Women Can Make New Eggs After All, Stem-Cell Study Hints

Women may make new eggs throughout their reproductive yearschallenging a longstanding tenet that females are born with finite supplies, a new study says. The discovery may also lead to new avenues for improving women's health and fertility.

A woman has two ovaries, which release eggs during her monthly ovulation.(Learn more about the human body.)

Previous research had suggested that a woman is born with all the egg cells she will ever have in her lifetime.

But in recent experiments, scientists discovered a new type of stem cell in the ovaries thatwhen grown in the labgenerates immature egg cells.The same immature cells isolated from adult mouse ovaries canturn into fertile eggs.

Stem cells,found in embryos and certain adult body tissues, have the potential to grow into many different types of cells.

(See"Liposuction Fat Turned Into Stem Cells, Study Says.")

The finding reinforces the team's previous experiments in mice, which had identified a new type of ovarian stem cell that renews a female mouse's source of eggs throughout its fertile years.

That study, published in the journal Nature in 2004, was the "first to reach the conclusion that this long-held belief in our fieldthat young girls are given a bank account at birth that you can no longer deposit eggs to, just withdraw fromwas no longer true," said study leaderJonathan Tilly.

By reinforcing these earlier results in people, the new study is a "big step forward" from the mouse work, emphasized Tilly, director of the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

From a purely biological perspective, the concept that a woman would continually generate new eggs during her reproductive years makes sensesince men constantly replenish their sperm, Tilly added. (Read how men produce 1,500 sperm a second.)

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Women Can Make New Eggs After All, Stem-Cell Study Hints

Cryo-Cell Reports Financial Results for Fiscal 2011

OLDSMAR, Fla., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (OTC:QB Markets Group Symbol: CCEL) (the "Company"), the world's first private cord blood bank to separate and store stem cells in 1992, today announced results for its fiscal year 2011.

"Cryo-Cell fiscal 2011 results are indicative of a company that is in the process of making many organizational and operational improvements," stated David Portnoy, Cryo-Cell's Chairman and Co-CEO. "Although the implementation of these steps is still in the early stages, we are encouraged in our belief that our goals will be achieved."

Mark Portnoy, Cryo-Cell's Co-CEO, added, "With the transition of the new Board of Directors last year, the Company made significant changes over the last six months. We are continuing to improve the IT systems and website, and have embarked on a major rebranding/marketing effort. Although these efforts have increased our expenses, we have balanced that somewhat with cost reductions. We feel these are appropriate and necessary investments for the Company's future. In addition, the Company has implemented its previously announced stock repurchase plan, and to date, has repurchased 415,117 shares on the open market and in private transactions."

Financial Results

Consolidated revenues for fiscal year ended 2011 were approximately $17.9 million compared to approximately $17.7 million for fiscal 2010. The revenues for fiscal 2011 consisted of approximately $16.5 million in processing and storage fee revenue and approximately $1.4 million in licensee income compared to approximately $16.2 million in processing and storage fee revenue and approximately $1.5 million in licensee income for fiscal 2010. Licensee income for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011 primarily consisted of approximately $1.3 million in royalty income earned on the processing and storage of cord blood stem cell specimens in geographic areas where the Company has license agreements. The remaining licensee income of approximately $41,000 related to installment payments of non-refundable up-front license fees from the licensees of the Company's umbilical cord blood program in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Germany. Licensee income for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2010 primarily consisted of approximately $1.3 million in royalty income earned on the processing and storage of cord blood stem cell specimens in geographic areas where the Company has license agreements. The remaining licensee income of $175,000 related to installment payments of non-refundable up-front license fees from the licensees of the Company's umbilical cord blood program in Chile, Colombia, Peru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Aruba and Suriname.

The Company reported a net loss in fiscal 2011 of approximately ($2.1 million), or ($0.18) per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of approximately $3.5 million, or $0.29 per basic and diluted share in fiscal 2010. The decrease in net income for fiscal 2011 principally resulted from a 31% increase in marketing, general and administrative expenses. The increase was due in part to an increase in fees associated with the annual meeting. The total fees expended for the 2011 Annual Meeting were approximately $957,000. The increase was also due to a write-off of approximately $211,000 for abandoned patents and trademarks due to the decision of management to discontinue pursuing certain patents and trademarks and an approximate $627,000 impairment of previously capitalized costs associated with the development of internal use computer software. Also, included in marketing, general and administrative expenses is approximately $950,000 related to an accrual of severance in accordance with the employment agreement of Mercedes Walton, the Company's former Chairman and CEO dated August 15, 2005, as amended July 16, 2007 because the circumstances relating to her termination are in dispute. Per the employment agreement, Ms. Walton would be entitled to severance in the amount up to $950,000 related to lost salary, bonuses and benefits if she had not been terminated for Cause, as defined in the agreement. The Company believes that Ms. Walton has not earned the right to this severance and intends to defend this position. Excluding all one-time charges noted above, the Company had net income before one-time charges in fiscal 2011 of approximately $645,000, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share before one-time charges. Included in the net income of $3.5 million for fiscal 2010 was the reversal of approximately $1.7 million of the Company's valuation allowance for income taxes. The decision to reverse a portion of the allowance was based on the Company's historical operating performance and future projections of taxable income.

