Bionic Vision Technologies Announces Interim Pilot Study Results of the BVT Bionic Eye System Designed to Help the Blind Achieve Greater Mobility and…

Up to 44-Week Data Shows Significant Improvement in Both Obstacle Awareness and Object Detection

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bionic Vision Technologies today announced the interim results of a pilot study involving four patients with late-stage Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) implanted with a visual prosthesis designed to improve awareness of external objects and patient surroundings. Results presented during the 38th Annual JP Morgan Conference in San Francisco demonstrated improved combined performance of all six functional vision tests at 44 weeks of active use of the device.

These outcomes represent a significant milestone for Bionic Vision Technologies and give hope to many patients who have lost their sight due to late-stage RP, said Ash Attia, CEO. Based on these positive results, BVT intends to initiate a worldwide clinical trial for the commercialization of our Gen3 device which will offer improved performance and usability as well as a streamlined external design, similar to the appearance of traditional eyeglasses.

This current two-year pilot study, being conducted at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and the Bionics Institute in Melbourne, Australia, involves four adult participants with near total blindness caused by the inherited retinal disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa. Each study participant was unilaterally implanted with the BVT Gen2 suprachoroidal visual prosthesis in the eye with the least remaining vision. Mobility testing was initiated after a two-month surgical healing period followed by a 16-week period of vision rehabilitation training. Participants were asked to complete a series of six tests at 17 weeks following training and then at three monthly intervals from week 20 with the device turned both on and off to assess performance. Data has been collected up to 44 weeks for all patients and will continue to be collected for up to 104 weeks.

Of all mobility tests conducted, the most significant improvement in this cohort was observed with the Primary Obstacle Avoidance Task, which relies on participants identifying obstacles in their pathway. At 44 weeks, patients detected 74.3% of obstacles when the device was turned on, compared to only up to 4% of obstacles when the device was turned off. Considerable improvement was also recorded for the Location Task which relies on study participants identifying and touching an object similar to the shape of a window on a wall. At 44 weeks, subjects were able to locate and touch the window 70.3% of the time when the device was turned on, compared to only up to 24.4% of the time when the device was turned off.

This 44-week combined report gives us important new insight about the real-world use of the Bionic Eye System, said Associate Professor Penelope Allen, MD, Principal Investigator and Head of the Vitreoretinal Unit at CERA and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. The data from this trial demonstrates that the longer patients use the system, the more proficient they become at locating objects, recognizing doorways and avoiding obstacles all of which contribute to a greater sense of mobility and independence in the day-to-day lives of people who are blind. The device also gives patients a better sense of social connection, something they have missed since the loss of their sight.

In addition, patients are reporting that they can do things they have not been able to do for many years. Our research team is encouraged by the unique progress that each patient is making and we believe there will be continued progress the longer patients learn to use the Bionic Eye system.

Prof. Allen added, We are also encouraged that after a year of being implanted, all four of the visual prostheses have remained securely in place within the suprachoroidal space without the need for additional surgery. The stability and lack of serious adverse events of this implant is a clear advantage compared to other visual prothesis technologies that have been commercialized to date.

About the BVT Bionic Eye

BVTs Bionic Eye System consists of a wearable device and a visual implant similar in concept and design to that used by cochlear hearing implants. It operates by translating images from a camera mounted on an eyeglass frame into electrical signals which stimulate the nerves via electrodes placed behind the patients eye to deliver visual information to the brain. Implanting the electrodes in the suprachoroidal space (between the choroid and the sclera), as opposed to sub-retinal or epi-retinal implantation, avoids damage to an already compromised retina. Because the implant is placed behind the retina and does not make contact with the retina, patients may still be able to participate in gene, stem cell or other future therapies.

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Since 2012, a total of seven patients have received the BVT Bionic Eye suprachoroidal implant at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and the Centre for Eye Research Australia, Victoria, Australia. The Gen1 Bionic Eye System, using a non-implantable percutaneous connector, was implanted in three patients for a 12-month monitoring period in an Initial Proof of Concept/First in Human Phase I Study.1 The Gen2 fully-implantable Bionic Eye System is currently being investigated in four RP patients in a two-year pilot study. No device-related serious adverse events have been reported in either Gen1 or Gen2 studies. BVT is now developing the Gen3 Bionic Eye System which will incorporate new software algorithms, including automatically adjusting to environmental lighting conditions. The external device will be smaller, lighter and look more like traditional eyeglasses to enhance patient comfort and social interaction.

About Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis Pigmentosa refers to inherited eye disorders involving gradual loss of photoreceptor cells in the retina. This causes a gradual degeneration of sight, particularly of peripheral vision, resulting in tunnel vision and eventually complete blindness in some people. Damaged photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) leave the retina unable to process and transmit visual information. With a prevalence of one in 4000 people, Retinitis Pigmentosa affects approximately 2 million people and is the predominant cause of inherited blindness2.

About Bionic Vision Technologies

Bionic Vision Technologies, Pty., Ltd. (BVT) is a privately held Australian company developing the Bionic Eye System, a visual prothesis designed to restore functional vision to the blind suffering from inherited retinal diseases, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). To date, the Company has completed initial human testing in seven RP patients to demonstrate safety and initial efficacy with positive outcomes in patient mobility and device stability/durability. BVT intends to initiate a worldwide clinical trial in key markets, including Australia, USA and Europe, with commercialization anticipated soon after. BVT is collaborating with some of Australias leading research organizations, including The Centre for Eye Research Australia, The Bionics Institute, CSIROs Data61, The University of Melbourne and The Australian National University. For more information about Bionic Vision Technologies, please visit: http://www.bionicvis.com.

Media Contacts:

USA: The Rocket 3bvt@therocket3.com

Australia: Bionic Vision Technologiesmedia@bionicvis.com

_____________________________

1 L.N.Ayton,et al.First-in-human trial of a novel suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis PLoS One,9(12)(2014), p.e115239,10.1371/journal.pone.01152392 National Institute of Health: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinitis-pigmentosa

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a73325c-9e89-4267-9a6d-9188e425aa71

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Bionic Vision Technologies Announces Interim Pilot Study Results of the BVT Bionic Eye System Designed to Help the Blind Achieve Greater Mobility and...

Unlocking The Secrets Of DNA Help Researchers Understand How to Slow Aging – YouAreUNLTD

Despite our best efforts, the quest for immortality has been fruitless and the fountain of youth remains undiscovered. Instead, science has focused on slowing the clock. Now, researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a new method that promises to delay the rate of aging with a greater understanding of the mechanics behind DNA. Its a discovery that represents a step forward in living longer, healthier lives.

To understand aging, its important to understand a little about DNA. The body needs cells to divide and they do so by following instructions contained in chromosomes, which are X-shaped threads of DNA. The bad news is that with each division a little bit of genetic information is lost. This results in decreased performance and an eventual gumming up of the works. This degradation cause the signs commonly associated with aging.

Our lives would be short indeed if no defence mechanism existed to protect chromosomes during division. Fortunately, each arm of a chromosome is capped with telomeres repeating sequences of DNA that take the hit during division and protect the rest of the chromosome. However, with time, telomeres also degrade and can no longer contain the damage.

Scientists have found direct correlation between telomere length and longevity, which is why research has focused on slowing down their deterioration, repairing damage and bolstering their strength. Of particular interest is an enzyme called telomerase that replenishes telomeres and could further improve their longevity if it could be modified.

Arizona State researchers took a close look at telomerase and discovered that it acted like a car driving with the handbrake on. Their discovery was an extension on the common knowledge that each enzyme encodes a repeating sequence of six nucleotides on to the tip of chromosomes. The scientists found a pause signal that operates after each sequence to ensure that cell division occurs correctly. However, once the division occurs, the pause continues to have a residual effect, reducing the efficiency of the enzyme.

Telomerase has a built-in braking system to ensure precise synthesis of correct telomeric DNA repeats, says Julian Chen, the lead researcher for the study. This safe-guarding brake, however, also limits the overall activity of the telomerase enzyme. Finding a way to properly release the brakes on the telomerase enzyme has the potential to restore the lost telomere length of adult stem cells and to even reverse cellular aging itself.

The hope is that by targeting this signal they can improve the function of telomerase and improve the lifespan of adult stem cells. The researchers do sound a note of caution since the pause signal plays a critical role in ensuring cells stay healthy. Removing it altogether could have disastrous consequences, including cancer, which has been known to co-opt telomerase to maintain its growth.

