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Bayer Opens First Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility to Advance … – BioSpace

BERLIN, Germany & BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bayer AG announced today the opening of its first Cell Therapy Launch Facility in Berkeley, California to create the capacity to bring cell therapies to patients on a global scale. The $250 million (USD), 100,000-square-foot facility will supply the material required for late-stage clinical trials and potential commercial launch of BlueRock Therapeutics bemdaneprocel (BRT-DA01), an investigational cell therapy currently in evaluation for treating Parkinsons disease. In addition, it includes space for a second module of production suites to support additional cell therapies as Bayers portfolio advances. BlueRock Therapeutics LP is a clinical stage, cell therapy company and wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG.

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Cell therapy represent a groundbreaking class of medicines and is an area where Bayer is making a significant investment to research potentially transformative treatment approaches for people with unmet medical needs, said Sebastian Guth, President of Bayer U.S.A. and Pharmaceuticals North America, and member of the Pharmaceutical Executive Committee. Our new cell therapy facility represents true innovation in product development and manufacturing in addition to contributing to Bayers sustainability goal as our first fully electric pharmaceutical manufacturing plant.

The new Cell Therapy Launch Facility is part of a transformation at the companys dedicated biotechnology site in Berkeley, where Bayer has invested nearly USD 500 million in infrastructure over the past five years.

Our teams are driving innovation in late-stage development and manufacturing with a goal of bringing transformational cell and gene therapies to patients on a global scale, and this facility will enable us to make it real, said Jens Vogel, Sr. Vice President and Global Head of Biotech for Bayers Pharmaceutical Division. Bayer is collaborating with biotech innovators, academia, and equipment and automation suppliers to establish platforms that would help bring more therapies to patients faster.

Bayers global biotech organization recognizes the importance of helping innovators transfer their product candidates from the laboratory bench to the clinical study and commercial launch settings. The Biotech team provides its biologic development and manufacturing capabilities for Bayers larger biotherapeutics portfolio, including commercial products and late-stage protein and cell therapies in development. As part of Bayers larger mission of Health for All, the company is now also helping early-stage U.S. and European companies to enable patient trials and commercial launches through its BioPartnering Solutions offerings.

Having access to this Cell Therapy Launch Facility is central to our goal to deliver impactful cell therapies from our pipeline to patients in need, said Seth Ettenberg, President & CEO of BlueRock Therapeutics. Our team is excited to be working shoulder to shoulder with Bayers biotech scientists and manufacturing experts as we look to scale up manufacturing for our first investigational therapy, bemdaneprocel for Parkinsons disease, as it advances through clinical trials.

The new Cell Therapy Launch Facility, launched in conjunction with manufacturing day in the United States, is among several recent investments to advance Bayers biologic pipeline of protein therapeutics, cell and gene therapies including a new Cell Culture Technology Center and Cell Therapy Labs. The new Cell Therapy Launch Facility features flexible, modular space for cell culture, viral transduction and automated filling of cell therapies leveraging Biotech@Bayer expertise in iPSC and CAR-T characterization, process development, analytics and clinical to commercial production.

Beyond Berkeley, the companys global biotech network includes biologic development, manufacturing science, industrialization and advanced manufacturing engineering teams in Wuppertal and Leverkusen, Germany; and Basel, Switzerland; with a full complement of labs and clinical production suites.

About bemdaneprocel and Parkinsons Disease

Bemdaneprocel (BRT-DA01) is an investigational cell therapy designed to replace the dopamine producing neurons that are lost in Parkinsons disease. These dopaminergic neuron precursors are derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSC) that are human embryonic stem cells. In a surgical procedure, these neuron precursors are implanted into the brain of a person with Parkinsons disease. When transplanted, they have the potential to reform neural networks that have been severely affected by Parkinsons and restore motor and non-motor function to patients. Planning is underway for BlueRock Therapeutics Phase II study that is expected to begin enrolling participants in H1 (first half) 2024.

Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain, leading to decreased dopamine levels. At diagnosis, it is estimated that patients have already lost 50-80% of their dopaminergic neurons. The loss of these neurons leads to a progressive loss of motor function and symptoms such as tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement. Even with medication, the symptoms of Parkinsons disease can fluctuate during the course of the day. According to the Parkinsons Foundation, more than 10 million people worldwide suffer from Parkinsons disease, with approximately one million living in the United States. There is no cure, and the effectiveness of current treatments decreases over time.

About BioPartnering Solutions for Biotech Innovators in U.S. and Europe

Through Bayers BioPartnering Solutions, innovators can leverage industry-leading biotech process development and biomanufacturing capabilities to make their therapeutic candidates a reality. Bayers highly skilled Biotech teams and infrastructure which includes preclinical, clinical and commercial launch scale manufacturing are available to advance promising cell therapy, monoclonal antibody and protein therapeutic candidates from the discovery bench to patients. Through BioPartnering Solutions, Bayer provides early-stage companies with a single source of IND- and BLA-enabling development; bioprocess and biochemical engineering; clinical and commercial manufacturing. A range of complementing support service functions such as supply chain management, procurement, quality, and CMC strategy support for regulatory filings are also available. For more information visit: https://www.bayer.com/en/us/BioPartneringSolutions.

About Bayers Biotech Campus in Berkeley, CA

Innovation happens in communities which foster it. Bayer has a 46-acre site located in Berkeley, CA where a team of about 1,000 employees drives the development and manufacturing of traditional protein therapeutics as well as novel cell and gene therapies. It has also served as the global commercial supply center for manufacturing and supplying Bayers biotherapeutics for people living with hemophilia A around the world for 30 years.

During todays event, Bayer celebrated its continuing relationship with the City of Berkeley through a 30-year extension of its Development Agreement which will support up to one million square feet of additional infrastructure. Through the agreement, Bayer will invest more than $30 million in the local community in career technical education; initiatives focused on health equity, economic resiliency and climate action; and more. For more information visit: https://www.bayer.com/en/us/berkeley-site-updates.

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to http://www.bayer.com.

Find more information at https://pharma.bayer.com Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bayer Follow us on Twitter: @BayerPharma

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayers public reports which are available on the Bayer website at http://www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231009274687/en/

Bayer U.S.-based Media Contacts: Cathy Keck, +1-206-249-5191 Email: cathy.keck@bayer.com

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Bayer Opens First Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility to Advance ... - BioSpace

Stem Cell Treatment Discussed with Cerebral Palsy Community – Mirage News

Exploring the boundaries of stem cell therapy, scientists consulted the cerebral palsy community to understand their perspectives.

