Author Archives: admin


Stem Cell Banking Market will Generate Massive Revenue to $6,956 million by 2023 | Cord Blood Registry, ViaCord, Cryo-Cell, China Cord Blood…

The global stem cell banking market was valued at $1,986 million in 2016, and is estimated to reach $6,956 million by 2023, registering a CAGR of 19.5% from 2017 to 2023. Stem cell banking is a process where the stem cell care isolated from different sources such as umbilical cord and bone marrow that is stored and preserved for future use. These cells can be cryo-frozen and stored for decades. Private and public banks are different types of banks available to store stem cells.

Top Companies Covered in this Report: Cord Blood Registry, ViaCord, Cryo-Cell, China Cord Blood Corporation, Cryo-Save, New York Cord Blood Program, CordVida, Americord, CryoHoldco, Vita34

Get sample copy of Report at:

https://www.premiummarketinsights.com/sample/AMR00013812

Increase in R&D activities in regards with applications of stem cells and increase in prevalence of fatal chronic diseases majorly drive the growth of the global stem cell banking market. Moreover, the large number of births occurring globally and growth in GDP & disposable income help increase the number of stem cell units stored, which would help fuel the market growth. However, legal and ethical issues related to stem cell collections and high processing & storage cost are projected to hamper the market growth. The initiative taken by organizations and companies to spread awareness in regards with the benefits of stem cells and untapped market in the developing regions help to open new avenues for the growth of stem cell banking market in the near future.

The global stem cell banking market is segmented based on cell type, bank type, service type, utilization, and region. Based on cell type, the market is classified into umbilical cord stem cells, adult stem cells, and embryonic stem cells. Depending on bank type, it is bifurcated into public and private. By service type, it is categorized into collection & transportation, processing, analysis, and storage. By utilization, it is classified into used and unused. Based on region, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Get Discount for This Report https://www.premiummarketinsights.com/discount/AMR00013812

Table Of Content

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CHAPTER 3: MARKET OVERVIEW

CHAPTER 4: STEM CELL BANKING MARKET, BY CELL TYPE

CHAPTER 5: STEM CELL BANKING MARKET, BY BANK TYPE

CHAPTER 6: STEM CELL BANKING MARKET, BY SERVICE TYPE

CHAPTER 7: STEM CELL BANKING MARKET, BY UTILIZATION

CHAPTER 8: STEM CELL BANKING MARKET, BY REGION

CHAPTER 9: COMPANY PROFILES

Enquire about report at: https://www.premiummarketinsights.com/buy/AMR00013812

About Premium Market Insights:

Premiummarketinsights.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.

Contact Us:

Sameer Joshi

Call: +912067274191

Email: [emailprotected]

Pune

See the original post:
Stem Cell Banking Market will Generate Massive Revenue to $6,956 million by 2023 | Cord Blood Registry, ViaCord, Cryo-Cell, China Cord Blood...

Cord Blood Banking Leader Cryo-Cell Enters into Patent Option Agreement with Duke University – Global Banking And Finance Review

OLDSMAR, Fla., June 11, 2020 Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (OTC:QB Markets Group Symbol: CCEL) (the Company), the worlds first private cord blood bank to separate and store stem cells in 1992, announced that effective June 9, 2020, the Company has entered into a patent option agreement with Duke University. The six-month exclusive option agreement gives Cryo-Cell an option to obtain a license to manufacture and sell products based on Dr. Joanne Kurtzbergs patents. Please see the Companys Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2020 for more details.

David Portnoy, Chairman of the Board and Co-CEO, said, Cryo-Cell is honored to have entered into this option agreement with Dr. Kurtzberg and Duke University and believes that this is a significant step in the transformation of the Company. We look forward to Duke becoming a major shareholder and partner of the Company for many years to come.

We are excited to enter into this exclusive option agreement with Cryo-Cell and are looking forward to working together to bring novel cord blood and birthing tissue based cellular therapeutics to the clinic, said Joanne Kurtzberg, MD, who is the Jerome S. Harris distinguished professor of pediatrics and a pioneer in cell therapies based on umbilical cord blood. Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg is an internationally renowned expert in pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatric blood and marrow transplantation, umbilical cord blood banking and transplantation, and novel applications of cord blood in the emerging fields of cellular therapies and regenerative medicine.

About Cryo-Cell International, Inc.

Founded in 1989, Cryo-Cell International, Inc. is the worlds first private cord blood bank. More than 500,000 parents from 87 countries have entrusted Cryo-Cell International with their babys cord blood and cord tissue stem cells. In addition to its family bank, Cryo-Cell International has a public banking program in partnership with Duke University. Cryo-Cells public bank has provided cord blood for more than 600 transplantations and operates cord blood donation sites across the U.S in prominent hospitals such as CedarsSinai Hospital in Los Angeles and Baptist Hospital in Miami. Cryo-Cells mission is to provide clients with state-of-the-art cord blood and cord tissue cryopreservation services, raise awareness of the opportunity for expectant parents to bank or donate their babys cord blood and support the advancement of regenerative medicine. Cryo-Cell operates in a facility that is FDA registered, cGMP-/cGTP-compliant and licensed in all states requiring licensure. Besides being AABB accredited as a cord blood facility, Cryo-Cell was also the first U.S. (for private use only) cord blood bank to receive FACT accreditation for adhering to the most stringent cord blood quality standards set by any internationally recognized, independent accrediting organization. In addition, Cryo-Cell is ISO 13485:2003certified by TV, an internationally recognized, quality assessment organization. Cryo-Cell is a publicly traded company, OTCQB:CCEL. For more information, please visit http://www.cryo-cell.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements herein the terms believes, intends, projects, anticipates, expects, and similar expressions as used are intended to reflect forward-looking statements of the Company. The information contained herein is subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in such forward-looking statements or paragraphs, many of which are outside the control of the Company. These uncertainties and other factors include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our sales, operations and supply chain, the success of the Companys global expansion initiatives and product diversification, the Companys actual future ownership stake in future therapies emerging from its collaborative research partnerships, the success related to its IP portfolio, the Companys ability to enter into a definitive license agreement with Duke, the Companys future competitive position in stem cell innovation, future success of its core business and the competitive impact of public cord blood banking on the Companys business, the Companys ability to minimize future costs to the Company related to R&D initiatives and collaborations and the success of such initiatives and collaborations, the success and enforceability of the Companys menstrual stem cell technology license agreements and umbilical cord blood license agreements and their ability to provide the Company with royalty fees, the ability of the reproductive tissue storage to generate new revenues for the Company and those risks and uncertainties contained in risk factors described in documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any Current Reports on Form 8-K filed by the Company. The Company disclaims any obligations to subsequently revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Contact: David Portnoy, Chairman and Co-CEO Cryo-Cell International, Inc. 813-749-2100 [emailprotected]

