BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Presents Breakthrough Phase I/II ALS Clinical Data at the American Academy of Neurology …

NEW YORK, NY and PETACH TIKVAH, ISRAEL--(Marketwire - Mar 13, 2013) - BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics ( OTCQB : BCLI ), a leading developer of adult stem cell technologies for neurodegenerative diseases, will be presenting the initial results of its Phase I/II ALS trial at the 65th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in San Diego, California, from March 16-23.BrainStorm's groundbreaking clinical trial data were selected for one of only twelve oral presentations in the Emerging Science Session on Wednesday, March 20th.

The presentation, to be made by Principal Investigator Professor Dimitrios Karussis of the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, will be the first to make public the outstanding Phase I/II clinical trial safety data and promising initial indications of clinical efficacy observed after treatment with NurOwn, BrainStorm's stem cell therapy candidate for ALS.

"We are honored to present these important clinical data at the most prestigious world neurology meeting," commented Professor Karussis. "We are confident that the results observed so far will be indicative of the potential therapeutic benefit of NurOwn cells for treatment of ALS," he added.

The American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting is 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. For more information about the AAN annual meeting and for a complete list of abstracts, please refer to the conference Web site at http://www.aan.com/go/am13.

The following is the key NurOwn-related abstract being presented at the AAN meeting:

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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BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Presents Breakthrough Phase I/II ALS Clinical Data at the American Academy of Neurology ...

Stem Cell Orthopedic Applauds New Studies Supporting Plasma Therapy Treatments

Stem Cell Orthopedic applauds new studies finding Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy helpful in treating osteoarthritis.

(PRWEB) March 13, 2013

PRP stem cell therapy is a promising and exciting treatment that takes a concentration of a persons own plasma from their blood, and injects them into areas of their body in need of new growth and tissue repair. This process applied to many sufferers of osteoarthritis has shown to not only relieve their pain and improve their joint function, but studies prove that PRP injections appear to even delay the progression of osteoarthritis in general. As experts in PRP arthritis therapy, Stem Cell Orthopedic has lead the way in improving this groundbreaking treatment option and its applications to treat people around the world in need of its regenerative properties.

The Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics is headed by the world-renowned stem cell treatment pioneer, Dr. Joseph Purita. The IRMO are of the few orthopedic practices on earth that utilizes stem cell therapy and PRP therapy with orthopedic surgery. As more and more studies around the world sing the praises of platelet rich plasma therapy, Stem Cell Orthopedic will continue offering this trailblazing treatment to help maximize the recovery of their patients across the United States and beyond.

About Stem Cell Orthopedic

The Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopaedics (IRMO) is a world-class orthopedic practice and stem cell facility staffed with seasoned board certified orthopedic surgeons. They differ from most orthopedic practices because they offer stem cells and platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy in conjunction with surgery or as alternative to surgical procedures. They utilize state-of-the-art technology and the latest in stem cell research to best treat their patients. IRMO uses hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), which are found circulating in blood, fat, and bone marrow, to help repair the body. They are headed by Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Purita, a world-renowned pioneer in laser orthopedic surgery and graduate of the esteemed Georgetown University Medical School. For more information, visit http://www.stemcellorthopedic.com/ or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

Contact Us Stem Cell Orthopedic 561-300-1840 Email Information

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Stem Cell Orthopedic Applauds New Studies Supporting Plasma Therapy Treatments

Nuvilex, Inc. Cell -in-a-Box Technology Could Revitalize the Stem Cell Phenomenon

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Mar 12, 2013) - Nuvilex, Inc. ( OTCQB : NVLX ), an international biotech company, could dramatically shift the stem cell conversation with its Cell-in-a-Box technology.

Remember not so long ago when every science related conversation seemed to weave its way into a conversation about stem cells? Back around 2007, there was a real phenomenon going on among biotechnology companies that had anything at all to do with stem cells, and now six years later with more research in the books, that enthusiasm has waned a bit.

Still, stem cell treatments are being developed for many ailments including heart damage, arthritis, "joint" injuries, neurologic diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, dementia, and even wound repair, among a host of others. However, progress with the development of stem cell-based therapies has been tempered somewhat, largely because of the characteristics of the stem cells themselves.

