Patients warned of stem cell danger

Experts have warned patients to stay away from unproven and unsafe stem cell treatments which can have horrific consequences.

They cited one example where a woman who wanted to banish her wrinkles found her face turning to bone.

Around 10 clinics in Europe are thought to be offering stem cell therapies for a range of conditions, including serious brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

In China, patients have had huge infusions of stem cells pumped into their blood streams in the belief that this will prevent them ageing.

It is not known whether any such clinics operate in the UK, where the practice would be illegal.

The cells used in these treatments are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which are widespread around the body.

They can develop into fat, cartilage, muscle and bone but there is no proof they can generate other kinds of tissue, such as nerves.

However research has shown they stimulate blood vessel growth and can attract other strains of stem cell.

Stem cell scientists attending the British Science Festival at the University of Newcastle told how some patients were being lured into undergoing potentially dangerous treatments using MSCs.

Professor Bruno Peault, from the University of Edinburgh, said: "It's very easy to fool lay people. You can say absolutely anything but this is really dangerous.

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Patients warned of stem cell danger

Benefits of stem cells for MS declines with donor’s age

Study finds that stem cells donated by older people are less effective than cells from younger donors.

As stem cell clinical trials for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients become more common, it is crucial for researchers to understand the biologic changes and therapeutic effects of older donor stem cells. A new study appearing in the latest issue of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine is the first to demonstrate that, in fact, adipose-derived stem cells donated by older people are less effective than cells from their younger counterparts.

MS is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by inflammation and scar-like lesions throughout the central nervous system (CNS). There is no cure and no treatment eases the severe forms of MS. But previous studies on animals have shown that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) holds promise as a therapy for all forms of MS. The MSCs migrate to areas of damage, release trophic (cell growth) factors and exert neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects to inhibit T cell proliferation.

MS-related clinical trials have all confirmed the safety of autologous MSC therapy. However what is unclear is whether MSCs derived from older donors have the same therapeutic potential as those from younger ones.

Aging is known to have a negative impact on the regenerative capacity of most tissues, and human MSCs are susceptible to biologic aging including changes in differentiation potential, proliferation ability and gene expression. These age-related differences may affect the ability of older donor cells to migrate extensively, provide trophic support, persist long-term and promote repair mechanisms, said Bruce Bunnell, Ph.D., of Tulane Universitys Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine. He served as lead author of the study, conducted by a team composed of his colleagues at Tulane.

In their study, mice were induced with chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and treated before disease onset with human adipose-derived MSCs derived from younger (less than 35 years) or older (over age 60) donors. The results corroborated previous studies suggesting that older donors are less effective than their younger counterparts.

We found that, in vitro, the stem cells from the older donors failed to ameliorate the neurodegeneration associated with EAE. Mice treated with older donor cells had increased inflammation of the central nervous system, demyelination leading to an impairment in movement, cognition and other functions dependent on nerves, and a proliferation of splenocytes [white blood cells in the spleen], compared to the mice receiving cells from younger donors, Dr. Bunnell noted.

In fact, the T cell proliferation assay results in the study indicated that older MSCs might actually stimulate the proliferation of the T cells, while younger stem cells are capable of inhibiting the proliferation of T cells. (T cells are a type of white blood cell in the bodys immune system that help fight off disease and harmful substances.)

As such, Dr. Bunnell said, A decrease in T cell proliferation would result in a decreased number of T cells available to attack the CNS in the mice, which directly supports the results showing that the CNS damage and inflammation is less severe in the young MSC-treated mice than in the old MSC-treated mice.

This study in an animal model of MS is the first to demonstrate that fat-derived stem cells from older human donors have less therapeutic effectiveness than cells from young donors, said Anthony Atala, M.D., editor of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine and director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The results point to a potential need to evaluate cell therapy protocols for late-onset multiple sclerosis patients.

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Benefits of stem cells for MS declines with donor’s age

Study Indicates Benefits of Stem Cells in Treating MS Declines With Donor’s Age

Durham, NC (PRWEB) September 09, 2013

As stem cell clinical trials for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients become more common, it is crucial for researchers to understand the biologic changes and therapeutic effects of older donor stem cells. A new study appearing in the latest issue of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine is the first to demonstrate that, in fact, adipose-derived stem cells donated by older people are less effective than cells from their younger counterparts.

MS is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by inflammation and scar-like lesions throughout the central nervous system (CNS). There is no cure and no treatment eases the severe forms of MS. But previous studies on animals have shown that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) holds promise as a therapy for all forms of MS. The MSCs migrate to areas of damage, release trophic (cell growth) factors and exert neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects to inhibit T cell proliferation.

