Osiris Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Financial Results

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (OSIR) the leading stem cell company focused on developing and marketing products to treat medical conditions in inflammatory, cardiovascular, orthopedic and wound healing markets, announced today its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2012.

Recent and Full Year Highlights

With the approval of Prochymal, 2012 was an historic year for the entire field of stem cell medicine, said C. Randal Mills, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Osiris. For Osiris, it was also a year of commercial transformation, having four products on the market and expanding capabilities in development, manufacturing, sales and marketing. Osiris is now a fully integrated commercial cell therapy company, well-positioned for future growth.

Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Revenues during the fourth quarter of 2012 were $3.1 million, including Biosurgery product revenues of $2.9 million compared to $0.8 million over the same period of 2011. Gross margin during the fourth quarter was 70% compared to 58% during the fourth quarter of 2011. Gross profit was $2.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2012 and $0.4 million during the same period of 2011. We reported a loss of $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. As of December 31, 2012, Osiris had $37.2 million in cash, receivables and short-term investments.

Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $3.1 million, compared to $4.2 million incurred in the fourth quarter of 2011. General and administrative expenses were $1.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to $1.5 million for the same period of the prior year.

Full Year 2012 Financial Highlights

Revenues of $11.8 million were recognized in 2012, including $7.8 million in Biosurgery product revenues compared to $1.3 million over the same period in 2011. We recognized $42.4 million of total revenues in 2011, including $40.0 million from the Genzyme collaboration agreement, $1.0 million from the research, development and commercialization agreement with the JDRF and $1.3 million of revenues from our Biosurgery products. Gross margin during 2012 was 67% compared to 58% during 2011. Gross profit was $5.3 million during fiscal 2012 and $0.7 million during fiscal 2011. We reported a loss of $11.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

R&D expenses for the 2012 fiscal year were $14.1 million compared to $19.2 million in the prior year. G&A expenses in fiscal 2012 were $6.3 million, whereas G&A expenses in 2011 were $7.9 million, including $2.6 million of non-cash share-based payments.

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Osiris Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Financial Results

Stem cell research focusing on autism’s genetic mysteries earns $2.125 million grant

The social symbol for autism awareness, a ribbon of brightly colored puzzle pieces, reflects the complexity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).A new five-year $2.125 million grant from the New Jersey Governors Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism will fund research of induced pluripotent stem cells that may be used to piece together the genetic pathways of autism and lead to new treatments for individuals affected by ASD.The research, led by James H. Millonig Ph.D., associate professor of neuroscience and cell biology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is being conducted as part of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School New Jersey Autism Center of Excellence (NJ ACE).

Autism is defined by a spectrum of behavioral and neurological abnormalities, with distinct characteristics for each individual denoting that there are multiple underlying genetic causes, said Dr. Millonig, who also is assistant dean of medical science training at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a member of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, a joint institute of the medical school and Rutgers,The State University of New Jersey. Working with my colleagues in neuroscience and at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Rutgers, we hope to identify the neurobiological, molecular and genetic basis the biological signature of autism.

Autism is a disorder of the brain, which is mostly comprised of neurons. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are scientifically derived stem cells from individuals that mimic the traits of embryonic stem cells and can be used to create other cell types.Therefore, the research team will use iPSCs to create human neurons in order to understand how they develop abnormally in individuals with autism.The scientists will then test FDA-approved drugs on the neurons to identify therapeutic treatments that may improve or reverse the disorder.

We know of a lot of genes associated with autism, but dont know when, where and how they act in development, explains Dr. Millonig.We need to look at neurons and determine how they mature differently in order to develop better drug therapies that are tailored to the needs of individuals with autism.

The multi-institutional N.J.ACE team includes Emanuel DiCicco- Bloom M.D., professor of neuroscience and cell biology and pediatrics at the medical school; Linda M. Brzustowicz M.D., professor of genetics, Rutgers University; Chi-wei Lu Ph.D., assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences; and Zhiping Pang Ph.D., assistant professor of neuroscience and cell biology both at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey; and Yong Lin Ph.D., at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey.The Child Health Institute of New Jersey and The Cancer Institute of New Jersey are Centers of Excellence at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Consultants on the grant include the Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository; Ronald Hart Ph.D., professor of cell biology and neuroscience, Rutgers University; Bonnie Firestein Ph.D., professor of cell biology and neuroscience, Rutgers University; Jennifer Moore Ph.D., associate director, National Institute of Mental Health Stem Cell Center, and research assistant director, Stem Cell Research Center, Rutgers University.

