ACT Initiates Higher-Dosage Patient Treatment in European Clinical Trial for Macular Degeneration

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (ACT; OTCBB: ACTC), a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, today announced treatment of the first patient in the third dosage cohort, and seventh patient overall, in its European Phase I clinical trial for Stargardts macular dystrophy (SMD) using retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The patient was injected with 150,000 hESC-derived RPE cells, as compared with the 100,000-cell dose used in patients of the second cohort. The surgery was performed on Friday, April 19, without any complications, and the patient is recovering uneventfully.

Europe represents a huge potential market for us, the worlds largest after the U.S., so we are particularly pleased to now be past the halfway point in all three of our clinical trials on both continents, commented Gary Rabin, chairman and CEO of ACT. SMD affects as many as 100,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe. Moreover, as previously announced, the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) officially granted our hESC-derived RPE cells orphan medicinal product designation for the treatment of SMD. We expect this will provide a number of benefits once our SMD treatment has made the transition from the clinic to the bedside, including reduced fees and protection from competition.

The Phase 1/2 trial is designed to determine the safety and tolerability of hESC-derived RPE cells following sub-retinal transplantation in patients with SMD at 12 months, the studys primary endpoint. It will involve a total of 12 patients, with cohorts of three patients each in an ascending dosage format.

We are pleased to have now moved into the second-half of all our clinical trials for macular degeneration, said Robert Lanza, M.D., chief scientific officer. We are eagerly anticipating advancing toward the final cohort in all three trials.

About Stargardts Disease

Stargardts disease or Stargardts Macular Dystrophy is a genetic disease that causes progressive vision loss, usually starting in children between 10 to 20 years of age. Eventually, blindness results from photoreceptor loss associated with degeneration in the pigmented layer of the retina, called the retinal pigment epithelium, which is the site of damage that the company believes the hESC-derived RPE may be able to target for repair after administration.

About Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. is a biotechnology company applying cellular technology in the field of regenerative medicine. For more information, visit http://www.advancedcell.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

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ACT Initiates Higher-Dosage Patient Treatment in European Clinical Trial for Macular Degeneration

UCLA Researchers Develop New Method for Purifying Stem Cells for Treatment

Newswise UCLA researchers led by Carla Koehler, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and Dr. Michael Teitell, professor of pathology and pediatrics, both members of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, have discovered a new agent that may be useful in strategies to remove pluripotent stem cells that fail-to-differentiate from their progeny, tissue-specific cells, potentially resulting in safer therapies for patients. The study was published online ahead of press April 15, 2013 in Developmental Cell.

Pluripotent stem cells can become any cell in the body. When stem cells are differentiated into specific daughter cells such as nerve, muscle, or bone cells, not all of the stem cells differentiate, leaving some pluripotent stem cells mixed in with the differentiated cells. Because of the pluripotent stem cells ability to become any cell type in the body, these cells can also become unintended cells such as bone in blood, or form tumors called teratomas. Therefore, identifying and removing pluripotent stem cells from the differentiated cells before using daughter cells is of utmost importance in stem cell-based therapeutics. Current methods for removing pluripotent stem cells are limited.

Studies in the model system Saccharomyces cerevisiae, simple bakers yeast, by Koehler, Teitell, and colleagues discovered a molecule called MitoBloCK-6 that inhibits assembly of the mitochondria, which are the power plants of cells. As the group moved to more complex systems, they showed that MitoBloCK-6 blocked cardiac development in the model organism, zebrafish. However, MitoBloCK-6 had no effect on differentiated cell lines that are typically cultured in the lab. I was puzzled by this result, because we thought this pathway was essential for all cells regardless of differentiation state, said Koehler.

Post-doctoral fellow Deepa Dabir meticulously tested the compound on many differentiated cell lines, but the results were still the same: The cells remained healthy. Then the team decided to test MitoBloCK-6 on human pluripotent stem cells. Post-doctoral fellow Kiyoko Setoguchi showed that the pluripotent stem cells died in the presence of MitoBloCK-6, but shortly after differentiation, the daughter cells were resistant to death.

