NHL Notebook: Gordie Howes health continutes improving after stem cell treatment – Mon, 12 Jan 2015 PST

The remarkable resurgence of Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe continues, as he has gone from wheelchair bound to pushing a shoppingcart.

Son Mark Howe, who was at Saturdays game between the Wings and Washington Capitals in his role as a Wings pro scout, told the Detroit Free Press that Gordie Howe is doing very well,overall.

Gordie Howe, who turns 87 in March, has severe dementia and has suffered a series of strokes since last summer, including a serious one in October. He was rushed to hospital in early December with what was feared to be another

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The remarkable resurgence of Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe continues, as he has gone from wheelchair bound to pushing a shoppingcart.

Son Mark Howe, who was at Saturdays game between the Wings and Washington Capitals in his role as a Wings pro scout, told the Detroit Free Press that Gordie Howe is doing very well,overall.

Gordie Howe, who turns 87 in March, has severe dementia and has suffered a series of strokes since last summer, including a serious one in October. He was rushed to hospital in early December with what was feared to be another stroke, but turned out to bedehydration.

The family sons Mark, Marty, Murray and daughter Cathy, the latter of whom Gordie Howe resides with in Lubbock, Texas opted to have Gordie Howe undergo stem cell treatment in mid-December. Since then, their fathers quality of life has improved to the point he goes out in public accompanied by familymembers.

Before the treatment, Mark Howe said, his fathers mobility was limited to shuffling his feet forward while sitting in a wheelchair. Now hes able to kick a small ball around outside. And within the past few days, dad was pushing a cart at a grocery store, and hes gone to the mall, Mark Howesaid.

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NHL Notebook: Gordie Howes health continutes improving after stem cell treatment - Mon, 12 Jan 2015 PST

CSU research on horse injuries, stem-cell recovery, may help humans

Doctors, nurses and anesthesiologist's care for a horse that will be receiving stem cells to help repair a meniscal tear in the stifle at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)

Stem-cell research by Colorado State University staffers using bone marrow from horses to heal joint injuries on the same animal is making strides, and researchers have great hope that the project will lead to human medical applications.

A team with CSU's Equine Orthopaedic Research Center reports that adding stem-cell therapy to traditional arthroscopic surgery on horses has significantly increased success rates.

Horses that had follow-up, stem-cell treatment were twice as likely to return to normal activity as those that did not, said David Frisbie, an associate professor of equine surgery with CSU and part of the research team.

"We've doubled it, conservatively," in treating cartilage damage in the knee, Frisbie said.

The team had results of its work published last year in the journal Veterinary Surgery.

Some lesions in the meniscus of horses that could not be treated by surgery have been successfully mended using stem cells alone.

"Western performance horses, reining and cutting horses, and barrel horses are very prone to meniscal injuries," Frisbie said.

Beyond meniscus damage, researchers also have focused on tendon lesions in the lower leg, which typically strike race horses.

Horses that suffered a tendon lesion had about a 66 percent chance of reinjury after surgery. Add stem-cell treatment and the reinjury rate drops to 21 percent, Frisbie said.

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CSU research on horse injuries, stem-cell recovery, may help humans

Gamida Cell treatment granted orphan drug status

Stem cell therapy developer Gamida Cell has been awarded orphan drug status by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for leukemia treatment NiCord. The investigational drug treats acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Hodgkin lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Gamida Cell intends to file for NiCord orphan drug status with the EMA for other indications as well.

Gamida Cell president and CEO Dr. Yael Margolin said, "Receipt of orphan drug status for NiCord in the US and Europe advances Gamida Cell's commercialization plans a major step further, as both afford significant advantages. We very much appreciate the positive feedback and support of the FDA and EMA and look forward to continuing what has been a very positive dialogue with these important agencies."

The FDA and EMA grant an orphan drug designation to promote the development of products that demonstrate promise for the treatment of rare diseases or conditions. Orphan drug designation provides for various regulatory and economic benefits, including seven years of market exclusivity in the US and 10 years in the EU.

NiCord is derived from a single cord blood unit, which has been expanded in culture and enriched with stem cells using Gamida Cell's proprietary NAM technology. It is currently being tested in a Phase I/II study as an investigational therapeutic treatment for hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma. In this study, NiCord is being used as the sole stem cell source.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - http://www.globes-online.com - on January 6, 2015

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Gamida Cell treatment granted orphan drug status

Brainstorm Stem-Cell Therapy Continues to Show Treatment Effect in ALS Patients

By: Adam Feuerstein | 01/05/15 - 10:52 AM EST

Once injected, the NurOwn stem cells bathe the damaged neurons of ALS patients with secretions of nerve growth factors. Brainstorm has a home run on its hands if NurOwn can be shown to slow or halt the progressive destruction of neurons, and if that disease-modifying effect translates into improved muscle function for ALS patients. Monday's update comes from a Phase IIa trial in which 14 ALS patientswere followed for the three months without treatment. At month four, each patient wastransplanted with their own personalized NurOwn therapy and then assessed every month for six months. Brainstorm evaluated NurOwn's impact on ALS disease progression using the ALSFRS score, a commonly used assessment of treatment response and muscle function in ALS patients. Lung function, another commonly used measure of efficacy in ALS clinical trials, was also measured.

