International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Positive Results From In Vivo Animal Study of Parkinson's Disease

CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwire - Feb 4, 2013) - International Stem Cell Corporation ( OTCQB : ISCO ) (www.internationalstemcell.com) ("ISCO" or "the Company") a California-based biotechnology company, today announced positive 12-week results from its pre-clinical in vivo Parkinson's disease study. The primary goal of this behavioral study was to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of neuronal cells derived from human parthenogenetic stem cell (hpSC) line in a rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder caused by a progressive degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons resulting in gradual dysfunction of the motor system and can eventually lead to death. Pharmacological treatments are useful in the relatively early stage of the disease, but the continuous use of pro-dopaminergic medication eventually becomes ineffective and can cause some of the motor symptoms to worsen.

Our proprietary technology is based on a homogeneous population of neuronal cells (NCs) derived from homozygous hpSCs through a scalable and efficient method, developed by ISCO's R&D team. These parthenogenetically-derived NCs are cryopreservable and can become neurons once they are implanted into the brain. As such, they hold significant therapeutic potential not only because they can differentiate into dopamine-producing neurons, but also because these cells deliver trophic factors that may be able to provide a level of protection to existing neurons affected by the disease.

The animal model used in this study is the 6-OHDA lesioned rat, a well-established and validated model of PD which has been used extensively in the development and testing of drugs for the treatment of PD. The pharmacological induction of rotational behavior in rats is widely used to assess the effects of lesions and potential of cell therapy to effectively replace the dopaminergic system in the rat brain and thus serves as a model of PD. The experimental rats with unilateral dopamine (6-OHDA) lesions survived the inoculation of cells into the brain and signs of improvement in rotational behavior of these animals were clearly observed. Correlational analysis of rotation intensity demonstrated a difference between the drug effects in the control group vs. experimental (transplanted) group of animals. These interim results demonstrate that a single injection of hpSC-derived neuronal cells into the striatum of rats with induced PD symptoms can lead to a significant slowdown in the progression of the disease.

Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President - head of R&D, comments: "This is a very important result for our pre-clinical Parkinson's program. The initial in vivo results are very encouraging and show the therapeutic promise of hpSC-derived neuronal cells in the treatment of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Results from this behavioral study will be presented and discussed together with the results of non-human primate study before the end of the first quarter of 2013"

About International Stem Cell CorporationInternational 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.

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Safe harbor statement Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential use of technologies to develop therapeutic 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" or "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 and the management of collaborations, 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 Announces Positive Results From In Vivo Animal Study of Parkinson's Disease

World Stem Cells, LLC. facilitates Stem Cell Treatments In Cancun at World Stem Cells Clinic

World Stem Cells, LLC facilitates Stem Cell Therapies at a state of the art clinic in beautiful Cancun. The clinic is staffed by top specialist in the field of stem cell implants and a new laboratory to support the stem cell treatments given.

Lutz, Florida (PRWEB) February 05, 2013

The laboratory http://worldstemcells.com/stem-cell-laboratory construction is complete and operations were transferred to our new facility. This facility provides Cancun, and patient around the world, a state of the art cGTP laboratory to support their stem cell treatments in a beautiful, and positive environment. The lab was designed and constructed to provide one ISO7 lab, one wet lab along with a treatment area. This will allow stem cell retrieval, testing, culturing, selection, counting, analyses and sorting along with cryopreservation, without removal from the lab. This all in house capability reduces the possibility of contamination and errors. Dr. M. Abblitt will operate the Lab under cGTP guidelines and use the state of the art facility to provide quality care to her stem cell transplant patients. Our strict adherence to these established guidelines and policies guarantees the highest quality of clinical care and stem cell treatment safety for you.

