New method developed to expand blood stem cells for bone marrow transplant

Mar. 21, 2013 More than 50,000 stem cell transplants are performed each year worldwide. A research team led by Weill Cornell Medical College investigators may have solved a major issue of expanding adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) outside the human body for clinical use in bone marrow transplantation -- a critical step towards producing a large supply of blood stem cells needed to restore a healthy blood system.

In the journal Blood, Weill Cornell researchers and collaborators from Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center describe how they engineered a protein to amplify adult HSCs once they were extracted from the bone marrow of a donor. The engineered protein maintains the expanded HSCs in a stem-like state -- meaning, they will not differentiate into specialized blood cell types before they are transplanted in the recipient's bone marrow.

Finding a bone marrow donor match is challenging and the number of bone marrow cells from a single harvest procedure are often not sufficient for a transplant. Additional rounds of bone marrow harvest and clinical applications to mobilize blood stem cells are often required.

However, an expansion of healthy HSCs in the lab would mean that fewer stem cells need to be retrieved from donors. It also suggests that adult blood stem cells could be frozen and banked for future expansion and use -- which is not currently possible.

"Our work demonstrates that we can overcome a major technical hurdle in the expansion of adult blood stem cells, making it possible, for the first time, to produce them on an industrial scale," says the study's senior investigator, Dr. Pengbo Zhou, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at Weill Cornell.

If the technology by Weill Cornell passes future testing hurdles, Dr. Zhou believes bone marrow banks could take a place alongside blood banks.

"The immediate goal is for us to see if we can take fewer blood stem cells from a donor and expand them for transplant. That way more people may be more likely to donate," Dr. Zhou says. "If many people donate, then we can type the cells before we freeze and bank them, so that we will know all the immune characteristics. The hope is that when a patient needs a bone marrow transplant to treat cancer or another disease, we can find the cells that match, expand them and use them."

Eventually, individuals may choose to bank their own marrow for potential future use, Dr. Zhou says. "Not only are a person's own blood stem cells the best therapy for many blood cancers, but they may also be useful for other purposes, such as to slow aging."

A Scrambled Destruction Signal

Bone marrow is the home of HSCs that produce all blood cells, including all types of immune cells. One treatment for patients with blood cancers produced by abnormal blood cells is to remove the unhealthy marrow and transplant healthy blood stem cells from a donor. Patients with some cancers may also need a bone marrow transplant when anticancer treatments damage the blood. Bone marrow transplantation can also be used to treat other disorders, such as immune deficiency disorders.

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New method developed to expand blood stem cells for bone marrow transplant

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Positive Stem Cell Data in Parkinson’s Disease

CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 20, 2013) - International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCC) ( OTCQB : ISCO ) (www.internationalstemcell.com), a California-based biotechnology company focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells today announced positive results demonstrating the safety and efficacy of stem cell engraftment in a primate model of Parkinson's disease. The results were presented during the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 65th Annual Meeting, Scientific Platform Session: Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 in San Diego.

"This pilot study represents a first essential step in bringing cell-based therapies for Parkinson's disease to clinical trials," commented co-author of the study Evan Y. Snyder, MD, PhD, Director of Stem Cells and Regenerative Biology Program at Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute.

These placebo-controlled studies were designed to demonstrate the viability, fate and functional efficacy of the stem cell derived neural cells after implantation to the brain. Highly pure populations of neuronal cells were differentiated from human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSC) according to the protocol developed by International Stem Cell Corporation and recently published in the Nature Publishing Group's Scientific Reports.

The studies employ MPTP-lesioned African Green monkeys and 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, the principle models used to study Parkinson's disease. The duration of the primate study was four months and the rodent study six months. In the non-human primate model, behavioral endpoints were assessed with parkinsonian scores. These scores, based on a standardized rating scale, were recorded by observers blinded to whether the primates were in the treatment or control group. Observations were done twice per day, five days per week. In the rodent model, behavioral improvement was assessed using the cylinder test, amphetamine and apomorphine induced rotation tests. Cell engraftment, viability and phenotype of the implanted cells were determined histologically at the end of the studies. Tumorigenicity and safety of the therapy was assessed at the end of both the rodent and primate studies by gross necropsy, and brain histology.