View post:
Cord Blood Banking Leader Cryo-Cell Enters into Patent Option Agreement with Duke University - Global Banking And Finance Review

Majority of Evaluable Patients Across Genotypes Achieve Transfusion Independence and Maintain It with Near-Normal Hemoglobin Levels in Phase 3 Studies…

89% of evaluable patients (17/19) with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia who do not have a 0/0 genotype achieved transfusion independence with 11.9 g/dL median weighted average total hemoglobin (Hb) level in HGB-207

Data from exploratory analyses of HGB-207 show improved markers of blood cell production and bone marrow function in patients who achieved transfusion independence

85% of patients (11/13) with a 0/0 genotype or IVS-I-110 mutation in HGB-212 have been transfusion-free for at least 7 months

bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE) today announced that new data from ongoing Phase 3 studies of betibeglogene autotemcel (beti-cel; formerly LentiGlobin for -thalassemia gene therapy) show pediatric, adolescent and adult patients with a range of genotypes of transfusion-dependent -thalassemia (TDT) achieve and maintain transfusion independence with hemoglobin (Hb) levels that are near-normal (10.5 g/dL). These data are being presented at the Virtual Edition of the 25th European Hematology Association (EHA25) Annual Congress.

"With more than a decade of clinical experience evaluating gene therapy in patients with transfusion dependent -thalassemia across a wide range of ages and genotypes, we have built the most comprehensive understanding of treatment outcomes in the field," said David Davidson, M.D., chief medical officer, bluebird bio. "Seeing patients achieve transfusion independence and maintain that positive clinical benefit over time with robust hemoglobin levels reflects our initial vision of the potential of beti-cel. The accumulating long-term data demonstrating improvements in bone marrow histology, iron balance and red cell biology support the potential of beti-cel to correct the underlying pathophysiology of transfusion-dependent -thalassemia."

A total of 60 pediatric, adolescent and adult patients across genotypes of TDT have been treated with beti-cel in the Phase 1/2 Northstar (HGB-204) and HGB-205 studies, and the Phase 3 Northstar-2 (HGB-207) and Northstar-3 (HGB-212) studies as of March 3, 2020. In studies of beti-cel, transfusion independence is defined as no longer needing red blood cell transfusions for at least 12 months while maintaining a weighted average Hb of at least 9 g/dL.

TDT is a severe genetic disease caused by mutations in the -globin gene that results in significantly reduced or absent adult hemoglobin (HbA). In order to survive, people with TDT maintain Hb levels through lifelong, chronic blood transfusions. These transfusions carry the risk of progressive multi-organ damage due to unavoidable iron overload.

"Patients with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia do not make enough healthy red blood cells and cannot live without chronic transfusions; for patients that means a lifetime of necessary visits to a hospital or clinic and reliance on an often unreliable blood supply, which compounds the challenges of managing this disease," said presenting study author Professor John B. Porter, MA, M.D., FRCP, FRCPath, University College London Hospital, London, UK. "These results showing patients free from transfusions and maintaining near-normal hemoglobin levels after treatment with beti-cel is a positive outcome for people living with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia. In addition, we now have more data that provide further evidence that most of these patients have a measurable improvement in markers of healthy red blood cell production."

Beti-cel is a one-time gene therapy designed to address the underlying genetic cause of TDT by adding functional copies of a modified form of the -globin gene (A-T87Q-globin gene) into a patients own hematopoietic (blood) stem cells (HSCs). This means there is no need for donor HSCs from another person, as is required for allogeneic HSC transplantation (allo-HSCT). Once a patient has the A-T87Q-globin gene, they have the potential to produce HbAT87Q, which is gene therapy-derived Hb, at levels that eliminate or significantly reduce the need for transfusions.

As of March 3, 2020, all 23 patients in HGB-207 were treated and have been followed for a median of 19.4 months. These patients ranged in age from four to 34 years, including eight pediatric (<12 years of age) and 15 adolescent/adult (>12 years of age) patients. Only 19 patients were evaluable for transfusion independence; four additional patients do not yet have sufficient follow-up to be assessed for transfusion independence.

Eighty-nine percent of evaluable patients (17/19) achieved transfusion independence, with median weighted average total Hb levels of 11.9 g/dL (min-max: 9.4 12.9 g/dL) over a median of 19.4 months of follow-up to date (min-max: 12.3 31.4 months). These 17 patients previously required a median of 17.5 transfusions per year (min-max: 11.5 37 transfusions per year).

Improved iron levels, as measured by serum ferritin and hepcidin levels (proteins involved in iron storage and homeostasis), were observed and trends toward improved iron management were seen. Over half of patients stopped chelation therapy, which is needed to reduce excess iron caused by chronic blood transfusions. Seven out of 23 patients began using phlebotomy for iron reduction.

Analysis of Healthy Red Blood Cell Production

In exploratory analyses, biomarkers of ineffective erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) were evaluated in patients who achieved transfusion independence in HGB-207.

The myeloid to erythroid (M:E) ratio in bone marrow from patients who achieved transfusion independence increased from a median of 1:3 (n=17) at baseline to 1:1.2 (n=16) at Month 12. Improvement of the M:E ratio, the ratio of white blood cell and red blood cell precursors in the bone marrow, suggests an improvement in mature red blood cell production. Images illustrating the bone marrow cellularity at baseline, Month 12 and Month 24 are available in the EHA25 presentation (abstract #S296): "Improvement in erythropoiesis in patients with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia following treatment with betibeglogene autotemcel (LentiGlobin for -thalassemia) in the Phase 3 HGB-207 study".

Additionally, biomarkers of erythropoiesis continue to demonstrate a trend toward normalization in patients who achieved transfusion independence, including improved levels over time of erythropoietin, a hormone involved in red blood cell production; reticulocytes, immature red blood cells; and soluble transferrin receptor, a protein measured to help evaluate iron status. The continued normalization of red blood cell production over time among some patients who achieved transfusion independence supports the disease-modifying potential of beti-cel in patients with TDT.

Northstar-3 (HGB-212) Efficacy

As of March 3, 2020, 15 patients (genotypes: 9 0/0, 3 0/ +IVS1-110, 3 homozygous IVS-1-110 mutation) were treated and had a median follow-up of 14.4 months (min-max: 1.124.0 months). Median age at enrollment was 15 (min-max: 4 33 years).

Six of eight evaluable patients achieved transfusion independence, with median weighted average total Hb levels of 11.5 g/dL (min-max: 9.5 13.5 g/dL), and continued to maintain transfusion independence for a median duration of 13.6 months (min-max: 12.2 21.2 months) as of the data cutoff.

