UA professor furthers stem cell research

By SARAH-JAYNE SIMON Published December 2, 2012 at 9:46pm Updated December 2, 2012 at 9:46pm

A UA professor has been recognized for his work as a pioneer in stem cell banking.

David Harris, professor of immunobiology, was awarded the Arizona BioIndustry Association 2012 award for 20 Years of Discovery and Innovation.

Harris recognition is the culmination of decades of work in the field of stem cell research. Harris came to the UA 23 years ago from the University of North Carolina and said he was interested in improving the bone marrow transplant process. As a result, he began to use a process called cord blood banking. In 1991, Harris became the first person to bank stem cells for future use, which includes saving them for future treatments.

Its nice to end up being recognized for something that you have worked on for a long time, Harris said. Taking something and making it important for everyday life for people to improve their life is amazing. From starting with animal models and moving to human beings is huge; its nice to see it go from one point to another.

Harris said he banked stem cells for future use by preserving his first childs cord blood stem cells. A year later, Harris founded the Arizona Cord Blood Bank, which later became the Cord Blood Registry. Harris continues to serve as Chief Science Officer of the company, which is the largest cord blood stem cell bank in the world.

I had always been interested in science and particularly in biological sciences, Harris said. I was quite interested in sciences in general and got my degree in immunology. The general interest in science has always been there since an early age. Stem cells is the one I find to be most interesting these days.

The Arizona BioIndustry Association is made up of businesses as well as research and government organizations and those associated with other professions involved in biosciences. The annual Arizona BioIndustry Association Awards was held at the Phoenix Convention Center this year.

In the late 1980s, it was discovered that you could find left over blood cells in the umbilical cord after the baby was born, Harris said. Early on, we realized this was going to be an important source of stem cell transplant. After 15 years, we realized those stem cells present in umbilical cords had gone from the research stage into the treatment process.

Harris said that the support from the UA community during the progress of his reasearch is what enabled him to come this far.

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UA professor furthers stem cell research

Seeing results from stem cell treatment

Christine Wood/Photo

Alison Johnstone kisses and hugs her grandson Rylan who is showing signs of improvement after receiving stem cell treatments in China last month.

Christine Wood/Staff Writer

Since returning home from having stem cell treatments in China last month, five-year-old Rylan Johnstone has taken his first unaided steps, given his first hug, spoken his first complete sentence and shown his first reaction to light much to the delight of his family.

We are absolutely overjoyed with the changes weve noticed already, said Rylans grandma Alison. Even if thats all that happens, it was definitely worth it to go, but I think there are more changes to come.

The family spent nearly a year fundraising more than $34,000 for the trip to China to have the stem cell treatments done in the hope that Rylan, who is blind and autistic, would gain some sight and mobility and benefit from reduced autism symptoms.

It seems much of that wish list has come true just weeks after returning from China, and the stem cells will keep working, Alison said.

The stem cell injections in his eyes should keep working for at least six months, she said, noting one report from a parent showed a child gaining sight a year after the stem cell treatments.

Rylan seems to squint now when a bright light is put before him, and although he cant communicate whats happening, the Johnstones are hopeful hell show more signs of sight in the weeks to come.

One of the best moments for Alison was when she got her first hug from her grandson, shortly after returning home.

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Seeing results from stem cell treatment

Stem Cells Provide Hope For A Potential Treatment of Glaucoma

Editor's Choice Main Category: Stem Cell Research Also Included In: Eye Health / Blindness Article Date: 04 Dec 2012 - 0:00 PST

Current ratings for: Stem Cells Provide Hope For A Potential Treatment of Glaucoma

Irreversible blindness is most often caused by glaucoma in today's world. About 1 in 50 people over the age of 40 in the UK struggle with glaucoma. The odds increase for people aged 75 years and older, affecting 1 in 10. Since the condition is age-related, it is becoming more prevalent as the UK population gets older.

