Immortality and 3 Stem Cell Research Stocks

By Karen Rogers - September 21, 2012 | Tickers: BAX, NBS, OSIR | 0 Comments

Karen is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinions of our bloggers and are not formally edited.

Stem cell research puts immortality in our hands. By medically treating stem cells to repair damaged organs, one could, in theory, live forever. The following three stem cell research companies are achingly close to perfecting techniques that will repair and strengthen damaged human hearts.

Osiris Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OSIR) Prochymal is the only drug thats been granted fast track status and Orphan Drug status by the FDA. Already in Phase III clinical evaluations, Prochymal repairs heart tissue damaged by a heart attack and it is also under evaluation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Osiris biologic drugs utilize either human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or stem cells taken from adult bone marrow to avoid the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic or fetal stem cell research usage. MSC are taken directly from the donors human bone marrow and one single donation can produce up to 10,000 treatments. Osiris has designed their treatment to be universally accepted by all recipients to eliminate rejection problems. This treatment can be frozen and kept at end-user medical facilities until it is needed.

Osiris has a market cap of $312.25 million and a P/E ratio of 93.14, which far exceeds the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. The stock is up 77.57% over the past 52 weeks, and closed at $9.50 this past Friday. Osiris has cash of $38.75 million, zero debt, and operating cash flow of -$17.47 million. The company reports $27.92 million in revenue, and net income of $3.53 million for this year. Analysts following Osiris rate it a strong buy/buy.

Neostem (NYSEMKT: NBS) is developing AMR-1000, a stem cell therapy designed to rebuild heart tissue damaged after a heart attack that has also shown promise in treating congestive heart failure. For the first time, a U.S. patent has been issued to Neostem for their Compositions and Methods of Vascular Injury Repair, to protect the treatment and the delivery method.

The company offers consumers the opportunity to store their own stem cells for future treatment. During a four-hour collection process, adult stem cells are harvested from the circulating blood. Fifty-percent of the stem cells are stored in immune reconstitution bags to be used for stem cell treatable cancers or immune system transplants. The remaining cells are stored in separate containers for future use as new stem cell treatments are developed.

Neostem has a market cap of $106.32 million and a P/E ratio of -1.64%. The stock is up 9.38% over the past 52 weeks, and closed at $0.69 this past Friday. Neostem has cash of $2.12 million, debt of $3.75 million, and operating cash of -$8.51 million. The company has earned revenue of $77.20 million and net income of -$42.64 million this year. Of the 3 analysts following Neostem, 2 rate it a strong buy and 1 rates it as buy.

Earlier this year, Baxter Internationals (NYSE: BAX) CD34+ entered Phase III trials, a stem cell treatment designed to strengthen the heart by increasing exercise capacity and reducing angina attacks due to chronic myocardial ischemia. This autologous stem cell therapy harvests the cells from the donors bone marrow, and everything but the stem cells is returned to the donor.

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Immortality and 3 Stem Cell Research Stocks

Einstein Hosts Its First Stem Cell Institute Symposium

Newswise September 21, 2012 (BRONX, NY) The promise of stem cells seems limitless. If they can be coaxed into rebuilding organs, repairing damaged spinal cords and restoring ravaged immune systems, these malleable cells would revolutionize medical treatment. But stem cell research is still in its infancy, as scientists seek to better understand the role of these cells in normal human development and disease.

On Friday, September 14, the Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University offered the Einstein community and invited guests an opportunity to hear from leading stem cell scientists investigating the dynamic field. The 2012 Einstein Stem Cell Institute Symposium featured speakers from around the globe presenting the latest research on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), cell reprogramming, as well as cancer and hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells.

This symposium was an important milestone for stem cell research at Einstein and confirms our intent to contribute to advances in stem cell biology, said the events host and organizer, Paul Frenette, M.D., director and chair of Einsteins Stem Cell Institute and professor of medicine and of cell biology.

There has been a lot of hype in the past few years about the promise of stem cell research and some concerns that perhaps it was oversold to the public, said Dr. Frenette. The symposiums speakers nicely illustrated the tremendous progress that has been made thus far and showed how outstanding research is helping us to realize the full potential of stem cells.

