Stem Cell Clinic

Adaptimmune Reports Fourth Quarter / Full Year 2019 Financial Results and Business Update – BioSpace

By Stem Cell Medicine

- Compelling data in synovial sarcoma in the Phase 1 trial, and continued momentum in the Phase 2 SPEARHEAD-1 trial with goal to launch ADPA2M4 for sarcoma in 2022 -

- Encouraging demonstration of the potential of SPEAR T-cell platform in four new solid tumor indications -

- Co-development and co-commercialization agreement with Astellas to develop stem-cell derived off-the-shelf CAR-T and TCR T-cell therapies -

PHILADELPHIA and OXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom, Feb. 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adaptimmune Ltd. plc(Nasdaq:ADAP), a leader in cell therapy to treat cancer, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year endedDecember 31, 2019, and provided a business update.

The last 12 months have been transformative. We reported responses in five different solid tumors, confirming that our SPEAR T-cell platform can treat a wide range of cancers. We also validated the potential of our allogeneic platform by demonstrating that we can generate functional T-cells from stem cells, and by signing our first major strategic deal in five years with Astellas, said Adrian Rawcliffe, Adaptimmunes Chief Executive Officer. With our passionate and skilled teams, and our world class capabilities, we are developing our cell therapy pipeline for a range of tumor indications, aiming to launch our first product in 2022 for people with sarcoma.

Responses in five solid tumor indications demonstrate SPEAR T-cell potential to treat cancerBased on compelling response data in synovial sarcoma from the Phase 1 trial announced in May of last year, and updated at ESMO and CTOS, the Phase 2 SPEARHEAD-1 trial was initiated with ADP-A2M4 in synovial sarcoma and myxoid/ round cell liposarcoma (MRCLS). The product was granted Orphan Drug Designation, for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation, for synovial sarcoma, by the US FDA. The Company aims to launch ADPA2M4 for sarcoma in 2022.

In January of this year, partial responses in liver, melanoma, gastro-esophageal junction, and head and neck cancers were reported. These early data in multiple indications demonstrate the potential of Adaptimmunes SPEAR T-cell platform across multiple targets and a range of solid tumors. Further updated data will be presented at upcoming medical / scientific meetings.

Partnerships to develop next-generation and off-the-shelf cell therapiesIn January of this year, a co-development and co-commercialization agreement with Astellas, through its wholly owned subsidiary Universal Cells, Inc., was announced for stem-cell derived allogeneic CAR-T and TCR T-cell therapies. The Company has received an upfront payment of $50 million under the agreement and is entitled to receive research funding of up to $7.5 million per year.

This agreement covers the co-development and co-commercialization of up to three T-cell therapies and leverages Astellas Universal Donor Cell Platform and Adaptimmunes stem-cell derived allogeneic T-cell platform. This new collaboration may encompass both CAR-T and TCR T-cell approaches, including Adaptimmunes novel HLA-independent TCR (HiT) platform.

In 2019, Adaptimmune announced agreements with Alpine Immune Sciences and Noile-Immune to develop further next-generation products.

Leadership, manufacturing and financial updates strengthen fully integrated cell therapy company positionAdrian Rawcliffe assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer effective September 1, 2019 and John Lunger became Chief Patient Supply Officer effective August 1, 2019. In January 2020, a series of changes to the R&D leadership were announced, including the appointment of Elliot Norry as Chief Medical Officer. These leadership changes strengthen the scientific and clinical organization from early to late stage and accelerate the application of translational science learnings to therapeutic candidates and trials, as Adaptimmune becomes a late-stage cell therapy company aiming to launch a commercial product in 2022.

Adaptimmunes in-house cell manufacturing facility located at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, PA, is achieving a 25-day processing time for production of SPEAR T-cells. 95% of patient batches manufactured in 2019 met manufacturing criteria set for those batches. The Navy Yard facility was approved as a manufacturing source for a number of the Companys clinical trials in Europe. The Company also produced its first GMP batch of lentiviral vector using an in-house, proprietary suspension process at its dedicated manufacturing space within the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Manufacturing Centre at Stevenage, UK.

Finally, on January 24, 2020, the Company closed an underwritten public offering of 21,000,000 American Depository Shares (ADSs) which, together with the full exercise by the underwriters on February 7, 2020 of their option to purchase an additional 3,150,000 ADSs, generated net proceeds of approximately$89.8 million. Following the agreement with Astellas and the public offering of ADSs described above, the Company is funded into 2H 2021.

Planned 2020 milestonesFirst Half of 2020

Second Half of 2020

Financial Results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2019

Financial GuidanceThe Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, Total Liquidity, together with the net proceeds received from the underwritten public offering in January 2020, the additional net proceeds generated from the exercise in full of the underwriters option in February 2020 and the upfront payment received under its agreement with Astellas in January 2020, will fund the Companys current operating plan into the second half of 2021.