Eighty-five percent of patients (11/13) with at least seven months of follow-up had not received a transfusion in more than seven months at time of data cutoff. These 11 patients previously required a median of 18.5 transfusions per year (min-max: 11.0 39.5 transfusions per year). In these patients, gene therapy-derived HbAT87Q supported total Hb levels ranging from 8.814.0 g/dL at last visit.

Betibeglogene autotemcel Safety

Non-serious adverse events (AEs) observed during the HGB-207 and HGB-212 trials that were considered related or possibly related to beti-cel were tachycardia, abdominal pain, pain in extremities, leukopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. One serious event of thrombocytopenia was considered possibly related to beti-cel.

In HGB-207, serious events post-infusion in two patients included three events of veno-occlusive liver disease and two events of thrombocytopenia. In HGB-212, serious events post-infusion in two patients included two events of pyrexia.

Additional AEs observed in clinical studies were consistent with the known side effects of HSC collection and bone marrow ablation with busulfan, including SAEs of veno-occlusive disease.

In both Phase 3 studies, there have been no deaths, no graft failure, no cases of vector-mediated replication competent lentivirus or clonal dominance, no leukemia and no lymphoma.

The presentations are now available on demand on the EHA25 website:

About betibeglogene autotemcel

The European Commission granted conditional marketing authorization (CMA) for betibeglogene autotemcel (beti-cel; formerly LentiGlobin gene therapy for -thalassemia), marketed as ZYNTEGLO gene therapy, for patients 12 years and older with transfusion-dependent -thalassemia (TDT) who do not have a 0/0 genotype, for whom hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is appropriate, but a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched related HSC donor is not available. On April 28, 2020, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) renewed the CMA for ZYNTEGLO, supported by data from 32 patients treated with ZYNTEGLO, including three patients with up to five years of follow-up.

TDT is a severe genetic disease caused by mutations in the -globin gene that result in reduced or significantly reduced hemoglobin (Hb). In order to survive, people with TDT maintain Hb levels through lifelong chronic blood transfusions. These transfusions carry the risk of progressive multi-organ damage due to unavoidable iron overload.

Beti-cel adds functional copies of a modified form of the -globin gene (A-T87Q-globin gene) into a patients own hematopoietic (blood) stem cells (HSCs). Once a patient has the A-T87Q-globin gene, they have the potential to produce HbAT87Q, which is gene therapy-derived hemoglobin, at levels that may eliminate or significantly reduce the need for transfusions.

Non-serious adverse events (AEs) observed during clinical studies that were attributed to beti-cel included abdominal pain, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, hot flush, dyspnea, pain in extremity and non-cardiac chest pain. Two serious adverse events (SAE) of thrombocytopenia was considered possibly related to beti-cel.

Additional AEs observed in clinical studies were consistent with the known side effects of HSC collection and bone marrow ablation with busulfan, including SAEs of veno-occlusive disease.

The CMA for beti-cel is valid in the 27 member states of the EU as well as UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. For details, please see the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted beti-cel orphan drug designation and Breakthrough Therapy designation for the treatment of transfusion-dependent -thalassemia. Beti-cel is not approved in the U.S.

Beti-cel continues to be evaluated in the ongoing Phase 3 Northstar-2 and Northstar-3 studies. For more information about the ongoing clinical studies, visit http://www.northstarclinicalstudies.com or clinicaltrials.gov and use identifier NCT02906202 for Northstar-2 (HGB-207) and NCT03207009 for Northstar-3 (HGB-212).

bluebird bio is conducting a long-term safety and efficacy follow-up study (LTF-303) for people who have participated in bluebird bio-sponsored clinical studies of betibeglogene autotemcel or LentiGlobin for SCD. For more information visit: https://www.bluebirdbio.com/our-science/clinical-trials or clinicaltrials.gov and use identifier NCT02633943 for LTF-303.

About bluebird bio, Inc.

bluebird bio is pioneering gene therapy with purpose. From our Cambridge, Mass., headquarters, were developing gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and cancer, with the goal that people facing potentially fatal conditions with limited treatment options can live their lives fully. Beyond our labs, were working to positively disrupt the healthcare system to create access, transparency and education so that gene therapy can become available to all those who can benefit.

bluebird bio is a human company powered by human stories. Were putting our care and expertise to work across a spectrum of disorders including cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, sickle cell disease, -thalassemia and multiple myeloma using three gene therapy technologies: gene addition, cell therapy and (megaTAL-enabled) gene editing.

bluebird bio has additional nests in Seattle, Wash; Durham, N.C.; and Zug, Switzerland. For more information, visit bluebirdbio.com.

Follow bluebird bio on social media: @bluebirdbio, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

ZYNTEGLO, LentiGlobin, and bluebird bio are trademarks of bluebird bio, Inc.

bluebird bio Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk that the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting impact on our operations and healthcare systems will affect the execution of our development plans or the conduct of our clinical studies; the risk that the efficacy and safety results observed in the patients treated in our prior and ongoing clinical trials of beti-cel may not persist; and the risk that the efficacy and safety results from our prior and ongoing clinical trials will not continue or be repeated with additional patients in our ongoing or planned clinical trials or in the commercial context; the risk that the FDA will require additional information regarding beti-cel, resulting in a delay to our anticipated timelines for regulatory submissions, including submission of our BLA. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause our actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our most recent Form 10-Q, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and bluebird bio undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200612005084/en/

Contacts

Media:Catherine Falcetti, 339-499-9436cfalcetti@bluebirdbio.com

Investors:Ingrid Goldberg, 410-960-5022igoldberg@bluebirdbio.com

Elizabeth Pingpank, 617-914-8736epingpank@bluebirdbio.com

View post:
Majority of Evaluable Patients Across Genotypes Achieve Transfusion Independence and Maintain It with Near-Normal Hemoglobin Levels in Phase 3 Studies...

Global Regenerative Medicine Market By Type, Therapy, Application and Forecast Report by 2030 – Cole of Duty

The increasing incidence of genetic disorders and chronic diseases is one of the biggest factors responsible for the burgeoning sales of regenerative medicine throughout the globe. The rising adoption of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits of the people all around the world are the main reasons causing the high prevalence of chronic diseases across the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 17.9 million deaths are recorded every year because of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the cardiovascular diseases account for nearly 31% of the total deaths occurring across the world every year.

Request for sample copy of this report:https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/regenerative-medicine-market/report-sample

The other major factors propelling the demand for regenerative medicine are the soaring investments being made by the governments of many countries in research and development activities in the domain of regenerative medicine, surging number of regenerative medicine companies throughout the world, and rapid technological developments in tissue engineering areas and stem cell research. Due to these factors, the global regenerative medicine market is expected to exhibit huge expansion over the coming years.