Glaucoma is often an insidious, progressive condition which results in harm to the optic nerve. Once the person realizes that damage has been done, some of loss of vision has already taken place.

Risk factors associated with glaucoma include:

The team experimented with a potential treatment that involves using the patient's own stem cells. Professor Raisman was able to halve the loss of optic nerve fibers caused by raised eye pressure by transferring a few olfactory ensheathing cells into the area of the optic nerve. This also caused reduced the harm to the optic nerve tissue.

The progression of glaucoma can be stopped by a few treatments, including medication and eye surgery to lower the pressure in the eye. One previous report indicated that eye drops containing nerve growth factor could halt glaucoma symptoms.

However, no therapies can treat vision loss, and unfortunately, the progression towards blindness cannot be prevented in a significant number of people.

This study increases the chance that a simple surgical procedure, using cells taken from the patient, could guide scientists to a future technique that could stop the horrible outcome of glaucoma, Professor Raisman said, even though the procedure is still at the experimental stage.

Professor Khaw added:

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Stem Cells Provide Hope For A Potential Treatment of Glaucoma

Nobel Prize Nominee Plastic Surgeon Joins Patients Medical’s Stem Cell Research Team

Dr. Paul A. Dreschnack Offers New Options for Those With Hair Loss.

New York City, NY (PRWEB) November 29, 2012

Baldness can cause social anxiety, depression and many other emotional and psychological conditions. The solutions currently being offered such as transplants and pharmaceuticals can be uncomfortable or may compromise other aspects of the patients health, explains Dr. Dreschnack. In my work around the world, I strive to find ways for people to look good and feel well so that they are able to enjoy their lives fully. Stem Cell Therapy seems to be a new frontier that may be a way for patients to improve their quality of life.

Dr. Dreschnack is a four-time Nobel Prize Nominee for his work with The India Project. He has traveled internationally, helping patients who need plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is now working with Dr. Kamau Kokayi, Medical Director of the New York Stem Cell Treatment Center (NYSCTC) at Patients Medical.

We are excited that Dr. Dreschnack is joining our Stem Cell Research Team, says Dr. Kokayi.

Dr. Dreschnack has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Distinguished Surgeon Award from the Association of Operating Room Nurses, a 2002 Rose Model Award from the Young Leadership Council. He has been nominated for the The Raoul Wallenberg Medal, celebrating people who embody humanitarian ideals. He has also established himself as an academician, reviewing articles for the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, serving as Clinical Instructor at LSU School of Medicine/Department of Surgery and SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn. Dr. Dreschnack has also given presentations for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and has been published in Medforum.com, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Proceedings of the American Association for Hand Surgery.

People interested in receiving plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at Patients Medical with Dr. Paul A. Dreschnack can inquire directly with Patients Medical for rates, a complete list of services and fees. Those interested in participating in the Stem Cell Therapy Clinical Trial may apply online at http://www.patientsmedical.com/stem-cell-therapy/registration-form.aspx

About Patients Medical

Patients Medical (http://www.patientsmedical.com) is a unique integrative medicine center in Manhattan that combines the best of traditional and holistic medicine with modern technology to provide comprehensive care. Established in 1974, the center employs a multi-specialty staff using leading-edge treatment protocols such as Stem Cell Therapy, Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation, Nutrient IV Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and more. The practice specializes in diagnosing the root cause of an ailment, then healing the whole person with personalized protocols that draw upon both Eastern and Western medicine.

Megan Franzen Patients Medical 212-679-9667 111 Email Information

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Nobel Prize Nominee Plastic Surgeon Joins Patients Medical’s Stem Cell Research Team

BioTime CEO Dr. Michael West to Present at World Stem Cell Summit 2012

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BioTime, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTX), a biotechnology company that develops and markets products in the field of regenerative medicine, today announced that Chief Executive Officer Michael D. West, Ph.D. will present at the World Stem Cell Summit 2012 in West Palm Beach, Florida on Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Dr. West will be presenting in the session on Developing Combination Products: Cells, Genes, and Devices at 1:30 pm EST which will include an update on product development, including Renevia, PanC-Dx, and OpRegen. The presentation will be made available on BioTime's website at http://www.biotimeinc.com.

