Stem Cell Clinic

Vivtex Enters Research Collaboration with Astellas Pharma

By Global News Feed

Cambridge, MA, USA and Zurich, Switzerland – 23rd January 2024. Vivtex Corporation (“Vivtex” or “the Company”), a biotech company aiming to transform the development of oral biologic therapies for major diseases, announces that it has entered a research collaboration with Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”), a global pharmaceutical company. The collaboration is focused on the evaluation of Vivtex’s unique and proprietary GI-ORIS™ (“Gut on a chip” and AI) screening and formulation platform technology to support the development of novel, oral versions of a therapeutic candidate provided by Astellas.

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Vivtex Enters Research Collaboration with Astellas Pharma

Corvus Pharmaceuticals Announces the Passing of Board Member Edith P. Mitchell

By Global News Feed

BURLINGAME, Calif., Jan. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRVS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Edith P. Mitchell, M.D., a valued member of the Board of Directors. The Company extends its condolences to her family, colleagues and community.

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Corvus Pharmaceuticals Announces the Passing of Board Member Edith P. Mitchell

Sagimet Biosciences Announces Proposed Public Offering of Series A Common Stock

By Global News Feed

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sagimet Biosciences Inc. (“Sagimet”) (Nasdaq: SGMT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors designed to target dysfunctional metabolic and fibrotic pathways, today announced the commencement of an underwritten public offering of 9,000,000 shares of its Series A common stock. All of the shares in the proposed offering are to be sold by Sagimet. In addition, Sagimet expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,350,000 shares of its Series A common stock in the offering. The offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering.

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Sagimet Biosciences Announces Proposed Public Offering of Series A Common Stock

Oral Stem Cells Genome Map Revolutionizes Regenerative Medicine – Mirage News

By Stem Cell Medicine

Cambridge, Mass., Jan. 16, 2024 - A team of researchers from the ADA Forsyth Institute and University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill used single-cell transcriptomic analysis to successfully map dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) and found remarkable differences between them. The study, which appeared in the Journal of Dental Research, provides the most detailed analysis of these stem cells to date, identifying the entire genome of the stem cells and their potential differentiation trajectories.

"Dental pulp and periodontal ligament stem cells both have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body," explained ADA Forsyth Scientist, Alpdogan Kantarci, DDS, MSc, PhD who led the study with UNC biostatistician, Di Wu, PhD. "We wanted to discover how they were different and whether there were differences in their capacity to differentiate into other cell types."

The team discovered that both types of stem cells have seven different gene clusters, with different categories of genes reflecting different stages in the process of differentiation. Four of those gene clusters were similar when comparing the two types of stem cells. Three of the clusters were uniquely different. While PDLSC's were more like fibroblasts (cells that can become connective tissue) because of an increased proportion of certain clusters, DPSCs had higher differentiation potential and converted more easily into bone cells.

"This new information on the specific genetic composition and mechanisms of differentiation in dental pulp and periodontal ligament stem cells will generate a new era of work in regenerative medicine" said Dr. Kantarci. "We could potentially select a stem cell based on its distinct properties to create targeted regenerative dental tissue repair and other regenerative therapies."

ADA Forsyth scientists obtained the stem cells from extracted teeth without culturing them (unlike other studies of these stem cells) and sent them unfrozen to UNC for single-cell transcriptomic analysis. Meanwhile, they also took the same cells and differentiated them into known cell types such as fibroblasts (cells that can become connective tissue) and osteoblasts (bone cells). The team then used advanced bioinformatics to compare and document the capacity of the two populations of stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts or fibroblasts. The results of the bulk RNA sequencing validated the findings of the single-cell transcriptomics.

"Prior to this study, people believed that stem cells were either very similar to each other, or very different from one another," said Dr. Kantarci. "Now we have enough information to see the huge potential for using specific features of these stem cells to create more effective and targeted regenerative therapies."

Additional collaborators on the project included T. Van Dyke, H. Hasturk, and Y.C. Wu of ADA Forsyth; Y. Yang, T. Alvarez, M.Z. Miao and G. Li of UNC Chapel Hill; and, J. Lou of University of Washington, Seattle.