Twelve ALS patients were evaluable for response. Of these, 11 patientsshowed aslowing of ALS disease progression at six months compared to baseline, measured either by improved ALSFRS or lung function scores, Brainstorm said. Two other patients enrolled in the study died. Administration of the NurOwn therapy was well tolerated by patients, the company said.

The final Phase IIa data announced Monday were a small improvement over interim results from the same study presented last June. Further, detailed data from the study will be presented at a medical meeting later this year. For perspective purposes, it's important to note that this phase IIa study enrolled a relatively small number of ALS patients and was conducted at a single hospital in Israel. This doesn't necessarily discredit the positive results, but conclusions about NurOwn's ultimate benefit as an ALS therapy can't be drawnuntil data from larger studies are gathered.

Brainstorm is conducting another, larger Phase II study in the U.S., enrolling 48 ALS patients who will be randomized 3:1 to receive a single NurOwn treatment in the muscle and spine, or a placebo treatment. The study is being conducted at two hospitals in Massachusetts, UMass Medical Center and Massachusetts General, and the Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic. The study's primary endpoint is the safety and tolerability of NurOwn, but investigators will also assess ALS patients for efficacy using measures of ALS disease activity and muscle function. The first patient was enrolled into the Phase II study last June and Brainstorm expects results to be ready in the first half of 2016.

The company is also in the planning stages for another Phase II study in which ALS patients will be treated with multiple doses of NurOwn. Must Read: 11 Best Small-Cap Technology Stocks That Could Hit It Big in 2015

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Brainstorm Stem-Cell Therapy Continues to Show Treatment Effect in ALS Patients

Restore and Regenerate

Some people say that osteoarthritis, cartilage degradation, and chronic joint pains degenerative diseases associated with agingare conditions with no cure, but Dr. Charlie Poblete and Dr. Jae Pak say otherwise.

It is a new era of medicine, opens Dr. Jae Pak, one of Koreas premier orthopedic stem cell surgeons and a visiting expert consultant of the Stem Care Orthopedics Department under Aivee Institute (AI). He was recently in the country to shed light on stem cell therapy and how it offers more accessible treament options for patients suffering from degenerative orthopedic conditions.

Dr. Pak was joined by Dr. Charlie Poblete, one of the countrys leading orthopedic surgeon who has a special interest on regenerative medicine and stem cells. Incidentally, Dr. Poblete is the head of the Stem Care Orthopedic Department of AI. Stem cells are not really part of alternative medicine. Its part of a modern medicine because we are talking about the biochemistry that goes on in the body with stem cell treatment, Dr. Charlie relates while adding, the good thing about medicine nowadays is its starting to look at the molecular aspect of the body, the molecular and cellular side of medicine.

Over the years, stem cell therapy has been touted as one procedure that can heal multitude of bone, cartilage, and joint ailments. Stem cells are the bodys natural healing cells. They are recruited by chemical signals emitted by damaged tissues to repair and regenerate the damaged cells. Stem cells derived from an individuals tissues may well be the next major development in medicine. In the right environment, these stem cells can change into bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, collagen, neural tissue, blood vessels, and even some organs. Stem cells may also effect healing by secreting special chemical messengers that repair damaged tissue.

There are many clinical conditions that benefits from stem cell therapy: heart attack patients have shown quicker healing period, improved condition for patients with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinsons disease, ALS, and stroke. Stem cells may also be effective in the treatment of macular degeneration, Crohns disease, and numerous pulmonary conditions. Also, stem cells are now used for patients with kidney failure and in the treatment of critical limb ischemia.

Stem Cell therapy is a simple procedure. Fat is aspirated from the tummy or the thighs, and then we separate the stem cells from them. It is then activated and injected into joints to restore and regenerate, explains Dr. Jae.

