will present at a number of key events in Europe and the U.S. geared at investor, industry, and academic audiences to highlight the commercial potential of ChondroCelect, the only approved cell therapy in Europe, and of the company's innovative proprietary allogeneic stem cell platform with programs in Phase I, II, and III for a range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

May 15-16 BioEquity, Marriott Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: Tuesday, May 15, 16:00-16:25 Room: Level 1, Room Gold 1

May 21-23 World Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Congress, Victoria Park Plaza, London, UK Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: Monday, May 21, 15:25 -15:50 Title: Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine - Progressing into phase III with an orphan indication

May 24 Knowledge for Growth, ICC Ghent, Belgium Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Time: 11:30 Keynote speech - Advanced therapies: this time it is for real

June 5-8 18th International Stem Cell Therapy Sociey Annual Meeting, Sheraton Seattle, WA, U.S. Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: June 7, 13:45-15:15 Title: Plenary Session 4 - Regenerative Medicine and Positioning for Commercial Success - Lessons from the commercial roll out of ChondroCelect in Europe

June 18-21 BIO International Convention, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, MA, U.S. Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: June 20, 15:00-15:45 Title: Stem Cell Therapies...Fact or Fiction?

June 23 VFB Biotech Congres, Leuven, Belgium Location: Imec, Kapeldreef 75, Leuven Presenter: Gil Beyen, Chief Business Officer Time: 11am

June 23 Dag van de Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium Location: TiGenix headquarters, Leuven Event: Open day event throughout Flanders for all biotech companies & academic labs Time: 10am-5pm

About TiGenixTiGenix NV (TIG) is a leading European cell therapy company with a marketed product for cartilage repair, ChondroCelect, and a strong pipeline with clinical stage allogeneic adult stem cell programs for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. TiGenix is based out of Leuven (Belgium) and has operations in Madrid (Spain), and Sittard-Geleen (the Netherlands). For more information please visit http://www.tigenix.com.

Forward-looking information This document may contain forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated future performance of TiGenix and the market in which it operates. Certain of these statements, forecasts and estimates can be recognised by the use of words such as, without limitation, "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will" and "continue" and similar expressions. They include all matters that are not historical facts. Such statements, forecasts and estimates are based on various assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable when made but may or may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict and may depend upon factors that are beyond TiGenix' control. Therefore, actual results, the financial condition, performance or achievements of TiGenix, or industry results, may turn out to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements, forecasts and estimates. Given these uncertainties, no representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates only speak as of the date of the publication of this document. TiGenix disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statement, forecast or estimates to reflect any change in TiGenix' expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement, forecast or estimate is based, except to the extent required by Belgian law.

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New York medical schools chart progress with stem cells

Posted: May 9, 2012 at 1:17 am

ALBANY -- Almost halfway through a $600 million state program supporting stem cell research, eight medical schools around New York are reporting progress on projects such as replicating liver cells and eradicating leukemia cells.

A new report from Associated Medical Schools of New York updates work at the institutions where hundreds of researchers are starting to unravel causes and potential treatments for conditions ranging from autism to heart disease and cancer. Stem cells are self-renewing and have the ability to develop into other types of cells.

The Mount Sinai School of Medicine reported finding a method to transform human skin cells into stem cells and turned differentiated human stem cells into heart cells. Those findings are expected to result in better understanding of how heart disease develops and allow initial testing of new treatments on stem cells before they are used on human subjects.

Dr. Ihor Lemischka, director of the Black Family Stem Cell Institute at Mount Sinai, said recreating heart cells in a dish from a patient with LEOPARD Syndrome, a disease caused by a genetic mutation, has opened ongoing avenues for researching the disease and screening potential drugs.

"It was a major achievement," Lemischka said. The initial work was reported in June 2010 in the journal Nature.

The shared research facility at Mount Sinai supports the work at 80 different labs, Lemischka said.

The Empire State Stem Cell Program was intended to fund projects in early stages, including those that initially have been unable to get federal or private funding. Grants have also been used for capital projects like renovating labs and establishing new stem cell centers.

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine reported replicating liver cells that could help reduce the need for liver transplants using live donors and cadavers.