Our clinic and laboratory and clinic were designed, built and are operated under the stringent guidelines as established by The International Cellular Medical Society (ICMS) and the US Federal Drug Administrations Good Tissue Practice (cGTP)regulations for pharmaceutical, biologics and clinical laboratories. Working under the guidelines set forth by ICMS world stem cells, LLC ( http://worldstemcells.com/ ) provides stem cell treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, autism, cerebral palsy, charcot-marie-tooth disease (cmt), crohns diseases, copd, fuchs disease, guillain-barre syndrome, hashimotos thryroiditis, itp, kidney diseases, macular degeneration, lupus (sle), multiple sclerosis, pad, parkinsons disease, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, stroke, ulcerative colitis

The laboratory and clinic will be engaged in private clinical trials, IRBs and joint studies with US companies, Mexican Educational Institutes, US universities and doctors to better understand the benefits and precaution to be taken in the stem cell treatment process.

Colleen Powers World Stem Cells, LLC (800)234-1693 Email Information

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World Stem Cells, LLC. facilitates Stem Cell Treatments In Cancun at World Stem Cells Clinic

Stem Cell Therapeutics Announces Agreement With Trillium Therapeutics Inc. for Merger

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb 4, 2013) - Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SSS), a life sciences company developing stem cell-related technologies, today announced the execution of a Letter of Agreement with Trillium Therapeutics Inc. ("Trillium") of Toronto, under which Trillium would be merged into Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. ("SCT") by way of a three-cornered amalgamation or plan of arrangement with a newly-created SCT subsidiary.

In addition, SCT announces that its Board of Directors has authorized the implementation of a share consolidation approved by its shareholders at the special meeting held on December 20, 2012 at a ratio of 1 post-consolidation common share for 10 pre-consolidation common shares.

Proposed Merger

Trillium specializes in immunotherapy and cancer stem cell research, with a particular focus on blocking the negative pathways that malignant cells exploit to suppress anti-tumor responses. Trillium is developing TTI-621, a novel SIRPaFc fusion protein that targets CD47, augmenting the ability of the immune system to destroy cancer stem cells. The project originated from leading researchers in the field, including Drs. John Dick and Jean Wang of the University Health Network and Dr. Jayne Danska of the Hospital for Sick Children, all of Toronto. TTI-621, which is expected to enter formal IND-enabling studies in the second quarter of 2013, is being developed initially as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with potential applications in other hematological and solid tumours. Trillium''s preclinical cancer immunotherapy pipeline also includes a fully human CD200-specific monoclonal antibody which is also ready to enter formal IND-enabling studies. In addition to its preclinical portfolio, Trillium is conducting a clinical trial in patients with interstitial cystitis, a chronic and painful bladder disease. Results from this trial are expected in mid-2013.

"The proposed merger of Trillium and SCT would create Canada''s only public company advancing cancer stem cell technologies," said David Allan, the Executive Chairman of SCT. "With a combined pipeline containing both TTI-621 and the Tigecycline small-molecule program, which SCT recently optioned from the University Health Network, the resulting entity will be well positioned as a global contender in the cancer stem cell field."

It is intended that all Trillium executives and staff will remain with the resulting entity. The current CEO of Trillium, Dr.Niclas Stiernholm, will become the CEO of SCT, Dr. Robert Uger, Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Penka Petrova, Vice President, Drug Development and Mr. James Parsons, CFO. Upon closing of the transaction, Dr.Michael Moore, Trillium''s long-serving Chairman and veteran biotechnology executive, will join the Board of Directors of SCT. Following a career at the London Stock Exchange-listed biotechnology company, Xenova Group plc, in 2003 Dr. Moore was appointed Chief Executive Officer of then newly-formed Piramed Limited, which was sold to Roche five years later for $160million. As a result of these permanent management appointments the executive services provided by Drs. Albert Agro and Bev Incledon, as an interim measure through their company Concept 2 Clinic Inc., will cease as of closing of the proposed merger.

It is contemplated that the Board of SCT post-merger will consist of Mr. David Allan, Dr. James DeMesa, Dr. Henry Friesen, Mr. Dean Peterson, Dr. Calvin Stiller and Dr. Niclas Stiernholm, all current board members of the Corporation, together with Dr.Michael Moore.