MS-related clinical trials have all confirmed the safety of autologous MSC therapy. However what is unclear is whether MSCs derived from older donors have the same therapeutic potential as those from younger ones.

"Aging is known to have a negative impact on the regenerative capacity of most tissues, and human MSCs are susceptible to biologic aging including changes in differentiation potential, proliferation ability and gene expression. These age-related differences may affect the ability of older donor cells to migrate extensively, provide trophic support, persist long-term and promote repair mechanisms," said Bruce Bunnell, Ph.D., of Tulane Universitys Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine. He served as lead author of the study, conducted by a team composed of his colleagues at Tulane.

In their study, mice were induced with chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and treated before disease onset with human adipose-derived MSCs derived from younger (less than 35 years) or older (over age 60) donors. The results corroborated previous studies suggesting that older donors are less effective than their younger counterparts.

"We found that, in vitro, the stem cells from the older donors failed to ameliorate the neurodegeneration associated with EAE. Mice treated with older donor cells had increased inflammation of the central nervous system, demyelination leading to an impairment in movement, cognition and other functions dependent on nerves, and a proliferation of splenocytes [white blood cells in the spleen], compared to the mice receiving cells from younger donors," Dr. Bunnell noted.

In fact, the T cell proliferation assay results in the study indicated that older MSCs might actually stimulate the proliferation of the T cells, while younger stem cells are capable of inhibiting the proliferation of T cells. (T cells are a type of white blood cell in the bodys immune system that help fight off disease and harmful substances.)

As such, Dr. Bunnell said, "A decrease in T cell proliferation would result in a decreased number of T cells available to attack the CNS in the mice, which directly supports the results showing that the CNS damage and inflammation is less severe in the young MSC-treated mice than in the old MSC-treated mice."

"This study in an animal model of MS is the first to demonstrate that fat-derived stem cells from older human donors have less therapeutic effectiveness than cells from young donors," said Anthony Atala, M.D., editor of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine and director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. "The results point to a potential need to evaluate cell therapy protocols for late-onset multiple sclerosis patients."

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Study Indicates Benefits of Stem Cells in Treating MS Declines With Donor’s Age

Stem-cell banks enable wealthy to free 'backup version' of their adult selves

Launched in Switzerland, Dubai, Singapore and the US two months ago, it involves taking cells from a small sample of the skin under local anaesthetic at a dermatologist, shipping them to Scils laboratories and rebooting them into induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cells, otherwise simply known as stem cells.

Scils service differs from cord blood banking, in which blood is taken from the umbilical cord for later use to reconstitute blood. We believe its going to be very popular with a certain class of people who have everything they want but cannot go against ageing, said Mr Choulika. This is expensive, so only reserved for a certain class of people who can afford it.

Twenty years ago only rich people had cell phones. Now everybody has them.

Cellectis specialises in genome engineering and stem cell treatment. Since its foundation in 1999, Dr Choulika says the company has developed new classes of products in biopharmaceutical production, agrobiotechnology, induced stem cells and alternative fuels. The group is due to launch a trial later this year with University College London on potential genetic therapies for chronic leukaemia.

Last year, Cellectis had revenues of 27 million from deals allowing medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies to use its technobiology and research.

Scil offers people the best possible chance in the future, said Dr Choulika. People should be able to 'live young no matter how old they grow.

Were offering the potential for people to use their cells for their cure as soon as regenerative medicine treatments become available.

Scil says that IPS cells can be derived from adult cells at any time of life. However, due to human cell DNA degeneration over time, Scil recommends that interested people should give their skin samples sooner rather than later.

Dr Choulika said Britain had been chosen for launch because medical regulations allow it to function. In France, in contrast, he said the service would not be permissible under current legislation.

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Stem-cell banks enable wealthy to free 'backup version' of their adult selves

Gamida Cell Announces the Successful Transplantation of the First Patient in the Company’s Phase I/II Study of NiCord® …

JERUSALEM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Gamida Cell announced today that the first patient has been successfully transplanted in the companys second Phase I/II study of NiCord, as an alternative, experimental treatment for blood cancers. The transplant took place at Duke University Medical Center. Of great significance: This is the first study researching the outcome of a whole umbilical cord blood unit (UCBU) expanded in culture and transplanted in myeloablated patients without the support of un-manipulated stem cells derived from a second UCBU. The approach using NiCord, as a single stem cell graft, has the potential to broaden accessibility, reduce toxicity and improve the clinical and economic outcomes of cord blood transplantation.