Clearly, more research needs to be done, as the team at Arizona State works on recommendations on how to avoid potential pitfalls. Though we may not be able to stop the clock, the future of successful aging is a bit brighter as new developments to slow its ticking continue to discovered.

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Unlocking The Secrets Of DNA Help Researchers Understand How to Slow Aging - YouAreUNLTD

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics to Present at the 2020 Biotech Showcase and 3rd Annual Neuroscience Innovation Forum at JPM Week – Yahoo Finance

NEW YORK, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that Chaim Lebovits, President and Chief Executive Officer, will provide a corporate overview at the 2020 Biotech Showcase, being held on January 13-15, 2020 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square in San Francisco, California.

Mr. Lebovits will also present at the 3rd Annual Neuroscience Innovation Forum, taking place on January 12, 2020, at the Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco. Additionally, Ralph Kern M.D., MHSc, BrainStorms Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer, will participate on aRare & Orphan Diseases Panel.

Meetings

BrainStorms senior management will also be hosting institutional investor and partnering meetings at the 2020 Biotech Showcase conference (https://goo.gl/SGFm62). Please use the Investor contact information provided below to schedule a meeting.

About NurOwn

NurOwn (autologous MSC-NTF cells) represent a promising investigational approach to targeting disease pathways important in neurodegenerative disorders. MSC-NTF cells are produced from autologous, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that have been expanded and differentiated ex vivo. MSCs are converted into MSC-NTF cells by growing them under patented conditions that induce the cells to secrete high levels of neurotrophic factors. Autologous MSC-NTF cells can effectively deliver multiple NTFs and immunomodulatory cytokines directly to the site of damage to elicit a desired biological effect and ultimately slow or stabilize disease progression. NurOwn is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 ALS randomized placebo-controlled trial and in a Phase 2 open-label multicenter trial in Progressive MS.

About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a leading developer of innovative autologous adult stem cell therapeutics for debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. The Company holds the rights to clinical development and commercialization of the NurOwn technology platform used to produce autologous MSC-NTF cells through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement. Autologous MSC-NTF cells have received Orphan Drug status designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in ALS. BrainStorm has fully enrolled a Phase 3 pivotal trial in ALS (NCT03280056), investigating repeat-administration of autologous MSC-NTF cells at six sites in the U.S., supported by a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM CLIN2-0989). The pivotal study is intended to support a filing for U.S. FDA approval of autologous MSC-NTF cells in ALS. For more information, visit BrainStorm's website at http://www.brainstorm-cell.com.

Safe-Harbor Statement

Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information, including statements regarding future clinical trial enrollment and data, constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could causeBrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'sactual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Terms and phrases such as "may", "should", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "likely", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "predict", "potential", and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, BrainStorms need to raise additional capital, BrainStorms ability to continue as a going concern, regulatory approval of BrainStorms NurOwn treatment candidate, the success of BrainStorms product development programs and research, regulatory and personnel issues, development of a global market for our services, the ability to secure and maintain research institutions to conduct our clinical trials, the ability to generate significant revenue, the ability of BrainStorms NurOwn treatment candidate to achieve broad acceptance as a treatment option for ALS or other neurodegenerative diseases, BrainStorms ability to manufacture and commercialize the NurOwn treatment candidate, obtaining patents that provide meaningful protection, competition and market developments, BrainStorms ability to protect our intellectual property from infringement by third parties, heath reform legislation, demand for our services, currency exchange rates and product liability claims and litigation,; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available athttp://www.sec.gov. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BrainStorm's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or assumptions if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, unless otherwise required by law. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

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BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics to Present at the 2020 Biotech Showcase and 3rd Annual Neuroscience Innovation Forum at JPM Week - Yahoo Finance

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market to Perceive Substantial Growth During 2019 to 2027 | Lonza, Thermo Fisher, Bio-Techne, Miltenyi Biotec, PromoCell GmbH,…

The increasing use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of diseases and disabilities of the growing aging population is having a positive influence on the global mesenchymal stem cells market. Mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells that are of various types such as adipocytes, osteocytes, monocytes, and chondrocytes. The main function of mesenchymal stem cells is to replace or repair damaged tissue.

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent, i.e. they can produce more than one type of specialized cell. These specialized cells have their own distinguishing shapes, structures, and functions, with each of them belonging to a particular tissue.