"This transaction will allow the companies'' combined assets to gain access to the capital required for their proper development in order to transform them, over time, into valuable new treatments," commented Dr. Stiernholm. "My colleagues and I are excited about the upcoming creation of a much needed commercial vehicle for Canada''s world class cancer stem cell discoveries. Although a formidable challenge for a company of any size, by building on the strength of our own capabilities, our existing links to several of Ontario''s leading cancer research organizations, and our global industry network, we believe we have a real opportunity to make a difference in the future treatment of cancer."

Pursuant to the Letter of Agreement, the security holders of Trillium will receive, on closing of the transaction, an aggregate consideration of $2,850,000. This consideration is comprised of $1.2 million in cash and $1.65 million in SCT common shares, at a deemed price per share not lower than the post-consolidation Discounted Market Price (as per the policies of the TSXV) at the time of this announcement. SCT and Trillium intend to close the transaction in the first half of 2013, subject to customary closing conditions, including corporate and regulatory approvals, as well as securing the additional financing required to conclude the proposed merger and to advance the SCT development programs. The latter will be done through a public offering of securities for an amount of $2.5million to be priced based on market conditions. There can be no assurance that the proposed merger with Trillium will be completed as proposed, or at all.

The proposed merger is an arm''s-length transaction and will not result in a change of control of SCT or the creation of a new control person (as defined in TSX-V policies). All matters of the formation, negotiation and conclusion of the planned merger are being managed by a Special Committee of each of SCT and Trillium. Dr. Niclas Stiernholm, the CEO of Trillium, is a Director of SCT and in recognition of these relationships, the Trillium Board engaged an independent advisor, reporting directly to Trillium''s Special Committee, to explore this proposed merger and other transaction options. The principal securityholders of Trillium have indicated they will support the proposed merger.

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Stem Cell Therapeutics Announces Agreement With Trillium Therapeutics Inc. for Merger

Fighting fat with fat: Stem cell discovery identifies potential obesity treatment

Public release date: 5-Feb-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Paddy Moore padmoore@ohri.ca 613-737-8899 x73687 Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

February 5, 2013OttawaOttawa scientists have discovered a trigger that turns muscle stem cells into brown fat, a form of good fat that could play a critical role in the fight against obesity. The findings from Dr. Michael Rudnicki's lab, based at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, were published today in the prestigious journal Cell Metabolism.

"This discovery significantly advances our ability to harness this good fat in the battle against bad fat and all the associated health risks that come with being overweight and obese," says Dr. Rudnicki, a senior scientist and director for the Regenerative Medicine Program and Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. He is also a Canada Research Chair in Molecular Genetics and professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa.

Globally, obesity is the fifth leading risk for death, with an estimated 2.8 million people dying every year from the effects of being overweight or obese, according to the World Health Organization. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates that 25% of Canadian adults are obese.

In 2007, Dr. Rudnicki led a team that was the first to prove the existence of adult skeletal muscle stem cells. In the paper published today, Dr. Rudnicki now shows (again for the first time) that these adult muscle stem cells not only have the ability to produce muscle fibres, but also to become brown fat. Brown fat is an energy-burning tissue that is important to the body's ability to keep warm and regulate temperature. In addition, more brown fat is associated with less obesity.

Perhaps more importantly, the paper identifies how adult muscle stem cells become brown fat. The key is a small gene regulator called microRNA-133, or miR-133. When miR-133 is present, the stem cells turn into muscle fibre; when reduced, the stem cells become brown fat.

Dr. Rudnicki's lab showed that adult mice injected with an agent to reduce miR-133, called an antisense oligonucleotide or ASO, produced more brown fat, were protected from obesity and had an improved ability to process glucose. In addition, the local injection into the hind leg muscle led to increased energy production throughout the bodyan effect observed after four months.