NiCord is an expanded cell graft derived from an entire CBU and enriched with stem cells. NiCord was developed based on Gamida Cells proprietary NAM technology.

Until NiCord, even though expanded stem cells have been demonstrated to decrease the time to neutrophil engraftment, they disappeared shortly thereafter and the long-term engraftment was always provided by the second un-manipulated unit. Thus, the clinical benefit could be achieved only when two UCBUs were transplanted: one unit expanded in culture to shorten time to neutrophil engraftment and the second un-manipulated unit to provide the long and durable engraftment. Then came the Phase I/II study of NiCord in a double cord configuration. In this study, for the first time, a robust short and long-term engraftment (over two years) was achieved entirely from the expanded stem cell graft. The reduced time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment and the durable, long-term engraftment provided by NiCord also led to a shorter time of hospitalization, which also led to reduced costs for both the patient and the hospital. These outcomes provided the scientific basis for the second Phase I/II study of NiCord in a single UCBU transplant modality.

Clinical sites will enroll up to 20 patients, ages 18-65, with hematological malignancies (blood cancers) following myeloablative therapy in the study: Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation of NiCord, Umbilical Cord Blood-derived Ex Vivo Expanded Stem and Progenitor Cells, in Adult Patients with high risk Hematological Malignancies. The principal investigator is Dr. Mitchell E. Horwitz, associate professor ofmedicine at Duke Medicine. Dr. Horwitz was also a principal investigator of the first Phase I/II study of NiCord in a double cord configuration as an alternative, experimental treatment for blood cancers.

Dr. Horwitz said, The protracted time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment and prolonged hospitalization has been a critical limitation of umbilical cord blood transplantation. The results of the first Phase I/II study were encouraging and suggest that NiCord has the potential to address both of these limitations. It also suggested that transplantation of a second, un-manipulated cord blood unit was not necessary, so we are interested in pursuing this single cord Phase I/II study of NiCord to determine whether those results bear out.

Gamida Cell is a world pioneer in cord blood transplantation, and with this new single cord approach we have indeed turned a corner and reached an intended milestone on the road to achieving a market paradigm change, said Gamida Cell CEO Dr. Yael Margolin.

We have witnessed in the clinic a small glimpse of the potential of NiCord that we have extensively studied in the lab and animal models. The novel finding of the first NiCord Phase I/II study is that cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells that are expanded in culture are capable of providing both, fast and robust long-term engraftment. This outstanding clinical outcome inspires us to continue developing our entire pipeline of therapeutic stem cell treatments, said Tony Peled, VP of R&D and co-founder of Gamida Cell.

The board is proud of Gamida Cells ongoing ability to maintain its leadership role in the cell therapy industry and is confident and steadfast in its support of the companys important and extremely valuable work, said chairman of the board of Gamida Cell Ruben Krupik.

About Gamida Cell Gamida Cell is a world leader in stem cell population expansion technologies and stem cell therapy products for transplantation and regenerative medicine. The companys pipeline of stem cell therapy products are in development to treat a wide range of conditions including blood cancers, solid tumors, non-malignant hematological diseases such as hemoglobinopathies, neutropenia and acute radiation syndrome, autoimmune diseases and genetic metabolic diseases as well as conditions that can be helped by regenerative medicine. Gamida Cells therapeutic candidates contain populations of adult stem cells, selected from non-controversial sources such as umbilical cord blood, bone marrow and peripheral blood, which are expanded in culture. Gamida Cells current shareholders include: Elbit Imaging (NASDAQ: EMITF), Clal Biotechnology Industries (TASE: CBI), Israel Healthcare Venture, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Amgen, Denali Ventures and Auriga Ventures. For more information please visit http://www.gamida-cell.com.

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Gamida Cell Announces the Successful Transplantation of the First Patient in the Company’s Phase I/II Study of NiCord® ...

Stem Cell Therapeutics Advances CD47 Antagonist Program Into IND-Enabling Phase

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sep 9, 2013) - Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SSS)(SCTPF), a biopharmaceutical company developing cancer stem cell- related therapeutics, today announced that it has advanced its CD47 antagonist program into an Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling phase. In collaboration with a contract manufacturing organization, Stem Cell Therapeutics (SCT) will begin the manufacturing process to generate drug for formal toxicology studies and a subsequent phase I clinical study, which is anticipated to begin in H2/2015.