Across the globe, the regenerative medicine market is predicted to record the fastest growth in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in the upcoming years. This is mainly credited to the improving healthcare facilities and infrastructure in the region and the subsequent rise in stem cell research in the developing nations of APAC. For instance, the Chinese government has recently approved R&D activities pertaining to the human embryonic stem cells, which has in turn, encouraged more research on the clinical potential of the stem cells in the country.

Get Detailed COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Regenerative Medicine Market: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/speak-analyst/regenerative-medicine-market/Y292aWRfcXVlcnk=

This study covers

More:
Global Regenerative Medicine Market By Type, Therapy, Application and Forecast Report by 2030 - Cole of Duty

New CRISPR, gene therapy results strengthen potential for treatment of blood diseases – BioPharma Dive

Three people with the inherited blood diseases sickle cell and beta thalassemia remain free of burdensome blood transfusions and their worst symptoms, months after receiving an infusion of genetically modified stem cells.

One of the three, a young woman with a severe form of beta thalassemia, has now been followed for over a year since she was treated, while the second, a woman in her 30s with sickle cell disease, is more than nine months removed from her infusion. They are the first two patients in pioneering studies of a therapy, developed by CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex, that's based on the gene editing technology known as CRISPR.

Both patients continue to respond to treatment, bolstering evidence of genetic medicine's potential to permanently alter the course of devastating hereditary conditions like sickle cell and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. A gene therapy developed by Bluebird Bio has shown similar potential.

First results from the two studies, disclosed last November, were "taking the promise of CRISPR and turning that into a reality," said Samarth Kulkarni, CRISPR Therapeutics' CEO, in an interview. The additional data and follow-up now available "show these effects can be long-lasting and durable."

And in beta thalassemia, the first patient's experience is now supported by results from another patient who was treated about five months ago. This individual has also been able to stop receiving blood transfusions.

Taken together, the two patients responses are "proof of concept," CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex claim, that their approach to treating beta thalassemia has the potential to be curative.

In sickle cell, the companies are also hopeful. The one patient for whom they have data has not had a vaso-occlusive crisis, a painful episode caused by the disease's characteristic sickling of red blood cells, since her treatment.

"The clinical manifestation of the disease is different, but we see consistent outcomes across both diseases," said Bastiano Sanna, Vertex's head of cell and genetic therapies, in an interview.

Three other beta thalassemia patients and one other sickle cell disease patient have been treated in the two studies of CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex's therapy, dubbed CTX001. If results continue to look positive, CTX001 could be another powerful way to help people for whom treatment options have long been limited.

CRISPR, an easy-to-use method of genetic surgery that's derived from a bacterial defense system, has become a mainstay in labs across the world for all types of experiments. Its potential use as a human therapeutic has drawn closer as companies harnessing the technology CRISPR Therapeutics, Editas Medicine and Intellia Therapeutics have advanced their research. CRISPR Therapeutics is the first of the three to deliver results from a clinical trial.

CRISPR and Vertex unveiled their updated results at the European Hematology Association's virtual meeting on Friday. Also being presented were the latest data from Bluebird's gene therapy, known as LentiGlobin.

Bluebird is much further along, having treated 60 patients with beta thalassemia and 37 with sickle cell disease across six different studies.

Updated results from three of those studies showed 23 of 27 evaluable patients with beta thalassemia were transfusion independent for at least a year following treatment. And in sickle cell, no serious vaso-occlusive crises were observed in the 18 patients who had at least six months of follow-up. An episode was previously reported in one patient several months after LentiGlobin treatment, but was judged to be non-serious.

One sickle cell patient died suddenly 20 months following infusion with LentiGlobin, Bluebird reported Friday. Both the treating physician and an independent study committee concluded the death, ruled to be cardiovascular in nature, was unlikely to be related to the gene therapy.

Both beta thalassemia and sickle cell are diseases caused by mutations in the beta globin gene, faulty DNA that results in either absent or warped hemoglobin. Without enough hemoglobin, patients' red blood cells can't carry needed oxygen throughout the body. And those with sickle cell have abnormal hemoglobin that makes red blood cells fragile and stiff, causing them to stick in blood vessels.

Both diseases require chronic blood transfusions, and can lead to organ damage and reduced lifespans. Treatment options are limited, although that's now changing. The Food and Drug Administration, over the past few years, has approved Reblozyl, for beta thalassemia, and Oxbryta and Adakveo, for sickle cell.

Adakveo reduces the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises, while Reblozyl and Oxbryta are chronic medicines meant to boost patients' hemoglobin levels.

CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex, along with Bluebird, are trying to accomplish the same goal but in more dramatic fashion: raising hemoglobin levels high enough so patients can stop blood transfusions and, in sickle cell, avoid pain crises altogether.

CRISPR and Vertex use CRISPR/cas9 gene editing to modify the DNA of stem cells extracted from a patient's bone marrow. The cells are engineered to produce a type of hemoglobin that's present at birth but normally replaced soon after. Once returned to the body and engrafted in the bone marrow, these CRISPR'd cells substitute this so-called fetal hemoglobin for the missing adult hemoglobin.

In the three patients treated so far, that appears to be what's happened. Both beta thalassemia patients are producing hemoglobin at levels considered normal. The sickle cell patient now has enough fetal hemoglobin to dilute the effects of sickled hemoglobin, potentially helping to preserve red blood cells.

Crucially, CRISPR and Vertex shared data for the first time indicating a high percentage of edited cells are present in each patient's bone marrow, supporting their confidence that the effects of treatment might last.

Bluebird, by contrast, doesn't edit the DNA of extracted stem cells, but rather inserts a modified gene into those cells. Once infused and engrafted in a patient, the cells can produce gene therapy-derived hemoglobin.

In most beta thalassemia and sickle cell patients treated with Bluebird's LentiGlobin, hemoglobin levels rose to normal or near-normal levels.

LentiGlobin is already approved for certain beta thalassemia patients in Europe as Zynteglo. In the U.S., Bluebird has hit delays and pushed back when it expects to submit an application to the middle of next year. A filing for an accelerated approval in sickle cell would likely follow sometime in the second half of 2021.

CRISPR and Vertex, meanwhile, plan to enroll more patients into their two studies, which they hope could serve as sufficient for an approval application if positive, Kulkarni said.

Read more:
New CRISPR, gene therapy results strengthen potential for treatment of blood diseases - BioPharma Dive

CAG Regimen Shows Strong Results as Salvage Therapy in T-ALL – AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

Patients with relapsed/refractory T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia face poor outcomes, and are generally treated by salvage therapy followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. A new study suggests an optimal option for salvage therapy.