Using an ASO to treat disease by reducing the levels of specific microRNAs is a method that is already in human clinical trials. However, a potential treatment using miR-133 to combat obesity is still years away.

"While we are very excited by this breakthrough, we acknowledge that it's a first step," says Dr. Rudnicki. "There are still many questions to be answered, such as: Will it help adults who are already obese to lose weight? How should it be administered? How long do the effects last? Are there adverse effects we have not observed yet?"

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Fighting fat with fat: Stem cell discovery identifies potential obesity treatment

YaFarm Technologies, Inc. Announces It Has Signed a Definitive Agreement With The Integrative Stem Cell Institute

PITTSTON, ME--(Marketwire - Feb 5, 2013) - YaFarm Technologies, Inc. ( PINKSHEETS : YFRM ) (YaFarm, or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Integrative Stem Cell Institute (the ISCI). The ISCI is a pioneer in the field of cell-based regenerative medicine. Combining a world-class medical facility with a state-of-the-art laboratory, the ISCI provides investigational treatments to patients as part of clinical studies, while providing long-term follow up to advance these promising therapies. The acquisition of the ISCI provides the Company with an entry into stem cell research and treatment. With the advent of regenerative medicine, clinics such as the ISCI have taken the years of scientific research and started to apply them to treatment of patients.

YaFarm Technologies President Brian Hermenze stated, "Since the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka for their work in stem cell research, we are very excited about the synergies this acquisition will bring to the Company. The ISCI has been providing point-of-care therapies to patients for over a year and operates at an internationally recognized medical facility accredited by both the Joint Commission and Accreditation Canada International. With a seasoned and successful management team in place, we believe we are creating an organization that has the capabilities to understand and support the many facets of the stem cell industry. We believe that there will be significant growth opportunities in stem cell research and treatment in the near future, and it is our intent to capitalize on them."

Juan Castillo, MD, founder of the ISCI, said, "Physicians from around the world have shown that cells may have a tremendous impact on such chronic and debilitating diseases as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)." Dr. Castillo continued, "The ISCI provides quality patient care and a uniquely integrated medical community. Our patients, physicians and researchers work together to provide access to innovative, point-of-care, cell-based therapies, while evidencing the regenerative capabilities of cell medicine, and delivering on the promise of adult stem cell therapies."

In addition, the Company has received final approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for a 4 for 1 forward stock split.To receive the dividend the investor must be a registered shareholder of record on the Company's books on or before the record date of January 18, 2013. Shareholders who were not registered as of this date will not receive the dividend. Shares of YaFarm began trading ex-dividend on January 22, 2013.

YaFarm Technologies currently has 49,857,368 shares issued and outstanding. Of the issued and outstanding, the current public float is 17,908,975 and 31,948,393 shares are restricted.

About The Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI)

The Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) is a premier provider of point-of-care, stem cell-based therapies for patients from around the world. With a state of the art laboratory housed within the Hospital Galenia in Cancun, Mexico, the ISCI combines the most advanced scientific application of stem cells with second to none medical care within the structure of adaptive clinical trials to effectively track long term outcomes and assure patient safety.

More information on The Integrative Stem Cell Institute is available on the company's website at http://www.iscelli.com

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections.Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified.This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties to which forward looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the effect of government regulation, competition, adequate financing, and other material risks. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the statements made herein.

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YaFarm Technologies, Inc. Announces It Has Signed a Definitive Agreement With The Integrative Stem Cell Institute

YaFarm Technologies, Inc. Announces a Definitive Agreement With The Integrative Stem Cell Institute

PITTSTON, ME--(Marketwire - Feb 5, 2013) - YaFarm Technologies, Inc. ( PINKSHEETS : YFRM ) (YaFarm, or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Integrative Stem Cell Institute (the ISCI). The ISCI is a pioneer in the field of cell-based regenerative medicine. Combining a world-class medical facility with a state-of-the-art laboratory, the ISCI provides investigational treatments to patients as part of clinical studies, while providing long-term follow up to advance these promising therapies. The acquisition of the ISCI provides the Company with an entre into stem cell research and treatment. With the advent of regenerative medicine, clinics such as the ISCI have taken the years of scientific research and started to apply them to treatment of patients.