Request Global Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market Research Study Sample

The Global Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market Report profoundly studies past and present phase of the global Mesenchymal Stem Cells market to provide valuable and reliable forecast estimation that drives Mesenchymal Stem Cells market player to obtain comprehensive market scenario for near future. It facilitates Mesenchymal Stem Cells manufacturers and company officials with analysis based on upcoming investment opportunities, challenges, risks, and threats and prompts them to precisely plan their future activities.

Top Leading Vendors :-

Lonza, Thermo Fisher, Bio-Techne, Miltenyi Biotec, PromoCell GmbH, Irvine Scientific, Axol Bioscience, STEMCELL Technologies, Biological Industries, R&D Systems, Inc., Cell Applications, Inc., Cyagen Biosciences Inc., Cytori Therapeutics Inc., BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc., and Celprogen, Inc.

The report further explains the performance of the Mesenchymal Stem Cells market from the last five years. According to the research the market is expected to dominate international market structure with commendable revenue outcome and it would be one of the most influential markets in the world with heavily escalating annual growth rate.

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On the basis of product type, the global Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market is segmented into:

On the basis of application, the global Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market is segmented into:

The report divides the global Mesenchymal Stem Cells market into several significant segments such as Mesenchymal Stem Cells types, applications, technology, end-users, and region. It offers complete and comprehensive cognition for each segment alongside an evaluation of their consumption, sales volume, and revenue outcomes. The proposed segmentation analysis also aids a player to form a customer-oriented approach, make business strategies, and set targets and goals for the firm.

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Besides, the report renders such insights that help to determine upcoming business opportunities, challenges, risks, threats, and obstacles; and enables to make informed decisions. It also depicts provincial trade policies, entry barriers, environmental and financial concerns, and other factors that could potentially obstruct Mesenchymal Stem Cells market growth in the future.

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Mesenchymal Stem Cells Market to Perceive Substantial Growth During 2019 to 2027 | Lonza, Thermo Fisher, Bio-Techne, Miltenyi Biotec, PromoCell GmbH,...

Understanding the developmental conditions of the human spine – Tech Explorist

Almost two decades ago, Biologist Olivier Pourqui established the segmental organization of the vertebral column in embryogenesis, when pairs of somites are rhythmically produced by the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). The tempo of somite formation is controlled by a molecular oscillator known as the segmentation clock. Although this oscillator has been well-characterized in model organisms, whether a similar oscillator exists in humans remains unknown.

Along with his colleagues, Olivier now has created the first lab-dish models of the segmentation clock that use stem cells derived from adult human tissue. The team, through this study, confirm that the segmentation clock exists in human also. Moreover, this offers the scientific community the first in vitro system enabling the study of very early spine development in humans.

Pourqui, professor of genetics in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, said, We know virtually nothing about human development of somites, which form between the third and fourth week after fertilization before most people know theyre pregnant. Our system should be a powerful one to study the underlying regulation of the segmentation clock.

Margarete Diaz-Cuadros, a graduate student in the Pourqui lab, said, Our innovative experimental system now allows us to compare mouse and human development side by side. I am excited to unravel what makes human development unique.

The study, in other words, opens up the new pathway towards understanding developmental conditions of the spine, such as congenital scoliosis, as well as diseases involving tissues that arise from the same region of the embryo, known as the paraxial mesoderm.

Scientists became surprised when they found that the segmentation clock began ticking in both the mouse and human cell dishes and that the cells didnt first need to be arranged on a 3D scaffold more closely resembling the body.

The segmentation clock ticks every five hours in the human cells and every 2.5 hours in the mouse cells. The difference in frequency parallels the difference in gestation time between mice and humans.

This work was funded by the National Institutes of Health grant 5R01HD085121 and is published in the Jan. 8 issues of Nature.

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Understanding the developmental conditions of the human spine - Tech Explorist

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics to Present at the 2020 Biotech Showcase and 3rd Annual Neuroscience Innovation Forum at JPM Week – GlobeNewswire

NEW YORK, Jan. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that Chaim Lebovits, President and Chief Executive Officer, will provide a corporate overview at the 2020 Biotech Showcase, being held on January 13-15, 2020 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square in San Francisco, California.

Mr. Lebovits will also present at the 3rd Annual Neuroscience Innovation Forum, taking place on January 12, 2020, at the Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco. Additionally, Ralph Kern M.D., MHSc, BrainStorms Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer, will participate on aRare & Orphan Diseases Panel.