The afternoon event included four presentations: George Q. Daley, M.D., Ph.D., discussed Lin28 in Stem Cells and Disease. Dr. Daley is the Samuel E. Lux IV Professor of Hematology/Oncology and director of the Stem Cell Transplantation Program at Boston Childrens Hospital; professor of biological chemistry and molecular pharmacology, of medicine, and of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School; and an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Kathrin Plath, Ph.D., gave a talk on the Mechanisms of Reprogramming of Pluripotency. Dr. Plath is associate professor of biological chemistry at the University of California, Los Angeless David Geffen School of Medicine.

Toshio Suda, M.D., Ph.D., professor of cell differentiation at the Graduate School of Medicine, Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, presented Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Hypoxic Niches.

Andreas Trumpp, Ph.D., professor and head of the division of stem cells and cancer, and managing director of the Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine in Heidleberg, Germany, discussed Circulating Metastasis-initiating Cells in Breast Cancer.

Dr. Frenette closed the event by thanking the speakers and the 100 attendees in the Ethel and Samuel J. LeFrak Auditorium, as well as additional attendees viewing the proceedings from overflow rooms in Einsteins Michael F. Price Center for Genetic and Translational Medicine/Harold and Muriel Block Research Pavilion.

We hope this symposium will foster collaborations between Einstein faculty members and leaders in the field, and embolden our developing program toward new heights of research excellence, said Dr. Frenette.

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Einstein Hosts Its First Stem Cell Institute Symposium

Treatment failing for Arroyo

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TREATMENT NOT WORKING. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is experiencing more intense pain and "numbness" in her neck. File photo

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is not recovering from her spinal condition despite having undergone stem cell treatment and tried other remedies.

Arroyo is suffering numbness and shooting pain near her neck, she said on her official Twitter account @gmarroyo on Thursday, September 20.

The Pampanga Rep. added that her doctors have advised her to wear her neck brace for longer periods of time in order to cope with the pain, and a recent CT scan showed that her neck muscles have "atrophied" due to her spinal condition.

According to Arroyo, the pain was so intense that she was unable to attend a scheduled pictorial for the members of the House of Representatives and sent a file photo.

After the former President was granted bail by a Pasay City Court last July, she contacted alternative medicine doctor Antonia Park, who owns a wellness center in Tagaytay City, and this week Arroyo started searching for another specialist who can correct her spinal condition.

Arroyo still has physical therapy sessions 3 times a week at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, where the Pampanga Rep. had spent 8 months in hospital arrest over electoral sabotage charges in connection with the 2007 midterm polls.

Dr. Roberto Anastacio, her physician at the Makati Medical Center, earlier said the treatment for Arroyos condition cannot be found in the Philippines.

However, the former President is prevented from traveling abroad by 3 hold departure orders issued by the courts in relation to electoral sabotage, plunder and graft cases filed against her. - Rappler.com

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Treatment failing for Arroyo

Embattled Bonita Springs doctor back in stem cell business

Dr. Zannos Grekos is back in the stem cell business in his Bonita Springs office even though state health-care regulators suspended his license in February.

Grekos, a cardiologist, is chief medical officer of a new company, Intercellular Sciences, which "follows in the footsteps" of his earlier practice called Regenocyte Therapeutics, according to Intercellular's website.

Intercellular operates at 9500 Bonita Beach Road where Regenocyte is located.

The new company website says all stem cell treatment is done in the Dominican Republic, which follows how Grekos was doing the therapy before he faced state sanctions for performing it in his Bonita Springs practice.

Staff at Intercellular Sciences could not be reached for comment.

The state health department is aware of Grekos involvement with Intercellular but cannot say whether serving as chief medical officer means he is actively practicing medicine against the suspension, health department spokeswoman Ashley Carr said.

Incorporation papers were submitted and filed May 15 for Intercellular with the state Division of Corporations, but Grekos is not listed as an agent or manager, the documents show.

The registered agent, Mike Calcaterra, of North Fort Myers, serves as president and chief operating officer of Intercellular. He could not be reached for comment.

Several years ago, Grekos' medical practice evolved into stem cell therapy, where patients would come to his practice in Bonita Springs for medical evaluation and a blood sample would get sent to a laboratory in Israel for cultivating the stem cells. The blood would then be sent to the Dominican Republic.

The patient would travel to the island nation and Grekos' physician partner there would inject the stem cells into the patient. The hope is the therapeutic healing abilities of the stem cells would help the patient buy more time against congestive heart failure, lung disease and other conditions where conventional treatment was no longer effective.