Dr. Allan Spiegel said 12 new researchers have been hired with state funding at the Bronx school, which also lists anemia, brain disorders, heart disease and obesity among its stem cell research subjects.

"It offers tremendous potential for understanding the causes of and developing better treatments for diseases like cancer, type 1 diabetes and Parkinson's," he said.

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David Allan Lauded for Leadership – Biotechnology Leader Named to Industry Award

Posted: May 9, 2012 at 1:15 am

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

David Allan, founding Chairman of YM BioSciences and its 13-year CEO is being recognized by the industry in BIOTECanadas naming him as recipient of the Gold Leaf Award for Industry Leadership. This award is given to an individual who demonstrates exemplary vision and leadership in Canadian biotechnology in a global context. He is being recognized for his commitment to promoting and supporting the growth of biotechnology in Canada.

David Allan has had an important impact on the recognition of Canadian biotechnology internationally with his unwavering commitment about the importance of international public and private capital markets as the lifeblood of the industry, commented Brad Thompson, Chair BIOTECanada. YM BioSciences has demonstrated versatility and resilience, utilizing international partnerships to offset the capital constraints faced by Canadian biotechnology companies. This is a model for many industry colleagues.

During his 17-year involvement with YM the company has enjoyed numerous "firsts" including being the first North American biotechnology company to float its IPO on the London Exchange, which occurred in 2002 simultaneously with listing on the TSX, as well, it is believed, as being the first company outside the United States to receive a Special Protocol Assessment from the FDA. Prior to YM David created the first science and technology-specific investment banking team in Canada to support the capital requirements of the biotechnology industry in the country and creating such novel biotechnology structures as Drug Royalty Corporation as well as YM BioSciences.

"I am thrilled that this 20-year commitment to the industry is being recognised by this exceptional and prestigious award. My commitment to the industry preceded my involvement with YM by being the first in Canada to import, in 1992, the model so successfully established in the United States of biotech-specific investment banks. From that experience came the recognition of the senseless chasm between the billions of dollars spent by our government-level programs supporting basic research and the low enthusiasm of Canadian venture capital funds and public capital markets in Canada to support the conversion of our scientific excellence into medicines useful for human health. I shall continue to work tirelessly, striving to eliminate the established impediments on accessing capital in Canada similarly to a prior successful engagement as Chair the Toronto Stock Exchange's Market Access Committee that created a specific framework encouraging previously unavailable financing of Small and Medium Enterprises through that exchange. I expect that my extensive experience in the management, M&A and financing of biotechnology companies will be useful as a mentor to others and I am delighted to continue broad involvement with the biotechnology industry in Canada as the Chair of YM, Executive Chair of Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp, Lead Director at DiaMedica Inc, and as Chairman of AvidBiologics Inc. in Toronto.

Join us as we celebrate industry leadership during the BIO International Convention at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The Gold Leaf Awards ceremony will take place at the Canada Caf (booth number 735) June 19, 2012 in Boston, MA at 4pm.

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Navigating the IP Minefield of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Development

Posted: May 9, 2012 at 1:15 am

FARMINGTON, Conn., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Global Information Inc. is pleased to announce two significant new reports

Opportunities in Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) ProductsHuman embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, the stage reached 4 to 5 days after fertilization. They are the most pluripotent of all stem cell types, able to develop into any of over 200 different cell types in the human body, rending them tremendously useful for their therapeutic potential. However, human embryonic stem cell research is heavily encumbered by patents held by the University of Wisconsin's Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), which creates significant challenges for guidance for companies seeking to develop new products.

BioInformant's new Opportunities in Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) Products market research report explores the complex IP landscape affecting development of human embryonic stem cell products, providing clear guidance for companies entering or already within the market. Over the past 15 years, WARF has been the major "gatekeeper" in determining which research product companies are able to conduct research, create commercial products, and develop novel therapies using hESCs. To date, WARF has entered into licensing agreements with only 27 commercial partners for its intellectual portfolio related to isolating and differentiating hESCs.

While Invitrogen, Becton Dickinson and Chemicon have disclosed licensing agreements with WARF, many research products companies have be forced to explore less costly alternatives - such as circumventing the claims, conducting research off-shore, and developing embryonic stem cell products for other species. This report will give readers a fuller, more complete understanding of the complex IP situation in the hESC market, before they make any costly development decisions.