Dr Courtney McDonald and Dr Madeleine Smith, in collaboration with researchers at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, surveyed people in the Australian cerebral palsy community to better understand the acceptability of NSC treatment.

They distributed an online survey and received responses from 232 Australians with cerebral palsy, their parents and/or carers.

Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability of childhood and currently has no known cure. Researchers at Hudson Institute of Medical Research have been investigating neural stem cell (NSC) treatment for cerebral palsy, but not without considering important ethical and practical considerations for the use of NSCs.

Various stem cell therapies are currently being explored for the treatment of cerebral palsy, including some in clinical trials. Advancing stem cell research is a priority for the cerebral palsy community and neural stem cells offer potential as a future regenerative treatment.

The researcher's rationale was that it's much better to engage with the community early in their research, rather than down the track, during clinical implementation.

"NSC treatment for cerebral palsy is complex, and researchers need to consider the therapeutic source of NSCs and how they are administered as a treatment.," Dr Smith said. "For instance, NSCs need to be administered directly into the brain via neurosurgery in order to replaced damaged brain cells. Another significant factor is that they can be obtained from both adult donors as well as embryonic and fetal sources."

This procedure also needs to be accompanied by strong drugs, called immunosuppressants, that help to ensure the NSCs stay in the brain and are not rejected by the body. However, both the invasiveness of neurosurgery and the use of these drugs present treatment risks.

"Via a research survey, we wanted to better understand, given all the complexities, if NSC treatment for cerebral palsy is an acceptable treatment." Dr Smith said.

Natasha Garrity, Research Assistant at Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute and Co-Chair of the CPA Stem Cell Reference Group, welcomed this research as an important opportunity for people living with cerebral palsy and their families to provide their perspectives.

"It is critically important to respect the lived experience of the people with CP receiving this potential treatment and the views of their support network. By involving consumer stakeholders early on in the research process, the treatment can both be better understood by the community and targeted to the groups that are willing to use the treatment option," she said.

"Cerebral Palsy Alliance is committed to and passionate about involving people with a disability and their families in research for the benefit of researchers, clinicians and the CP community."

"Overall, the survey results showed that NSC therapy is deemed acceptable in the community," Dr Smith said. "even with the known complexities of neurosurgery and the need to use immune suppressing drugs."

"The survey also provided important insights into community expectations of NSC treatment there was some hesitancy reported, which is to be expected and we can learn from the various opinions in the community to inform our future research."

Some of the responses from survey participants are listed below:

"If my brother can help himself get ready or be able to transport himself even a little bit without assistance from the family, that would be great."

"I'd love to be able to have better days than worse days. To wake up with no pain."

"It would mean inclusion. And validation to her that she is a valuable asset. Currently she is spoken over, ignored, or spoken down to."

(Anonymous participant quotes)

The findings from this study informs the work that scientists are conducting in the lab so that new treatments are acceptable to the cerebral palsy community. Additionally, this study is a great example of how early collaboration could aid in moving towards timely treatments for the people that need it the most.

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Stem Cell Treatment Discussed with Cerebral Palsy Community - Mirage News

SightCare Reviews – Legit Ingredients or Negative Scam Complaints … – Seattle Weekly

Everyone wishes to have optimal eye health because without it the world can turn bleak. People cannot function or do everyday tasks that seemed so easy once in their lives. Maybe, that is why so many people are supplementing their diet with vision supplements.

One such supplement is Sight Care. The blend of natural ingredients with no side effects is a popular choice in the United States. The official website of Sight Care says that they have helped thousands of people restore their vision naturally.

But is it really as effective as the makers claim? The official website says that you will not need any surgery or feel the need to wear glasses. They even go on to say that it can reverse blindness! That is really shocking and if true, miraculous! To get to the truth, we did exhaustive research.

In this Sight Care review, you will discover everything about the dietary supplement. We will tell you everything we discovered in our research about this vision supplement.

First, lets take a look at the summary:

Category:

Dietary Supplement

Quantity:

Each bottle of SightCare contains 60 capsules

Side Effects:

Customer reviews did not reveal any side effects (See what people are saying!)

Characteristics:

Ingredients:

Bilberry Extract, Eyebright, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Quercetin, L-Lysine, Astaxanthin, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, and others

Money-Back Guarantee:

A 180-day money-back guarantee is available

Free Shipping:

On Select Purchase

Price:

Starts at $69 (Official Website)

Poor eyesight can be caused by several factors. Some of the most common ones are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, eye infection, etc. Exposure to blue light and hereditary eye conditions can also be the leading causes of poor eye health.

Sight Care supplement was manufactured after Shinya Yamanaka discovered the power of adult repair stem cells. Scientists in the United Kingdom were using stem cell therapy to regenerate eye cells to treat blindness and age-related diseases like cataracts and other eye health problems.

This scientific discovery repaired the retinas of a man in his 80s and a woman in her 60s. Earlier, the test subjects could not even read or see clearly due to poor eye health. But, after the trials, they could read up to 80 words in a minute.

When David and his friend, Mark read this research in the journal they decided to make Sight Care.

The unique feature of SightCare vision health supplement is that despite being a supplement that helps in maintaining healthy vision, it does not stop at eye health benefits only. The vision supplement also promotes your overall well-being.

The health benefits of SightCare vision health formula are innumerable. Well, not literally but they are too many for us to discuss all of them here. You can write books on each ingredients benefits if you wish. That is how many benefits Sight Care supplement has to offer!

SightCare: Try it now, you wont be disappointed!

David Lewis is the creator of the Sight Care eye health supplement. He is an eye specialist and has over 37 years of experience in helping people support healthy eye function.

In his later years, David struggled with blurred and poor eyesight. The cause was age-related macular degeneration. This made David search for a solution along with his friend, Mark. Together they created this blend of natural ingredients to support vision health naturally.

The eye health formula is made in an FDA-approved and GMP-certified facility in the USA. The makers have tested the formula multiple times to ensure that it is clean and effective.

Before you get tempted to buy this supplement to support healthy vision, you should know if it is even made for you. You do not need to make unnecessary purchases and include something in your diet that you do not need.

The official website of the SightCare vision formula claims that anyone between the ages of 19 and 90 can take the supplement. As the ingredients are plant-based, the vision supplement will have no side effects on users.