MitoBloCK-6 caused the pluripotent stem cells to die by triggering apoptosis, a process of cell suicide. The death of pluripotent stem cells left a population of differentiated cells, thus potentially reducing the risks of teratoma and other problems that would limit their use as a regenerative medicine treatment strategy.

We discovered that pluripotent stem cell mitochondria undergo a change during differentiation into tissue-specific daughter cells, said Teitell, which could be the key to the survival of the differentiated cells when the samples are exposed to MitoBloCK-6. We are still investigating this process in mitochondria, but we now know that mitochondria have an important role in controlling pluripotent stem cell survival.

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UCLA Researchers Develop New Method for Purifying Stem Cells for Treatment

StemGenex on Exciting new Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Auto-Immune Diseases

LA JOLLA, Calif., April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, over 23.5 million people suffer from over eighty different types of known autoimmune diseases.Unfortunately, treatment for those suffering from non-curable autoimmune diseases has been limited to:

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With the recent emergence of regenerative medicine, doctors and medical groups around the world are developing new techniques to help treat suffering patients. New scientific and medical findings in regenerative medicine are leading to natural alternative treatments and advancements that are life altering.

The body's immune system is a complex network of special cells and organs that defends the body from germs and other foreign invaders. In order for the immune system to function properly, it needs the ability to tell the difference between what's you and what's foreign. When the immune system cannot, it attacks normal cells by mistake. The result of these misguided attacks is what is known as autoimmune disease.

Some common autoimmune diseases are:

What's exciting today is that new techniques through clinical studies are underway and they are helping unlock the code to our regenerative anatomy. For instance, studies using stem cells and gene therapy have shown great promise for ALS. This gene therapy is designed to not only target gene delivery to the brain and spinal cord, but also to genetically engineer stem cells.

Another undeniable medical breakthrough in autoimmune stem cell therapy usage occurred in Berlin Germany in 2007. Timothy Ray Brown, who was diagnosed in 1995 with HIV AIDS and Leukemia, agreed to a bone marrow transplant with the use of stem cells. Timothy received a donor's platelets and stem cells, who was immune to HIV AIDS and Leukemia. Dr. Ray Levy, a co-discoverer of the HIV epidemic and top AIDS researcher, stated the result are to be considered "A functional cure for HIV". This proclamation is due to neither HIV nor Leukemia recurring since the surgery. With the use of adult stem cells, reconstruction of damaged body tissues and recreation of the original immune system is possible.

StemGenex, a U.S. based company, is on the forefront of providing treatment access to patients suffering with all types of autoimmune diseases using adult stem cells. Intriguingly, scientific research studies suggest that adult stem cells can treat autoimmune disease effects and symptoms by reconstructing body tissue, anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory effects. StemGenex hopes to eliminate symptoms and regenerate parts of the immune system using new innovative stem cell technology.

To find out more about autoimmunestem cell treatmentscontact:

La Jolla Cove Research Center 505 Coast Boulevard South La Jolla, CA92037 858-459-STEM (7836)

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StemGenex on Exciting new Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Auto-Immune Diseases

Brownback signs into law bill establishing adult stem cell research and treatment at KU Medical Center

By SCOTT ROTHSCHILD, The Lawrence Journal-World

In a mix of science and anti-abortion politics, Gov. Sam Brownback on Monday signed into law a bill that establishes the nation's first adult stem cell research and treatment center at the Kansas University Medical Center.

"I am honored to sign this bill of hope and promise and current treatments," Brownback said.

Brownback described adult stem cell and umbilical cord blood research as an "exploding" area of new discoveries to treat people with a wide range of diseases. "KU will be the leader, Kansas will be the leader, which is fabulous in this burgeoning field," he said.

But the bill carried political overtones.

It was sponsored by vehement abortion opponents and pushed by the Family Research Council, a conservative Christian lobbying group.

In addition, KU never asked for the legislation establishing what will be known as the Midwest Stem Cell Center, and the Legislature has yet to produce the estimated $1.1 million needed for the center's startup.

The center is prohibited from using embryonic stem cells or cells taken from aborted fetal tissue. Abortion opponents oppose human embryonic stem cell research because it involves the destruction of the embryo.