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Embattled Bonita Springs doctor back in stem cell business

Bonita Springs stem cell doctor back working again

BONITA SPRINGS, fla - A controversial stem cell doctor, who lost his medical license in March, is back in business.

Dr. Zannos Grekos is listed as the Chief Medical Officer on the website for Intercellular Sciences, a new company that is "following in the footsteps of Regenocyte," a stem cell company started by Grekos.

WINK News has not been able to confirm whether or not that means the stem cell doctor is practicing medicine at the new company.

In 2011, Grekos was ordered to stop practicing medicine after a cancer patient died following an unapproved stem cell treatment at Regenocyte.

Then, in March of 2012, the Health Department revoked Grekos medical license following the death of a second patient, Richard Poling. At that time, the Lee County Sheriff's Office raided Regenocyte.

We tracked down the phone number of Intercellular Sciences, Grekos new company. The answering machine message links Grekos' old company Regenocyte and Intercellular Sciences.

Despite all the trouble Grekos faces, many of his patients stand by him. "He gave me new life," says Peter Holler. "I can't say enough for him. He's so dedicated to his work and his patients and he doesn't deserve what he's going through."

Holler, like many of Grekos patients traveled out of the United States for his procedure. Holler went to the Dominican Republic four years ago. At the time, he said his heart was half dead.

He says now, he feels great and has since had regular checkups, but has not seen or spoken to Dr. Grekos since his license was revoked.

As for the new company, Holler believes it will get Grekos away from the Regenocyte name and give his doctor a fresh start.

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Bonita Springs stem cell doctor back working again

StemGenex to Launch Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy to Relieve COPD Symptoms

LA JOLLA, Calif., Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New developments in regenerative medicine are bringing about exciting, novel approaches to create therapies for hard to treat diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a hard to treat disorder that progressively blocks airflow in the lungs making it increasingly difficult for an individual to breathe, and is one of the leading illnesses in the US. Yet, current treatments for COPD can only try to limit the extent of damage to the lungs, and to bring some relief from symptoms. Novel treatments for COPD are urgently needed, and new applications with the use of adult stem cells may have much benefit. This is because adult stem cells have an ability to differentiate into many different types of cells, such as those required for healthy, functioning lung tissue. Also, adult stem cells can be isolated with ease from an individual's own fat tissue, and so adult stem cell therapy is not subject to the ethical or religious issues that trouble some other methods.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120920/LA78252)

StemGenex, a US based company, is finding new avenues and methods for using adipose derived adult stem cells to help in diseases with limited treatment options. StemGenex has been working with scientists and physicians over the last 5 years to specifically advance adult stem cell treatment protocols, and the hope is that COPD adult stem cell therapy can help in alleviating COPD symptoms. Results from researchers working with adult stem cells have shown anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory effects, suggesting possible roles in treating COPD. Interestingly, recent studies in mice indicate the presence of stem cells in the lungs can regenerate damaged lung tissue which occurs through infection. Encouragingly, adult stem cell treatment studies in mice appear to have positive effects across a range of respiratory diseases, which includes COPD.

Taking these research findings into account and building on their own developments, StemGenex is about to submit a plan of using adult stem cell therapy for COPD treatment to an Institutional Review Board for review. This study could scientifically define any potential benefits of such clinical treatments. Rita Alexander, the President of StemGenex, says, "Chuck Liptak, a long-term COPD sufferer, eliminated his requirement for oxygen following a stem cell treatment. It's imperative that these results be scientifically quantified."

To find out more about stem cell treatments contact StemGenex. An experienced stem cell physician reviews the patient evaluation and a patient can have any questions or requests for more detailed information addressed by a patient advocate. StemGenex is based in La Jolla, California with treatment locations on the east and west coast.

Contact: La Jolla Cove Research Center 505 Coast Boulevard South La Jolla, CA 92037 858-459-STEM (7836) Contact@StemGenex.comhttp://www.StemGenex.com

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StemGenex to Launch Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy to Relieve COPD Symptoms

Stem cell therapy to lead DOT’s proposed ‘medical tourism’ plan

The Department of Tourism plans to add another reason for more visitors to come to the country through a soon-to-be drafted medical tourism plan, which highlights the relatively cheap yet world-class health services some of the countrys hospitals have to offer.