The primate study consisted of eight asymptomatic monkeys which have the pathology of the disease, low levels of dopamine induced by bilateral injections of the neurotoxin MPTP, and lack clinical symptoms. Four of the monkeys were transplanted with hpSC-derived neuronal cells, two monkeys sham transplanted with an equivalent volume of cell-less media thus serving as the placebo control group and two healthy monkeys serving as a positive control. Behavioral endpoints were recorded to evaluate possible adverse effects.

Subsequent to implantation of the neuronal cells, all monkeys in the treatment group had higher levels of dopamine in the brain compared with the control group. Additionally, the rats in the treatment group showed gradual improvements in motor symptoms consistent with cells survival, engraftment and dopamine release. No adverse events, including dyskinesia, deformations, tumors or overgrowth, were observed in the rat or monkey treatment groups. Overall, these results provide evidence to support the hypothesis that hpSC-derived neuronal cells can be safe and have a disease modifying effect. These results, although preliminary, are a strong indication that our approach to Parkinson's disease can succeed.

"These results are pivotal for our pre-clinical Parkinson's program showing, as they do, that the hpSC-derived neuronal cells can potentially ameliorate the behavioral symptoms without triggering dyskinesias. This data forms the foundation of our discussions with the FDA as we move towards our IND in 2013," said Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Principal Investigator of this study, head of R&D for International Stem Cell Corporation and Member of the American Academy of Neurology.

These results will be presented and discussed at the 65th American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, one of the world's most important annual events for neurologists and neuroscience professionals and the largest such international meeting of its kind with more than 12,000 attendees at last year's meeting.

Location: San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101

Session:Movement Disorders; Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics

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International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Positive Stem Cell Data in Parkinson's Disease

Cord Blood Registry is Advancing Regenerative Medicine Research at Exciting Pace

SAN BRUNO,Calif., March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Cord Blood Registry (CBR), the world's largest newborn stem cell bank, is fueling innovation in newborn stem cell research. As CBR prepares to release its 250th cord blood unit for medical use this month, the newborn stem cell bank announces that 71% of all its units released for use have been for emerging applications in regenerative medicine, such as brain injury, autism and type 1 diabetes. The other 29% have been for traditional transplant use, such as leukemia and sickle cell disease. This rapid increase in the use of family banked units for regenerative medicine applications is a complete reversal from the figures just six years ago, where 25% of the units released were for regenerative medicine applications and 75% for traditional transplant use. More than 50% of all cord blood units released for use in emerging regenerative therapies by family banks have been processed and stored at CBR. CBR is the only family newborn stem cell bank to have established FDA-regulated trials and is connecting client families to more potential treatments. As the industry leader in this initiative, Cord Blood Registry continues to focus on advancing the clinical applications of newborn stem cells.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130319/SF78273-INFO)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120216/AQ54476LOGO)

Over the past 20 years, cord blood stem cells have been used to treat more than 80 life-threatening diseases and disorders including certain cancers, blood disorders, immune diseases, and metabolic disorders. Today, promising treatments are paving the way for further research. Current FDA-regulated clinical trials are exploring the use of a child's own cord blood stem cells in regenerative medicine for conditions that have no cure today. Most of these groundbreaking trials only use cord blood stem cells processed and stored by Cord Blood Registry for consistency and because of their commitment to quality.

"At an increased pace, CBR is providing families exclusive access to promising new potential treatment options through our focus on clinical trials," said Geoffrey Crouse, CEO of Cord Blood Registry. "We are proud to partner with researchers at the forefront of stem cell medicine."

Clinical Trials Break New Ground in Regenerative Medicine

Cord blood stem cells are currently being evaluated in a series of clinical trials exclusive to CBR clients as potential treatment for autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and pediatric stroke. Results will be published upon the completion of the trials.

Dr. Michael Chez, director of pediatric neurology at Sutter Medical Center, is leading a landmark FDA-regulated clinical trial to test the use of a child's own cord blood stem cells as a potential therapy to improve language and behavior in children with autism who have no obvious cause for the condition such as a known genetic syndrome or brain injury.