Conference Call InformationThe Company will host a live teleconference and webcast to provide additional details at 8:00 a.m. EST (1:00 p.m. GMT) today, February 27, 2020. The live webcast of the conference call will be available via the events page of Adaptimmunes corporate website at http://www.adaptimmune.com. An archive will be available after the call at the same address. To participate in the live conference call, if preferred, please dial (833) 652-5917 (U.S. or Canada) or +1 (430) 775-1624 (International). After placing the call, please ask to be joined into the Adaptimmune conference call and provide the confirmation code (6083408).

About AdaptimmuneAdaptimmune is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel cancer immunotherapy products for people with cancer. The Companys unique SPEAR (Specific Peptide Enhanced Affinity Receptor) T-cell platform enables the engineering of T-cells to target and destroy cancer across multiple solid tumors.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, and include, without limitation: the success, cost and timing of our product development activities and clinical trials and our ability to successfully advance our TCR therapeutic candidates through the regulatory and commercialization processes. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to our business in general, we refer you to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 6, 2019, and our other SEC filings. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date the statements were made and we do not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Total Liquidity (a non-GAAP financial measure)Total Liquidity is the total of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. Each of these components appears in the Companys Consolidated Balance Sheet. The U.S. GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to Total Liquidity is cash and cash equivalents as reported in the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements, which reconciles to Total Liquidity as follows (unaudited):

The Company believes that the presentation of Total Liquidity provides useful information to investors because management reviews Total Liquidity as part of its management of overall liquidity, financial flexibility, capital structure and leverage. The definition of Total Liquidity includes marketable securities, which are highly liquid and available to use in our current operations.

Consolidated Statement of Operations(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

Consolidated Balance Sheets(unaudited, in thousands)

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement(unaudited, in thousands)

Adaptimmune Contacts:

Media Relations:

Sbastien Desprez VP, Communications and Investor RelationsT: +44 1235 430 583M: +44 7718 453 176Sebastien.Desprez@adaptimmune.com

Investor Relations:

Juli P. Miller, Ph.D. Senior Director, Investor RelationsT: +1 215 825 9310M: +1 215 460 8920Juli.Miller@adaptimmune.com

1 Total liquidity is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is explained and reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP below.

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Adaptimmune Reports Fourth Quarter / Full Year 2019 Financial Results and Business Update - BioSpace

Creative Medical Technology Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: CELZD) Gets the Extra D – MicroCap Daily

By Stem Cell Medicine

Creative Medical Technology Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: CELZD) is the new temporary ticker symbol for Creative Medical since the Company affected a 1 for 150 reverse stock split. According to the Company the reverse split of our stock was a decision that did not come lightly. In order to secure more competitive financing terms and to reduce existing convertible debt, the company needed to return to the OTCQB. As the fundamentals of the company continue to expand and commercialization is ramped up, this was determined to be necessary for the long-term benefit to the company and its shareholders. The reverse affected ALL shareholders, including founding shareholders, Officers and Directors, who have substantial holdings in CELZ stock as well said Timothy Warbington CEO.

Microcapdaily has been reporting on CELZ for years; on November 18, 2018 we stated: CELZ is an exciting stock that has attracted legions of shareholders who see big things happening here. CELZ flagship CaverStem has the only procedure to treat Erectile Dysfunction with adult stem cells in the US. CELZ has runner in its blood and a long history of huge moves skyrocketing from $0.002 in March of last year to highs topping $0.07 per share in August, CELZ loves to run and is a volume leader regularly among the top most traded on the OTCBB.

Creative Medical Technology Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: CELZ)is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on Urology and Neurology using stem cell treatments. The companys team consists of leading international researchers in regenerative medicine with a science-first approach to treatments ensuring that all of its treatments are proven to be both safe and effective. CELZ is engaged in stem cell research and applications for use to treat male and female sexual dysfunction, infertility and related issues. It holds a patent for its erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment and was granted a license by Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, a non-profit biomedical research and education institute (LABIOMED), for the infertility treatment. It has also filed a patent application focused on physical manifestations of female sexual arousal disorder, as an extension of the work with stem cell therapies for ED.

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Creative Medical is currently in the commercial stage of its bone marrow based stem cell treatment for Erectile Dysfunction known as CAVERSTEM, which is being marketed both nationally, and internationally. Earlier this year the Company formed the subsidiary CaverStem International LLC for the purpose of commercializing its erectile dysfunction technology to international physicians.

In a recent update on StemSpine Thomas Ichim PhD of CELZ stated StemSpine will surely be welcomed by the over 50 million Americans suffering from CLBP in the United States as a drug free alternative. Currently, there are minimal treatment options for patients that suffer from this debilitating pain, with roughly 50% of patients progressing to opioids and surgery. I have been thrilled with the positive reception of StemSpine across all fronts as we quietly progressed the program forward over the last few months, said Timothy Warbington, President and CEO of Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. I am especially energized by the positive reception from potential healthcare providers who have overwhelmingly confirmed this is a necessary and highly desirable alternative to current treatment options. We look forward to partnering with these providers and bringing this therapy to the forefront in 2020 for the benefit of the many patients that stand to benefit from it and for our shareholders as we think it will drive tremendous value for the organization.