YaFarm Technologies CEO Brian Hermenze stated, "Since the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka for their work in stem cell research, we are very excited about the synergies this acquisition will bring to the Company. The ISCI has been providing point-of-care therapies to patients for over a year and operates at an internationally recognized medical facility accredited by both the Joint Commission and Accreditation Canada International. With a seasoned and successful management team in place, we believe we are creating an organization that has the capabilities to understand and support the many facets of the stem cell industry. We believe that there will be significant growth opportunities in stem cell research and treatment in the near future, and it is our intent to capitalize on them."

Juan Castillo, MD, founder of the ISCI said, "Physicians from around the world have shown that cells may have a tremendous impact on such chronic and debilitating diseases as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)." Dr. Castillo continued, "The ISCI provides quality patient care and a uniquely integrated medical community. Our patients, physicians and researchers work together to provide access to innovative, point-of-care, cell-based therapies, while evidencing the regenerative capabilities of cell medicine, and delivering on the promise of adult stem cell therapies."

In addition, the Company has received final approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for a 4 for 1 forward stock split.To receive the dividend the investor must be a registered shareholder of record on the Company's books on or before the record date of January 18, 2013. Shareholders who were not registered as of this date will not receive the dividend. Shares of YaFarm began trading ex-dividend on January 22, 2013.

YaFarm Technologies currently has 49,857,368 shares issued and outstanding. Of the issued and outstanding, the current public float is 17,908,975 and 31,948,393 shares are restricted.

About Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI)The Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) is a premier provider of point-of-care, stem cell-based therapies for patients from around the world. With a state of the art laboratory housed within the Hospital Galenia in Cancun, Mexico, the ISCI combines the most advanced scientific application of stem cells with second to none medical care within the structure of adaptive clinical trials to effectively track long term outcomes and assure patient safety.

More information on The Integrative Stem Cell Institute is available on the company's website atwww.iscelli.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections.Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified.This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties to which forward looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the effect of government regulation, competition, adequate financing, and other material risks. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the statements made herein.

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YaFarm Technologies, Inc. Announces a Definitive Agreement With The Integrative Stem Cell Institute

Febe, a Scleroderma Patient, Starts New Life After Receiving a Stem Cell Treatment at World Stem Cells Clinic in Cancun

Febe's family was told by doctors there was nothing they could do and to take her home to die, says her emotional son as he relates her story. That all changed when they met Dr. Sylvia Abblitt at World Stem Cells Clinic and received a stem cell treatment.

Lutz, FL (PRWEB) February 02, 2013

In the case of Febe, she and her son related the story that Febe was near death with her only option being a feeding tube and oxygen and a slow deteriorate and then a painful death. She was isolated from her family and unable to join in family functions and events then Febe and son said they met an angel named Dr. Sylvia Abblitt at World Stem Cells Clinic and that was the start of a new life for Febe and her family. After the treatment she began to get stronger, had more energy, better skin texture, able to eat food, and her breathing became normal. Not only did it change her interactions with the family but she began to work full time and ran for Mexican congress and her son says she has more energy and act younger than him as he smiles at her. She now live a normal life working every day to meet or exceed her goals and the painful and tragic past is fading but is always present driving her to more accomplishments and understand of lifes value.

Scleroderma http://worldstemcells.com/stem-cell-therapy-scleroderma.html is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease (primarily of the skin -"derma") characterized by fibrosis (or hardening -"sclero"), vascular alterations, and auto antibodies. Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease that involves changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. It is a type of autoimmune disorder, a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.