World Stem Cell Summit 2012 will be the 8th annual event produced by the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI), a non-profit organization. Planned by and for the stem cell and regenerative medicine community, the goal of the Summit is to accelerate the discovery and development of lifesaving cures and therapies. This year, panels will address advancing treatments for specific diseases and conditions including: cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, spinal cord injury, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson's, eye diseases and others.

About BioTime, Inc.

BioTime, headquartered in Alameda, California, is a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine and blood plasma volume expanders. Its broad platform of stem cell technologies is enhanced through subsidiaries focused on specific fields of application. BioTime develops and markets research products in the fields of stem cells and regenerative medicine, including a wide array of proprietary PureStem cell lines, HyStem hydrogels, culture media, and differentiation kits. BioTime is developing Renevia (formerly known as HyStem-Rx), a biocompatible, implantable hyaluronan and collagen-based matrix for cell delivery in human clinical applications. BioTime's therapeutic product development strategy is pursued through subsidiaries that focus on specific organ systems and related diseases for which there is a high unmet medical need. BioTime's majority owned subsidiary Cell Cure Neurosciences Ltd. is developing therapeutic products derived from stem cells for the treatment of retinal and neural degenerative diseases. BioTime's subsidiary OrthoCyte Corporation is developing therapeutic applications of stem cells to treat orthopedic diseases and injuries. Another subsidiary, OncoCyte Corporation, focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of stem cell technology in cancer, including the diagnostic product PanC-Dx currently being developed for the detection of cancer in blood samples. ReCyte Therapeutics, Inc. is developing applications of BioTime's proprietary induced pluripotent stem cell technology to reverse the developmental aging of human cells to treat cardiovascular and blood cell diseases. BioTime's subsidiary LifeMap Sciences, Inc. markets GeneCards, the leading human gene database, and is developing an integrated database suite to complement GeneCards that will also include the LifeMap database of embryonic development, stem cell research and regenerative medicine, and MalaCards, the human disease database. LifeMap will also market BioTime research products. BioTime's lead product, Hextend, is a blood plasma volume expander manufactured and distributed in the U.S. by Hospira, Inc. and in South Korea by CJ CheilJedang Corporation under exclusive licensing agreements. Additional information about BioTime can be found on the web at http://www.biotimeinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development, and potential opportunities for BioTime and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, 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 business of BioTime and its subsidiaries, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in BioTime's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. BioTime disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

To receive ongoing BioTime corporate communications, please click on the following link to join our email alert list: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=83805&p=irol-alerts

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BioTime CEO Dr. Michael West to Present at World Stem Cell Summit 2012

StemCells, Inc. to Present at 2012 World Stem Cell Summit

NEWARK, Calif., Nov. 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StemCells, Inc. (STEM) announced today that Ann Tsukamoto, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Research and Development, will make a presentation on the Company's clinical development programs at the 2012 World Stem Cell Summit to be held December 3-5 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Florida. Dr. Tsukamoto is scheduled to speak during the Clinical Trial Update session to be held 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, December 4. Dr. Tsukamoto also will be moderating a discussion on the topic "Unproven Stem Cell Therapies and Deceptive Claims: Hidden Dangers to Patients." This plenary discussion is scheduled to be held 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, December 4.

StemCells, Inc. is a Silver Sponsor of the 2012 World Stem Cell Summit, which is planned by and for the global stem cell and regenerative medicine community and is the largest interdisciplinary stem cell conference. The goal of the 2012 World Stem Cell Summit is to accelerate the discovery and development of lifesaving cures and therapies by bringing together a range of stakeholders to establish a supportive environment of regulation, legislation, financing, reimbursement and patient advocacy.