To learn more about UMDNJRobert Wood Johnson Medical School, log on to rwjms.umdnj.edu.

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Stem cell research focusing on autism’s genetic mysteries earns $2.125 million grant

Generosity of parents who gave away £22,000 raised for their seriously ill daughter to help little boy they’ve never …

Abigail Williams, 7, suffers from Batten Disease, a fatal genetic disorder Her parents hoped money would pay for successful stem cell treatment But doctors say any procedure would be futile as condition is incurable So they have donated cash to Kyle Weaver, 3, for spinal operation in U.S.

By Simon Tomlinson

PUBLISHED: 06:37 EST, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 13:30 EST, 6 March 2013

A kindhearted couple have given away 22,500 raised for their seriously ill daughter to help a sick child they've never met after being told the money would not find a cure for their little girl.

Kevin and Christine Williams hoped the cash would pay for successful stem cell treatment for seven-year-old Abigail, who suffers from a fatal genetic disease.

But they have been told her condition is incurable and paying thousands for any further procedures would be futile.

Overwhelming generosity: Christine Wililams (left) and her husband Kevin have given away 22,500 to help a boy to walk for the first time after being told the money wouldn't cure their daughter Abigail (right)

For a new lease of life: The Williams family have donated the money to three-year-old Kyle Weaver (pictured) who they have never met so he can have an operation to help him walk

So they have decided to donate the money meant to help toddler Kyle Weaver, three, walk for the first time.

Kevin said: 'It's not fair for us to have 22,500 sitting in a bank while hoping for a cure that may never come, while another little boy is sick and needs the money for an operation.

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Generosity of parents who gave away £22,000 raised for their seriously ill daughter to help little boy they've never ...

YaFarm Technologies Announces Funding for ISCI

PITTSTON, ME--(Marketwire - Mar 6, 2013) - YaFarm Technologies, Inc. ( PINKSHEETS : YFRM ) (YaFarm, or the Company) announced today that the Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) has received significant funding for its venture in Cancun, Mexico.

The ISCI is a premier provider of cell-based, regenerative medical therapies that utilize a patient's own stem cells for the treatment of neuro-degenerative diseases. Combining a state-of-the-art laboratory and clean room facility with an integrative medical approach to treatment, the ISCI provides therapies as part of controlled clinical studies. The ISCI has partnered with the International Stem Cell Practice (ISCP) to provide patients with access to a global network of physicians to provide pre-treatment evaluation and post-therapy follow up for the independent collection and evaluation of patient outcomes.

The investment will be used to complete the construction of the new medical facility housed within Hospital Galenia in Cancun, Mexico. The hospital is accredited by both the Joint Commission (JCI) and the Accreditation Canada (ACI), and is the only hospital in Mexico to have been awarded certification from both of these organizations.

"The funding is important," says David Audley, CEO of the ISCI. "The pace of work for both the laboratory facility and the clean room space is moving fast, and this final infusion of capital will allow us to complete the project earlier than scheduled." Once finished, the ISCI will be able to initiate the clinical studies for diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Multiple Sclerosis.

"This last stage financing allows us to deliver these therapies to patients sooner than we expected," continues Mr Audley. "With a state-of-the-art lab, a world-class medical facility and a truly integrative treatment approach represent the next great stage of cell-based medicine, and patient care."

About Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI)

The Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) is a premier provider of point-of-care, stem cell-based therapies for patients from around the world. With a state of the art laboratory housed within the Hospital Galenia in Cancun, Mexico, the ISCI combines the most advanced scientific application of stem cells with second to none medical care within the structure of adaptive clinical trials to effectively track long term outcomes and assure patient safety. More information on the Integrative Stem Cell Institute is available at http://www.iscelli.com

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties to which forward looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the effect of government regulation, competition, adequate financing, and other material risks. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the statements made herein.

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YaFarm Technologies Announces Funding for ISCI

International Stem Cell Corporation to Present at 65th American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting

CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 5, 2013) - International Stem Cell Corporation ( OTCQB : ISCO ) (www.internationalstemcell.com) a California-based biotechnology company focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells announced today that it will present results of pre-clinical studies of Parkinson's disease (PD) at the 65th American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California on Wednesday, March 20th, 2013.

At the meeting Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President of Research and Development for ISCO, will present results from efficacy studies of stem cell derived neuronal cells for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Results and conclusions from both rodent and non-human primate models of the disease will be presented.