Although World Stems Clinic in Cancun has had great success in stem cell treatments of Scleroderma with their approach, which includes stimulation prior to collection, processing and expansion of the cell along with the use of growth factors together with an integrated medical approach to maximize the implantation potentials and optimize the potentials of making changes in the patients disease. Not all patients receive the dramatic life altering rejuvenation and outcome of Febe but may receive benefits that can increase their quality of life.

Our clinic and laboratory were designed, built and are operated under the stringent guidelines as established by The International Cellular Medical Society (ICMS) and the US Federal Drug Administrations Good Tissue Practice (cGTP)regulations for pharmaceutical, biologics and clinical laboratories. Our strict adherence to these established guidelines and policies guarantees the highest quality of clinical care and stem cell treatment safety for you.

At World Stem Cells Clinic we continually try to improve our patients outcomes with research and by creating new cells and protocols.

Colleen Powers World Stem Cells, LLC (800)234-1693 Email Information

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Febe, a Scleroderma Patient, Starts New Life After Receiving a Stem Cell Treatment at World Stem Cells Clinic in Cancun

CellTex Says It's Moving Its Stem Cell Business to Mexico

CellTex Therapeutics, the Houston company that opened one of the first commercial stem-cell labs in the country in 2011, then closed it after a warning from regulators last fall, issued surprising news this week. The company sent its patients a cheery e-mail saying that it is going to be working with doctors in Mexicoinstead of the U.S.to provide its unapproved treatment.

We are happy to report we are bringing this technology to Mexico, CellTex wrote in its note. We anticipate that we will be able to offer our stem cell therapy services to physicians in Mexico starting very soon! These winter-time trips to beautiful, sunny locations in Mexico to build these relationships have been an added benefit! The company declined to comment further.

CellTex, whose adventures I chronicled early in January, also said it is opening a new research lab in Houston (its original lab had been cited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for having major manufacturing problems) and hoped to begin clinical trials under FDA supervision. Looks like the showdown with the feds is over for now.

CellTex had been charging patients up to $30,000 for its treatments. First, a doctor would remove two teaspoons of fat from a patients abdomen. Then lab technicians would extract about 250,000 adult stem cells, multiply them in a medium, and freeze and store them in vials. Some time later a doctor would give the stem cells to the patient intravenously200 million stem cells a week for three weeks. Theres no word as to how much money new patients will have to pay to be treated in those beautiful sunny locations in Mexico.

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CellTex Says It's Moving Its Stem Cell Business to Mexico

FDA Challenges Stem Cell Companies As Patients Run Out Of Time

Scientists have seen promise in the potential of stem cells, but not everyone agrees stem cell replacement therapy is ready for prime time.

Americans seeking stem cell replacement therapy hope the process can heal them of myriad diseases, and a 2011 report by the Baker Institute estimated the industry could bring in $16 billion in revenue by 2020.

But the Food and Drug Administration has expressed concerns. The agency sued to stop treatments at a Regenerative Sciences clinic in Colorado and closed the lab of another company, Celltex Therapeutics, in Texas.

While patients in dire situations are willing to try the therapy (and pay the hefty costs), there's concern the research doesn't support broad practice just yet.

Running Out Of Options

SammyJo Wilkinson remembers the day 18 years ago when she suddenly couldn't stand. She was a young, ambitious computer programmer, launching an Internet startup.

Her doctor told her it was secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Now, at 48, Wilkinson is in a wheelchair. She's tried every available FDA-approved drug and two experimental therapies, including a two-year course of chemotherapy. Nothing worked.

Over time, she started researching adult stem cell replacement, but it was available only abroad. The U.S. opened its doors to the treatment two years ago.

Wilkinson had to see a doctor first, but then she paid Celltex $28,000 for stem cell replacement. In a nutshell, the company promises to remove good, healthy stem cells; store them; make more; and put them back into her body where they can help her heal.

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FDA Challenges Stem Cell Companies As Patients Run Out Of Time