So, if you are struggling with vision impairment or age-related eye diseases, say age-related macular degeneration, SightCare will be the right choice for you. You are suitable to use it if you want to maintain healthy vision.

SightCare takes a multi-action approach to protect the eyes and promote healthy eye function. Let us give you an overview of how it works in a simple way.

First of all, the SightCare eye supplement works to boost the growth of adult repair stem cells. Adult repair stem cells are free agents which means they have no assigned role. The major function of adult repair stem cells is to assume the role of cells wherever our body or organs require them. In the case of age-related macular degeneration, adult repair stem cells assume the role of eye cells to enhance vision.

Moreover, Sight Care has ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties that induce a healthy inflammatory response to reduce inflammation caused by eye diseases and support healthy vision. The ingredients in the formula protect the eyes from free radicals and blue light to prevent any damage from occurring.

To support healthy eye function and rectify age-related macular degeneration, the Sight Care pills promote blood circulation and keep your blood vessels healthy.

Click here to get all the details about SightCare >>>

Sight Care dietary supplement brings multiple health benefits to you. From the official website and Sight Care reviews, we have gleaned the following health benefits of the Sight Care supplement:

The ingredients in the Sight Care eye formula support healthy vision. As supported by the SightCare reviews, the formula supports overall eye health. The blend of natural ingredients nourishes your eyes and prevents free radicals from damaging your eye tissue. Thus, you get healthy eyes.

The vision supplement also has cell regeneration ability to regenerate eye cells and prevent age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration. This helps in regenerating eye tissues to maintain healthy eyes with clear vision.

Sight Care formula supports liver health. SightCare eye formula has n-acetyl which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A healthy inflammatory response protects your liver from inflammation damage and reduces the risk of liver diseases. It helps in detoxifying your body and prevents free radical damage to support a healthy liver.

By promoting healthy liver function, Sigh Care optimizes your overall well-being.

Sight Care also helps improve brain health as supported by the official website and SightCare reviews. N-acetyl has anti-inflammatory properties that protect your brain from inflammation and oxidative stress to improve brain health.

Brain Health supports healthy vision and overall eye health.

Sight Cares natural ingredients also enhance vision to support night vision. Now, you do not have to fumble around or squint hard to see things in the dark.

Sight Care is scientifically proven to specifically target age-related macular disease or macular degeneration which is the leading cause of poor eyesight in older people. Thus, it supports your overall eye health despite your age.

Click here to order your supply of SightCare now and start enjoying its benefits!

SightCare is a revolutionary product that combines the power of Bilberry Extract, Eyebright, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Quercetin, Astaxanthin, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin into one powerful formula.

Its designed to help support healthy eyesight and promote clearer vision so you can get the most out of life with the help of powerful natural ingredients:

A study conducted on the effects of bilberry extract on eye health supports its inclusion in SightCare. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture, researchers looked at the impact of bilberry extract supplementation on visual function in 120 participants with early-stage AMD.

The study found that after six months of bilberry extract supplementation, there was a significant improvement in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and macular pigment optical density compared to the placebo group.

According to the study, participants who took the bilberry extract supplement experienced a 25% improvement in visual acuity compared to only 9% in the placebo group. Additionally, their contrast sensitivity increased by 33%, while the placebo group only showed a 13% increase.

At a microscopic level, eyebright contains various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, iridoids, and tannins. These compounds possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which play a key role in maintaining and improving eye health.

Another vital mechanism by which eyebright aids in visual acuity and eyesight protection is its ability to promote blood circulation to the ocular region. The tiny capillaries and blood vessels within the eyes deliver the necessary nutrients and oxygen to maintain the optimal functioning of ocular tissues.

By enhancing blood flow, eyebright ensures that these vital nutrients reach the cells of the eyes, including the retinal cells responsible for signaling and visual perception.

A study conducted by Babizhayev et al. (2016) examined the effects of NAC in patients with early cataracts. The study involved 49 individuals who were divided into two groups: one receiving NAC eye drops and the other receiving placebo eye drops.

The researchers measured various indicators of eye health, including visual acuity, glare sensitivity, and lens transparency, before and after the intervention. The results showed that the group receiving NAC eye drops experienced significant improvements in all measured parameters compared to the placebo group.

Visual acuity improved by 35%, glare sensitivity decreased by 27%, and lens transparency increased by 41%.

Place your order today by clicking here before stock runs out! >>>

Quercetin is a flavonoid compound found in various plant-based foods such as onions, apples, and berries. On a molecular level, quercetin consists of three rings and several hydroxyl groups, which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When it comes to improving visual acuity and protecting eyesight, quercetin plays a crucial role in several core mechanisms.

By inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules such as cytokines and chemokines, quercetin helps to reduce inflammation in the eyes. This anti-inflammatory action not only alleviates discomfort but also preserves the integrity of ocular tissues and improves visual acuity.

Moreover, quercetin aids in reducing oxidative stress in the eyes. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of harmful free radicals and the bodys ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. In the eyes, this oxidative stress can lead to the development of various eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring red pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family. Its chemical composition consists of a central polyene chain with alternating single and double bonds and several end groups called keto and hydroxyl groups. This unique structure gives astaxanthin its powerful antioxidant properties.

When it comes to vision functioning, astaxanthin demonstrates remarkable benefits. It has a strong affinity for the retina and accumulates in the macula, a small area responsible for central vision. Astaxanthin protects the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and filters out harmful blue light.

It also acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage the delicate structures of the eye. Furthermore, astaxanthin enhances blood flow to the retina, improving nutrient delivery and oxygenation, which in turn supports optimal vision functioning.

Numerous scientific studies have provided evidence for the effectiveness of lutein and zeaxanthin in supporting eye health and improving night vision. One specific study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2016 examined the effects of these antioxidants on participants with intermediate AMD.

The study found that a combination of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements significantly reduced the progression of AMD and improved visual acuity compared to a placebo group. Specifically, the lutein and zeaxanthin group had a 10% reduction in the risk of progression to advanced AMD, highlighting the powerful protective effects of these antioxidants.

Furthermore, studies have shown that higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula are associated with a lower risk of cataracts and improved contrast sensitivity, especially in low-light conditions.

In a study published in the Journal of Optometry in 2017, researchers found that individuals with higher macular pigment optical density (indicating higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin) had better night vision and were less affected by glare.

Dont miss out on this limited-time offer!