Dr. Buddhadeb Dawn, director of the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases at KU Medical Center, was the only KU representative on hand at the bill-signing ceremony. He said the number of clinical trials of bone marrow stem cells for treatment of heart disease had been increasing tremendously over the past several years.

"It would be great to bring such therapies to Kansas, and the formation of such a center which would engage in adult stem cell therapy in patients would give Kansans the chance to be enrolled in such therapy and perhaps give treatment that would change their life," he said.

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Brownback signs into law bill establishing adult stem cell research and treatment at KU Medical Center

FRC Congratulates Kansas, Gov. Brownback for Authorizing Stem Cell Research Center

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council (FRC) congratulated Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and the state of Kansas for the passage and signing of Kansas SB 199. The law establishes a new adult stem cell research and treatment center at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City's medical school.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080930/FRCLOGO)

FRC 's Senior Fellow Dr. David Prentice has testified in Kansas for years about the benefits of ethical adult stem cell treatments, based on their published scientific record. He promoted the idea of an adult stem cell center in talks with legislators, educators, doctors, and patients. He also helped write the legislation, and served as a scientific witness in legislative testimony. Of the bill signing Dr. Prentice said:

"With the signing of SB 199, Governor Sam Brownback has taken the first step toward making Kansas an international hub for scientific advancement and life-saving treatment. Through the creation of the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, Gov. Brownback has demonstrated a commitment to both scientific advancement and a culture of life.

"This bill would not have passed without the effort of Senator Mary Pilcher-Cook, who authored and sponsored the bill and has worked tirelessly for years to promote ethical medical treatments and research. Senator Pilcher-Cook has been a prime advocate for the proven success of adult stem cells in treatments as well as ethical research. Her principled stand for life is an inspiration."

Of Dr. Prentice's work, FRC President Tony Perkins said the following:

"For many years, Dr. David Prentice has beenone of the world'sleading experts on the many life-saving uses of ethical adult stem cell treatments. His efforts in Kansas will bring leading-edge scientific and medical research and treatment to people around the world. This is a major achievement, and my colleagues and I at Family Research Council applaud David's outstanding work."

The Center will be unique as a comprehensive stem cell center. It will focus first on treating patients with adult stem cells, which have a proven track record as life savers and life extenders, treating over 60,000 people a year for dozens of diseases around the globe. The Center will also train doctors on the use of adult stem cells for treatments, conduct research and clinical trials to develop more patient therapies, educate people about stem cell treatments, and create a global database of available therapies for use by physicians and patients.

To read Dr. Prentice's statement from today's bill signing, click here: http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF13D87.pdf

To read more about life-saving and ethical adult stem cell treatments, click here: http://www.stemcellresearchfacts.org/

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FRC Congratulates Kansas, Gov. Brownback for Authorizing Stem Cell Research Center

Kris wants stem cell therapy for son Josh

Joshua Aquino plays piano for mom Kris. File photo

MANILA, Philippines Host-actress Kris Aquino explained that one of the reasons she is going on temporary leave from showbiz is because she wanted her eldest son, Josh, to undergo stem cell therapy.

During her morning talk show on ABS-CBN, Kris TV, on Tuesday, Aquino said she is considering three options for the treatment of Josh, who is a special child.

The first option is for Josh to undergo treatment in Europe, where live animal stem cells are used.

Kasi meron akong mga friends na yung mga anak nila underwent stem cell therapy and yung condition nila is just like Josh. They had special children, Aquino explained to comedienne Melai Cantiveros, her guest co-host on Kris TV.

Kasi sobrang laki yung naging improvement. So tomorrow, Melai, meron kaming appointment kay Dr. Rex Gloria, who is involved with one of those hospitals sa Europe na gumagawa nito, she added.

Aquino said her second option is to avail of a new treatment in Singapore, which involves the use of fat-derived human stem cells.

Meron daw sa Singapore na kinukuha daw sa nanay yung stem cell. Parang manggagaling sa fat ng nanay, kasi yung fat ng nanay ang pinaka-highly concentrated yung stem cell, doon, she said. So kukunin either sa hita daw o sa tiyan ng mom, tapos ita-transfer doon sa anak.

Meanwhile, Aquino said her third option is to go to The Medical City in Pasig.