Investigators in China say the cytarabine, aclarubicin, and G-SCF (CAG) regimen is highly effective and safe in patients with R/R-T-ALL, confirming the experience of a single cancer centers smaller study. The new research may help build consensus in a therapeutic area in which patients face stiff odds and no single salvage therapy has emerged as the standard of care.

Writing in the journal Cancer Medicine,1 a team of investigators including Hong-Hu Zhu, MD, PhD, of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, in China, notes that patients who are newly diagnosed with T-ALL have been treated more successfully in recent years, but survival among patients with relapsed or refractory T-ALL face long-term survival rates of less than 10%.

The only curable treatment is initiating a salvage regimen to achieve complete remission (CR) and then rapidly performing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), the authors write. Therefore, selecting an effective salvage regimen is vital for R/R-T-ALL.

Thats where the trouble comes in, though. Zhu and colleagues note that although a number of regimens are being used, there is no consensus on the optimal therapy. Back in 2008, a team of Chinese investigators published findings2 showing promising results with the CAG regimen, but the study size was small.

In an effort to better evaluate the regimen, Zhu and his team constructed a 6-center retrospective analysis of patients with R/R-T-ALL who were at least 16 years old and who underwent the CAG regimen as salvage therapy between 2012 and 2019. The team measured complete remission (CR), partial response (PR), overall survival (OS), and event-free survival (EFS).

Out of a total of 41 patients, 33 achieved CR after one cycle of the CAG regimen, and 2 more patients achieved PR. Six patients failed to respond. Early T-cell precursor status did not affect CR rates, which were around 80% for both ETP and non-ETP patients.

Of the 41 patients, 27 underwent successful allo-HSCT, the majority of whom (22) were in CR. After 2 years, OS was estimated at 68.8% and EFS was estimated at 56.5%.

Our multicenter results show that the CAG regimen is associated with a high CR rate of 80.5% and is well-tolerated, enabling most patients to bridge to allo-HSCT, Zhu and colleagues report. Thus, this regimen represents a novel option for adult R/R-T-ALL patients.

Zhu and colleagues said the most surprising finding was the very high overall response rate of 85.4%. Furthermore, the fact that 66% of patients were able to bridge to allo-HSCT was highly encouraging, they said. The investigators note that the regimen is most commonly used in China for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

The CAG regimen seems to have low rates of hematological and non-hematological adverse events, something found in the current study but also in use in AML.

The authors note that the cancer is so rare that it will be difficult to study in much larger trials, though they are currently planning a study that will include 18 cancer centers in China to validate the results. In the meantime, they write that the regimen represents a ray of hope in a difficult disease category.

The CAG regimen enabled most patients to bridge to allo-HSCT and achieve improved outcomes; thus, it represents a novel option for this population with poor prognosis, they conclude.

References:

Continued here:
CAG Regimen Shows Strong Results as Salvage Therapy in T-ALL - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

Global NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Market Analysis, Growth, Size, Demand & Forecast 2020-2025 – Cole of Duty

The latest trending report Global NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Industry Market to 2025 available at MarketStudyReport.com is an informative study covering the market with detailed analysis. The report will assist reader with better understanding and decision making.

The research report on NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Industry market report comprises of an in-depth analysis of this industry vertical. The key trends that describe the NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Industry market during the forecast period are cited in the document, alongside additional factors including industry policies and regional scope. Moreover, the study specifies the impact of prevailing industry trends on potential investors.

Request a sample Report of NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Industry Market at:https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/2707408?utm_source=algosonline.com&utm_medium=PSR

COVID-19, the disease it causes, surfaced in late 2020, and now had become a full-blown crisis worldwide. Over fifty key countries had declared a national emergency to combat coronavirus. With cases spreading, and the epicentre of the outbreak shifting to Europe, North America, India and Latin America, life in these regions has been upended the way it had been in Asia earlier in the developing crisis. As the coronavirus pandemic has worsened, the entertainment industry has been upended along with most every other facet of life. As experts work toward a better understanding, the world shudders in fear of the unknown, a worry that has rocked global financial markets, leading to daily volatility in the U.S. stock markets.

The report also provides with an overview of the competitive landscape along with a thorough analysis of the raw materials as well as the downstream buyers.

Revealing a summary of the competitive analysis of NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Industry market:

An overview of the regional scope of the NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Industry market:

Ask for Discount on NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Industry Market Report at:https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/2707408?utm_source=algosonline.com&utm_medium=PSR

Other takeaways from the NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Industry market report:

Significant Features that are under Offering and Key Highlights of the Reports:

Key questions answered in the report:

For More Details On this Report: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/covid-19-outbreak-global-nk-cell-therapy-and-stem-cell-therapy-industry-market-report-development-trends-threats-opportunities-and-competitive-landscape-in-2020

Some of the Major Highlights of TOC covers:

Development Trend of Analysis of NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Market Market

Marketing Channel

Market Dynamics

Methodology/Research Approach

Related Reports:

1. Global Stress Tests Equipments Market Research Report 2015-2027 of Major Types, Applications and Competitive Vendors in Top Regions and CountriesStress Tests Equipments market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability. The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.Read More: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-stress-tests-equipments-market-research-report-2015-2027-of-major-types-applications-and-competitive-vendors-in-top-regions-and-countries

2. Global Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device Market Research Report 2015-2027 of Major Types, Applications and Competitive Vendors in Top Regions and CountriesCardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device Market report characterize imperative Portion and contenders of the market regarding market estimate, volume, esteem. This report likewise covers every one of the locales and nations of the world, which demonstrates a territorial improvement status, it additionally incorporates Business Profile, Introduction, Revenue and so on.Read More: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-cardiac-resynchronization-therapy-device-market-research-report-2015-2027-of-major-types-applications-and-competitive-vendors-in-top-regions-and-countries

Read More Reports On: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/at-168-cagr-screen-fingerprint-sensor-market-size-set-to-register-50244-million-usd-by-2025-2020-06-12

Contact Us:Corporate Sales,Market Study Report LLCPhone: 1-302-273-0910Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150 Email: [emailprotected]

Read this article:
Global NK Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy Market Analysis, Growth, Size, Demand & Forecast 2020-2025 - Cole of Duty

Calquence showed long-term efficacy and tolerability for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in two trials | Vaccines | News Channels -…

DetailsCategory: VaccinesPublished on Saturday, 13 June 2020 12:40Hits: 358

ACE-CL-001 trial showed an overall response rate of 97% with a sustained safety profile for previously untreated patients after more than four years

In pivotal ASCEND trial, 82% of patients with relapsed or refractory disease treated with Calquence remained progression free at 18 months vs. 48% for comparators

LONDON, UK I June 12, 2020 I Detailed results from both the Phase II ACE-CL-001 trial and the pivotal Phase III ASCEND trial showed the long-term efficacy and tolerability of Calquence (acalabrutinib) in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), one of the most common types of adult leukaemia.1,2,3

The results will be presented during the Virtual Edition of the 25th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress, 11 to 14 June 2020.