StemCells, Inc. will be co-hosting a reception on December 4, prior to the Summit's Stem Cell Action Awards Dinner. The Stem Cell Action Awards recognize dedicated individuals and organizations that have made distinguished contributions to the cause of stem cell research.

About StemCells, Inc.

StemCells, Inc. is engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of cell-based therapeutics and tools for use in stem cell-based research and drug discovery. The Company's lead therapeutic product candidate, HuCNS-SC(R) cells (purified human neural stem cells), is currently in development as a potential treatment for a broad range of central nervous system disorders. In a Phase I clinical trial in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD), a fatal myelination disorder in children, the Company has shown preliminary evidence of progressive and durable donor-derived myelination in all four patients transplanted with HuCNS-SC cells. The Company is also conducting a Phase I/II clinical trial in chronic spinal cord injury in Switzerland and recently reported positive interim data for the first patient cohort. The Company has also initiated a Phase I/II clinical trial in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and is pursuing preclinical studies in Alzheimer's disease. StemCells also markets stem cell research products, including media and reagents, under the SC Proven(R) brand. Further information about StemCells is available at http://www.stemcellsinc.com.

The StemCells, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7014

Apart from statements of historical fact, the text of this press release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. securities laws, and is subject to the safe harbors created therein. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the clinical development of its HuCNS-SC cells; the Company's ability to commercialize drug discovery and drug development tools; and the future business operations of the Company. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof. Such statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain assumptions that may or may not ultimately prove valid. The Company's actual results may vary materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties to which the Company is subject, including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and in its subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K.

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StemCells, Inc. to Present at 2012 World Stem Cell Summit

Professors Critique Stem Cell Medical Tourism

A panel at the Harvard Law School Wednesday discussed the ethical debate over the use of embryonic stem cells in the United States, focusing on the burgeoning controversy surrounding the role of stem cell therapy in medical tourism.

Medical tourism, in which patients travel internationally to gain access to specific health care services, has become increasingly common, panelists said. They said that reasons for medical tourism range from basic hip replacement surgery to black market organ sales. As most stem cell therapies are not approved in the United States, numerous patients are going abroad to countries like China and Russia where treatment is legal.

Panelist I. Glenn Cohen, an assistant professor at the Law School, said that it was probable that a Chinese stem cell facility performs several hundred thousand of these treatments yearly. He said that numerous celebrities, including football quarterback Peyton Manning, have reportedly traveled abroad to receive stem cell treatment not approved by the FDA.

A number of facilities claim to use stem cells to cure a wide array of diseases. University of Alberta law professor Timothy Caulfield, another panelist, pointed out that a simple Google search leads potential patients to a plethora of websites which claim that diseases such as autism and cancer can be cured through stem cell therapy.

Its being offered as routine, its being offered as safe, its being offered as effective, Caulfield said, citing his own 2008 study on the subject, Of course, none of them being offered matched what the scientific literature said.

According to American history professor Jill Lepore, the hyper-acceleration of enthusiasm for stem cell therapy is reminiscent of a century ago when science journalism and government funding for science research began to blossom. Lepore pointed out how public excitement over scientific procedures has affected society in the past, popularizing cryonics research and the work of Eugene Steinach, who claimed his vasectomy operation reversed the aging process.

Panelists said that one issue with stem cell tourism is the number of health risks associated with such procedures, citing a number of instances where stem cell therapy caused serious harm.

They also noted that public discussion about stem cell therapy has been markedly positive, lending an air of legitimacy to stem cell therapy that hasnt been validated by research.

Articles criticizing stem cell tourism, on the other hand, have generally received a less favorable response. Caulfield told the audience that when he co-wrote an article in The Atlantic criticizing stem cell therapy, he was accused as being a nutball Canadian socialist bioethicist.

The panelists emphasized that more accurate information should be provided to the public regarding stem cell treatments.

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Professors Critique Stem Cell Medical Tourism