SCT's program targets the activity of CD47, a molecule upregulated on many leukemias and solid tumors. CD47 delivers a "do not eat" signal that suppresses macrophage phagocytosis, allowing cancer cells, including cancer stem cells, to escape immune-mediated destruction. SCT has chosen to block the CD47 protein using a modified version of its natural ligand, SIRP, fused to an immunoglobulin Fc region. The SIRPaFc fusion protein has shown excellent anti-leukemic activity both in vitro and in human xenograft models, and exhibits a unique binding profile compared to other CD47 blocking agents. These results, as well as encouraging safety data emerging from a recently completed non-human primate study, will be reported at a future scientific conference.

"We believe that SIRPaFc, through its ability to activate the innate immune response and eliminate cancer stem cells, holds great promise as a novel immunotherapy," commented Dr. Niclas Stiernholm. "The transition from the research to the IND-enabling phase is a key milestone for the SIRPFc program, and we will continue on the path towards clinical testing."

About Cancer Stem Cells:

The cancer stem cell (CSC) concept postulates that the growth of tumors is driven by a rare population of dedicated cells that have stem cell-like properties, including self-renewal. While the bulk of a tumor consists of rapidly proliferating cells and differentiated cells, neither of which is capable of self-renewal, a small population of CSCs provides for long-term maintenance of the cancer. Although the CSC concept was first postulated in the 1960s, it wasn't until 1994 that proof of their existence was demonstrated, when Dr. John Dick and colleagues in Toronto isolated CSCs (known as leukemic stem cells, or LSCs) from bulk acute myeloid leukemia cells. More recently, CSCs have been identified in many other human malignancies, including solid tumors such as bladder, brain, breast, colon, ovarian and prostate cancers. There is accumulating evidence that CSCs are resistant to conventional chemotherapies and radiation. Thus, CSCs are thought to be responsible for a phenomenon well known to oncologists: most patients will experience an initial response to conventional chemotherapies but will ultimately relapse. To cure cancer CSCs need to be destroyed, but the current armament of therapies is poorly equipped to do so.

About Stem Cell Therapeutics:

Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (SCT) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing cancer stem cell discoveries into novel and innovative cancer therapies. Building on over half a century of leading and groundbreaking Canadian stem cell research, the company is supported by established links to a group of Toronto academic research institutes and cancer treatment centers, representing one of the world's most acclaimed cancer research hubs. The Company has two premier preclinical programs, SIRPaFc and a CD200 monoclonal antibody (mAb), which target two key immunoregulatory pathways that tumor cells exploit to evade the host immune system. SIRPaFc is an antibody-like fusion protein that blocks the activity of CD47, a molecule that is upregulated on cancer stem cells in AML and several other tumors. The CD200 mAb is a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of CD200, an immunosuppressive molecule that is overexpressed by many hematopoietic and solid tumors. SCT's clinical stage programs include the recently in-licensed program focused on the structure of tigecycline, which is currently being evaluated in a multi-centre Phase I study in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as well as TTI-1612, a non-cancer stem cell asset that recently completed a 28-patient Phase I trial in interstitial cystitis ("IC") patients. For more information, visit: http://www.stemcellthera.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect SCT's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include changing market conditions; the successful and timely completion of pre-clinical and clinical studies; the establishment of corporate alliances; the impact of competitive products and pricing; new product development risks; uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process or the ability to obtain drug product in sufficient quantity or at standards acceptable to health regulatory authorities to complete clinical trials or to meet commercial demand; and other risks detailed from time to time in SCT's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting. Except as required by applicable securities laws, SCT undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Stem Cell Therapeutics Advances CD47 Antagonist Program Into IND-Enabling Phase

International Stem Cell Corporation Advances Parkinson's Disease Program Towards IND Stage

CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwired - Sep 9, 2013) - International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com), a California-based biotechnology company developing novel stem cell-based therapies, announced today further progress in its Parkinson's disease program with a recently held key opinion leader meeting facilitated by the study's principal investigator, Dr. Mark Stacy of Duke Medicine.

The meeting was a significant step towards clinical studies to evaluate the use of stem cell-derived neuronal cells to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). By bringing together leading experts from throughout North America in the field of cell therapy and movement disorders, ISCO gains critical feedback and guidance that can be included in the final pre-clinical primate studies and the design of the first-in-man study, which is expected to begin in 2014.