In the single-arm ACE-CL-001 trial, 86% of CLL patients treated with Calquence as a 1st-line monotherapy remained on treatment at a median follow up of more than four years. The trial showed an overall response rate of 97% (7% complete response; 90% partial response) and a 100% overall response rate in subgroups of patients with high-risk disease characteristics, including genomic aberrations (17p deletion and TP53 mutation), immunoglobulin mutation status (unmutated IGHV), and complex karyotype. Safety findings showed no new long-term issues.1,4

In the final analysis of ASCEND, an estimated 82% of patients with relapsed or refractory CLL treated with Calquence remained alive and free from disease progression at 18 months compared with 48% of patients on rituximab combined with idelalisib or bendamustine.2 The trial previously met the primary endpoint of Independent Review Committee-assessed progression-free survival at the interim analysis.5

Richard R. Furman, Director of the CLL Research Center, Weill Cornell Medicine said: These data demonstrate no new safety concerns for acalabrutinib, confirming its ability to safely provide meaningful, long-term clinical benefit for patients with treatment-naive and relapsed or refractory disease. The safety profile of acalabrutinib makes treatment to progression an important and plausible option for patients.

Jos Baselga, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D said: These long-term data reaffirm that Calquence delivers a durable response with a favourable safety profile for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients. Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are typically 70 years or older with comorbidities and often require treatment over a long time, making the sustained safety and efficacy profile highly relevant to their quality of life.

Results from the Phase II ACE-CL-001 trial informed the development of the pivotal Phase III ELEVATE TN trial, which, along with findings from the Phase III ASCEND trial, formed the basis for the US approval of Calquence for the treatment of patients with CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

Calquence in previously untreated CLL: 4.4-year follow-up from Phase II trial (abstract #S163)

The Phase II ACE-CL-001 trial investigated safety and efficacy of Calquence (100mg twice-daily [n=62] or 200mg once-daily [n=37]) in previously untreated patients with CLL.1 On 1 May 2015, patients receiving the 200mg dosing regimen were switched to the 100mg regimen.1

Key data from the Calquence Phase II ACE-CL-001 trial1

CI, confidence interval; CR, complete response; DoR, duration of response; EFS, event free survival; TTR, time to response; NR, not reached; ORR, overall response rate; PR, partial response

Response rates were 100% in each subgroup of patients with high-risk disease characteristics (unmutated IGHV [n=57], 17p deletion [n=9], TP53 mutation [n=9], and complex karyotype [n=12]), and reduction in lymph node disease was noted in all patients tested (n=97).1

At the time of data cut-off, 85 (86%) patients receiving Calquence remained on treatment. Six patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events (AEs) and three patients discontinued for progressive disease (PD). No patient discontinued Calquence due to bleeding events, hypertension, or atrial fibrillation. Incidence of AEs generally diminished with time on the trial. The most common AEs (40%) of any grade in the trial were diarrhoea (52%), headache (45%), upper respiratory tract infection (44%), arthralgia (42%), and contusion (42%). All-grade and Grade 3 events of clinical interest included infection (84% and 15%, respectively), bleeding events (66%, 3%), hypertension (22%, 11%), leukopenia (9%, 9%), and thrombocytopenia (3%, 1%). Atrial fibrillation (all grades) occurred in 5% of patients with Grade 3 occurring in 2%. Second primary malignancies (SPM) excluding non-melanoma skin (all grades) occurred in 11% of patients.1 Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in 38% of patients. SAEs occurring in more than two patients included pneumonia (n=4) and sepsis (n=3).1

Final results of Calquence Phase III ASCEND trial in relapsed or refractory CLL (abstract #S159)

ASCEND was a global, randomised, multicentre, open-label, Phase III trial that investigated the efficacy and safety of Calquence (100mg twice-daily) versus investigators choice of rituximab combined with idelalisib (IdR) or bendamustine (BR) in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL.2

Key data from the final analysis of the Calquence Phase III ASCEND trial2

BR, rituximab in combination with bendamustine; CI, confidence interval, DoR, duration of response; HR, hazard ratio; IdR, rituximab in combination with idelalisib; INV, investigator; NR, not reached; ORR, overall response rate; OS, overall survival; PFS, progression-free survival

Sixteen per cent of patients on Calquence, 56% of patients on IdR, and 17% of patients on BR discontinued treatment because of AEs. Common AEs occurring in greater than 15% of patients of any grade in the Calquence arm of the trial included headache (22%), neutropenia (21%), diarrhoea (20%), upper respiratory tract infection (20%), cough (16%), and anaemia (16%). Events of clinical interest for Calquence versus controls included atrial fibrillation (all grade, 6% and 3%, respectively), major haemorrhage (all grade, 3% in both arms), infections (Grade 3, 20% and 25%, respectively), and SPM excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (all grade, 5% and 2%, respectively). SAEs (any grade) occurred in 33% of patients receiving Calquence, 56% of IdR patients, and 26% of BR patients.2

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is one of the most common types of leukaemia in adults, with an estimated 105,000 new cases globally in 2016 and 21,040 new cases in the US in 2020, and the number of people living with CLL is expected to grow with improved treatment as patients live longer with the disease.3,6,7,8 In CLL, too many blood stem cells in the bone marrow become abnormal lymphocytes and these abnormal cells have difficulty fighting infections.3 As the number of abnormal cells grows there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.3 This could result in anaemia, infection, and bleeding.3 B-cell receptor signalling through Brutons tyrosine kinase is one of the essential growth pathways for CLL.

Calquence

Calquence(acalabrutinib) is a next-generation, selective inhibitor of Brutons tyrosine kinase (BTK).Calquencebinds covalently to BTK, thereby inhibiting its activity.4,9 In B-cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis, and adhesion.4

Calquenceis approved for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in nine countries and for adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy in 14 countries. The US MCL indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. As part of an extensive clinical development programme, AstraZeneca and Acerta Pharma are currently evaluatingCalquencein 23 company-sponsored clinical trials.Calquenceis being developed for the treatment of multiple B-cell blood cancers including CLL, MCL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Waldenstrm macroglobulinaemia, follicular lymphoma, and other haematologic malignancies.