Dr. James Carroll at Georgia Regents University is conducting the first FDA-regulated clinical trial evaluating the use of cord blood stem cell infusions to treat children with cerebral palsy. Drake Haynes, who suffered a stroke after birth and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, was infused with his own CBR processed stem cells. Drake's progress is constantly being monitored and he continues to see multiple physical therapists. His family reports anecdotal evidence of steady progress in Drake's speech and mobility. Drake's mother, Nikki Haynes, describes it as the "blinds being lifted." A second FDA-regulated trial for cerebral palsy is underway at Duke University. A number of CBR families are currently participating in this key research as well.

Dr. Charles Cox, professor of pediatric surgery at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston (UT Health), is leading an FDA-regulated trial studying the use of a child's own cord blood stem cells in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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Cord Blood Registry is Advancing Regenerative Medicine Research at Exciting Pace

Local Vet Seeing Benefits Of Stem Cell Treatment

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) The debate has raged for years about stem cells, but Butler County Veterinarian Mike Hutchinson is completely sold on their effectiveness.

So is a family from Baden after their dog was treated with stem cells.

Just before thanksgiving, Sadies severe skin allergies led to blisters and a nasty rash on her belly.

Traditionally, we use it for arthritis, we use it for ligament issues, bone fractures, things like that. But this dog had an immune system. Its allergic to everything under the sun, Dr. Mike Hutchinson said.

After trying the standard of care, Dr. Mike suggested stem cells.

We were at a loss, so we just chose to do this and within the day we brought her home we said, What do we do? because she was pretty raw and sore. Within five days, she was almost completely healed, Debbie Valosio said.

Stem cells are a repair cell that we take from fat and its just that a repair cell. One of its functions its a potent immuno-modulator which means it helps to calm the immune system down if it is over-reacting, not to the point where it makes it too low, but it calms it down, Dr. Mike said.

Bob Valosio saw the changes almost immediately.

The itching and scratching was always an issue with her, and we felt terrible about that we werent doing enough or what can we do, Bob Valosio said.

While Dr. Mike stopped short of calling this a cure, he is very optimistic about the results from this experimental treatment.

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Local Vet Seeing Benefits Of Stem Cell Treatment

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Positive Results of Primate Parkinson’s Study

SOURCE: International Stem Cell Corporation

CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 19, 2013) - International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com) a California-based biotechnology company focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells announced today safety and encouraging efficacy of stem cell therapy in rodent and non-human primate models of Parkinson's disease.

"This pilot study represents a first essential step in bringing cell-based therapies for Parkinson's disease to clinical trials," commented co-author of the study Evan Y. Snyder, MD, PhD, Director of Stem Cells and Regenerative Biology Program at Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute.

These placebo-controlled studies were designed to demonstrate the viability, fate and functional efficacy of the stem cell derived neural cells after implantation to the brain.Highly pure populations of neuronal cells were differentiated from human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSC) according to the protocol developed by International Stem Cell Corporation and recently published in the Nature Publishing Group's Scientific Reports.

The studies employ MPTP-lesioned African Green monkeys and 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, the principle models used to study Parkinson's disease.The duration of the primate study was four months and the rodent study six months.In the non-human primate model, behavioral endpoints were assessed with parkinsonian scores. These scores, based on a standardized rating scale, were recorded by observers blinded to whether the primates were in the treatment or control group. Observations were done twice per day, five days per week.In the rodent model, behavioral improvement was assessed using the cylinder test, amphetamine and apomorphine induced rotation tests.Cell engraftment, viability and phenotype of the implanted cells were determined histologically at the end of the studies.Tumorigenicity and safety of the therapy was assessed at the end of both the rodent and primate studies by gross necropsy, and brain histology.

The primate study consisted of eight asymptomatic monkeys which have the pathology of the disease, low levels of dopamine induced by bilateral injections of the neurotoxin MPTP, and lack clinical symptoms.Four of the monkeys were transplanted with hpSC-derived neuronal cells, two monkeys sham transplanted with an equivalent volume of cell-less media thus serving as the placebo control group and two healthy monkeys serving as a positive control. Behavioral endpoints were recorded to evaluate possible adverse effects.