The advantages of purchasing the Sight Care formula are as follows:

The following are the disadvantages of purchasing Sight Care vision health formula:

We compared Sight Care dietary supplement with other eye health supplements to see how it stands apart from them and we were not disappointed. Take a look at the comparison below:

Ocusil is a dietary supplement that supports healthy eyesight. It provides crystal-clear vision and prevents free radicals from damaging your retina.

In terms of pricing, both Ocusil and Sight Care are the same. You can purchase the basic pack for $69 plus shipping charges.

If we talk about the manufacturing of both supplements then like Sight Care, the Ocusil dietary supplement is also made in an FDA-approved and GMP-certified facility ensuring its effectiveness and quality.

However, both supplements have different list ingredients and target different causes of vision loss to help you in maintaining healthy eyesight. You can go through the ingredient list of both supplements and decide which dietary supplement is better in case you are allergic to any ingredient.

Comparing the money-back guarantee, we found that Ocusil offers a 60-day money-back guarantee only. On this parameter, Sight Care is better as it is covered with a 180-day money-back guarantee.

Overall, both Ocusil and Sight Care can help you maintain healthy eyes. You can make your decision after talking to your physician.

Vision20 is another dietary supplement that supports healthy vision. The supplement fights free radicals and promotes night vision.

Comparing the ingredients of both supplements, we found that they are more or less similar. Except for a few ingredients, that is. Also, both Vision20 and Sight Care are manufactured in an FDA-approved and GMP-certified facility.

Coming to the pricing of Vision20, we found that it is cheaper than Sight Care. People living in the United States can purchase Vision20 for $59 only.

Both the supplements are manufactured by doctors. However, Vision20 is manufactured by Zenith Lab whereas, Sight Care does not mention anything like that. This gives Vision20 more credibility if we test their brands.

Another common thing between Vision20 and Sight Care is that both offer a 180-day money-back guarantee which is a great thing but makes it really impossible to choose one brand between the two.

Again, you can select the supplement based on ingredients. But we think Sight Care will be a good choice because it brings multiple health benefits in comparison to Vision20.

Place your order right here for the best prices available!

First and foremost, SightCare is designed for anyone between the ages of 19 and 90. If you find yourself struggling with vision impairment, whether due to age-related macular degeneration or other eye-related issues, SightCare might just be your solution. Its specifically formulated to combat various eye health problems, making it a versatile option for a wide range of people.

But what exactly can SightCare help with? The supplement is crafted to address a multitude of eye health issues. If youre battling age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, or even eye infections, SightCare could offer relief. Its a natural, plant-based solution that promotes overall eye health and prevents further damage caused by free radicals and blue light exposure.

Moreover, SightCare doesnt stop at eye health; it promotes your overall well-being. By supporting healthy vision, SightCare indirectly benefits other aspects of your health. For instance, its anti-inflammatory properties protect not only your eyes but also your liver and brain, enhancing your overall vitality.

So, if youre tired of fumbling for glasses or struggling with poor eyesight, SightCare might be your ticket to clear vision. Its natural ingredients, coupled with a 180-day money-back guarantee, offer you a risk-free opportunity to experience the potential benefits.

Getting a healthy vision has become affordable and if you have made up your mind to buy SightCare vision supplement to tackle age-related eye diseases or vision impairment, let us tell you about the pricing structure of the supplement.

You can buy SightCare vision supplement in the following range of bundles from the official website:

Basic Bundle: The basic bundle consists of one bottle of SightCare. You can purchase it for $69.

Popular Bundle: The popular bundle consists of three bottles of Sight Care. It will cost you $177.

Best Value Bundle: The price of this six-bottle bundle is $294.

The Basic bundle will come with a standard shipping charge. So, your total charge will change on this order accordingly. However, for the Popular and Best Value bundles free shipping is available.

Order SightCare today and be glad you did!

The makers will not leave you hanging once you have purchased the Sight Care Formula or have placed an order. You can visit customer support (getSightCare.com) if you have any questions about the order, ingredients, or anything. Their team will be available to guide you and answer all your questions.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions and for all the right reasons. No one wants to make a risky purchase and lose their money over something that will not help them get a crystal clear vision.

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SightCare Reviews - Legit Ingredients or Negative Scam Complaints ... - Seattle Weekly

Is Fasting the Secret to a Longer Life? – Men’s Health UK

Youre probably familiar with the idea, not always concrete, that fasting precipitates good health. Maybe youve been tempted to give the

Game-changing research has proven that short diets that mimic the act of fasting can trigger powerful natural healing and regenerative processes lying dormant in our bodies. Processes that not only burn fat but also fight heart disease, slow ageing, lower cholesterol, reboot the immune system and extend lifespan.

It doesnt stop there: the most recent studies have shown that fasting can kill forms of human cancer in mice and enhance the effects of chemotherapy. In some trials, fasting itself proved as effective as chemotherapy. In short, science is telling us that going hungry could prevent and treat some of the biggest killers of men.

The man behind this research and the structured, prescriptive diet that Im following is Dr Valter Longo. A professor of gerontology at the University of Southern California, he embarked upon this line of inquiry when he first noticed that yeast cells simple organisms that predate humans by millions of years respond to periods of fasting by protecting cells and fighting toxins. Yeast that had been fed a low-calorie diet, Longo discovered, lived up to 10 times longer than the control group.

Longos latest findings show that humans have similar self-healing mechanisms buried deep in our DNA and that periodically fasting on low-calorie diets has a wholesale regenerative effect on the body. Some of the reasons behind this are understood; others remain a mystery. It is believed that fasting kills cancer cells by starving them of glycogen (on which they depend for fuel more than regular cells), thus tricking them into releasing damaging free radicals that spark cellular suicide.

But fastings more general healing powers derive from a different mechanism. Longo has shown that fasting triggers the creation of new stem cells, which repair the body by regenerating tissues, organs and blood, and re-booting the immune system. It sounds too good to be true, I tell Longo when I call him at his California lab. Well, the regeneration that fasting triggers is remarkable, he says. During abstention, organs like the liver, as well as the entire immune system, shrink because they are deemed less necessary. When the body rebuilds these systems, however, it activates the release of healthy stem cells which regenerate newer, younger, more functional versions.