The way the process is supposed to work is that stem cells or other therapeutic cells are implanted or injected into a patient's body to enable the cells' therapeutic action. This therapeutic action can be achieved by the cells producing a "beneficial" healing factor, or by "signaling" to other cells and stimulating healing.

Clear the Hurdles - Reignite the Phenomenon

However, industry leaders have consistently found a number of hurdles limiting the success of stem cell treatments including; immune system attacks on the transplanted cells, migration of the cells after transplantation, formation of abnormal growths (including tumors) after such migration, problems with long-term storage of the cells for later use, and problems with the use of the cells inside bioreactors.

With recent estimates predicting the global market for stem cells and stem cell products reaching almost $6.6-billion by 2016, the research continues. Companies like StemCells, Inc., Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., BioTime, Inc., International Stem Cell Corp. and Advanced Cell Technology among many others are hard at work in the sector trying to solve the roadblocks that keep the FDA from approving any stem cell treatment to date.

Meanwhile, Nuvilex, a biotech headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, is currently in negotiations with biotechnology and pharmaceutical entities that wish to examine the employment of Nuvilex's living cell encapsulation technology, or Cell-in-a-Box, in the development of treatments for various diseases that would utilize stem cells.

What is Cell-in-a-Box?Could this living cell encapsulation technology be the silver bullet to get many stem cell companies through some of the roadblocks that have plagued their success?

Read the full Feature News Article at http://www.stockhousegroup.com/features

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Nuvilex, Inc. Cell -in-a-Box Technology Could Revitalize the Stem Cell Phenomenon

VistaGen Therapeutics to Present CardioSafe 3D(TM) Developments at Society of Toxicology’s 52nd Annual Meeting

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 11, 2013) - VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. ( OTCQB : VSTA ), a biotechnology company applying stem cell technology for drug rescue, predictive toxicology and drug metabolism assays, today announces it will feature key developments involving CardioSafe 3D, its pluripotent stem cell-based bioassay system for heart toxicity, in a poster presentation at the Society of Toxicology's 52nd Annual Meeting, the world's premier toxicology conference, in San Antonio, Texas, on March 11, 2013, at 7:30 am PDT.

Dr. Hai-Qing Xian, Senior Scientist, will present VistaGen's poster titled "Development of Improved hESC-Based High-Throughput Screening Assays for Cardiotoxicity Assessment," which will detail the following expanded functional and electrophysiological results:

H. Ralph Snodgrass, PhD, VistaGen's President and Chief Scientific Officer, stated, "I am very pleased with these results, because they confirm that our stem cell-based human cardiomyocyte screening systems will provide improved capabilities and resolution for our cardiac drug rescue programs, which we believe will contribute to the efficient and rapid identification of safer and highly effective new drug therapies."

About VistaGen Therapeutics

VistaGen is a biotechnology company applying human pluripotent stem cell technology for drug rescue, predictive toxicology and drug metabolism screening. VistaGen's drug rescue activities combine its human pluripotent stem cell technology platform, Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube, with modern medicinal chemistry to generate novel, safer chemical variants (Drug Rescue Variants) of once-promising small molecule drug candidates. These are drug candidates discontinued by pharmaceutical companies, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) or university laboratories, after substantial investment in discovery and development, due to heart or liver toxicity or metabolism issues. VistaGen uses its pluripotent stem cell technology to generate early indications, or predictions, of how humans will ultimately respond to new drug candidates before they are ever tested in humans, bringing human biology to the front end of the drug development process.

VistaGen's small molecule prodrug candidate, AV-101, has completed Phase 1 development for treatment of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain, a serious and chronic condition causing pain after an injury or disease of the peripheral or central nervous system, affects millions of people worldwide.