In this proposed plan, DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez aims to get the countrys medical sector to put its best foot forward by highlighting stem cell therapy as well as other areas of specialization.

Medical tourism focuses on some very serious, important areas of healthcare that the world will travel for, Jimenez said during a forum on stem cell science conducted at the Medical City hospital in Pasig City on Tuesday evening.

Through promoting world-class medical services in the country, such as some of Philippine hospitals stem cell programs, Jimenez said the DOT aims to draw foreigners into the country who, in his words, yung sasakay sila ng eroplano, tatawid sila ng dagat.

(Foreigners) would obviously spend less if they sought care in their own country like the United States or (places in) Europe. So you really have to have a value that will mitigate the cost of that travel. Your service has to be superior, greater value for their money, Jimenez said.

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Stem cell therapy to lead DOT’s proposed ‘medical tourism’ plan

South Korean lawmakers one step from rigorous new system for stem cell Advancement: scientists, physicians and …

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Seung-Jo Yang, a Parliament member, prepared a bill proposing new law for the management and transplantation of stem cells. On September 17, the National Health and Welfare Committee referred the bill to the Conference for review. The previous 18th National Assembly proposed a similar stem cell bill when much of its term had already passed so it was not fully discussed until the period ended, disappointing many patients with rare diseases. The Bill was referred to the 19th National Assembly, though, which shows the willingness of South Korean leaders to meet the expectations that this new law will be passed coming from the medical community and patient groups throughout South Korea.

Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra, president of RNL BIO's stem cell technology institute said "This effort for new stem cell bill will advance the use and sophistication of autologous adult stem cell technology as a powerful solution for overcoming incurable diseases." Dr. Ra, whose pioneering efforts in Korean stem cell research are known worldwide, is equally known in Korea as an ardent advocate for governmental investment in regenerative medicine. Perhaps no scientist has pushed harder for rigorous standards for stem cell banking, which this proposal may at last bring to fruition.

In South Korea stem cell banks have not been operated under a specific legal structure, so development and progress has been limited. The proposed law suggests that the harvesting and preservation of stem cells must be controlled by national regulation, specifically a management system for stem cell harvesting, storage and implantation. Through this, stem cell experts expect growth in responsible stem cell research and faster, even safer development of therapeutics.

Additionally, the current Korean policy requires stem cell programs - regardless of whether there are available therapies for patients with any particular condition - to complete clinical trial phase III for market approval. Had such rules been in place, for example, for the treatment of H.I.V., tens of thousands of people would have died. Many treatments for those with incurable diseases have been approved without completion of Phase III including stem cell treatments in other nations, even for the treatment of HIV, which stem cells have now cured. The bill under consideration proposes that physicians can use their own stem cells to treat conditions under their discretion if those stem cells are properly expanded, managed, handled and provided to clinicians for them at or above the proposed standards, which is the best news patients with incurable diseases for which no existing cure is available by current medicine have had in a long time.

When the bill is passed, high standards will be established and the better methods will immediately be made obvious to both government and patients. Through this the stem cell community expects a leap in industrial growth, and a leap in the ethical adherence of physicians to do no harm to patients and to provide remedies where possible for the aid of their patients.

The Korean medical community also expects not only to see an influx of domestic patients but also many patients from other nations that lack standards for the growth of patients' own stem cells. South Korea, many economists predict, could become the Mecca for stem cell therapeutics.

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South Korean lawmakers one step from rigorous new system for stem cell Advancement: scientists, physicians and ...

Developments of Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

Queenstown Regenerative Medicine - http://www.queenstownRM.co.nz

Professor Richard Boyd and Dr Dan Bates Latest developments of Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

Queenstown Regenerative Medicine, in association with Monash University Immunology and Stem Cell Centre (MISCL), has the pleasure of requesting your attendance at an evening lecture by Prof Richard Boyd, Head of MISCL and Dr Dan Bates, Sports Medicine Physician from Melbourne AFL Club.

Professor Richard Boyd is a world leader in the research and development of potential uses of stem cells to treat disease in both human and animal. He is the Director of Australia's largest and most prestigious Stem Cell Laboratory and a recipient of numerous International Awards for unique research into how stem cells and the immune system develop and how they have their effects in the body.

Professor Boyd's talk will give an overall background to stem cells and the work going on around the world to put these cellular therapies and regenerative medicine into the clinic.