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Currently on the move since affecting a 1 for 150 reverse CELZ is fully reporting OTCBB, has minimal cash in the treasury, $3.9 million in current liabilities and some revenues reporting $169k in sales in 2019. we stated in 2016: CELZ is an exciting Company developing in small caps; CELZ flagship CaverStem has the only procedure to treat Erectile Dysfunction with adult stem cells in the US. The erectile dysfunction market is booming! According to a recent report from ResearchAndMarkets.com, the size of the global erectile dysfunction market is expected to reach $4.25 billion by 2023. CELZ loves to run and is a volume leader regularly among the top most traded on the OTCBB.We will be updating on CELZ when more details emerge so make sure you are subscribed to Microcapdaily so you know whats going on with CELZ.

Disclosure: we hold no position in CELZ either long or short and we have not been compensated for this article.

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Creative Medical Technology Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: CELZD) Gets the Extra D - MicroCap Daily

If medications fail, surgery option for treating infectious retinitis – Ophthalmology Times

By Stem Cell Medicine

Viral retinitis is a rare disease that implies involvement of Herpesviridae, a family of double-stranded DNA viruses characterized by latency within the hosts cells after the primary infection, according to J. Fernando Arevalo, MD, PhD, FACS.

Dr. Arevalo is the Edmund F. and Virginia Ball professor of ophthalmology, and chairman of ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore.

The viruses implicated include herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), herpes zoster viruses, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and perhaps Epstein Barr virus.

Related: New vitreoretinal tools advancing surgical outcomes

The CMV retinitis virus is the most frequently occurring ocular opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS. Before the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy, CMV retinitis developed in 30% of these patients and afterward in less than 1%.

Patients with AIDS are not the only group in which CMV retinitis can occur. Others include neonates and those in whom immunosuppression was induced, such as after organ transplantation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, malignancy, or other causes, Dr. Arevalo noted.

When these patients present, optical coherence tomography can be used to diagnose atrophic retinal detachments resulting from the very thin retinal tissue and exudative retinal detachments in the macula, he advised.

Related: OCT artifacts and pitfalls: In the eye of the beholder

Polymerase chaine reactionAccording to Dr Arevalo, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be performed to diagnose the CMV retinitis; while 50- to 100-l tissue samples are ideal, the disease can be diagnosed with as little as 1 l of tissue.

Once diagnosed, CMV retinitis can be treated with intravenous ganciclovir (5 mg/kg every 12 hours for two weeks and 5 mg/kg/day for maintenance) or oral valganciclovir (Valcyte, Genentech) (induction dose, 900 mg twice daily for three weeks and 900 mg once daily for maintenance). Intravitreal antiviral drug implants for CMV retinitis include ganciclovir (2-5 mg/0.05-0.1 l) and foscarnet (Foscavir, Pfizer) (2.4 mg/0.1 l).

According to Dr. Arevalo, retinal detachments develop in about 20% of this patient population. This detachment rate may decrease with improved therapies.

The number of patients in whom CMV retinitis develops has decreased, which, in turn, decreases the number of retinal detachments.

He noted that the extent and activity of the retinitis are risk factors for detachment. It is imperative to monitor this in patients and prepare a treatment plan.

With longer patient survival, the need is great for a surgical strategy that will provide the best long-term visual outcome, he said.

Related: Surgeon provides pearls for handling retinal tears

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If medications fail, surgery option for treating infectious retinitis - Ophthalmology Times

Aspire Regenerative Medical Director Featured on New Podcast – PR Web

By Stem Cell Medicine

Aspire Regenerative

SAN DIEGO (PRWEB) February 27, 2020

Dr. Ryan McNally, the medical director of Aspire Regenerative, is the featured guest on Dr. Hanisha Patels natural health podcast, Mahan Health. The episode, New Year, Younger You?, focuses on the latest developments in medicine and technology that promote aging well and gracefully. It is currently available on all major podcast platforms.

During the lively and informative episode, Dr. McNally shares his expertise in the field of regenerative medicine and how it can help rejuvenate healthy tissues. The ultimate goal of these therapies is to slow down the progression of aging and prolong overall wellness. Subjects that Dr. McNally explores during the podcast include stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and products derived from fetal tissue found in cord blood, placental tissue, and perinatal fluid. One of the most promising new areas of regenerative medicine that Dr. McNally discusses is stem cell derived-exosome therapy, which uses the part of a cell that is rich in growth factors.

Dr. McNally is responsible for guiding the vision of Aspire Regenerative, a state-of-the-art facility in San Diego that delivers integrative and technologically advanced medical care. He also oversees the development and implementation of science, research, and technology at Aspire. Dr. McNally is a licensed naturopathic doctor with multiple certifications in regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and injection therapies. In addition, he is a faculty member at the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and an adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University California, where he formerly served as chief medical officer. A sought-after speaker at conferences and universities, Dr. McNally also publishes articles in peer-reviewed professional journals and frequently serves as a guest expert for podcasts, magazines, and newspapers.