Its akin to pressing the reset button on your bodys operating system, he says. The rebuilding is so massive its probably the closest humans can get to the original embryogenesis process the growth of an embryo during weeks one to eight of human development, he reveals. This is not just a proliferation of new cells but a very coordinated one. It is an evolved programme that has been around for billions of years because organisms starved all the time. For the earliest Homo sapiens, devoid of Smeg fridges and Tesco, periods of feast and famine were the norm. All we need to do, maintains Longo, is rediscover this primitive state of being.

Theres a catch. Its not merely a case of not eating for five days. You have to severely restrict calories, yes, but Longos research shows that those you do eat must have the right balance of nutrients to trigger a natural process called autophagy, which encourages your body to cannibalise waste cell debris. Think of it as your own natural recycling process, removing damaged cells that could cause disease or ill health. Crucially, autophagy also shuts down the enzyme PKA the absence of which has been linked to extended lifespan and the proliferation of healthy stem cells and decreases the hormone IGF-1, which is associated with ageing and cancer risk.

Longos findings could well enrich our lives, but not before they enrich the coffers of L-Nutra, a specially established spin-off company of the University of Southern California. Together with L-Nutra, Professor Longo has developed ProLon: the pre-packaged, off the (pharmacists) shelf Fasting Mimicking and Enhancing Diet (FMED). This five-day menu of all-natural soups, nut bars and snacks provides enough calories to minimise cravings (at least theoretically) without jeopardising the miracles apparently brought about by abstinence. ProLon works by cheating your body into thinking youre literally starving, even though youre just hungry.

Day one is 1090 calories (10 per cent protein, 56 per cent fat, 34 per cent carbs), with days two to five dropping to 725 calories (9 per cent protein, 44 per cent fat and 47 per cent carbs). The first priority when designing the food was that it had to mimic fasting, explains Longo. The food is 20 years of painstaking work: removing, adding, substituting. If I add that ingredient, will it interfere with the PKA effect? Will this one affect the IGF-1 changes? Hunger is also an issue so we tried to make people feel relatively full.

Human trials of ProLon are ongoing, but L-Nutra expects to be able to launch the FMED kits imminently, priced at around 150 for a five-day pack. The healthier among us will be advised to undergo a course of FMED every four months or so, while obese people might benefit from a monthly cycle.

In the name of science, journalism and a little bit of weight management thrown in, I ask Professor Longo to send me a five-day course of ProLon. A mere 48 hours later I am tucking into the contents of my first little white box. The packets within look like space food but taste better than expected. The minestrone soup is watery yet filling, and the choco-crisp bar a surprising treat. Another pack contains olives, which I hate, so I throw them away. I am evidently not starving.

Day two is a different matter. Hunger haunts me all day. I eat my soup with a teaspoon to make it feel more substantial. It doesnt work. I want to stop but Longos words echo around my head: The regeneration of cells and the autophagy only start in days three, four and five, he says. Thats when you push the system to an extreme and back.

My trip to the newsagent on day three almost derails my efforts entirely. When, by the evening, my symptoms have still not subsided, I decide to contact Longo again. What I am experiencing is not only natural but beneficial, I am assured. Our brains are energy-sapping organs that normally run on 100 per cent glucose. But while fasting, our livers produces the ketone body B-hydroxybutyrate, a kind of emergency energy source for the mind, saving energy derived from fat and muscle for other organs.

At this stage in the fast your brain switches to the ketone body utilisation mode, possibly for the first time in your life, says Longo. This can cause a mild headache. I mention my own brain feels like its at the business end of a pneumatic drill, but this is batted away with yet more good news: studies have shown that ketones fight inflammation associated with type 2 diabetes, MS and Alzheimers. To the converted, there is apparently no end to fastings list of fortunes.

Not everyone is similarly convinced, however. Professor Kieran Clarke, from University of Oxfords Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, thinks fasting could be a smokescreen for the real message. A lot of the benefits [of fasting] relate to extending life, and its possible, but we dont know if its the fasting per se that achieves that, he says. It could just be related to the benefits of helping people reach normal bodyweight. If you look at the records, healthy people invariably do not fast.

Dr Tim Woodman, medical director at Bupa UK, goes further. He believes that fasting could actually have reverse health effects. Losing weight too quickly means that you also tend to lose muscle and water, he says. As a result, your body starts to work more slowly and needs fewer calories to function. So when you resume eating normally, the extra calories will be stored as fat.

One of the most vocal opponents to fasting being seen as a magic bullet is Dr Joel Fuhrman, author of The End of Dieting and Super Immunity. Fuhrman is the man behind so-called nutritarianism, the theory that the key to longevity lies in maximising the number of micronutrients per calorie consumed. Fasting, he holds, is a mere distraction. The modern diet is so nutrient-poor that to discuss fasting without framing it within a normal diet is inappropriate. Our diets are too deficient in micronutrients, phytochemicals and antioxidants to maintain normal immune system function.

If you want to live longer and healthier, says Fuhrman, forget fasting: just eat raw greens; a 30g portion of walnuts; chia seeds and flax seeds; a dish containing mushrooms, beans and onions; plus three portions of fruit like cherries, plums and oranges every single day. A nutritarian diet is the most effective way to not get heart disease, cancer or dementia, and to push the envelope of human longevity closer to 100 years old, he says.

Oh, and ditch the meat. The real impediment to our lifespan, claims Fuhrman, is animal protein. It may be essential for building muscle, burning fat, maintaining a healthy metabolism and supplying a range of important vitamins, but in Fuhrmans eyes it ultimately does your immune system no favours. Huge studies following people for 15-24 years prove that eating more animal products causes cancer, heart disease and shorter lifespans, he says. There is no controversy here. All nutritional scientists agree.

Indeed, the World Health Organisation has recently added red and processed meats to its list of carcinogens. These studies are not new some date back to 2010 but such is our cultural fascination with increasing our protein intake that weve just been ignoring them.

I advocate up to 10 per cent of your diet from animal products, with the other 90 per cent from plants, says Fuhrman. A few days of fasting wont help unless you change you regular diet, too. Animal protein elevates IGF-1, which speeds up the ageing process and negatively affects lifespan. Yes, calorific restriction might briefly restrict IGF-1, but if you then eat a lot of animal products after, it wont actually drop. If you both restrict animal protein and eat a more vegan diet, however, you get the benefits of fasting without actually having to fast.

To eat or not to eat? It would have been naive to expect a clear-cut consensus on such a radical concept. But the arguments made by Fuhrman and Longo arent too dissimilar. Fuhrman acknowledges that fasting is effective; he just takes issue with best practice when temporary abstainers start eating again. And in spite of cases made by critics of fasting, the research into its potential is still compelling.