May pangatlo pa being done in Medical City naman now. But that study will be done in July. Yun naman, galing sa bone marrow. Medyo masakit daw yun talaga kasi imagine, bone marrow extraction, she said.

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Kris wants stem cell therapy for son Josh

Stem Cell Harvest Offered At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc.

BEVERLY HILLS,Calif., April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Imagine a future where doctors can grow new blood vessels for you when you need them, or rebuild cartilage in your knee or shoulder instead of undergoing surgery. While it sounds like science fiction, it is soon to be science fact, according to numerous medical institutions such as Wake Forest University, Stanford University, Duke and University of Texas. Stem cells, taken from a patient's own body, are the key to regenerating many types of human tissue including heart, liver and bone.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130423/LA97775)

Stem cells are 'multipotent," which means they can reproduce to become other types of cells like soft muscle and cartilage. Using a patient's own stem cells, doctors have successfully regenerated knee cartilage in patients with arthritis, and heart muscle for patients who have suffered damage after a heart attack. In the field of tissue engineering, doctors have 'grown' new bladders, tracheas and blood vessels for patients that have had disease or injury.

And the richest source of stem cells in the human body our fat, medically known as 'adipose tissue."

Dr. Gabriel Chiu is a highly-regarded plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in the art of aesthetic plastic surgery. As the medical director of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc. and the SPA @ BHPS, Inc., Dr. Chiu oversees the beauty transformation and maintenance of over 15,000 clients worldwide including celebrities, politicians, royalty, athletes and social luminaries. Widely recognized for his advanced surgical techniques and technologies used, Dr. Chiu's patients commend him for his natural-looking surgical results, impeccable beauty aesthetic, and incomparable professional integrity. Dr. Gabriel Chiu is the recipient of the Patients' Choice Award 2008-2012.

Dr. Chiu states: "We are excited to add fat derived stem cell banking as a part of our full-service, concierge-oriented plastic surgery practice. Just like fetal cord banking, it may one day be the solution to severe diseases and cancer. This is one cosmetic 'luxury' that patients cannot afford to be without."

"It just makes sense," continues Dr. Chiu. "We have millions of vital stem cells in our fat and historically we have just thrown this away. Now my patients can easily store these cells so they have their youngest stem cells for all of the regenerative applications that are on the horizon. The advances with stem cells are pretty astounding," Dr. Chiu adds.

Patients who are having liposuction, tummy tuck, arm or thigh lift, breast reduction, or fat transfer have a convenient time to collect and send their tissue to AdiCyte for storage of their stem cells. Even if you are not having any surgery, your stem cells can be collected in a 20 minute, in-office procedure.

Over the past year, many known public figures have used their adipose-derived stem cells for regenerative medicine including TV actress Suzanne Somers, football quarterback Peyton Manning, baseball pitcher, Bartolo Colon, and Governor Rick Perry, who underwent treatment in 2012 for spinal repair using his own stem cells.

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc. is a full-service plastic surgery practice and medical spa located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Ca. The medical staff is led by Dr. Gabriel Chiu, who has performed thousands of body, breast, and facial surgical procedures. Classic modern and Chanel-inspired, the facility is comprised of a sensational SkinCeuticals lounge, private VIP reception, and luxurious state-of-the-art consultative treatment rooms. Offering full-spectrum beauty treatments from customized facials to mommy makeover procedures, BHPS, Inc. today stands as the ultimate beauty destination for over 15,000 men and women. For additional information, please contact: christine@bhpsinc.com or visit: http://www.BeverlyHillsPlasticSurgeryInc.com

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Stem Cell Harvest Offered At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc.

Rancho Mirage Hosts Select Bioscience Stem Cell Summit and Clinical Practicum, April 22-23

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Leaders in the field of stem cell research and clinical utilization will convene in Rancho Mirage for Select Biosciences Clinical Translation of Stem Cells Summit, announced David M. Morrow, MD, founder and director of The Morrow Institute, local host for the conference. The event will be held from 9 a.m. 5 p.m. on April 22-23 at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort followed by 6 p.m. practicums at The Morrow Institute. Focusing on the safe and effective use of regenerative techniques, the summit will be chaired by Lee Buckler, Managing Director, Cell Therapy Group, and will feature presentations by international, national and local experts.