Stem Care by The Aivee Group is the countrys pioneer in advanced Autologous Stem Cell Therapy with an esteemed orthopedic team of doctors and surgeons regarded with international qualifications. The institute, with its CEO and medical director Dr. Z. Teo, together with his wife dermatologist Dr. Aivee Teo, now features a stronger multifaceted protocol in treating orthopedic ailments with a faster rate of positive patient response. They are also adept in complimentary therapies to further intensify the restorative powers of stem cells through the effective use of Growth Factors, Shockwave, Radio Frequency, and Electro Magnetic Therapies. 4033245, 4031982, 09209665613, 09175210222. http://www.stemcareinstitute.com

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Restore and Regenerate

Stem cell treatment for Multiple Sclerosis – Case study – Video

Stem cell treatment for Multiple Sclerosis - Case study
Mr. Scott recover after his suffer from MS for over 10 years. Puhua International Hospital provide stem cell treatment for neurological and neurosurgical disorders. http://www.puhuachina.com.

By: Puhua Hospital

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Stem cell treatment for Multiple Sclerosis - Case study - Video

The Irvine Stem Cell Treatment Center Announces Adult Stem Cell Public Seminars in Orange County, California

Seal Beach, Laguna Hills, and Lake Forest, California (PRWEB) January 05, 2015

The Irvine Stem Cell Treatment Center announces a series of free public seminars on the use of adult stem cells for various degenerative and inflammatory conditions. They will be provided by Dr. Thomas A. Gionis, Surgeon-in-Chief.

The seminars will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at 2:30pm and 4:30pm at Marie Callenders Grill, 12489 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach, CA 90740; Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at 2:00pm and 4:00pm at Pollys Pies, 23701 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653; Friday, January 16, 2015, at 1:30pm and 3:30pm at Marie Callenders Grill, 12489 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach, CA 90740; Saturday, January 17, 2015, at 2:30pm and 4:30pm at Dennys Restaurant, 23515 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Please RSVP at (949) 679-3889.

The Irvine Stem Cell Treatment Center, along with sister affiliates, the Miami Stem Cell Treatment Center and the Manhattan Regenerative Medicine Medical Group, abide by investigational protocols using adult adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) which can be deployed to improve patients quality of life for a number of chronic, degenerative and inflammatory conditions and diseases. ADSCs are taken from the patients own adipose (fat) tissue (found within a cellular mixture called stromal vascular fraction (SVF)). ADSCs are exceptionally abundant in adipose tissue. The adipose tissue is obtained from the patient during a 15 minute mini-liposuction performed under local anesthesia in the doctors office. SVF is a protein-rich solution containing mononuclear cell lines (predominantly adult autologous mesenchymal stem cells), macrophage cells, endothelial cells, red blood cells, and important Growth Factors that facilitate the stem cell process and promote their activity.

ADSCs are the body's natural healing cells - they are recruited by chemical signals emitted by damaged tissues to repair and regenerate the bodys injured cells. The Irvine Stem Cell Treatment Center only uses Adult Autologous Stem Cells from a persons own fat No embryonic stem cells are used. Current areas of study include: Emphysema, COPD, Asthma, Heart Failure, Parkinsons Disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohns Disease, and degenerative orthopedic joint conditions. For more information, or if someone thinks they may be a candidate for one of the adult stem cell protocols offered by the Irvine Stem Cell Treatment Center, they may contact Dr. Gionis directly at (949) 679-3889, or see a complete list of the Centers study areas at: http://www.IrvineStemCellsUSA.com.

About the Irvine Stem Cell Treatment Center: The Irvine Stem Cell Treatment Center, along with sister affiliates, the Miami Stem Cell Treatment Center and the Manhattan Regenerative Medicine Medical Group, is an affiliate of the Cell Surgical Network (CSN); we are located in Irvine and Westlake, California. We provide care for people suffering from diseases that may be alleviated by access to adult stem cell based regenerative treatment. We utilize a fat transfer surgical technology to isolate and implant the patients own stem cells from a small quantity of fat harvested by a mini-liposuction on the same day. The investigational protocols utilized by the Irvine Stem Cell Treatment Center have been reviewed and approved by an IRB (Institutional Review Board) which is registered with the U.S. Department of Health, Office of Human Research Protection; and the study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). For more information, visit our websites: http://www.IrvineStemCellsUSA.com, http://www.MiamiStemCellsUSA.com or http://www.NYStemCellsUSA.com.

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The Irvine Stem Cell Treatment Center Announces Adult Stem Cell Public Seminars in Orange County, California

Ten years in, California's stem cell program is getting a reboot

Turning 10 years old may not quite mark adolescence for a human child, but for a major government research effort such as California's stem cell program, it's well past middle age.

So it's a little strange to hear C. Randal Mills, the new president and chief executive of the program known formally as the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, say it's time to instill in CIRM "a clear sense of mission."

But that's what Mills is planning for the coming year, as he launches CIRM 2.0, a comprehensive reboot of the program.

Mills, a former biotech company chief executive, took over as CIRM's president last May. His first task, he told me, was to "take a step back and look broadly at how we do our business." He reached the conclusion that "there was a lot of room for improvement."