AstraZeneca in haematology

Leveraging its strength in oncology, AstraZeneca has established haematology as one of four key oncology disease areas of focus. The Companys haematology franchise includes two US FDA-approved medicines and a robust global development programme for a broad portfolio of potential blood cancer treatments. Acerta Pharma serves as AstraZenecas haematology research and development arm. AstraZeneca partners with like-minded science-led companies to advance the discovery and development of therapies to address unmet need.

AstraZeneca in oncology

AstraZeneca has a deep-rooted heritage in oncology and offers a quickly growing portfolio of new medicines that has the potential to transform patients' lives and the Company's future. With six new medicines launched between 2014 and 2020, and a broad pipeline of small molecules and biologics in development, the Company is committed to advance oncology as a key growth driver for AstraZeneca focused on lung, ovarian, breast and blood cancers. In addition to AstraZeneca's main capabilities, the Company is actively pursuing innovative partnerships and investments that accelerate the delivery of our strategy, as illustrated by the investment in Acerta Pharma in haematology.

By harnessing the power of four scientific platforms - Immuno-Oncology, Tumour Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response and Antibody Drug Conjugates - and by championing the development of personalised combinations, AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer treatment and one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/NYSE: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas - Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visitastrazeneca.comand follow the Company on Twitter@AstraZeneca.

Media

For details on how to contact the Investor Relations Team, please click here. For Media contacts, click here.

References

1. Byrd JC, et al. Acalabrutinib in Treatment-Nave Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Mature Results From Phase 2 Study Demonstrating Durable Remissions and Long-Term Tolerability. Abstract S163 presented at the Virtual Edition of the 15th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting. Available online. Accessed June 2020.

2. Ghia P, et al. Acalabrutinib (Acala) vs Idelalisib plus Rituximab (IdR) or Bendamustine plus Rituximab (BR) in Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): ASCEND Final Results. Abstract S159 presented at the Virtual Edition of the 15th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting. Available online. Accessed June 2020.

3. National Cancer Institute. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ)Patient Version. Available online. Accessed June 2020.

4.Calquence(acalabrutinib) [prescribing information]. Wilmington, DE; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2019.

5. Ghia P, et al. ASCEND Phase 3 Study of Acalabrutinib vs Investigators Choice of Rituximab Plus Idelalisib (IdR) or Bendamustine (BR) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Abstract LB2606 at the 2019 European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting. Available online. Accessed June 2020.

6. Global Burden of Disease Cancer Collaboration. Global, Regional, and National Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life-Years for 29 Cancer Groups, 1990 to 2016. JAMA Oncol. 2018;4(11):1553-1568.

7. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Available online. Accessed June 2020.

8. Jain N, et al. Prevalence and Economic Burden of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in the Era of Oral Targeted Therapies. Blood. 2015;126:871.

9. Wu J, Zhang M & Liu D. Acalabrutinib (ACP-196): a selective second-generation BTK inhibitor.J Hematol Oncol. 2016;9(21).

SOURCE: AstraZeneca

Read the rest here:
Calquence showed long-term efficacy and tolerability for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in two trials | Vaccines | News Channels -...

A Perfect Match: Marcus grad honors late father by saving lives – The Cross Timbers Gazette

Inspired by her fathers battle with lymphoma, Keely Campbell gave the gift of life to a stranger in need. (Photo by Helens Photography)

It was a typical weekend afternoon, and Keely Campbell was busy working the crowd at a local marrow donor registration drive. Volunteering at these events had become a regular thing for the Campbell family, which had an all-hands-on-deck approach to finding matches and saving lives. Perhaps no one embodied that mindset more than Keely.

At 6 years old, she was the youngest and cutest volunteer out there that day so how could anyone possibly tell her no?

I knew how to fill out the forms and how the cheek swab went. So, I registered as many as I could, Keely said with a laugh. Shes now 18 and a Marcus High School 2020 graduate. I was a good little volunteer. They could tell I really wanted to help.

Keelys family included her parents, Stacey and Doug, and older sisters, Meghan and Cassie. And they were perfect voices for how critical it was to educate potential marrow donors on the lifesaving cure of stem cell transplants for patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

A stem cell transplant replaces unhealthy blood-forming cells with healthy ones, and Doug, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2000, was also searching for his own match. Seventy percent of patients do not have a matching donor in their family, so they rely on unrelated donors from places like Be The Match (BTM), the worlds largest and most diverse donor registry with more than 20 million potential donors.

Finding that perfect match isnt easy, though. According to BTM, a patients likelihood of having a matched, available donor on its registry ranges from 23% to 77% and depends on their ethnic background. Doug waited two years before finding his match, and millions more are forced to wait longer. Sadly, Doug died of heart failure in 2015.

Fast forward to today, and Keely hasnt stopped honoring her father by trying to save lives. She and her family still volunteer when called upon, and she added herself to the donor list when she turned 18 in December.

Whats remarkable about Keelys story is that she became someones match only two months later, and because her recipient was a critical case, she completed her donation in a matter of a couple weeks. Thats in stark contrast to Stacey, who has been on the registry since she was 18. Meghan (24) and Cassie (22) both became donors at 18. Keely is the only one of the surviving Campbells to get that all-important call, and she didnt hesitate to say yes.

The people from Be The Match even said that it was insane that I had just signed up and already became a match, Keely said. The day I got that call, I came out of my room, bawling my eyes out. I know what its like to be on the other side. I didnt expect to be a match, but it was important to me that I registered. There are so many people who deserve a fighting chance and not just recipients, but their families, too.

She added, The people at Be The Match made everything incredibly easy. And they were so appreciative.

The importance of staying committed

Doug was an incredibly smart man who was a chemist by day at Abbott Laboratories, where he helped develop medical equipment. But he was known more for being a loving husband and doting father. His selfless attitude and zest for life knew no limits, and one of his favorite hobbies was competing in triathlons and marathons. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, he could have easily folded up his tent. But that wasnt Dougs style and he wanted to impress that on his girls.

Throughout his cancer battle, he and Stacey made the conscious decision to keep their kids informed, insisting that those who are especially children are less likely to be fearful during what would undoubtedly be a difficult journey.

So there was zero hesitation in taking Meghan, Cassie, and even young Keely, along to various marrow donor drives.

It was a way to have some control over something we had little control over, Stacey said. We were hoping there was a reason why we were pulled into a place like this in our lives, and if we could do something for others and advocate for research, then it all had a purpose. Our efforts matched several patients with donors, including two in our church. So even though I had been on the registry for so long without being a match myself, it was nice to know we facilitated other matches. For those people, its a matter of life or death.

From a young age, Keely not only was helping out at these events, but she understood the why behind it.