As of November 30, 2011, the Company had approximately $7.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and other investments compared to $9.5 million as of November 30, 2010, representing a 23% decrease. The decrease is primarily attributable to the funding of a Grantor trust in the amount of $2,500,000 to escrow amounts that may become payable to the Company's former Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers of the Company under their respective Employment Agreements as a result of a change in control. The Company had no long-term debt at the end of fiscal 2011.

About Cryo-Cell International, Inc.

Cryo-Cell International, Inc. was founded in 1989 and was the world's first private cord blood bank to separate and store stem cells in 1992. Today, Cryo-Cell has over 240,000 clients worldwide from 87 countries. Cryo-Cell's mission is to provide our clients with the premier stem cell cryopreservation service and to support the advancement of regenerative medicine.

Cryo-Cell operates in a state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Tissue Practice (cGMP/cGTP)-compliant facility, is ISO 9001:2008 certified and accredited by the AABB. Cryo-Cell is a publicly traded company. OTC:QB Markets Group Symbol: CCEL. Expectant parents or healthcare professionals may call 1-800-STOR-CELL (1-800-786-7235) or visit http://www.cryo-cell.com.

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Cryo-Cell Reports Financial Results for Fiscal 2011

Nuvilex Reveals Goldman Small Cap Research Cites Groundbreaking Cancer Therapy in Updating Buy Recommendation

SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, announced today Goldman Small Cap Research has reissued its buy recommendation on Nuvilex with a short term price target of $0.50 per share.

According to the research report prepared by Goldman, The current share price represents but a fraction of its true value, in our view. With recently increased interest and valuation in the pancreatic cancer treatment arena, we believe that Nuvilex is worth $0.20 just on the oncology therapies alone and that the shares will reach $0.50 in the next six months. Looking ahead, as milestone events occur, $1.00 per share is within reach over the next 12-18 months.

Goldman bases this value projection, in part, on the pending acquisition of SG Austria assets, and with it complete control over the cell encapsulation technology that forms the backbone of Nuvilexs planned biotechnology development. The report states in part the following:

Following execution of the SG Austria asset acquisition, we expect to see a flurry of events and progress on the development side which will serve as catalysts, including when management submits its protocol for the next stage pancreatic cancer trial. We would not be surprised to see the stock break through the $0.50 price on such news as well as progress on the next stage of trials for other therapies.

One reason we are so convinced of the great buying opportunity is the fact that pancreatic cancer treatments are currently at the forefront of the biotech space and are enjoying very high valuations. Although Nuvilex is a not a drug producer, but an existing therapy enhancer through the use of its live cell encapsulation enhancement platform, the timing of these milestone events could not be better for Nuvilex and a re-valuation of its offering.

The Goldman report also compares alternative oncology therapies, including Gemzar from Threshold Pharmaceuticals and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals drug encapsulation technology, noting that, contrary to these treatments, the Nuvilex live-cell encapsulation technology is not limited to one specific use, but can be adapted to use for a host of cell types. The report states, Its difficult to compare apples-to-apples in this space as Nuvilex is the only firm utilizing live-cell encapsulation therapy for cancer, while all the other treatments are based upon a particular drug usage. Contrasting the results of different Phase II clinical trials, the Goldman report comments that the pancreatic cancer therapy, based on completed Phase 1/2 data, appears to have yielded statistically greater results than competing technologies.

Commenting on The Goldman Report, Nuvilex Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robert Ryan, stated, The report did an excellent job highlighting the value and capabilities of our cell encapsulation technology, not just for cancer therapy, but also for the vast array of treatments where live-cell encapsulation can aid multiple diseases. In the case of the completed cancer trials, it generated superior results with lower drug dosages, and reduced chemotherapeutic side effects. As we move forward with diabetes and stem cell therapy treatments, we are confident our success will, as Goldman predicts prompt leaders in multiple treatment segments to partner with Nuvilex in order to maintain their respective market shares.

Investors are recommended to study the Goldman Research Report for a detailed review and valuation methodology regarding Nuvilex.