An extensive review in Research in Complementary Medicine concluded that there was large empirical and observational evidence that medically supervised modified fasting combats high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. This is simply too significant to ignore.

Were never going to say that fasting is so effective that it means people can smoke and eat badly as soon as they stop, says Professor Longo. The fact is if somebody has a vegan, low-protein diet, a BMI of 23, and regularly exercises, then they will benefit from fasting, just not as much as someone who is unhealthy.

Following an undeniably difficult midpoint, day four of my own experiment is something of an epiphany. I experience a surge of mental energy owing, I am told, to an increase in the levels of noradrenaline and dopamine in my brain. On the first two to three days of your fast you tend to sleep a lot, explains Raimund Wilhelmi of the famous German fasting clinic Buchinger Wilhelmi. Then, like a phoenix, you rise, and after four or five days you feel very positive.

Unfortunately my final rise is less phoenix-like, more vodbull hangover. Day five is tough. With mixed feelings I note that I have lost 1.7kg in just five days not the main purpose of the fast, but also not insignificant. On day six, with the fast finally over, the Toffee Crisps Ive been fantasising about are back on the menu, but my cravings have faded. My appetite has changed, as has my appreciation of portions and flavours. What I can say with some conviction is that fasting will rewire your mind.

There is yet some way to go. Professor Longo believes we are only just beginning to understand the potential power of fasting. Think about this, he says. If you are a 50-year-old man, you have a new child, and that baby is born perfect, it proves your cells know exactly how to build perfection again. How do they know? And is it possible that this can be done within an organism itself, without having to generate a new one? Longo sounds excited, verging on giddy. That is what we are chasing here.

More:
Is Fasting the Secret to a Longer Life? - Men's Health UK

Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Family Wellness Fair to be held … – Waukon Standard

The annual Family Wellness Fair will be held this Wednesday, May 10 from 3:30-6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinics. The Family Wellness Fair is a community wide event offering families of all ages a night of entertainment and education about the local resources available to them, plus many free health testing opportunities. This fun-filled family event is free and open to all members of the community of any age.

New this year, visitors to the fair can participate in the Be the Match stem cell sampling which will be provided by the hospitals Laboratory. This is the same program that Robyn Roberts from Good Morning America endorses following her own successful bone marrow transplant match 10 years ago. A blood stem cell donation can be a cure for blood cancer, sickle cell and other deadly diseases. Many patients and their families are counting on drives like this to find their match. The process is simple and painless and will be available for all visitors to the wellness fair.

Gundersen Medical Clinic will also be hosting a Teddy Bear Clinic that evening and giving tours of its remodeled facility.

Entertainment will be provided, plus over 40 exhibitors will have tables on display providing demonstrations, games and crafts for the entire family. Veterans Memorial Hospital staff will be on hand to perform a number of free health tests. Plus, over 100 door prizes will be given away throughout the evening. All visitors to the Family Wellness Fair are eligible to win just by signing in at the registration table as they enter the fair.

All visitors to the Family Wellness Fair are asked to enter the fair through the Medical Clinic main entrance near where the fire truck will be parked. Parking will be available at both the clinic and hospital lots as well as all street parking.

Everyone in all the area communities is welcome to attend this free event, sponsored by Veterans Memorial Hospital.

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Veterans Memorial Hospital's Family Wellness Fair to be held ... - Waukon Standard

CAR Technology in Cancer Therapy: From CAR-T to CAR-NK – The Scientist

One-Stop Research Support for CAR-NK Therapy

Sino Biological

Cell-based immunotherapy is a targeted approach to cancer treatment that continues to evolve beyond its early successes treating leukemia. Researchers employ new technologies, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) expressed on the immune cell surface, to effectively target hematological malignancies and solid tumors with cell therapy.1,2

To develop CARs, scientists engineer hybrid molecules made of T cell receptors and antibody fragments. These receptors direct immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells that express a specific antigen targeted by the CAR antibody domain. In recent years, scientists fine tuned CAR therapies for improved safety and efficacy. Optimized CAR molecules have high target antigen specificity, enable efficient immune cell activation, and cause minimal off-target effects.3,4

Once an optimal CAR is developed, researchers use reliable lentiviral packaging methods to transfer it to immune cells for CAR expression and quality control experiments such as immunoassays and cell viability assays. CAR-T therapies, T cells equipped with CAR expression, continue to lead the way in cell-based therapeutics. Therefore, researchers must design CAR molecules in ways that ensure the durability and persistence of CAR-expressing immune cells in the body.2-6

For CAR-T cell therapy, researchers genetically engineer T cells derived from either a patient or a donor, modify them to express CARs, expand the cells ex vivo, and infuse them into a patients bloodstream. Since 2017, over 700 CAR-T therapy clinical trials have been registered and the FDA has approved six CAR-T therapies for the treating hematological malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.1 However, despite their clinical significance, there are limitations to producing and employing CAR-T therapies. Collecting T cells from a patient or donor is costly and time-consuming, especially for patients with compromised immune systems. Additionally, CAR-T cell therapy may cause severe side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity. Finally, CAR-T cells struggle to penetrate the tumor microenvironment (TME), which can hinder their therapeutic function.3,4

To overcome conventional CAR-T limitations, researchers turn to promising new CAR strategies. In multi-target CAR-T, scientists design CARs that recognize two or more antigens per receptor, resulting in broader immune coverage. Another new avenue involves alternative immune cell types such as natural killer (NK)-based cell therapies. Part of the innate immune response, NK cells can eliminate abnormal cells, including tumor cells and virally-infected cells. Researchers produce CAR-NK cell therapies with the same receptor-antigen hybrid technology as CAR-T, but express the CAR in NK cells. Scientists can derive NK cells from a variety of sources, including umbilical cord blood (UCB), peripheral blood (PB), human-induced pluripotent stem cells, human embryonic stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and NK cell lines. In comparison to CAR-T therapy, CAR-NK cell therapy is safer with a lower chance of negative immune side effects, more efficient antitumor activity, and higher efficiency for off-the-shelf production. CAR-NK cell therapies for solid tumors and hematological malignancies have shown promising results in clinical trials.1,3,6,7

Comprehensive Solutions for CAR-T Therapy

Sino Biological

Before cell therapies reach the clinic, scientists develop them through a multistep process. Whether the therapy is CAR-T or CAR-NK, researchers must collect immune cells, employ genetic engineering to create a targeted CAR, transduce immune cells for CAR expression, culture and expand the CAR-expressing cells, and test for quality control.