Meetings

BrainStorms senior management will also be hosting institutional investor and partnering meetings at the 2020 Biotech Showcase conference (https://goo.gl/SGFm62). Please use the Investor contact information provided below to schedule a meeting.

About NurOwn

NurOwn (autologous MSC-NTF cells) represent a promising investigational approach to targeting disease pathways important in neurodegenerative disorders. MSC-NTF cells are produced from autologous, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that have been expanded and differentiated ex vivo. MSCs are converted into MSC-NTF cells by growing them under patented conditions that induce the cells to secrete high levels of neurotrophic factors. Autologous MSC-NTF cells can effectively deliver multiple NTFs and immunomodulatory cytokines directly to the site of damage to elicit a desired biological effect and ultimately slow or stabilize disease progression. NurOwn is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 ALS randomized placebo-controlled trial and in a Phase 2 open-label multicenter trial in Progressive MS.

About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a leading developer of innovative autologous adult stem cell therapeutics for debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. The Company holds the rights to clinical development and commercialization of the NurOwn technology platform used to produce autologous MSC-NTF cells through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement. Autologous MSC-NTF cells have received Orphan Drug status designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in ALS. BrainStorm has fully enrolled a Phase 3 pivotal trial in ALS (NCT03280056), investigating repeat-administration of autologous MSC-NTF cells at six sites in the U.S., supported by a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM CLIN2-0989). The pivotal study is intended to support a filing for U.S. FDA approval of autologous MSC-NTF cells in ALS. For more information, visit BrainStorm's website at http://www.brainstorm-cell.com.

Safe-Harbor Statement

Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information, including statements regarding future clinical trial enrollment and data, constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could causeBrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'sactual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Terms and phrases such as "may", "should", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "likely", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "predict", "potential", and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, BrainStorms need to raise additional capital, BrainStorms ability to continue as a going concern, regulatory approval of BrainStorms NurOwn treatment candidate, the success of BrainStorms product development programs and research, regulatory and personnel issues, development of a global market for our services, the ability to secure and maintain research institutions to conduct our clinical trials, the ability to generate significant revenue, the ability of BrainStorms NurOwn treatment candidate to achieve broad acceptance as a treatment option for ALS or other neurodegenerative diseases, BrainStorms ability to manufacture and commercialize the NurOwn treatment candidate, obtaining patents that provide meaningful protection, competition and market developments, BrainStorms ability to protect our intellectual property from infringement by third parties, heath reform legislation, demand for our services, currency exchange rates and product liability claims and litigation,; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available athttp://www.sec.gov. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BrainStorm's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or assumptions if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, unless otherwise required by law. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

CONTACTS

Corporate:Uri YablonkaChief Business OfficerBrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.Phone: 646-666-3188uri@brainstorm-cell.com

Media:Sean LeousWestwicke/ICR PRPhone: +1.646.677.1839sean.leous@icrinc.com

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BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics to Present at the 2020 Biotech Showcase and 3rd Annual Neuroscience Innovation Forum at JPM Week - GlobeNewswire

A New "Census" of the Zebrafish Brain – Technology Networks

The zebrafish is a master of regeneration: If brain cells are lost due to injury or disease, it can simply reproduce them - contrary to humans where this only happens in the fetal stage. However, the zebrafish is evolutionarily related to humans and, thus, possesses the same brain cell types as humans. Can a hidden regeneration potential also be activated in humans? Are therapies for stroke, craniocerebral trauma and presently incurable diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's possible?

Dresden scientists have succeeded in determining the number and type of newly formed neurons in zebrafish; practically conducting a census in their brains. Following an injury, zebrafish form new neurons in high numbers and integrate them into the nervous system, which is the reason for their amazing brain regeneration ability.

The study was conducted as a collaboration project made in Dresden; scientists from the Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD) combined their expertise in stem cell biology with the latest methods from the DRESDEN-concept Genome Center and complex bioinformatic analyses from the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems and the Center for Systems Biology Dresden.