About Aspire Regenerative: Aspire Regenerative is a state-of-the-art medical practice offering personalized regenerative treatments and integrative therapies to help patients reach their goals and achieve the best possible results. We have reinvented medical care by incorporating the principle of cell and tissue regeneration, which translates to youthful and vibrant function. Our in-depth expertise and collaboration with researchers allow us to integrate innovative technology into individualized patient care with therapies that are safe and effective. For more information, visit https://aspireregenerativehealth.com/.

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Aspire Regenerative Medical Director Featured on New Podcast - PR Web

BTK Inhibitors Offer Improved Response Over Chemotherapy in Mantle Cell Lymphoma – Curetoday.com

By Stem Cell Medicine

Patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma saw more favorable responses with the BTK inhibitor Imbruvica (ibrutinib) than with chemotherapy, according to nearly a decade of data.

In an interview with CUREs sister publication, OncLive, Dr. Simon Rule went into greater detail about the pooled findings of this research and the use of BTK inhibitors in MCL.

BTK inhibitors are very exciting drugs, said Rule, of Plymouth University Medical School in England. When you use drugs earlier (in the treatment cycle), you get better responses, and that is what we saw, so it wasnt a surprise. The surprise was how effective they were in the best patients. The patients who are getting the best responses to chemotherapy get even better responses with ibrutinib.

Researchers pooled data from 370 patients over seven and a half years from the SPARK, RAY and PCYC-1104 trials, in which individuals with MCL received a dose of Imbruvica each day until the disease progressed or they experienced unacceptable toxicity. The patients who benefitted from this treatment were then enrolled in the long-term analysis that were presented at ASH.

Patients remained on this targeted therapy for a median of 11.1 months. Nearly a third of patients remained on treatment for at least two years, with about half of those remaining continuing treatment for four years or more.

No new toxicities were seen in patients, which Rule considered encouraging. However, patients experienced grade 3 or higher side effects such as neutropenia (17%), pneumonia (13.5%), atrial fibrillation (5.7%) and dyspnea (4.3%). Additionally, 11.4% of patients developed secondary malignancies, which were primarily nonmelanoma skin cancer.

The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.5 months with Imbruvica compared with a median PFS of 10.9 months with each patients most recent prior line of therapy. The researchers also noted that 27% of patients remained progression-free for one year or longer than they did with their prior regimen.

With MCL, when you use chemotherapy, each time you use a different kind of chemotherapy, you get less of a response, said Rule. This is a common complication with lymphomas. With MCL when using ibrutinib, we find that ibrutinib responses are generally better compared with the prior therapy.

In terms of what next steps will be taken as a result of these findings, Rule noted that more research is needed.

Its clear that the earlier we use the drug, the better the outcome, he said. The next steps are using the drugs upfront.

Rule is currently running a trial in United Kingdom comparing the frontline combination of Imbruvica and Rituxan (rituximab) to chemotherapy in older patients. This trial will tell us whether its better than chemotherapy, Rule explained.

It is very clear that early use of drug combinations is the way we are going to be going with this disease, and chemotherapy may very well become a thing of the past.

A version of this article previously appeared on OncLive as Rule Highlights Continued Benefit with Ibrutinib in Relapsed-Refractory MCL

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BTK Inhibitors Offer Improved Response Over Chemotherapy in Mantle Cell Lymphoma - Curetoday.com

Global Regenerative Medicine Market Briefing 2020, Trends, Applications, Types, Research, Forecast To 2025 – Bandera County Courier

By Stem Cell Medicine

MRInsights.biz, the leading business intelligence provider, has published its latest research Global Regenerative Medicine Market Growth (Status and Outlook) 2020-2025 which envelopes all-in information of the market and the nature of the market growth over the anticipated period from 2020 to 2025. With reliable and impactful research methodologies, analysts have served critical information pertaining to the growth of the global Regenerative Medicine market. Our experts team of analysts has monitored the current developments within the market. The report contains market dynamics to help you plan effective growth strategies and prepare for future challenges beforehand. It examines the consumption pattern of each segment and the factors affecting the pattern.

Detailed profiles of companies in the market included are in the scope of the report to evaluate their long-term and short-term strategies. Key players in the market include: DePuy Synthes, Osiris Therapeutics, Medtronic, Stryker, Acelity, ZimmerBiomet, UniQure, MiMedx Group, Cellular Dynamics International, Organogenesis, Vericel Corporation, Mesoblast, Guanhao Biotech, Vcanbio, Cytori, Golden Meditech, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Celgene, Gamida Cell, Stemcell Technologies

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE REPORT: https://www.mrinsights.biz/report-detail/225335/request-sample

A Brief Introduction On Competitive Landscape:

The report concentrates on leading players working in the global Regenerative Medicine market along with their company information, product profile, product specification, picture, capacity, production, price, cost, global investment plans, and supply-demand scenarios are also included. Additionally, analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand and current market dynamics has been provided.