An Executive Summary for this report and a free sample of the full document are available at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/biof239705-opportunities-human-embryonic-stem-cell-hesc.html

Capitalizing on Opportunities in Cord Blood Industry GrowthFor even greater depth, companies involved in regenerative medicine research and development can turn to BioInformant's Cord Blood Industry Opportunities report to help guide future research and product design to ensure strong future sales and growth.

BioInformant's new market report "Capitalizing on Cord Blood Industry Growth" is particularly useful because it provides a direct link into the minds of a large, global population of parents, offering findings that have not been made available previously. This report also offers the most complete overview available anywhere of active global cord blood banks, tracking all 521 specific Cord Blood Banks operating in the world today.

An Executive Summary of this analysis and a free sample of the full report are available at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/biof234290-capitalizing-on-opportunities-cord-blood-industry.html

About Global Information Inc. Global Information (GII) (http://www.giiresearch.com) is an information service company partnering with over 300 research companies around the world. Global Information has been in the business of distributing technical and market research for more than 25 years. Expanded from its original headquarters in Japan, Global Information now has offices in Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Europe and the United States.

Media Contact: Jeremy Palaia Global Information, Inc., 1-860-674-8796, Press@gii.co.jp

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TiGenix : presenting at Key Conferences – Spring 2012

Posted: May 9, 2012 at 1:15 am

Regulated information May 8, 2012

TiGenix to Present at Key Conferences Spring 2012

Leuven (BELGIUM) - May 8, 2012 - TiGenix (TIG.BR), a leader in the field of cell therapy, announced today that during the months of May and June the company will present at a number of key events in Europe and the U.S. geared at investor, industry, and academic audiences to highlight the commercial potential of ChondroCelect, the only approved cell therapy in Europe, and of the company`s innovative proprietary allogeneic stem cell platform with programs in Phase I, II, and III for a range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

May 15-16 BioEquity, Marriott Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: Tuesday, May 15, 16:00-16:25 Room: Level 1, Room Gold 1

May 21-23 World Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Congress, Victoria Park Plaza, London, UK Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: Monday, May 21, 15:25 -15:50 Title: Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine - Progressing into phase III with an orphan indication

May 24 Knowledge for Growth, ICC Ghent, Belgium Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Time: 11:30 Keynote speech - Advanced therapies: this time it is for real

June 5-8 18th International Stem Cell Therapy Sociey Annual Meeting, Sheraton Seattle, WA, U.S. Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: June 7, 13:45-15:15 Title: Plenary Session 4 - Regenerative Medicine and Positioning for Commercial Success - Lessons from the commercial roll out of ChondroCelect in Europe

June 18-21 BIO International Convention, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, MA, U.S. Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: June 20, 15:00-15:45 Title: Stem Cell Therapies...Fact or Fiction?

June 23 VFB Biotech Congres, Leuven, Belgium Location: Imec, Kapeldreef 75, Leuven Presenter: Gil Beyen, Chief Business Officer Time: 11am

June 23 Dag van de Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium Location: TiGenix headquarters, Leuven Event: Open day event throughout Flanders for all biotech companies & academic labs Time: 10am-5pm

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2 Cell Transplantation studies impact dental stem cell research for therapeutic purposes

Posted: May 9, 2012 at 1:15 am

Public release date: 8-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: David Eve celltransplantation@gmail.com Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair

Tampa, Fla. (May. 8, 2012) Two studies appearing in a recent issue of Cell Transplantation (20:11-12), now freely available on-line at http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/ct/, evaluate stem cells derived from dental tissues for characteristics that may make them therapeutically useful and appropriate for transplantation purposes.

Induced pluripotent stem cells from immature dental pulp stem cells

A Brazilian and American team of researchers used human immature dental pulp stem cells (IDPSCs) as an alternative source for creating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), stem cells that can be derived from several kinds of adult tissues. According to the study authors, production of iPSCs "opens new opportunities for increased understanding of human genetic diseases and embryogenesis" and will likely have a "great impact on future drug screening and toxicology tests."

The authors note, however, that the reprogramming methodology for making iPSCs is relatively new and "needs refining" in terms of technique, efficiency and cell type choice.