Funding:

This work was funded by NIH/NIA (AG062496) and NIH/NIDCR (DE025020) grants, and the University of North Carolina Computation Medicine Program Award 2020. T. Alves holds a J. William Fulbright Scholarship (CAPESfinance code 001). M.Z. Miao is supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research ZIA DE000719 and ZIE DE000727.

Paper cited:

"Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Dental Pulp and Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells," Journal of Dental Research. DOI: 10.1177/00220345231205283

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Oral Stem Cells Genome Map Revolutionizes Regenerative Medicine - Mirage News

Cancer Mutations in 22% of Stem Cells: Concern for Regenerative Medicine – BNN Breaking

By Stem Cell Medicine

Cancer-Related Mutations Found in 22% of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Cause for Concern in Regenerative Medicine

A recent study conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has raised significant concerns in the rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine. The study, focusing on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)known for their capacity to self-renew and differentiate into various human cell typeshas unearthed a disturbing revelation. A staggering 22% of hPSC samples were found to carry at least one cancer-related mutation. These cells, despite their remarkable potential for tissue regeneration, disease modeling, and drug discovery, might harbor hidden dangers.

The majority of these mutations, accounting for approximately 70%, were discovered to be acquired during cell propagation in culture. This finding emphasizes the need for increased vigilance in the use of stem cell derivatives in both research and clinical applications. It underscores the importance of regular evaluations of cell cultures to ensure accurate conclusions and safe therapeutic practices.

The research was led by Prof. Nissim Benvenistys laboratory at the Azrieli Center for Stem Cell and Genetic Research. The team used a bioinformatic algorithm to analyze over 2,200 samples from more than 140 different hPSC lines. The study, published in the esteemed Nature Biotechnology, found that the most common mutation was in the P53 gene, a well-known tumor suppressor.

The high prevalence of mutations poses a serious challenge to the safety standards in research and clinical applications. Moreover, these mutations affect not only the growth advantage in culture but also influence the cell fate transition during differentiation. This raises considerable concerns for the future direction of the field, particularly in clinical settings. The findings of the study merit urgent attention and pave the way for more comprehensive safety protocols in regenerative medicine.

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Cancer Mutations in 22% of Stem Cells: Concern for Regenerative Medicine - BNN Breaking

AI Biotech Secures Funding to Speed Up Stem Cell Therapy Development – BioPharm International

By Stem Cell Treatment

CellVoyant has raised 7.6 million in seed funding to speed up the development of novel cell therapies.

CellVoyantan artificial intelligence (AI) first biotechnology company spun out of the University of Bristolhas raised 7.6 million in seed funding to speed up the development of novel cell therapies. According to a Jan. 16, 2024 press release, the funding was led by Octopus Ventures and included Horizon Ventures, Verve Ventures, and Air Street Capital as participants of the funding round.

The biotechs primary aim is to use its platform, which combines advanced AI with live cell imaging, to develop novel stem cell therapies in a cost-effective way while also improving reliability and speed of development. While there are promising applications of stem cell therapies, the science behind these options is complex and unpredictable and development tends to have high attrition rates.

Cell therapies have the potential to revolutionize the way we treat diseases that affect millions of people every year, said Rafael E. Carazo Salas, CEO and founder of CellVoyant, in the press release. By combining the latest advances in AI and live cell imaging, we can help bring these transformative treatments to the market quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively. [This funding] milestone validates the potential of our approach and will help us to accelerate our R&D capabilities.

University spin-outs like CellVoyant are at the heart of the UKs thriving biotech ecosystem, added Uzma Choudry, lead biotech investor at Octopus Ventures, in the press release. CellVoyant sets a new standard in precision and reliability for predicting and controlling stem cell behavior, which will make cell therapies more accessible to those who need them. We are thrilled to invest into a company that is transforming how patients can benefit from life-changing treatments.

With the seed funding raised, CellVoyant will scale up its operations, including doubling the team size over the next two years, expanding laboratory and experimental infrastructure, and advancing AI capabilities.

Source: CellVoyant

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AI Biotech Secures Funding to Speed Up Stem Cell Therapy Development - BioPharm International

LVHN announces opening of new stem cell transplant center. Here’s what that means for the Lehigh Valley – The Morning Call

By Stem Cell Treatment

Lehigh Valley Health Networks Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute celebrated the opening of its new Stem Cell and Transplant Therapy Program Tuesday.