The report contains historical data from 2015 to 2019 along with a forecast from 2020 to 2025 based on revenue. The report identifies opportunities available in the market along with challenges, risks, obstructs, and other issues that may occur in the future. The market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis. Some new, some established players, and a few getting to arrive within the worldwide Regenerative Medicine market are covered in this report. The study analyzes each segment based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.

This report also shows global Regenerative Medicine market import/export, supply, expenditure illustrations as well as cost, price, industry revenue and gross margin by regions covering Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries)

The product types covered in the report include: Cell Therapy, Tissue Engineering, Biomaterial,

The application types covered in the report include: Dermatology, Cardiovascular, CNS, Orthopedic, Other

ACCESS FULL REPORT: https://www.mrinsights.biz/report/global-regenerative-medicine-market-growth-status-and-outlook-225335.html

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Customization of the Report:This report can be customized to meet the clients requirements. Please connect with our sales team (sales@mrinsights.biz), who will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs. You can also get in touch with our executives on +1-201-465-4211 to share your research requirements.

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Global Regenerative Medicine Market Briefing 2020, Trends, Applications, Types, Research, Forecast To 2025 - Bandera County Courier

The European Bank of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Five Years of Progress – Technology Networks

By Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Since Yamanakas demonstration in 2006 that adult cells can be reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state using a specific cocktail of transcription factors, interest in the development and use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) has flourished. The potential for these cells to be used as models for drug discovery and disease research, as well as therapeutics, has resulted in more and more researchers seeking access to iPSCs.

In a bid to meet this increasing demand for quality-controlled, disease-relevant, research-grade iPSC lines, a project began in 2014 to set up the first European Bank of induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC). Five years on and the project entered its second phase, with the aim of becoming a self-sustainable central iPSC hub by 2022.

Here,Technology Networks speaks to Rachel Steeg, Project Manager, Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd and a coordinator of EBiSC activities, to discuss phase two of the project and discover some of the benefits it is bringing to the scientific community.Anna MacDonald (AM): Can you give us an overview of EBiSC?Rachel Steeg (RS): EBiSC is a centralised, non-profit, iPSC repository with central facilities in Germany and the UK which safeguards iPSC lines derived both from within EBiSC and from external research centres. Once iPSC lines are shared with EBiSC, we perform expansion, banking and quality control at one of our central facilities according to user demand. Data are shared to users via the EBiSC catalogue (https://cells.ebisc.org/) with genomic datasets available through application to the EBiSC Data Access Committee (DAC). EBiSC lines can be ordered directly from the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC) and after completion of a single Access and Use Agreement and a Cell Line Information Pack for each line, ECACC can ship worldwide either on dry ice or using a dry shipper. Every iPSC line is securely stored at our Mirror Facility at the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (IBMT) in Germany where an ASKION database, cryo-workbench and hermetic storage tanks track vials using barcodes, ensuring an uninterrupted cold-chain. A second project phase, currently in progress, is streamlining and optimising these core processes as well as developing new iPSC products and services.

AM: What was the motivation behind the project, and how did it get started?RS: Its now widely recognised that iPSC lines hold great promise for changing the way we investigate disease pathologies and discover new therapeutics, but issues around poor traceability, limited access and poor quality, are seen as limiting factors in really progressing with this avenue of research. EBiSC was initially launched in 2014 through a public-private partnership with IMI (Innovative Medicines Initiative) and EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations) with a core goal of tackling these issues aiming to making high quality and disease relevant iPSC lines with associated datasets, adult cells can be reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state. Hence, the focus from the outset was to build an infrastructure that would allow EBiSC to accept iPSC lines from multiple sources and standardise them for downstream use. Sharing the data associated with these lines has been really key in this process, including sharing details of the consent, donor disease information and iPSC characterisation data in an anonymised way via hPSCreg and allowing access to sensitive datasets such as Whole Genome Sequencing through the EBiSC DAC. Finally, EBiSC eased the often lengthy process for completing transfer agreements by implementing a procedure which allows users to access lines from multiple sources under one single agreement.

AM: Why is there an increasing demand for iPSC lines?RS: As protocols detailing the maintenance and downstream use of iPSCs develop, their use in drug discovery, particularly using mature differentiated cell populations, has become easier and easier to implement. Critically, as high-quality iPSC lines are now available through repositories such as EBiSC, researchers can focus on their key research question at hand, rather than investing precious resources on accessing appropriate, fully consented patient biosamples and generating new iPSC lines from scratch. Theres also an increasing awareness that use of current animal and simplistic cell models such as transgenic primary lines is likely contributing to the high failure rates in developing novel, effective and safe therapies and a new approach is needed including incorporating iPSCs as a disease relevant human model during pre-clinical investigations.