Visit VistaGen at http://www.VistaGen.com, follow VistaGen at http://www.twitter.com/VistaGen or view VistaGen's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/VistaGen.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the success of VistaGen's stem cell technology-based drug rescue, predictive toxicology and metabolism screening activities, further development of stem cell-based bioassay systems, and potentially improved cell therapies, for human blood system disorders or other diseases or conditions, clinical development and commercialization of AV-101 for neuropathic pain or any other disease or condition, its ability to enter into strategic predictive toxicology, metabolism screening, drug rescue and/or drug discovery, development and commercialization collaborations and/or licensing arrangements with respect to one or more drug rescue variants, cell therapies or AV-101, risks and uncertainties relating to the availability of substantial additional capital to support its research, drug rescue, development and commercialization activities, and the success of its research and development plans and strategies, including those plans and strategies related to any drug rescue variant or cell therapy identified and developed by VistaGen, or AV-101. These and other risks and uncertainties are identified and described in more detail in VistaGen's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings are available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. VistaGen undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

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VistaGen Therapeutics to Present CardioSafe 3D(TM) Developments at Society of Toxicology's 52nd Annual Meeting

Recombinant spider silk matrices for neural stem cell cultures

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Accordingly, NSCs hold great promise in drug screening and treatment of several common diseases. However, a major obstacle in applied stem cell research is the limitation of synthetic matrices for culturing stem cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of recombinant spider silk (4RepCT) matrices for growth of NSCs. NSCs isolated from the cerebral cortices of mid-gestation rat embryos were cultured on either 4RepCT matrices or conventional poly-L-ornithine and fibronectin (P + F) coated polystyrene plates. From 48 h of culture, no significant differences in cell proliferation or viability were detected in NSC cultures on 4RepCT compared to control matrices (polystyrene plates coated with P + F). The NSCs retained an undifferentiated state, displaying low or no staining for markers of differentiated cells. Upon stimulation NSCs grown on 4RepCT differentiated efficiently into neuronal and astrocytic cells to virtually the same degree as control cultures, but a slightly less efficient oligodendrocyte differentiation was noted. We suggest that recombinant spider silk matrices provide a functional microenvironment and represent a useful tool for the development of new strategies in neural stem cell research.

This paper was originally published in Biomaterials (2012) 31, 7712-7717.

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Recombinant spider silk matrices for neural stem cell cultures

ReNeuron Group wins grants for stem cell therapy development

LONDON (SHARECAST) - ReNeuron Group has won two grants worth 1.2m pounds to develop its stem cell therapy.

The grants were awarded by the UK Biomedical Catalyst, a programme of public funding jointly managed by the Technology Strategy Board and the Medical Research Council.

The first award of 0.4m will be used for ReNeurons ReN009 stem cell therapy candidate for critical limb ischaemia, a severe blockage in the arteries which markedly reduces blood-flow to the extremities including hands, feet and legs.

The second award of 0.8m relates to the company's ReN003 stem cell candidate for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease in which there is damage to the retina.

Michael Hunt, the Chief Executive Officer of ReNeuron, said: "We are delighted to have been successful in winning the two grants we applied for in the current round of the Biomedical Catalyst funding competition.

"This highly competitive scheme involves a rigorous peer review of applicants' technologies and commercial development plans.

"In common with other awardees, we therefore regard the grants as representing a strong independent endorsement of ReNeuron's world-class stem cell development capabilities which we hope will eventually lead to the wide-scale treatment of disease conditions where there is currently a very large unmet medical need."

Shares rose 0.86% to 2.94p at 08:52 Monday.

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ReNeuron Group wins grants for stem cell therapy development

Robotic Assistants, Stem Cells, Nanotechnology: Cedars-Sinai Programs for Students and Professionals During Brain …

Newswise LOS ANGELES (March 10, 2013) Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will commemorate Brain Awareness Week, March 11-17, with educational programs featuring robotic technology that enables doctors to check on their patients from home, stem cell research that may revolutionize many medical therapies, and some of the top experts in nanotechnology including Roger Tsien, PhD, who received the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Brainworks, 10 a.m. to 1:10 p.m., March 11, Harvey Morse Auditorium

A robotic assistant will be a special guest at the Brainworks program for 130 seventh- and eighth-graders. Dependable, focused and able to perform tasks at any time, 24 hours a day, Robot-Doc has become a key member of the Neuroscience Critical Care Unit.