"This is an interesting new approach for the treatment of PD," said Stacy, Vice Dean for Clinical Research, Neurology at Duke University School of Medicine. "This meeting increases the chances of a successful clinical outcome by allowing us to not only build on previous studies, but also gain in-depth insight from some of the principal clinicians and neurosurgeons working in this field."

The participants, consisting of a number of pre-eminent clinicians, some of whom have conducted cell therapy trials in PD using fetal-derived tissue, discussed the study design for the first-in-man trial, including the specific sites in the brain where the cells will be implanted, the necessity for placebo controls, and the duration that may be required to see clinically meaningful changes.

"There is still much debate in the literature concerning the most effective ways to treat Parkinson's patients with human cells. Gathering such a distinguished clinical group together, although challenging, helped answer a number of open questions regarding the phase I clinical study," commented Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Chief Scientific Officer at International Stem Cell Corporation. "It's a testament to Dr. Stacy and Duke's reputation in this area to be able to draw together such experience; we feel very confident that we have the right approach and every chance for a successful IND and subsequent phase I study."

ISCO's Parkinson's disease program uses human parthenogenetic neural stem cells (hPNSC), a novel therapeutic cellular product derived from the company's proprietary histocompatible human pluripotent stem cells. The hPNSC are self-renewing multipotent cells that are precursors for the major cells of the central nervous system. The ability of hPNSC to (1) differentiate into dopaminergic neurons, and (2) express neurotrophic factors such as glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to protect the nigrostriatal system, offers a new and revolutionary opportunity for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, especially in cases where current dopamine-replacement approaches fail to adequately control the symptoms.

About International Stem Cell Corporation

International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products.ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs) hence avoiding ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos.ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenetic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (www.lifelinecelltech.com), and stem cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com). More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of research programs and products, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.

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International Stem Cell Corporation Advances Parkinson's Disease Program Towards IND Stage

Will you consider stem cell therapy for your child with autism?

There is no doubt that parents of persons with autism will exhaust all possible means to look for ways to improve the lives of their children. Some will even look for the ''cure'' at all costs literally, especially if they can afford it.

The buzz word for possible autism cure these last few years is stem cell therapy, a medical intervention that involves extracting the body's repair cells and injecting them back to the body to replace old cells. The controversies about this therapy as autism ''cure'' include its high cost.

Angels Talk recently asked parent members of Autism Society Philippines the following question: If money was not an issue, will you consider stem cell therapy for your child with autism? Some were willing to take the chance while others were either cautious of trying ''cures'' that still need to be validated, or consider their children's autism as a gift. Here are some of their sentiments.

''Yes, I would. Whatever will help my nine-year old Sean, I will take the chance. I accept Sean and his condition but not everyone is accepting of autism. If stem cell therapy will give Sean a chance to enjoy life like an average kid, then I will pursue this.'' - JASMINE NADJA PINUGU, a parent who represents the views of 22 other respondents

''No. I would not subject my child to a treatment that has questionable therapeutic claims and safety issues. What we read in the news now are anecdotal reports from celebrity parents that include endorsement of a certain clinic or doctor. Our son Jorel, is doing well trying to adapt in the ''normal'' world. We would rather spend the money for his job or independent living training later on.'' - MENCHIE ALEGRE

''Not at this time but I am open to the possibility. I attended Dr. Samuel Bernal's talk on this topic at Medical City early this year and even this expert is not making claims that stem cell can ''cure'' autism. They are still doing further studies. I have also not heard about the results on the six children who've undergone the test for it. The procedure is quite scary and there will surely be side effects. Until such time that the procedure becomes less invasive, I will not agree to have this procedure done to my child. I appreciate though the efforts of all the people trying to find solution to improve the lives of our children. I pray that God may guide them well.'' - OLIVE MEDINA

''NO! I love him for what he is and he was born unique. Autism is not an illness; all special children need love, support and understanding from family, friends and especially our society. Special children are God's gift to society, to help us be humble, happy and content of what we have.'' - BERNADETTE TABARES

''No, I have two autistic sons and I have learned to respect their condition as God allowed it. I asked God for wisdom in rearing them and I enjoy their company. They showered me with so much attention and love. After 20 years of searching for solution for my two boys to act normal and be able to conform to the norms of society, I have witnessed that each one of us also have abnormalities. Being with them at all given time is the best treatment. Integrating them in all house activities boost their self-esteem.''- LOURY JACOB

''Autism is not the problem. Only ACCCEPTANCE can CURE AUTISM.'' - WHENG DOLLENTE

''What is the point of compelling your child to be someone he is not?'' - GERARD ATIENZA

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Will you consider stem cell therapy for your child with autism?