Subsequent to implantation of the neuronal cells, all monkeys in the treatment group had higher levels of dopamine in the brain compared with the control group.Additionally, the rats in the treatment group showed gradual improvements in motor symptoms consistent with cells survival, engraftment and dopamine release.No adverse events, including dyskinesia, deformations, tumors or overgrowth, were observed in the rat or monkey treatment groups.Overall, these results provide evidence to support the hypothesis that hpSC-derived neuronal cells can be safe and have a disease modifying effect.These results, although preliminary, are a strong indication that our approach to Parkinson's disease can succeed.

"These results are pivotal for our pre-clinical Parkinson's program showing, as they do, that the hpSC-derived neuronal cells can potentially ameliorate the behavioral symptoms without triggering dyskinesias.This data forms the foundation of our discussions with the FDA as we move towards our IND in 2013," said Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Principal Investigator of this study, head of R&D for International Stem Cell Corporation and Member of the American Academy of Neurology.

These results will be presented and discussed at the 65th American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, one of the world's most important annual events for neurologists and neuroscience professionals and the largest such international meeting of its kind with more than 12,000 attendees at last year's meeting.

Location: San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101 Session:Movement Disorders; Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Date and time: March 20th, 2012 at 3:30 PM PDT

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International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Positive Results of Primate Parkinson's Study

Phase II ALS Clinical Trial With BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics’ NurOwn(TM) to Be Expanded to a Third Premiere U.S …

NEW YORK, NY and PETACH TIKVAH, ISRAEL--(Marketwire - Mar 18, 2013) - BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics ( OTCQB : BCLI ), a leading developer of adult stem cell technologies for neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the intent to conduct a Phase II clinical trial of NurOwn in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.Mayo Clinic is the third premiere U.S. clinical site to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Company, following the University of Massachusetts, and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

"We are pleased that Mayo Clinic, a world renowned and prominent clinical center, will be conducting the Phase II clinical trial of NurOwn in ALS," said Alon Natanson, Chief Executive Officer of BrainStorm."It is very encouraging that top tier U.S. centers of excellence have expressed an interest in playing a leading part in our research."The Principal Investigator of this study at Mayo Clinic is Anthony Windebank, M.D., Professor of Neurology.

Initial results from Phase I studies in ALS suggest that patients with ALS experience a positive clinical outcome after treatment with NurOwn.The Company is planning to enroll patients into clinical trials at Mayo Clinic, the University of Massachusetts, and Massachusetts General Hospital as early as the second half of 2013 to further evaluate the effects of treatment with NurOwn in ALS.

"This is another step forward in finding a potentially effective treatment option for patients with ALS," added Mr. Natanson."BrainStorm has presented encouraging preliminary data on NurOwn at many scientific conferences.This week, we will present some of our breakthrough final Phase I data at the most prestigious world neurology meeting, the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, on Wednesday, March 20th."

About NurOwnNurOwn is an autologous, adult stem cell therapy technology that differentiates bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into specialized, neuron-supporting cells.These neuron-supporting cells (known as "MSC-NTF" cells) secrete neurotrophic, or nerve-growth, factors for PROTECTION of existing motor neurons, PROMOTION of motor neuron growth, and RE-ESTABLISHMENT of nerve-muscle interaction.The ability to differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into MSC-NTF cells, and confirmation of their activity and potency before transplantation, makes NurOwn a first-of-its-kind approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases.More information about NurOwn can be found at http://brainstorm-cell.com/index.php/science-a-technology/-nurown.

About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc.BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of first-of-its-kind adult stem cell therapies derived from autologous bone marrow cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The Company holds the rights to develop and commercialize its NurOwn technology through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Ramot, the technology transfer company of Tel Aviv University. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.brainstorm-cell.com.

Safe Harbor Statement - Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Terms and phrases such as "may", "should", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "likely", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "predict", "potential", and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements.The potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with BrainStorm's limited operating history, history of losses; minimal working capital, dependence on its license to Ramot's technology; ability to adequately protect the technology; dependence on key executives and on its scientific consultants; ability to obtain required regulatory approvals; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available at http://www.sec.gov.These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BrainStorm's forward-looking statements.The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or assumptions if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, unless otherwise required by law. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

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Phase II ALS Clinical Trial With BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics' NurOwn(TM) to Be Expanded to a Third Premiere U.S ...