AM: The second phase of the project was launched March 2019. What can we expect to see during this phase of development?RS: The current second project stage, again supported by IMI2, will ensure that EBiSC is legally, ethically and financially sustainable long-term by widening the products and services on offer. As well as continuing to collect and provide iPSC lines, EBiSC will also provide disease relevant differentiated cell populations such as cardiomyocytes and neurons, including sharing them in an assay ready-to-use format. As mentioned, EBiSC already has a robust infrastructure for generating, genetically modifying, banking, qualifying and distributing iPSC lines so we are now opening up this infrastructure for external use researchers can just get in touch with EBiSC and ask for help with any of these activities as a non-profit, fee-for-service activity, with revenue feeding back into the bank.

AM: What difference can having access to iPSCs from the bank make to scientists and their research?RS: For many of the disease associations represented by EBiSC, multiple lines are available from the same disease background, helping researchers achieve statistical significance in their research. By accessing iPSC lines from EBiSC, its also not just the iPSC lines themselves which can make the difference. In addition to the datasets mentioned previously and the provision of high-quality iPSC cohorts, iPSC banking, QC protocols and best practice training resources are available through the EBiSC website. EBiSC also ensures fully anonymised traceability of each line, meaning that any consent, third party or licencing restrictions which may apply, are clearly flagged to users prior to purchase.

AM: In addition to the cells, what support can EBiSC offer to researchers?RS: Protocols for how to thaw, expand and cryopreserve iPSC lines are available via the website, as are recommendations as to how users should monitor their cultures both visually and through performing routine QC. Training videos advise users on best practice and Certificates of Analysis give cell line specific recommendations for thawing and passaging. Critically, EBiSC2 now offers iPSC services, including cell line generation, gene-editing, expansion and banking (including generation of banks of >100 vials) and qualifying iPSC lines using the established EBiSC Quality Control regime.

AM: Is it possible to deposit cells in the collection? What are the main benefits of doing this?RS: Yes! Any researcher worldwide can deposit iPSC lines into EBiSC, they just need to reach out to EBiSC either through the website or by emailing us at EBiSC@eurtd.com. Theres a whole host of benefits to deposition, including always having a secure multi-site back-up of your cell line stocks, access to EBiSC generated Quality Control and characterisation data and not having to find capacity for banking and agreeing MTAs if someone wants to access your line(s). One of the main benefits highlighted by current depositors is that deposition ensures sustainability of resources after project completion, both for themselves and to satisfy funding requirements. Best of all, deposition just grants EBiSC a non-exclusive licence to share the line(s), so researchers are still free to use and share their iPSC lines as they prefer, retaining their ownership and intellectual property of the lines.

Rachel Steeg was speaking to Anna MacDonald, Science Writer, Technology Networks.

Acknowledgements:

EBiSC2 is supported as a multinational public-private Innovative Medicines Initiative in its second phase (IMI2, 2014-2020, http://www.imi.europa.eu) under grant agreement No 821362. The IMI2 Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA.

The content presented in the present publication reflect only the author's view and the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

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The European Bank of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Five Years of Progress - Technology Networks

Arctic Medical Center: Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell …

By Stem Cell Medical Center

About Arctic Medical Center

Arctic Medical Center offers advanced services to adult patients from in and around Anchorage, Alaska. As a premier medical center, the team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health care providers, which includes a chiropractor, provides customized health care. They combine advanced medical treatments, state-of-the-art regenerative medicine, chiropractic care, and other integrative medicine therapies like massage therapy to help patients lead healthy, pain-free, active lives.

Arctic Medical Center treats a wide range of ailments, including neck, back, hip, and joint pain, as well as sexual health. Their goal is to offer highly personalized care not only to relieve painful symptoms but also to heal the underlying condition causing them.

Research shows that regenerative medicine techniques, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and mesenchymal stem cells, may stimulate and support the natural healing response of the human body. Arctic Medical Center explores every treatment option available with patients to find the most-effective solution.

The team of expertly trained physicians and wellness providers are committed to serving their patients and the community. New patients are welcome at Arctic Medical Center, and appointments are available by calling the practice or booking online.

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Arctic Medical Center: Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell ...

New study identifies trigger that turns dormant cancer stem cells into active ones – Benzinga

By Stem Cell Medical Center

A new study released today in STEM CELLS identifies, for the first time, two morphologically and functionally different types of cancer stem cells found in cervical cancer.

DURHAM, N.C. (PRWEB) February 26, 2020

A new study released today in STEM CELLS identifies, for the first time, two morphologically and functionally different types of cancer stem cells found in cervical cancer. Of the two types, one exhibits an overexpression of cPLA2, a key enzyme that triggers the transformation of dormant cancer stem cells into active ones, resulting in cervical cancer metastasis and recurrence. The information in this study could lead to new targets for treatments to halt tumor recurrence and metastatic spread. Also, it might accelerate the development of combination therapies.

The current standard of treatments for cervical cancer the second leading cause of cancer death in young women worldwide is radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the cancer's resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, combined with a tendency to metastasis in the lymph nodes or recur in the pelvis, leaves doctors searching for more effective treatments.