The researchers report that they easily, and in a short time frame, programmed human immature dental pulp stem cells into iPSCs with the hallmarks of pluripotent stem cells.

"Human IDPSCs can be easily derived from dental pulp extracted from adult or 'baby teeth' during routine dental visits," said study lead author Dr. Patricia C.B. Beltrao-Braga of the highly ranked National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem and Cell Therapy in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. "hIDPSCs are immunologically privileged and can be used in the absence of any immune suppression protocol and have valuable cell therapy applications, including reconstruction of large cranial defects."

Contact: Dr. Patricia C.B. Beltrao-Braga, National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, 2051 Tenente Catao Roxo St. Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. Tel. 55 (11) 3091-7690 Email patriciacbbbraga@usp.br

Citation: Beltro-Braga, P. C. B.; Pignatari, G. C.; Maiorka, P. C.; Oliveira, N. A. J.; Lizier, N. F.; Wenceslau, C. V.; Miglino, M. A.; Muotri, A. R.; Kerkis, I. Feeder-free derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells from human immature dental pulp stem cells. Cell Transplant. 20(11-12):1707-1719;2011.

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N.Y. medical schools chart progress with stem cells

Posted: May 7, 2012 at 6:10 am

ALBANY -- Almost halfway through a $600 million state program supporting stem cell research, eight medical schools around New York are reporting progress on projects such as replicating liver cells and eradicating leukemia cells.

A new report from Associated Medical Schools of New York updates work at the institutions where hundreds of researchers are starting to unravel causes and potential treatments for conditions ranging from autism to heart disease and cancer. Stem cells are self-renewing and have the ability to develop into other types of cells.

The Mount Sinai School of Medicine reported finding a method to transform human skin cells into stem cells and turned differentiated human stem cells into heart cells. Those findings are expected to result in better understanding of how heart disease develops and allow initial testing of new treatments on stem cells before they are used on human subjects.

The Empire State Stem Cell Program was intended to fund projects in early stages, including those that initially have been unable to get federal or private funding. Grants have also been used for capital projects like renovating labs and establishing new stem cell centers.

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine reported replicating liver cells that could help reduce the need for liver transplants using live donors and cadavers.

Dr. Allan Spiegel said 12 new researchers have been hired with state funding at the Bronx school, which also lists anemia, brain disorders, heart disease and obesity among its stem cell research subjects.

The 11-year program has awarded nearly $223 million in research grants since 2008, with medical schools awarded $137.5 million. This year's state budget includes $44.8 million, the same as last year and down from the $50 million originally planned.

According to the report, the funding has supported about 400 research and related positions from New York City to Buffalo and Rochester.

"This research has the potential to have significant impact on the treatment of patients with specific types of leukemia and will be useful in treating lymphoma and multiple myeloma," the report said.

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Iranian researcher helps treating muscular dystrophy using stem cells

Posted: May 7, 2012 at 6:10 am

Source: ISNA, Tehran

Iranian researcher and lecturer Radbod Darabi jointly with his collogues from the University of Minnesota's Lillehei Heart Institute have effectively treated muscular dystrophy in mice using human stem cells derived from a new process which for the first time makes the production of human muscle cells from stem cells efficient and effective.

Radbod Darabi, MD, PhD with Rita Perlingeiro, PhD. (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Minnesota Academic Health Center)

The research outlines the strategy for the development of a rapidly dividing population of muscle-forming cells derived from induced pluripotent (iPS) cells.

IPS cells have all of the potential of embryonic stem (ES) cells, but are derived by reprogramming skin cells. They can be patient-specific, which renders them unlikely to be rejected, and do not involve the destruction of embryos.

This is the first time that human stem cells have been shown to be effective in the treatment of muscular dystrophy.

According to the researchers, there has been a significant lag in translating studies using mouse stem cells into therapeutically relevant studies involving human stem cells.

This lag has dramatically limited the development of cell therapies or clinical trials for human patients.

The latest research from the University of Minnesota provides the proof-of-principle for treating muscular dystrophy with human iPS cells, setting the stage for future human clinical trials.

As the researchers noted one of the biggest barriers to the development of cell-based therapies for neuromuscular disorders like muscular dystrophy has been obtaining sufficient muscle progenitor cells to produce a therapeutically effective response.

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