IMAGE Skincare Announces Revolutionary New Oxygenating Treatment

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --IMAGE Skincare unveiled its revolutionary oxygenating treatment last week at a series of parties hosted all over the world. Combining the latest technology in oxygen and stem cell therapies, the company at the forefront of innovation in skincare has created the ultimate anti-aging spa treatment: The O2 Lift.

"The best part about this treatment is that recipients can expect to leave with an immediate result. Skin feels softer, smoother, and more radiant with just one treatment," said IMAGE Skincare Founder and CEO Janna Ronert.

The O2 Lift is a five-step luxury spa treatment that exfoliates and oxygenates the skin while infusing plant-derived stem cells, peptides, and a high concentration of enzymatic botanicals to leave skin glowing and illuminated.

"As a plastic surgeon, I have seen the benefits of oxygen therapy in cell regeneration. We wanted to bring that same technology to the cosmetic market, and we're one of the few companies in the world who has been able to harness the power of oxygen in a cosmetic application," said President and Medical Director of IMAGE Skincare, Dr. Marc Ronert. "There is no other product on the market like this one."

The goal of oxygen therapy is to increase skin cell metabolism. Simply put, the faster your skin cells regenerate the younger you will look. By combining this technology with the latest advances in peptides and stem cells, IMAGE Skincare has created a product that not only feels incredible on the skin, but helps to protect against environmental damage and the effects of aging.

For more information regarding the O2 Lift and IMAGE Skincare, visit http://www.imageskincare.com or call the Customer Care Center at 1-800-796-SKIN.

IMAGE Skincare is an internationally operated, professional skincare company. IMAGE Skincare products are approved and available in 36 countries all over the world. IMAGE Skincare's FDA-certified laboratory utilizes the most scientifically advanced formulas in today's marketplace to create pharmaceutical-grade skincare products that give licensed physicians and estheticians the ability to offer professional treatments and products that yield unparalleled results. All of IMAGE Skincare's products are free of parabens, petrochemicals, and preservatives and are not tested on animals.

Contact Information:

Marissa Nolan Public Relations Manager 561.791.2602 mnolan@imageskincare.com

SOURCE IMAGE Skincare

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IMAGE Skincare Announces Revolutionary New Oxygenating Treatment

Stimulating stem – cell growth naturally

Inside Out By Cory Quirino Philippine Daily Inquirer

The excitement over the tremendous healing and anti-aging power of stem cells continues to build up toward a frenzied acceptance of this new wonder treatment. But stem cells are not new; they are as old as time itself. They have been and always will be inside us.

The approach, however, in harvesting, cultivating and reinfusing stem cells into ones own system is expensive and not within the reach of the average person. The public is also confused with an avalanche of information on which stem-cell clinic to consult, what stem-cell approach is best, what kind of stem cells to usewhether from a sheep or ones own adult stem cell.

Despite the Department of Healths guidelines regarding the superior safety of using adult stem cells over animal sources, the debates continue.

If one were to choose adult stem cells, should it be autologous (coming from your own), or are Russian bone marrow stem cells better than the Japanese womens placenta stem cells? Better yet, why not have your very own bone marrow stem cells taken from the back of your hip?

Experts claim that the procedure is relatively painless and 100-percent effective.

Nobody questions the benefits of stem-cell therapy for the brain, heart, lungs, kidney, pancreas, liver, spinal cord, wound-healingthe list is almost endless.

The role of bone marrow stem cells in the healing of the body due to degenerative diseases from accidents and surgeries has been recognized. And its dramatic effect in changing the course of ones life has been hailed by medical experts as something close to a miracle.

P1-million procedure

To those who cannot afford to spend P500,000 to P1 million on a stem-cell procedure, there is another way to derive benefits from your own stem cells. Its source and supply is inside you. Stem cells are found in your brain, blood, bone marrow, fat and skin tissues.

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Stimulating stem - cell growth naturally