As a global leading supplier of bioreagents and CRO services for the biopharmaceutical field, Sino Biological provides comprehensive solutions for scientists developing CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapies.5,6 These solutions cover each step from CAR development to CAR-T and CAR-NK cell preparation and cell quality control. Sino Biologicals reagents and services can support researchers during each stage of cell therapy development from early target discovery to preclinical phase.

References

Excerpt from:
CAR Technology in Cancer Therapy: From CAR-T to CAR-NK - The Scientist

Editas Medicine to Present Clinical Data from the RUBY Trial of EDIT-301 for the Treatment of Severe Sickle Cell Disease at the EHA 2023 Congress -…

Editas Medicine, Inc.

Company-sponsored webinar to be announced

CAMBRIDGE,Mass., May 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Editas Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq: EDIT), a clinical stage genome editing company, today announced that a scientific abstract detailing safety and efficacy clinical data from the Phase 1/2 RUBY trial of EDIT-301 in patients with severe sickle cell disease has been accepted for an oral presentation at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Hybrid Congress being held June 8-11, 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany, and via live stream.

Key data from multiple patients will be shared in the oral presentation at EHA, confirming initial clinical data, include:

Efficacy data, including total hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin, percentage of F-cells, mean corpuscular fetal hemoglobin, and vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) post-infusion with EDIT-301.

Safety data, including neutrophil and platelet engraftment.

We are making significant progress with EDIT-301, and we look forward to sharing clinical data, including additional data that has been collected since the submission of the abstract, from the RUBY trial next month at the European Hematology Association Congress and in a Company-sponsored webinar. This data further supports our belief that EDIT-301 can be a potentially clinically differentiated, one-time, durable medicine that can provide life-changing clinical benefits to patients, Baisong Mei, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Editas Medicine. I would like to thank the participants, their families, clinicians, and colleagues at collaborating institutions that contribute to the RUBY trial.

The abstract can be accessed on theEHA website.

Oral Presentation Details:

Title: EDIT-301 Shows Promising Preliminary Safety and Efficacy Results in the Phase I/II Clinical Trial (RUBY) of Patients with Severe Sickle Cell Disease Using Highly Specific and Efficient AsCas12a EnzymePresenting Author: Rabi Hanna, M.D., Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic Childrens, Cleveland, OH, United StatesDate/Time: Saturday, June 10, 2023, 4:30 5:45 p.m. CEST/ 10:30 11:45 a.m. EDTLocation: Harmonie 1, Messe FrankfurtSession: s437 Gene therapy and cellular immunotherapy Clinical

Story continues

EDIT-301 is currently being investigated in a clinical study in patients with severe sickle cell disease (RUBY trial, NCT04853576) and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (EDITHAL trial, NCT05444894). In addition to the clinical data update from the RUBY trial at EHA and in a Company-sponsored webinar next month, the Company will present a further clinical update from the RUBY trial by year-end. Additionally, the Company is on-track to dose 20 patients in the RUBY trial by year-end.

About Sickle Cell DiseaseSickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene that leads to polymerization of the sickle hemoglobin (HbS). In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells are misshapen in a sickle shape instead of a typical disc shape. The abnormal shape causes the red blood cells to have shortened lifespan and to block blood flow causing anemia, pain crises, organ failure, and early death. There are an estimated 100,000 people in the United States currently living with sickle cell disease. Higher levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) inhibit HbS polymerization, thus reducing the manifestation of sickling.

About EDIT-301EDIT-301 is an experimental cell therapy medicine under investigation for the treatment of severe sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT). EDIT-301 consists of patient-derived CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells edited at the gamma globin gene (HBG1 and HBG2) promoters, where naturally occurring fetal hemoglobin (HbF) inducing mutations reside, by a highly specific and efficient proprietary engineered AsCas12a nuclease. Red blood cells derived from EDIT-301 CD34+ cells demonstrate a sustained increase in fetal hemoglobin production, which has the potential to provide a one-time, durable treatment benefit for people living with severe SCD and TDT.

About RUBYThe RUBY trial is a single-arm, open-label, multi-center Phase 1/2 study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of EDIT-301 in patients with severe sickle cell disease. Enrolled patients will receive a single administration of EDIT-301. Additional details are available onwww.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT04853576).

AboutEditas MedicineAs a clinical stage genome editing company, Editas Medicine is focused on translating the power and potential of the CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cas12a genome editing systems into a robust pipeline of treatments for people living with serious diseases around the world. Editas Medicine aims to discover, develop, manufacture, and commercialize transformative, durable, precision genomic medicines for a broad class of diseases. Editas Medicine is the exclusive licensee of Broad Institute and Harvard Universitys Cas9 patent estates and Broad Institutes Cas12a patent estate for human medicines. For the latest information and scientific presentations, please visit http://www.editasmedicine.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, plan, potential, predict, project, target, should, would, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the Companys expectation to provide a further clinical data update for the RUBY trial by year-end and to dose 20 total patients by year-end. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties inherent in the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials, including the RUBY trial, and clinical development of the Companys product candidates, including EDIT-301; availability and timing of results from preclinical studies and clinical trials; whether interim results from a clinical trial will be predictive of the final results of the trial or the results of future trials; expectations for regulatory approvals to conduct trials or to market products and availability of funding sufficient for the Companys foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements. These and other risks are described in greater detail under the caption Risk Factors included in the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission,and in other filings that the Company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Editas Medicine to Present Clinical Data from the RUBY Trial of EDIT-301 for the Treatment of Severe Sickle Cell Disease at the EHA 2023 Congress -...

Researchers solve mystery of how statins improve blood vessel health – Stanford Medical Center Report

ATAC-seq revealed that simvastatin-treated cells had closed chromatin structures that reduced the expression of genes that cause the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Working backward, the researchers found that simvastatin prevents a protein known as YAP from entering the nucleus and opening chromatin.

The YAP protein is known to play important roles in development, such as regulating the size of our organs, but also has been implicated in the abnormal cell growth seen in cancer.

To see the drug in context, the researchers tested simvastatin on diabetic mice. Diabetes causes subtle changes to blood vessels that mimic the damage commonly seen in people who are prescribed statins older patients who do not have a cardiovascular condition, Liu said.