About Nuvilex

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Nuvilex Reveals Goldman Small Cap Research Cites Groundbreaking Cancer Therapy in Updating Buy Recommendation

International Cellular Medicine Society Grants First Worldwide Accreditation to Tijuana Clinical Trial

Regenerative Medicine Institute, Mexico has been granted full accreditation for its clinical stem cell trials

Portland, Oregon (PRWEB) February 29, 2012

We are pleased that RMI undertook this process, says David Audley, executive director of the ICMS. The clinic understood that patient safety can only be assured through strict evaluation and rigorous oversight. From day one they have embraced the transparency that this program requires.

RMI is the first clinic to achieve this status under the ICMS Accreditation Program. The clinic has undergone two separate site audits as well as an institutional review board review evaluation. Most importantly, the clinic has placed in excess of 50 patients into the Treatment Registry for long-term outcome tracking. The safety profile has been excellent, continued Audley. We have tracked patients over at least two follow-ups and a minimum of six months and not seen a single cell-related adverse event.

The ICMS is currently evaluating nearly a dozen clinics worldwide. Accreditation is based upon the Guidelines for the Practice of Cell-Based Medicine developed and published by the ICMS. Key components of these guidelines are the ethical recruitment of patients, proper consent of patients and compliance with local laws and regulations in the treatment of patients.

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Mr. David Audley International Cellular Medicine Society 503-884-6590 Email Information

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International Cellular Medicine Society Grants First Worldwide Accreditation to Tijuana Clinical Trial

Program looks at stem-cell therapy to defeat aging

Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation will present "Stem-Cell Therapy: Defeating the Aging Process" from 6 to 8 p.m. March 13 in the William & Grayce Walker conference Room at Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation, Charles and Mary Lou Young Non-Profit Center, 1 Acee Drive, Natrona Heights.

Guest speaker will be Dr. Valerie Donaldson of the Individualized Advanced Medical Center of Pittsburgh. She is active in destressing the body and focusing on the anti-aging process.

Donaldson completed her undergraduate education at Colorado College where she earned a bachelor's degree in biology and obtained her doctorate at Rush Medical College in Chicago.

Registration is requested. Call 724-294-3157. Admission is free.

The seminar is sponsored through the Dr. H.W. Fraley Health and Wellness Fund.

Programs set at Destination Wellness

Upcoming programs at Allegheny Valley Hospital's Destination Wellness at Pittsburgh Mills, Frazer, include:

Pittsburgh North Restless Legs Syndrome Support Group will meet from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Dr. Avinash Aggarwal will discuss "Is it RLS or Something Else?" To register, call Destination Wellness at 724-274-5202.

Heartsaver First Aid, part one will be from 9 a.m. to noon March 10 and is the basic first-aid course. A two-year certification card will be given after completion of skills and written testing. Fee is $35 per part and includes a required student manual. Call 724-274-5202 to register. Space is limited to eight participants.

Heartsaver AED/CPR, part two will be from 1 to 4 p.m. March 10 and includes adult, child and infant CPR and automated external defibrillator use. A two-year certification card will be given after completion of skills and written testing. Fee is $35 per part and includes required student manual. Call 724-274-5202 to register. Space is limited to eight participants.

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Program looks at stem-cell therapy to defeat aging

Diverse approach to cancer research need of the hour, stresses professor

Diverse approach to cancer research need of the hour, stresses professor Profoundly different approaches are needed for cancer research, the Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy 2012, has been told by an expert in cancer stem cell (CSC) biology.
Professor Irving Weissman, director, Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, was delivering a keynote address on ‘Normal and neoplastic stem cells’ yesterday.
“Self-renewal is the principal property that distinguishes stem cells from their daughter cells,” he said while explaining that when stem cells divide they give rise to stem cells (by self-renewal) and progenitors (by differentiation).
The balance between self-renewal and differentiation is what generates, and then maintains, tissues enabling them to respond to injury or other stressors.
Studies identifying hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) - which form blood and immune cells - and progenitors, have made hematopoiesis one of the best systems for studying the molecular changes in cell fate decision-making and creation of cancer.
Further, it serves as a paradigm for finding preclinical and clinical platforms for tissue and organ replacement and regeneration.
Stem cell isolation and transplantation is the basis for regenerative medicine. Self-renewal is dangerous and therefore strictly regulated.
Poorly regulated self-renewal can lead to the genesis of CSC — the only cells within a tumour or leukaemia that have the ability to self renew, and therefore the cells that maintain the cancer.
“Thus, it is predicted that CSC elimination is required for cure. This prediction necessitates profoundly different approaches to cancer research, compelling investigators to prospectively isolate CSCs and to characterise the molecular pathways regulating their behaviour in order to identify targeted and truly effective therapies,” Weissman added.
A founder of three companies – SyStemix, Cellerant, and Stem Cells Inc – all focused on bringing stem cell therapies into the clinic, Weissman has authored more than 700 scientific articles and has been an editor of multiple scientific journals.

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Diverse approach to cancer research need of the hour, stresses professor