The InTouch Health RP-7i robot enables several doctors to teleconference, bringing them together by remote presence to collaborate in the Critical Care Unit. Students attending Brainworks part of Cedars-Sinais commemoration of Brain Awareness Week March 11 to 17 will be able to drive and interact with the RP-7i and learn more about these devices from neurointensive care experts and a representative of InTouch Health.

Brainworks came about because we wanted to expose as many young minds as possible to how exciting science is and especially how fascinating the brain is, said Keith L. Black, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, who started the program in 1998.

Patrick D. Lyden, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology, will be the keynote speaker. Lyden, director of the Stroke Program and the Carmen and Louis Warschaw Chair in Neurology, is widely known for his leadership in stroke research and treatment.

Brainworks attendees will get hands-on experience as they visit interactive areas such as: a virtual surgery station with 3-D imaging and microscope with phantom skull; a surgical instrumentation station with tools used in the operating room; a neuropathology station with real sheep brains and microscope slides of various tumor types; a rehabilitation and healing station where students learn what its like to apply and receive therapy; a suture station that gives students the chance to mend wounds; a brain and spine instrumentation station showing some of the hardware used in treatment; and a research station where students can see and participate in DNA, tumor and laser experiments.

Introduction to the World of Stem Cells, 5 to 7 p.m., March 14, Harvey Morse Auditorium

As many as 130 high school students, parents and teachers will learn from research scientists and clinicians the basics of stem cells, which may revolutionize many medical therapies in coming years. Sessions will include: An introduction to stem cells and issues related to different types; differing scientific opinions, ethical issues and how scientists are working to resolve conflicts; adult stem cells versus embryonic stem cells for therapy; careers related to stem cells; and a stem cell Jeopardy! game.

The program will be led by John S. Yu, MD, vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery and director of surgical neuro-oncology, and Dwain Morris-Irvin, PhD, neural stem cell research scientist and principal investigator with the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Ahmed Ibrahim, who has a masters degree in public health and is in Cedars-Sinais Graduate Program in Biomedical Science and Translational Medicine, also will speak. As a high school student, Ibrahim participated in a summer research project at Cedars-Sinai. He now conducts stem cell research at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute.

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Robotic Assistants, Stem Cells, Nanotechnology: Cedars-Sinai Programs for Students and Professionals During Brain ...

Okyanos Heart Institute Sponsors Stem Cell Resource Center on The American Journal of Cardiology Website

Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Disease Experts Launch Educational Resource for Cardiologists with Questions Answered by Dr. Howard Walpole

FREEPORT, The Bahamas (PRWEB) March 11, 2013

I believe we have created a much needed go-to resource that will be of great use to cardiologists and other healthcare providers, said Brian Jenkins, Executive Multimedia Editor of Elsevier Multimedia Publishing in New York, NY, which runs the site for the AJC. The stem cell resource center provides a wealth of information on a burgeoning area in cardiology. Readers will find multiple educational opportunities: a thought leader roundtable video that allows you to select questions and get answers on topics of greatest interest; open access article content; news feeds on stem cell therapy; and the ability to submit questions to a leading expert, Dr. Walpole.

The AJC wanted to do this resource center because cell therapy is an entirely new approach to treating serious cardiac diseases for which we have no good treatment in their advanced stages, said Vincent Friedewald, MD, FACC, an Associate Editor of the AJC, as well as Clinical Professor of Medicine at University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX, and Adjunct Senior Research Professor at Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN.

The resource center plays an important role by being an easily accessible and comprehensive source of news, scientific papers, and presentations on advancement and innovation in cardiac stem cell therapy, said Feshbach. It facilitates physician education of the science and application of different forms of cardiac stem cell therapy in order to provide the most potential benefit to the greatest number of patients.