They found that after eight weeks on simvastatin, the diabetic mice had significantly improved vascular function, with arteries that more easily relaxed and contracted.

If we can understand the mechanism, we can fine-tune this drug to be more specific to rescuing vascular function, Liu said.

The findings also provide a more detailed picture of the vascular disease process, which could help doctors identify and treat early signs of vascular damage.

Ive been taking statins for the past 10 years to keep my cholesterol down. I also knew it has good vascular effects. I just didnt know how it does it, said Wu, the Simon H. Stertzer, MD, Professor who is also the director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. This study explains how.

Researchers from the University of North Texas and the Ohio State University College of Medicine contributed to this study.

The study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (grants R01 HL130020, R01 HL150693, R01 HL163680, R01 HL145676, P01 HL141084, R01 HL141371, R01 HL126527, R01 HL15864, R01 HL161002, R01 HL155282 and 18CDA34110293), an American Heart Association SFRN grant, an AHA Career Development Award and the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program.

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Researchers solve mystery of how statins improve blood vessel health - Stanford Medical Center Report

What’s Exosome Therapy And How Can It Help Your Skin & Hair? – Glam

As you age, your skin's collagen production isn't the only thing that slows down. Your hair follicles do, too, with some growing out considerably thinner hair and others ending the hair growth cycle altogether. In addition, sebum production also reduces as you age, leading to duller, lustreless hair.The drop in hair growth and thickness eventually leads to permanent hair loss. But of course, there are other causative factors of hair loss, such as genetics, medications, and stress.

When fed into the follicles and scalp, exosomes reawaken the follicular cells, jumpstarting them and fostering hair growth. The therapy also helps prolong the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle and decrease or delay the catagen phase. Anagen is the growth phase, while catagen is the phase where hair growth stops. By prolonging the anagen phase, the follicles have more time to produce hair and combat hair loss. With their wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, exosomes can also help repair damaged tissues and follicles in the scalp. And everyone knows that healthy follicles equal healthy strands.

You can have more than one exosome session to reap the full benefits. However, waiting 3 to 6 months between sessions is preferred to evaluate if more sessions are necessary.Now that you know the benefits of exosome therapy for your skin and hair, we're sure you're wondering about the procedure. Well, here's what you need to know pre- and post-procedure.

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What's Exosome Therapy And How Can It Help Your Skin & Hair? - Glam

Thalassemia gene therapy approval marks a new era of treatment – Labiotech.eu

A newly-approved gene therapy is transforming the lives of patients with beta thalassemia an inherited blood disorder by helping to stop or significantly reduce their reliance on blood transfusions, says an expert from a leading global health system, Cleveland Clinic, on International Thalassemia Day on May 8.

A gene therapy known as betibeglogene autotemcel, or beti-cel, was approved in August last year by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and efficacious for adult and pediatric patients with transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia.

Rabi Hanna, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Childrens which is in the process of becoming one of the few centers in the world certified to offer the gene therapy said: This is a milestone in thalassemia treatment as gene therapy uses patients own hematopoietic stem cells to produce healthier red blood cells and cure their blood disorder or at the very least, significantly reduce the number of blood transfusions needed to manage their condition. Thanks to gene therapy, we can remove the challenges that thalassemia patients face and give them the potential to pursue their goals and dreams without the restriction of blood transfusion or complications of iron overload.

Thalassemia, which has two types alpha and beta is among the most common genetic disorders and occurs most frequently in people from the Middle East, Mediterranean countries, North Africa, India, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Beta thalassemia affects the bodys ability to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that allows them to transport oxygen throughout the body. Individuals diagnosed with beta thalassemia major develop serious symptoms at a young age, which can be treated with frequent blood transfusions, but the transfusions themselves create the risk of iron overload with the potential to damage patients liver, heart, and endocrine system.

The new gene therapy, which resolves this problem, is ideal for teenagers or slightly older patients who have already started to experience complications from blood transfusions, Hanna said.

Hanna said: The gene therapy includes a short period (four days) of a chemotherapy called busulfan that may impact on male and female patients fertility, so it is better to wait until patients reach their teenage years so that they can undergo fertility-preservation treatment, although we do have methods to preserve fertility even in pre-pubescent patients. On the other hand, it is best not to leave it too long as after years of infusions, patients hearts and livers may have already been severely impaired from iron overload. Generally, the healthier the patients are at the start of the gene therapy process, the fewer side effects they will have.

The minimally invasive beti-cel treatment is delivered in three phases over several months, Hanna said. In the first phase, two medications (G-CSF and plerixafor) are used to stimulate the patients bone marrow to produce more stem cells. In the second, blood is drawn for stem cell collection from peripheral blood, and these stem cells are sent to the treatment company to perform the gene modification, that is, inserting a gene that enables them to produce non-affected hemoglobin. The modification process takes around two months.

The final phase takes place in a hospital so patients can be closely monitored. They receive a single chemotherapy medication once a day for four days, followed by a few days of rest, to prepare the body for the modified stem cells to be reintroduced through infusion into a vein, similar to an IV drip.

Within about a month after the infusion of the modified cells, Hanna noted, the vast majority of patients will engraft with the new stem cells and will not need any more blood transfusions or other treatments as they will have cells established in their bone marrow capable of producing hemoglobin normally. Even in the few exceptional cases where gene therapy is not curative, patients need for blood transfusions will have been reduced substantially.

Aside from the new gene therapy treatment, other advances in recent years have greatly improved the quality of life for thalassemia patients, Hanna said.

A medication with the generic name luspatercept-aamt was approved by the FDA in 2019 to reduce patients reliance on blood transfusions. It is given in the form of an injection every three weeks and works by enhancing erythroid (red blood cell) maturation and reducing the need for blood transfusions by up to 50% in some patients.

Luspatercept-aamt can also be used to enhance outcomes in curative bone marrow transplantations, which have become more widely accessible in recent years thanks to a new transplant approach. Hanna was among the pioneers of the haplo-identical bone marrow transplant, which allows for non-identical-HLA (human leukocyte antigen) donors.

Hanna said the reduction in blood transfusions enabled by luspatercept-aamt means the patient has better health prior to bone marrow transplants, and fewer antibodies that could potentially attack transplanted bone marrow.

With the wider adoption of gene therapy and the use of luspatercept-aamt to improve bone-marrow transplant outcomes, almost any patient can be cured, Hanna said.

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Thalassemia gene therapy approval marks a new era of treatment - Labiotech.eu