For their study, the team led by Dr. Christian Lange and Prof. Dr. Michael Brand from the CRTD used adult transgenic zebrafish in whose forebrain they were able to identify the newborn neurons. The forebrain of the zebrafish is the equivalent to the human cerebral cortex, the largest and functionally most important part of the brain. The Dresden research team investigated the newborn and mature neurons as well as brain stem cells using single cell sequencing. Thus, they discovered specific markers for newborn neurons and were able to comprehensively analyze which types of neurons are newly formed in the adult brain of the zebrafish.

The scientists discovered two types of neurons that can be newly formed; projection neurons, which create connections between brain areas, and internal neurons, which serve to fine-tune the activity of the projection neurons. The researchers also investigated the data obtained from brain cell sequencing of mice and found that zebrafish and mice have the same cell types. This also makes these results highly relevant for humans.

"On the basis of this study, we will further investigate the regeneration processes that take place in zebrafish. In particular, we will study the formation of new neurons after traumatic brain damage and their integration," explains Prof. Dr. Michael Brand, CRTD Director and senior author of the study. "We hope to gain insights that are relevant for possible therapies helping people after injuries and strokes or suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. We already know that a certain regenerative ability is also present in humans and we are working on awakening this potential. The results of our study are also important for understanding the conditions under which transplanted neurons can network with the existing ones and thus could let humans re-gain their former mental performance.

Reference

Lange et al. (2020) Single cell sequencing of radial glia progeny reveals diversity of newborn neurons in the adult zebrafish brain. Development. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqz232

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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A New "Census" of the Zebrafish Brain - Technology Networks

Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) receives R&D tax incentive refund of more than $1.8M – The Market Herald

Cynata Therapeutics (CYP) has received a research and development tax incentive refund of $1,891,795 for the 2018-2019 financial year.

This tax incentive refund increases the company's cash position which stood at $9.2 million at the end of the September quarter.

It also enables further resources to be invested towards Cynata's phase 2 clinical trial programs for the critical limb ischemia (CLI) (reduced blood flow) and osteoarthritis products.

This will be alongside the anticipated phase 2 trial for CYP-001 in graft-versus-host disease which will be conducted by Fujifilm.

CLI is an advanced stage of peripheral artery disease which is the narrowing of the arteries in the limbs, typically in the lower legs.

It results from severely impaired blood flow which can cause pain, tissue damage, and gangrene.

Around 25 per cent of CLI patients who are unable to undergo surgery to remove the affected area, often an amputation, will die within a year of diagnosis.

Cynata' Cymerus mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been successfully tested in a mouse model of CLI.

Muscles on the ischaemic leg were injected with Cymerus MSCs or a control.

Over a four-week follow-up period, the return of blood flow was measured and in animals treated with Cymerus MSCs blood flow in the injured limb was significantly higher at every point compared to the control.

MSCs are an adult stem cell found in a wide range of human tissues including bone marrow, fat tissue and placenta.

They are multi-potent which means they can produce more than one type of cell, for example they can differentiate into cartilage cells, bone cells and fat cells.

MSCs have been shown to ease regeneration and effects on the immune system without relying on engraftment (when the transplanted cells start to grow and make healthy cells).

The research and development tax incentive is an important Australian Government program that encourages companies to engage in research and development benefiting Australia by providing a tax offset for eligible activities.

Cynata's share price is up a steady 4.82 per cent with shares trading for $1.20 apiece at 3:29 pm AEDT.

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Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) receives R&D tax incentive refund of more than $1.8M - The Market Herald

Contemporary Bone Alleviates Mechanisms Have Prospective Therapeutic Applications – MENAFN.COM

(MENAFN - News Satori)

Spearheaded by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine divulges a contemporary mechanism that donates to adult bone conservation and restores and unfurls the possibility of advancing the therapeutic plan of action for enhancing bone healing.

Corresponding author Dr. Dongsu Park professor of molecular and human genetics said that adult bone repairs depend on the setting off of bone stem cells which yet remains deficiently distinguished. Bone stem cells have been discovered both in the bone marrow interior of the bone and also in the periosteum the exterior layer of the tissue that wraps the bone. Former studies have portrayed that these two communities of stem cell albeit they apportion various characteristics also have distinctive functions and particular regulatory processes.

Of the two periosteal steam cells are the minimalistcomprehended. It is known that they constitute a heterogeneous population ofcells that can bestow to bone density, molding and rupture restoration,however, scientists had not been able to discern between varied subtypes of thebone stem cell to scrutinize how their varied purposes are controlled.