Cervical cancer stem cells (CCSCs) are considered the major culprit behind the cancer's ability to overcome these treatments. At the same time, a majority of cancer stem-like cells or tumor-initiating cells remain dormant. It takes a change in their microenvironment to spur them to metastasize.

"The mechanisms responsible for this must be identified to design more suitable therapies for the different subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in various tissue-specific cancers," said Hua Guo, Ph.D., who headed up the investigation along with Yuchao He, Ph.D. The two are colleagues at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. Researchers at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and at the Center for Translational Cancer Research, Peking University First Hospital, also participated in the study.

Although several cell surface antigens have been identified in CCSCs, these markers vary among tumors because of CSC heterogeneity. However, whether these markers specifically distinguish CCSCs with different functions is unclear. The study published in STEM CELLS sought to resolve this question. And in fact, its findings demonstrate that CCSCs exist in two biologically distinct phenotypes, characterized by different levels of cPLA2 expression.

"Our study showed for the first time that overexpression of cPLA2 results in a phenotype associated with mesenchymal traits, including increased invasive and migration abilities. On the other hand, CCSCs with cPLA2 downregulation show dormant epithelial characteristics," said Dr. Guo. "In addition, cPLA2 regulates the reversible transition between mesenchymal and epithelial CCSC states through PKC, an atypical protein that governs cancer cell state changes."

Dr. He added, "Now that we know cPLA2 triggers this transformation, we believe that cPLA2 might be an attractive therapeutic target for eradicating different states of CCSCs to eliminate tumors more effectively."

"The novel study by Dr. Guo and team is of very high importance in understanding the transition between dormant cancer stem cells, which evade chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and actively dividing cells which can be better targeted, said Dr. Jan Nolta, Editor-in-Chief of STEM CELLS. "I applaud the group for this important discovery which will help researchers develop better treatments for cervical cancer."

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The full article, "cPLA2 reversibly regulate different subsets of cancer stem cells transformation in cervical cancer," can be accessed at https://stemcellsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/stem.3157.

Figure Caption: This study revealed that there are two morphologically and functionally distinct cancer stem cell populations regulated by cPLA2 in cervical cancer. cPLA2 might be a unique marker to identify different cancer stem cell populations and trigger quiescent epithelial cancer stem cells transform to invasive mesenchymal states. Overexpression of cPLA2 resulted in a CD44+CD24- phenotype with mesenchymal traits, whereas cervical cancer stem cells (CCSCs) with cPLA2 downregulation expressed CD133 and showed epithelial characteristics. cPLA2, as a key role to reversely regulate CCSCs states and EMT, might provide innovative therapeutic strategies intended to halt tumor recurrence and metastasis.

About the Journal: STEM CELLS, a peer reviewed journal published monthly, provides a forum for prompt publication of original investigative papers and concise reviews. The journal covers all aspects of stem cells: embryonic stem cells/induced pluripotent stem cells; tissue-specific stem cells; cancer stem cells; the stem cell niche; stem cell epigenetics, genomics and proteomics; and translational and clinical research. STEM CELLS is co-published by AlphaMed Press and Wiley.

About AlphaMed Press: Established in 1983, AlphaMed Press with offices in Durham, NC, San Francisco, CA, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, publishes three internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals with globally recognized editorial boards dedicated to advancing knowledge and education in their focused disciplines. STEM CELLS (http://www.StemCells.com) is the world's first journal devoted to this fast paced field of research. THE ONCOLOGIST (http://www.TheOncologist.com) is devoted to community and hospital-based oncologists and physicians entrusted with cancer patient care. STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE (http://www.StemCellsTM.com) is dedicated to significantly advancing the clinical utilization of stem cell molecular and cellular biology. By bridging stem cell research and clinical trials, SCTM will help move applications of these critical investigations closer to accepted best practices.

About Wiley: Wiley, a global company, helps people and organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our online scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, combined with our digital learning, assessment and certification solutions, help universities, learned societies, businesses, governments and individuals increase the academic and professional impact of their work. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The company's website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.

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New study identifies trigger that turns dormant cancer stem cells into active ones - Benzinga

UCLA raises $5.49 billion in one of most ambitious campaigns ever by a public university – UCLA Newsroom

By Stem Cell Medical Center

The Centennial Campaign for UCLA, one of the most ambitious fundraising campaigns ever by a public university, has raised $5.49 billion. As UCLA enters its second century, the funds are already supporting a broad array of priorities, including student scholarships and fellowships, faculty research, and programs that enrich communities in Los Angeles and beyond.

The campaign launched publicly in May 2014 and closed in December 2019, in the midst of UCLAs 100th year. During the initiative, nearly 220,000 donors from all 50 U.S. states and 98 additional countries gave more than 574,000 gifts to advance causes across campus and in communities in Southern California and around the world.

Approximately 95% of those gifts were less than $10,000, and 81% were less than $1,000, indicating the broad-based support for UCLAs mission.