The American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting is one of the world's most important annual events for neurologists and neuroscience professionals and the largest such international meeting of its kind with more than 12,000 attendees at last year's meeting.

About International Stem Cell Corporation

International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs) hence avoiding ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenetic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (www.lifelinecelltech.com), and stem cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com). More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com.

To receive ongoing corporate communications via email, visit: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0

To like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter for company updates and industry related news, visit: http://www.facebook.com/InternationalStemCellCorporation and http://www.twitter.com/intlstemcell

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International Stem Cell Corporation to Present at 65th American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting

Part 16, after stem cell treatment, 3 months already! 2march2013 – Video


Part 16, after stem cell treatment, 3 months already! 2march2013
Please note I made an error saying the date, it was the 2 March 2013 My name is Carole St-Laurent, I am from Rimouski, Quebec, Canada. I have a Spinal Muscular Atrophy from birth, it #39;s in the family of Muscular Dystrophy. I received a stem cell treatment on the 28th of November 2012 at the "Integra Medical Center" in Nuevo Progresso Mexico, by Dr. Omar Gonzalez. This is a follow-up video.

By: Kina Diamond

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Part 16, after stem cell treatment, 3 months already! 2march2013 - Video

Part 17, after stem cell treatment, exercises


Part 17, after stem cell treatment, exercises feeling better today, 3march2013
My name is Carole St-Laurent, I am from Rimouski, Quebec, Canada. I have a Spinal Muscular Atrophy from birth, it #39;s in the family of Muscular Dystrophy. I received a stem cell treatment on the 28th of November 2012 at the "Integra Medical Center" in Nuevo Progresso Mexico, by Dr. Omar Gonzalez. This is a follow-up video.

By: Kina Diamond

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Part 17, after stem cell treatment, exercises

VistaGen Therapeutics Enters Strategic Collaboration With Celsis to Further Advance LiverSafe 3D(TM)

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 4, 2013) - VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. ( OTCQB : VSTA ), a biotechnology company applying stem cell technology for drug rescue, predictive toxicology and drug metabolism assays, and Celsis In Vitro Technologies ("Celsis"), the premier global provider of specialized in vitro products for drug metabolism, drug-drug interaction and toxicity screening, have entered into a new strategic collaboration agreement. The comprehensive goal of the agreement is to characterize and functionally benchmark VistaGen's human liver cell platform, LiverSafe 3D, for studying and predicting human liver drug metabolism.

VistaGen will utilize Celsis' experience and expertise in in vitro drug metabolism to help validate VistaGen's human liver cell platform.In this strategic collaboration Celsis will not only validate VistaGen's stem cell-derived liver cells in traditional pharmaceutical metabolism assays, but will also determine genetic variations in VistaGen's pluripotent stem cell lines that are important to drug development.In addition, VistaGen will utilize Celsis' human cadaver-derived liver cells, currently used throughout the pharmaceutical industry for traditional drug metabolism assays, as reference controls with which to monitor and benchmark the functional properties of VistaGen's human liver cell platform.

With the assistance of Celsis scientists, VistaGen aims to achieve four key objectives:

"As an industry leader in the development of in vitro primary hepatocyte technology, Celsis has extensive resources to aid us in the benchmarking of our novel liver cell-based platform to industry standards," said H. Ralph Snodgrass, PhD, VistaGen's President and Chief Scientific Officer. "We anticipate this collaboration will lead to the further validation of our LiverSafe 3D system for predicting liver toxicity and drug metabolism issues long before costly human clinical trials."

"This is another example of our long-term dedication to using the power of human pluripotent stem cells as the basis of more predictive in vitro tools for drug discovery and development," concluded Dr. Snodgrass.

About VistaGen Therapeutics

VistaGen is a biotechnology company applying human pluripotent stem cell technology for drug rescue, predictive toxicology and drug metabolism screening. VistaGen's drug rescue activities combine its human pluripotent stem cell technology platform, Human Clinical Trials in a Test Tube, with modern medicinal chemistry to generate novel, safer chemical variants (Drug Rescue Variants) of once-promising small molecule drug candidates. These are drug candidates discontinued by pharmaceutical companies, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) or university laboratories, after substantial investment in discovery and development, due to heart or liver toxicity or metabolism issues. VistaGen uses its pluripotent stem cell technology to generate early indications, or predictions, of how humans will ultimately respond to new drug candidates before they are ever tested in humans, bringing human biology to the front end of the drug development process.