In the present study Park and his colleagues advanced aprocedure to recognize varied subpopulations of periosteal stem cells expoundtheir benefaction to bone fracture restoration in animate mouse models andrecognize particular components that control their migration and multiplicationunder psychological circumstances.

The researchers found particular trademarks for periosteal stem cells in mouse models. The trademarks recognized a definite subset of stem cells that donates to long-lasting adult bone resurrection.

MENAFN07012020007010660ID1099519082

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Contemporary Bone Alleviates Mechanisms Have Prospective Therapeutic Applications - MENAFN.COM

New Treatment Approved in Canada for Most Common Type of Leukemia – Canada NewsWire

CALQUENCE (acalabrutinib) is now available for adult patients with previously untreated and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 8, 2020 /CNW/ - AstraZeneca Canada today announced that Health Canada has approved Calquence (acalabrutinib), an oral Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as monotherapy or in combination with obinutuzumab in the first-line setting, and as monotherapy for relapsed/refractory (r/r) disease.1

CLL is the most common type of leukemia in adults, accounting for 44 per cent of all cases in Canada.2 Morethan 2,200 people in Canada are diagnosed with the disease each year and more than 600 will die from it.3,4 Despite advancements in the treatment of CLL, there is still no cure for the disease and even after successful initial treatment, some patients may relapse, leaving them in need of further innovation.

"CLL is most often diagnosed when patients are more than 60 years old, at a time when they are already dealing with other health conditions related to aging and are trying to maintain the best quality of life," says Antonella Rizza, CEO of Lymphoma Canada. "Today's announcement offers Canadians living with CLL an important new option for this incurable but treatable disease."'

The Canadian approval was granted under Project Orbis, a new international health authority collaboration which provides a framework for simultaneous submission and review of oncology products among international partners.5Under this collaboration, Health Canada, the U.S. FDA, and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) collectively reviewed the application for Calquence, making it the second treatment approved as part of the program and the first in hematology.

"In the last several years, we've been moving away from traditional chemotherapies to more targeted therapies for CLL." said Dr. Carolyn Owen, Alberta Health Services, Calgary. "Health Canada's approval of acalabrutinib provides a new effective and well tolerated treatment option for CLL patients and improves their treatment options."

The Health Canada approval of Calquence was based on positive interim data from two Phase III clinical trials, ELEVATE-TN and ASCEND.6,7The ELEVATE-TN trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of Calquence in combination with obinutuzumab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody, or Calquence alone versus chlorambucil, a chemotherapy, in combination with obinutuzumab in previously untreated patients with CLL. The ASCEND trial evaluated the efficacy of Calquence in previously treated patients with CLL.Together, the trials showed that Calquence in combination with obinutuzumab or as a monotherapy significantly reduced the relative risk of disease progression or death. Across both trials, the safety and tolerability of Calquence were consistent with its established profile.1

About chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in adults, which begins in the bone marrow, and progresses slowly.8 In CLL, too many blood stem cells in the bone marrow become abnormal lymphocytes and these abnormal cells have difficulty fighting infections.9 As the number of abnormal cells grows there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.9This could result in anaemia, infection and bleeding.9B-cell receptor signalling through BTK is one of the essential growth pathways for CLL. Many people with CLL do not have any symptoms upon diagnosis, and the disease is often found in blood tests for unrelated health problems.10

AboutCalquenceCalquence(acalabrutinib; previously known as ACP-196) is a selective inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK).1Calquencebinds covalently to BTK, thereby inhibiting its activity, and has demonstrated this with minimal interactions with other immune cells in pre-clinical studies.1,6,7In B cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis and adhesion.1 The recommended dose ofCalquenceis one 100mg capsule taken orally twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart), until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.1Calquencemay be taken with or without food.1

About AstraZenecaAstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of primary and specialty care medicines that transform lives. Our primary focus is on three important areas of healthcare: Cardiovascular and Metabolic disease; Oncology; and Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity. AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. In Canada, we employ more than 675 employees across the country and our headquarters are located in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.astrazeneca.ca.

References

SOURCE AstraZeneca Canada Inc.

For further information: AstraZeneca Corporate Communications, [emailprotected]; Hibaq Ali, Weber Shandwick Canada, [emailprotected] / tel: 416-642-7915

http://www.astrazeneca.ca

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