UCLA also received transformative philanthropic commitments of more than $100 million, including Marion Andersons giving for students, faculty and facilities at the UCLA Anderson School of Management; David Geffens gifts for medical student scholarships and the Geffen Academy at UCLA; Meyer and Renee Luskins giving to name the school of public affairs and build a campus conference center; and Henry and Susan Samuelis gifts to expand engineering education and research.

As we celebrate UCLAs first hundred years, the Centennial Campaign for UCLA has exceeded its goals and engaged students, faculty, friends and leaders in setting up the university for an even more remarkable second century, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said. We are so grateful to each and every person who has participated in this extraordinary effort.

Campaign gifts cross campus, causes and communities

Funds raised through the campaign already are making a difference across the campus, including supporting students in a diverse range of fields. Such support includes humanities fellowships established by Jordan and Christine Kaplan and Ken Panzer; scholarships created by the cast and crew of hit television show The Big Bang Theory for students in science, technology, engineering and math fields; scholarships for dentistry students created by Bob and Marion Wilson; and scholarships for public health students established by Jonathan and Karin Fielding.

Steve Tisch and Shirley and Walter Wang both established scholarships for students from middle-income families; faculty member Ellen Carol DuBois donated to support transfer students; and the family of the late Bill Steinmetz, a UCLA alumnus and World War II veteran, gave to support student veterans.

Campaign giving for scholarships leveraged funds through matching challenges, such as those initiated by Miguel Garca-Garibay, dean of the UCLA College division of physical sciences, and Block, who designated student support as a campaign and continuing priority. Every new scholarship will help make a high-quality education affordable for high-achieving students of all backgrounds. UCLA already ranks No. 1 among the nations top-tier universities for enrolling low- to middle-income students, and more of its graduates move up two or more income levels, according to The Equality of Opportunity Project. During the Centennial Campaign, UCLA raised $665 million for student support.

Many other campaign gifts created endowed chairs to recruit and retain stellar faculty: Iris Cantor established the universitys 500th chair with a gift to the Iris CantorUCLA Womens Health Center, and the Ralph and Shirley Shapiro family established several faculty chairs during the campaign in dentistry, disability studies, law, nursing, pediatrics and other areas bringing the total number of chairs they have established at UCLA to more than 20.

Other donors enhanced the campus with lead gifts for state-of-the-art facilities. With the Eugene & Maxine Rosenfeld Hall for medical education, the Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center, the Mo Ostin Basketball Center and the Wasserman Football Center, construction has transformed UCLA during the course of the campaign. In Westwood and beyond, the arts have benefited from Marcy Carseys and Stewart and Lynda Resnicks gifts to renovate the Hammer Museum at UCLA and Margo Leavins gift to refurbish graduate art studios in Culver City.

Throughout the campaign, philanthropists supported UCLA initiatives in a wide array of fields with real-world relevance:

Alumni and friends invest in UCLA

The Centennial Campaign, which was co-chaired by Tony Pritzker and UCLA alumnus Garen Staglin, counted the contributions of nearly 220,000 donors, including nearly 127,000 first-time donors and more than 108,000 alumni donors.

I truly believe in UCLA as a unique public research institution that benefits students from every walk of life, the city of Los Angeles and the world at large, said Pritzker, who is not a UCLA alumnus but serves as a tireless benefactor and champion of the campus. Ensuring a successful start to its second century is an investment not only in the university and its students but in everyones future.

Staglin and his wife, Shari, launched the organization One Mind, which bridges gaps in mental health research and patient support, and they have been strong advocates for the UCLA Depression Grand Challenge. UCLA is leading the way in so many areas, and it has been a privilege to see alumni and friends come together to support causes close to their hearts while advancing education, research and service that change lives, he said.

UCLA makes its mark in higher education fundraising

At the time of its launch, the Centennial Campaigns $4.2 billion goal was the most ambitious fundraising goal ever announced by a U.S. public university, and UCLA surpassed that target 18 months ahead of schedule. Since then, the higher education sector has continued to see an upturn in fundraising and campaigns. According to the Voluntary Support of Education survey, giving to colleges and universities grew 6.1% in 201819.

The same survey ranked UCLA the No. 1 public university in philanthropic funds raised for 201718, and the campus was included in the Chronicle of Philanthropys special report on multiyear campaigns in April 2019. The feature highlighted the proliferation of such fundraising drives across the country, including at several other high-profile institutions across Los Angeles.

In a philanthropic landscape overflowing with opportunities to give, the success of the Centennial Campaign for UCLA speaks to donors generosity and their belief in UCLAs mission, said Rhea Turteltaub, UCLAs vice chancellor for external affairs. We take the responsibility to steward their trust very seriously, and we will continue working to ensure students access to education, secure resources for research and deliver on our commitment to public service every day.

To view campaign results, read stories about gifts and beneficiaries or learn more about giving to UCLA, visit the Centennial Campaign for UCLA site and UCLA Newsroom.

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