The majority of clinical cardiologists really dont know very much about the science of stem cell therapy because it has been embedded in the research literature and not the clinical literature, said Walpole. This is the first step in bringing the data from those research studies to the clinical arena. At this point, we believe that medicine is heading in this direction and the information should now be available. With heart disease holding such a huge position in the cost of healthcare and the severity of illness, finding new ways to mitigate patient symptoms and morbidities is an important focus for cardiologists.

ABOUT OKYANOS HEART INSTITUTE

Based in Freeport, The Bahamas, Okyanos Heart Institute adheres to U.S. surgical center standards and is led by Chief Medical Officer Howard T. Walpole Jr., MD, MBA, FACC, FACAI, and a leader of the American College of Cardiology for many years. The mission of Okyanos Heart Institute is to bring a new standard of care and a better quality of life to patients with chronic coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy. Okyanos Treatment utilizes cardiac stem cell therapy, a unique blend of stem and regenerative cells to support the growth of new blood vessels and to assist the heart in repairing tissue damaged by heart attack and disease. The Greek god of rivers, Okyanos symbolizes the primary mechanism of action that these adult stem cells have on ischemic (lack of blood flow) heart tissue, the result of the plaque deposits in the coronary arteries. The stem cells, derived from a persons adipose (fat) tissue, create new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. The treatment helps to facilitate blood flow in the heart and intake and use of oxygen, as measured by a rigorous clinical trial known as the PRECISE trial, as well as cardiac cell therapy trials at leading research institutions. For more information, log on to http://www.okyanos.com/.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY

The American Journal of Cardiology (http://www.ajconline.org), published by Elsevier (http://www.elsevier.com), is one of the oldest and most prestigious general cardiology journals published in the world.

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Okyanos Heart Institute Sponsors Stem Cell Resource Center on The American Journal of Cardiology Website

Stem Cell Therapy Now In Davao

With its growing popularity in the country, the so-called stem cell therapy, which was recently approved by the Department of Health (DOH), is now available in Davao City.

Dr. Luz Acosta, a Davao-born physician specializing in Ophthalmology, Oculoplastic Reconstructive Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery and recently Stem Cell Treatment, conducts the procedure after acquiring equipment from Australia and the USA. She is supported by a team that includes cardiologists, internists, and anesthesiologists who administer the laboratory tests and cardiopulmonary clearance to determine if an individual can safely undergo stem cell therapy. Having trained in this discipline abroad, she recently decided to offer this treatment after it was approved by the DoH.

As a founding member of the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine that was only established last January 18, 2013 with DOH Sec. Dr. Enrique Ona as its honorary chair, Acosta is joined by doctors Jose Sabili, Melchor Santos, Christian Mancao, Leo Olarte, Bu Castro, Oscar Tinio, and Almond Derla as well as Mr. Rico Colayco as organizers of the society.

"This means that the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine is the regulating body for the practice of stem cell treatment in the country," Acosta says. "Stem cell therapy is legal and safe for every medically cleared patient who wants to undergo such treatment to be rejuvenated and treated of his/her illnesses and diseases."

Acosta said that based on what was stipulated in the approved directions for stem cell therapy, the stem cell could just come from the person himself and not from the other sources like black sheep or aborted fetus, adding that sources of stem cells are fats, blood, bone marrow and umbilical cord.

"It could take five to six hours for one to undergo stem cell therapy. Harvesting is done in the first two hours, then another one to two hours for stem cell processing and activation, and the last one to two hours for treatment of stem cells back to the same patient," she said.

Popular personalities who have already publicly admitted that they had undergone stem cell therapy are former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former Senator Ernesto Maceda, who said that they spent millions to pay for the treatment.

But Acosta said that it could be a lot cheaper here than abroad, as the cost of treatment will be in accordance to the guidelines of the Phil. Society for Stem Cell Medicine.

She said there have been very good clinical outcomes from stem cell treatments on autism, auto-immune diseases, cerebral palsy, diabetes, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, macular degeneration, multiple sclerosis, nerve damage, osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury and stroke.

"But we have to clarify here that we are not claiming stem cell therapy as a cure for cancer, though it can alleviate pain and improve patients' wellbeing while undergoing cancer therapy," she said.

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Stem Cell Therapy Now In Davao