Stem cell transplants are a life-saving treatment option for certain blood disorders and cancers, including numerous forms of leukemia. LVHN first announced two years ago that it would expand what was at the time an infusion suite to include stem cell transplant and cellular therapy, thanks to donations from Tom and Karin Hall. Karin Hall was treated for breast cancer at LVHN.

The program is led Dr. Amir Toor, who has more than 20 years of experience with stem cell transplants and vast expertise with cellular therapies for hematologic malignancies.

Toor said the network has spent the last few years preparing for the program by bringing together a specialized team of physicians, clinicians, nurses, social workers, financial counselors and transplant coordinators specially trained to care for and support patients undergoing stem cell transplants. He added that LVHN has also developed designated spaces where stem cells are collected for transplants and an inpatient unit designed to keep patients safe during treatment.

It is an honor to bring stem cell transplantation to people in all the communities LVHN serves, Toor said.

Stem cells are produced in bone marrow and many other tissues of the body. These cells can divide into more stem cells or turn into certain specialized cells throughout the body, such as nerve cells, cardiac muscle cells and blood cells, replacing older cells. Stem cells are essential, but some peoples bodies may not produce enough of them or they may have lost stem cells to cancer or cancer treatment.

The goal of stem cell transplants, also called bone marrow transplants, is to restore blood-forming stem cells to the body, often using a patients own preserved cells or cells from a donor, such as a family member.

Treatment through LVHNs new program will be available for people with disorders and cancers such as:

There are roughly 200 blood stem cell transplant centers that report data to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, of which 11 are in Pennsylvania. Patients will often travel for this level of care, spending weeks far from home, Dr. Brian A. Nester, president and CEO of LVHN, said.

Stem cell transplants are a lifesaving treatment option, but they are also incredibly taxing for those receiving them and their loved ones, said Nester.

There are other uses of stem cells in medicine, including regenerative medicine, which uses stem cells to repair diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue in the body. This technique can even be used to grow new organs to replace damaged ones using a patients own stem cells.

Dr. Suresh Nair, physician in chief of the Topper Cancer Institute, said that for now, LVHN will not offer regenerative medicine treatments, but this new center puts LVHN at the forefront of opportunities in future stem cell research technologies.

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LVHN announces opening of new stem cell transplant center. Here's what that means for the Lehigh Valley - The Morning Call

Use of intravenous glutathione for skin whitening not FDA approved yet: DOH – PhilStar Life

By Stem Cell Clinics

The Department of Health (DOH) warned about the use of intravenous glutathione for skin whitening as it has not been approved yet by the Food and Drug Administration.

Health secretary Ted Herbosa reminded the public of this in a media forum on Jan. 16.

"Gusto ko sanang i-reiterate... as of now, ang FDA hindi pa po [in-a-approve] ang use ng intravenous glutathione as a skin whitening," he said.

On Jan. 9, a 39-year-old woman died in a hospital in Quezon City hours after undergoing stem cell therapy. The cause of her demise, according to her death certificate, is anaphylactic shock but the antecedent cause is glutathione and stem cell intravenous infusion, as per a Philippine STAR report.

Herbosa also added that the public should check licensed stem cell therapy clinics to avoid risks.

"Babala sa ating mga kababayan para hindi kayo mauwi sa ganitosa morguea sa inyong pagpapaganda, pagpapabata, i-check po sa [DOH] website 'yung listahan ng mga stem cell clinic na lisensyado," he said.

Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in cells made up of amino acids. According to Medical News Today it serves functions such as making DNA, supporting immune functions, regenerating vitamins C and E, and helping the liver and gallbladder. It is also believed to aid skin whitening, anti-aging, and liver and heart disease.

Although it is produced by the body naturally, glutathione can be taken orally, topically, or intravenously.

In the past, the FDA has issued warnings about using intravenous glutathione through Advisory No. 2019-182 as there are no published clinical trials evaluating its use for skin lightening.

"The FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening. Injectable glutathione is approved by FDA Philippines as an adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy," the statement read.

The institution also listed some risks that come with this including toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

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Use of intravenous glutathione for skin whitening not FDA approved yet: DOH - PhilStar Life

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