Doctor Dan Bates is a Sports Medicine Physician working with Professor Boyd in the development and use of cellular medicine applications in the field of Sports Medicine and musculoskeletal injuries. Dan is the current team doctor of the Melbourne AFL club and will speak on his experiences using Platelet Rich Plasma to treat musculoskeletal injuries and the opening of stem cell treatment centres in conjunction with MISCL in Australia.

This is a unique opportunity to get first- hand knowledge from some of the best people in the field. These talks will be aimed at the practical applications of how you can use these therapies currently, as well as giving an idea of what the near future holds.

Date: Friday 21 September 2012 Time: from 6 pm 7.30 pm Location: Heritage Hotel, 91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown (Icon Conference Room) Cost: Free of charge

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Developments of Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

Gamida Cell Completes Enrollment for Phase I/II Study of Second Pipeline Product NiCord® for Hematological Malignancies

JERUSALEM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Gamida Cell, a leader in adult stem cell expansion technologies and products, announced today that it has completed enrollment for a Phase I/II clinical trial of NiCord, the companys second pipeline product.

NiCord is in development as an experimental treatment for a series of indications that potentially could be cured with a bone marrow transplantation including hematological malignancies (blood cancer), sickle cell disease, thalassemia, severe autoimmune diseases and metabolic diseases. The clinical trial announced today (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01221857) is studying NiCord as an alternative investigational treatment for hematological malignancies (HM). A combined total of 11 patients were transplanted at Duke University Medical Center and at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Mitchell E. Horwitz of Duke University Medical Center is the principal investigator. Final results of the Phase I/II study are expected within 6 months. The company is also actively enrolling for a Phase I/II study of NiCord as an experimental treatment for sickle cell, a genetic blood disease (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01590628).

NiCord is an expanded cell graft derived from an entire unit of umbilical cord blood enriched with stem cells. NiCord was developed based on Gamida Cells proprietary NAM technology. As the Phase I/II trial for HM is a first in man safety and efficacy study, for this stage, NiCord was transplanted with a second un-manipulated cord blood unit in a double cord blood configuration.

Dr. Tony Peled, chief scientific officer and vice president of research & development at Gamida Cell, said, Pre-clinical data demonstrated the uniqueness of NAM technology in not only decreasing the aging process but also preserving the characteristics and functions of ex vivo expanded stem cells (Experimental Hematology 2012;40:342355). Of significance, the Phase I/II clinical trial data have already shown that many of the patients in the study engrafted with the expanded cells of NiCord rather than with the second un-manipulated unit. This is the first time, in a situation where two units are transplanted, that the cultured stem cells demonstrated prompt and durable long-term engraftment (over one year) in the clinic. We look forward to sharing the complete results of this study in the coming months.

Dr. Yael Margolin, CEO of Gamida Cell, said, The clinical progress of the companys second pipeline product reaffirms Gamida Cells leadership role in the stem cell industry and the companys expertise in bone marrow transplantation. In the near future we plan to not only release the NiCord Phase I/II data but also the long awaited complete results of the Phase III study of StemEx, also for hematological malignancies, but clearly further ahead in development. The company remains on course with the development of StemEx and is considering strategic partners to develop its expanding pipeline of products and to bring StemEx to market.

About Gamida Cell

Gamida Cell is a world leader in stem cell population expansion technologies and stem cell therapy products for transplantation and regenerative medicine. The companys pipeline of stem cell therapy products are in development to treat a wide range of conditions including blood cancers, solid tumors, non-malignant hematological diseases such as hemoglobinopathies, neutropenia and acute radiation syndrome, autoimmune diseases and metabolic diseases as well as conditions that can be helped by regenerative medicine. Gamida Cells therapeutic candidates contain populations of adult stem cells, selected from non-controversial sources such as umbilical cord blood, bone marrow and peripheral blood, which are expanded in culture. Gamida Cells current shareholders include: Elbit Imaging (NASDAQ: EMITF), Clal Biotechnology Industries (TASE: CBI), Israel Healthcare Venture, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NADAQ:TEVA), Amgen, Denali Ventures and Auriga Ventures. For more information, please visit: http://www.gamida-cell.com.

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Gamida Cell Completes Enrollment for Phase I/II Study of Second Pipeline Product NiCord® for Hematological Malignancies