That's a striking admission for a program that already has allocated roughly two-thirds of its original $3-billion endowment.

Biomedical researchers are sure to find a lot to like about CIRM 2.0, especially Mills' commitment to streamline the program's grant and loan approval process for projects aimed at clinical trials of potential therapies. Reviews of applications take about 22 months on average; Mills hopes to cut that to about three months. The process can be made more efficient without sacrificing science: "We need to do it quickly and also focus on quality," he says in a videotaped presentation on the CIRM website. The CIRM board last month approved a six-month, $50-million round of funding under the new system, all to be aimed at testing new therapies.

Yet the focus on drug development shows that CIRM remains a prisoner of the politics that brought it into existence. The Proposition 71 campaign in 2004 employed inflated promises of cures for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes and other therapy-resistant conditions to goad California voters into approving the $3-billion bond issue ($6 billion with interest) for stem cell research.

CIRM says it has funded clinical trials of 10 therapies and has backed an additional 87 projects "in the later stages of moving toward clinical trials." In scientific terms that's progress, but it may fall short of the public expectations of "cures" stoked by the initiative's promoters 10 years ago.

And that poses a political problem. At its current rate of grant and loan approvals of about $190 million a year, CIRM has enough funding to last until 2020. What happens after that is an open question, but any campaign to seek new public funding may depend on CIRM's having a successful therapy to show off to voters.

Mills says winning approval for more public funding isn't the goal of CIRM 2.0. "It's not our job at CIRM to extend the life of CIRM," he told me. Instead, he couches the need for urgency in terms of serving patients. As chief executive of Maryland-based Osiris Therapeutics, where he worked before joining CIRM, he says, he had "a firsthand view into the significance of stem cell treatment, and of how important urgency is in this game." Osiris received approval from the Food and Drug Administration and Canadian regulators for a stem cell drug to treat children with severe complications from bone marrow and other blood transplants.

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Ten years in, California's stem cell program is getting a reboot

Stem Cell Therapy Fixes Post-Surgical Airway Abnormality

By Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Using stem cells derived from a patient's own bone marrow, researchers have repaired a fistula -- a potentially fatal tissue abnormality -- in the man's lower airway.

"This is another interesting new therapeutic approach for stem cells," said lead researcher Dr. Francesco Petrella, deputy director of thoracic surgery at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy.

The patient, a 42-year-old firefighter, developed the fistula after surgeons removed a lung as part of treatment for mesothelioma cancer. A fistula is abnormal tissue connecting an organ, blood vessel or intestine to another structure. In this case, the fistula developed between the lower airway and the tissue that surrounds the lungs.

"Our clinical experience supports the idea that stem cells could be effectively used to close some tissue defects developing after very complex surgical procedures, thus restoring a functioning airway," Petrella said.

A fistula that develops after chest surgery is serious and even deadly, Petrella said. Current treatments involve removing ribs and taking medications for months or years, he explained.

"Less invasive approaches like endoscopic glue injections have only poor results, so our proposed techniques could improve quality of life in these patients," Petrella said.

Sixty days after stem cell therapy, the firefighter's fistula was healed, the researchers said. The hole seen before stem cell therapy was no longer visible, having been replaced by new tissue created by the stem cell implant, they explained.

Some people are born with a fistula. Other causes of fistulas include complications from surgery, injury, infection and diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Petrella believes that this same stem cell technique could be used to treat fistulas that develop elsewhere in the body.

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Stem Cell Therapy Fixes Post-Surgical Airway Abnormality

Stem cell study leads to potential new dementia treatment

The research involved creating human cells in a laboratory dish instead of relying on tests on mice. Photograph: corfield / Alamy/Alamy

Cells used to study dementia in a dish have led scientists to a potential new treatment strategy for an inherited form of the brain disease.

Defective stem cells grown in the lab revealed a signalling pathway linked to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which accounts for about half of dementia cases before the age of 60.

Treatment with a drug that suppressed the pathway, known as Wnt, restored the ability of neurons affected by the disease to develop normally.

Prof Philip Van Damme, from the Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease in Belgium, said: Our findings suggest that signalling events required for neurodevelopment may also play major roles in neurodegeneration.

Targeting such pathways, as for instance the Wnt pathway presented in this study, may result in the creation of novel therapeutic approaches for frontotemporal dementia.

Mutations in the progranulin (GRN) gene are commonly associated with FTD, which results in damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

The fact that GRN mutations produced in mice do not display all the features of the human disorder has limited progress towards effective treatments for FTD.

Instead of relying on animal tests, the new research involved creating human cells in a laboratory dish.

The scientists reprogrammed skin cells from three dementia patients into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), immature cells that mimic stem cells taken from early-stage embryos.

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Stem cell study leads to potential new dementia treatment