VistaGen's small molecule prodrug candidate, AV-101, has completed Phase 1 development for treatment of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain, a serious and chronic condition causing pain after an injury or disease of the peripheral or central nervous system, affects millions of people worldwide.

Visit VistaGen at http://www.VistaGen.com, follow VistaGen at http://www.twitter.com/VistaGen or view VistaGen's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/VistaGen.

About Celsis In Vitro Technologies

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VistaGen Therapeutics Enters Strategic Collaboration With Celsis to Further Advance LiverSafe 3D(TM)

YaFarm Technologies Announces ISCI Release of Patient Publications

PITTSTON, ME--(Marketwire - Mar 4, 2013) - YaFarm Technologies, Inc. ( PINKSHEETS : YFRM ) (YaFarm, or the Company) is pleased to announce the Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) has released three proprietary documents for patients seeking stem cell based therapies. These documents concerning stem cell procedures will be available to both new and existing patients.

The three articles that the ISCI has published are:

The ISCI Vetting Stem Cell Clinics provides a clear and concise overview of areas patients need to investigate prior to seeking stem cell therapy. The article provides information on how to evaluate claims made by the clinic, the importance of independent review of the treatments, as well as an explanation about the importance of long-term follow up. http://iscelli.com/vettingstemcellclinics.php

20 Questions to Ask a Physician provides critical questions patients should ask before seeking treatment. Patients are urged to read the article, which discusses how cells are removed and injected into the patients, as well as how to determine the qualification of the physicians. http://iscelli.com/questionstoask.php

Patient Rights details patient rights and includes a thorough discussion on how patients should be treated by clinics and physicians. It also sets expectations of treatment while defining the level of care and service to be afforded to all patients. The ISCI believes patients should understand their role in a clinical study and understand there can be no guarantees. http://iscelli.com/patientsrights.php

"The ISCI has set the bar extremely high," said David Audley, CEO of the ISCI. "No other clinic has taken such a bold, public stance on patient care and safety. These documents are a powerful collection of questions and observations that range from collection and processing of cells, to outcome tracking and access to access to medical records. These are the most complete and comprehensive set of views to protect and educate patients. We believe we have set the standard for every clinic, while enshrining transparency and protecting patient safety."

About Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI)The Integrative Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) is a premier provider of point-of-care, stem cell-based therapies for patients from around the world. With a state of the art laboratory housed within the Hospital Galenia in Cancun, Mexico, the ISCI combines the most advanced scientific application of stem cells with second to none medical care within the structure of adaptive clinical trials to effectively track long term outcomes and assure patient safety. More information on the Integrative Stem Cell Institute is available at http://www.iscelli.com

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties to which forward looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the effect of government regulation, competition, adequate financing, and other material risks. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the statements made herein.

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YaFarm Technologies Announces ISCI Release of Patient Publications

New Treatment for Sickle Cell Brings Hope and a Cure to Chicago Area Patients

Newswise Two brothers have been cured of their sickle cell disease at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System using a relatively uncommon type of stem cell transplant that is performed without chemotherapy.

Their transplants were possible thanks to a third brother who was a match for both, against long odds.

Julius and Desmond Means never imagined life without sickle cell. The brothers, ages 25 and 19, have spent their lives in and out of hospitals, each suffering from different complications of the disease.

Growing up, they tired easily and couldn't keep up with their friends. As they grew older, the disease caused bone damage and affected Julius's lungs. Desmond's organs were also being damaged, and he was jaundiced.

For either young man to receive a transplant, a healthy sibling who is a compatible donor was needed. An acceptable match requires that at least eight of 10 known human leukocyte antigen (H.L.A.) genes be identical between donor and recipient.

Julius and Desmond's healthy older brother Clifford, 27, matched 10 of 10 H.L.A. genes with both of them -- an occurrence of "extremely low" likelihood, according to Dr. Damiano Rondelli, director of stem-cell transplantation at UI Health. The men's mother, Beverly Means, also noted the good fortune.

"I had won the lottery of health," she said.

In preparation for the transplant, Clifford was given medication to increase the number of stems cells released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. His blood was then processed through a machine that collects white cells, including stem cells. The stem cells were frozen until the transplants.

Last May, Julius received his transplant at UI Hospital. He was given medication to suppress his immune system and one small dose of total body radiation right before the transplant. Then the frozen bags of stem cells were thawed and hung by IV pole for infusion into him.

Then in September, Desmond received his stem cell transplant.

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New Treatment for Sickle Cell Brings Hope and a Cure to Chicago Area Patients