Presenters include Kotaro Yoshimura, MD, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Tokyo; Mark Berman, MD, President, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, California Stem Cell Treatment Center; Ingrid Caras, PhD, Senior Science Officer, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine; Prudence Talbot, MD, Director, UC Riverside Stem Cell Center; David Morrow, MD and Allan Wu, MD, co-founders of The Morrow Institutes Non-Controversial Stem Cell Research Lab; and others. Dr. Wu will be the keynote speaker the first day of the conference. Richard Kite, mayor of Rancho Mirage, will present a proclamation to the event organizers; American Health Journal will film a PBS grant-sponsored program on stem cells featuring four of the conference speakers and segments of the conference practicums.

This summit is a continuation of the efforts The Morrow Institute began back in 2008 when we hosted the first Mini-Summit on Biotech Research ever held in the Coachella Valley, Dr. Morrow explained. The field has advanced so far in such a short amount of time this conference will provide the opportunity for participants to look beyond research to new bedside therapies and practical issues.

In his keynote address, Dr. Wu will address translational trends in bringing stem cells from the research bench to the bedside. He will also lead clinical practicums with delegate viewing focused on harvesting adipose derived stem cells in the clinical setting, and providing delegates a real-time, hands-on opportunity to understand trends in stem cells-based clinical practice.

While Dr. Wus keynote presentation seeks to answer questions about what is allowable and what is considered safe within the standard of care, other Day 1 presenters will explore the state of the stem cell therapy industry, the use of stem cells in brain tumor trials, a variety of ethical issues, hot spots in stem cell research, the use of stem cells in fat transfer, the use of guided imagery in stem cell injections, and establishing a compliant regenerative medical surgical organization. Day 2 includes presentations on cell assisted lipotransfer, the use of adult stem cells in the treatment of disease, the future of cell-based personalized medicine, stem cells in age-related macular degeneration, and the impact of policy on clinical trials.

Select Biosciences presents an international portfolio of life science conferences that provides attendees with an educational environment where they can share the latest developments in their field. Conferences are designed for professionals working in industry and academic settings within life science.

Developers of the Stem Cell DEP Separation Technology (StemSorter) and the Stem Cell Optimizer, The Morrow Institute is one of the longest established Specialty Plastic Surgery practices in the world. Its campus features a fully AAAHC accredited outpatient surgery center dedicated to health and aesthetic enhancement through specialty plastic/reconstructive/cosmetic surgery, skin rejuvenation and an FDA registered stem cell research laboratory and tissue bank.

For more information or to register, visit http://selectbiosciences.com/conferences or contact The Morrow Institute, annarosa@morrowinstitute.com (760) 202-2770.

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Rancho Mirage Hosts Select Bioscience Stem Cell Summit and Clinical Practicum, April 22-23

Kris Aquino wants son Josh to undergo stem-cell therapy

Nais ni Kris Aquino na ipagamot ang panganay na anak na si Josh.

Ito ang isa sa mga dahilan na ibinahagi ng TV host-actress sa entertainment editor ng Balita na si Dindo Balares.

Ayon sa kolumn na Prangkahan na lumabas noong Biyernes, April 19, sinabi ni Kris, Ipapagamot ko kasi through stem-cell therapy sa Singapore this June si Josh.

Kuwento ni Kris, nahikayat siyang ipagamot ang kanyang 16-year-old na anak dahil sa positibong resulta sa pagpapagamot ng anak ng kanyang isang kaibigan.

Tulad ni Josh, may Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD-HD) din ang anak ng kaibigan ni Kris.

Lahad ni Kris, Hindi nakakapagsalita ang anak ng friend ko.

In fact, wala rin kahit eye contact.

Pero after ng treatment, ang laki-laki ng improvement, at nakakabuo na ng full sentence.

Dagdag pa niya, Gusto kong i-try. Kasi, ayokong maisip pagdating ng araw na may means naman ako to avail the treatment pero hindi ko ginawa.

Kung sakaling matuloy, kakailanganin daw ng buong atensyon ni Kris habang nagpapagamot si Josh.

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Kris Aquino wants son Josh to undergo stem-cell therapy