Every three minutes, someone we know and love is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every dollar raised and every donor added to the registry helps more patients afford transplants while also increasing the number of potential blood stem cell donors. According to BTM, theyve facilitated more than 100,000 transplants since 1987.

The cells used in transplants come from three sources: marrow, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), and umbilical cord blood. About 77% of the time, a patients doctor requests a PBSC donation, a non-surgical, outpatient procedure similar to donating platelets or plasma. Another 23 percent of the time, a patients doctor requests marrow, a surgical, outpatient procedure that takes place at a hospital. A third source of cells used in transplants is cord blood, which is collected from the umbilical cord and placenta immediately after a baby is born. It is stored at a public cord blood bank, and the cord blood unit is listed on the BTM Registry. There is no cost for parents to donate cord blood.

At marrow donor drives, the registration process is as simple as doing a cheek swab. Thats what Keely did, and when she was deemed a match, it didnt take very long to get to donation day. On donation day, she was hooked to a machine as it painlessly drew her blood and extracted the necessary stem cells.

I think I was hooked up to the machine for maybe five hours, Keely said. She was given two shots a day in the four days leading up to her donation to prepare her for the final procedure. That sounds like a long time, but thats five hours of my life and a little discomfort to give someone else the best chance possible of survival. The entire time, all I was thinking about was how the recipient was doing and hoping that I could help them.

Stacey said she couldnt have been more proud of her daughter.

When you get to see your child do something on their own that makes such a difference for another human being in the world, its like, I can die tomorrow Ive done my job, Stacey joked. As a young mom, I prayed over my babies asking God to help me raise them right and not ruin them. For that to be reflected back at me in this way is truly priceless.

Getting the call

When Keely came out of her room after receiving arguably the most rewarding call of her young life, she was quick to share the experience with her mother. She wasnt allowed to know anything about the recipient, but she knew immediately that she was doing the right thing.

My mom and dad were always really good at explaining to my sisters and me how important all of this was. When wed get ready for donor drives, shed say, Dad needs a match, too, so were going to go try and find one, Keely said. Weve talked about it for a very long time, and it wasnt always easy because youre dredging up all of these memories. But it was important to all of us that people know what its like to be a cancer family.

Stacey said the fact that Keely got that call was absolutely one in a million but for different reasons.

Keely was born a year after Doug was first diagnosed. We were told by doctors that it wasnt possible to have any more children because of all of the chemo, Stacey said. So its beautifully ironic that the child who wasnt meant to be my miracle baby is now saving anothers life.

Now that Keely has graduated, shell attend the University of Alabama to study medicine. Her plans are to one day be a pediatric oncologist. In the meantime, she prays to God every day that her decision to be a marrow donor will pay off and maybe one day, lead her to meet that recipient.

Id really like to, Keely said. And I hope they will want to meet me, too.

For more information on how you can be a marrow donor, visit bethematch.org or text CURE153 to 61474.

Read more:
A Perfect Match: Marcus grad honors late father by saving lives - The Cross Timbers Gazette

If You Invested $1,000 in Fate Therapeutics’ IPO, This Is How Much Money You’d Have Now – The Motley Fool

If you had invested $1,000 in shares of mid-cap biotech company Fate Therapeutics(NASDAQ:FATE) when it IPO'd, you would have close to $4,823.33 as of markets' close on June 11. That's an astonishing return on investment of 397.5%. In context, the S&P 500 returned 78.8% over the same period.

What's baffling, however, is that the stock's win streak has been entirely ignored by retail investors. In its most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, institutional investors accounted for almost 100% of the company's ownership. Even so, the company managed to garner much institutional interest despite only having its experimental therapies reach phase 1 status. Could the stock continue its winning streak and deliver riches to investors? Let's find out below.

Image Source: Getty Images

Fate Therapeutics has big buyers excited because it's at the forefront of developing the third generation of cellular immunotherapies. Immunotherapies are treatments that use the power of the body's own immune system to control and eliminate cancer. Currently, the method being investigated by biotechs and researchers around the world is chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR T-cell) immunotherapy, which can help save lives but has a huge price tag.Indeed, after overhead costs, mark-ups, and a three-week manufacturing process, one course of CAR T-cell treatment can cost up to $1.5 million.

Luckily, this is where Fate Therapeutics comes to the rescue with its proprietary induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. Using this method, a single stem cell clone can morph into more than 200 different types of cells via genetic engineering, which can then be mass-produced and stored. When cancer patients need a specific type of antibody in their systems, doctors would be able to request the corresponding iPSC on demand from a cell bank.

In previous articles, I discussed the effectiveness of two such therapies,NK100 and FT500, in phase 1 clinical trials. Let's examine yet another one of Fate Therapeutics' promising candidates, FT516.

FT516 is a natural-killer (NK) cell engineered from Fate Therapeutics' master iPSC line with a modified form of the CD16 receptor. Normally, tumor-killing activity from NK cells can be heavily impaired when these cells detach from their targets. FT516, however, is designed to resist detachment upon activation and have a higher affinity for currently approved antibodies that help target cancer cells.

In its phase 1 interim data release, one patient with acute myeloid leukemia who took FT516 (90 million cells per dose) for three weeks as a monotherapy with IL-2 cytokine (cells that regulate the activity of cancer-fighting T-cells) support showed no external evidence of leukemia after treatment.Furthermore, there was evidence of hematopoietic recovery (improvement in the ability to form blood cells of all types), and no circulating leukemia cells were observed in the peripheral blood. FT516 was also found to be well tolerated in this patient.

While the results are very good, observers may rightly point out that the therapy only worked on one patient and has not been compared to current standards of care. However, the patient who recovered after taking FT516 had previously failed multiple rounds of chemotherapy and treatment with standard of care. Hence, it's more likely than not -- save for a miracle -- that the experimental therapy kept the patient alive.

Overall, all three of Fate's pipeline candidates are set to release their clinical data by the end of 2022. Currently, Fate Therapeutics has more than $1.8 billion in potential payouts if these therapies are successful in the development and regulatory stage, and an additional $1.2 billion for hitting certain commercial milestones. The company also has $319 million in cash and investments, including a $100 million cash infusion from Johnson & Johnson's (NYSE:JNJ) Janssen subsidiary in April. Recently, the company closed another round of equity funding from Johnson and Johnson worth at least $214 million, a move that is highly indicative of the pharma giant's confidence in Fate Therapeutics' future prospects.

Image Source: YCharts

Compared to a quarterly net loss of $33 million, the company's capitalization is superb. I think Fate Therapeutics has some truly amazing candidates in its pipeline and is well positioned to enrich investors with a high risk tolerance.

Originally posted here:
If You Invested $1,000 in Fate Therapeutics' IPO, This Is How Much Money You'd Have Now - The Motley Fool