BioTime and Subsidiary LifeMap Sciences Announce the Launch of LifeMap BioReagents™ Portal

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioTime, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTX) and its subsidiary LifeMap Sciences have announced the launch of LifeMap BioReagents (http://bioreagents.lifemapsc.com/), a new portal offering researchers access to BioTimes research product lines including PureStem human progenitor cell lines, PureStem packages, clinical and research grade human embryonic stem cell lines (hES), HyStem hydrogels, culture media, and cell differentiation kits.

There has been growing interest in the PureStem and hES cell lines

LifeMap Sciences will be the principle marketing and sales arm for BioTimes cell-based products and related reagents for the research community in academia, research hospitals, and biotech and pharma companies. LifeMap Sciences holds the exclusive, worldwide license to market GeneCards (www.genecards.org), with over 12 million page visits per year from hundreds of thousands of unique users worldwide, and MalaCards (www.malacards.org), and plans to launch LifeMap Discovery, its database for biomedical and stem cell research, later this quarter.

LifeMap BioReagents is integrated with the GeneCards, MalaCards, and LifeMap Discovery databases, thereby providing a large number of biomedical researchers accessing these databases a means of identifying stem cell reagents that can enhance research and discovery efforts in a variety of fields, including stem cell research, developmental biology, mechanisms of various human diseases, drug discovery and therapeutic discovery and development.

There has been growing interest in the PureStem and hES cell lines, stated Yaron Guan-Golan, Head of Marketing at LifeMap Sciences. Our ability to provide stable, characterized, pure, and scalable cell lines to the research community and to industry is a big step forwardnot only in the study of stem cells, but also in the understanding of cellular and developmental biology and human disease, and in the discovery of new therapies. Together with our LifeMap Discovery database, researchers will now be able to immediately obtain access to cutting-edge embryonic stem and progenitor cell lines as part of a wealth of developmental and stem cell information that they need for research.

About LifeMap Sciences, Inc.

LifeMap Sciences (www.lifemapsc.com) core technology and business is based on its integrated database suite, the discovery platform for biomedical and stem cell research. This platform includes GeneCards, the leading human gene database; LifeMap Discovery, the database of embryonic development, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine; and MalaCards, the human disease database. LifeMap Sciences also markets PanDaTox, an innovative, recently developed, searchable database that can aid in the discovery of new antibiotics and biotechnologically beneficial products.

In addition to database offerings, LifeMap Sciences is BioTimes principal marketing subsidiary for research products, including PureStem human progenitor cell lines, GMP human embryonic stem (hES) cell lines, ESpan growth media for progenitor cell lines, and cell differentiation media for non-therapeutic uses, via its LifeMap BioReagents portal. LifeMap Sciences will utilize its databases as part of its online marketing strategy to reach life sciences researchers at biotech and pharmaceutical companies and at academic institutions and research hospitals worldwide.

In a therapeutic discovery collaboration with BioTime, LifeMaps scientists utilize LifeMaps proprietary platform, including LifeMap Discovery, its stem cell database along with the GeneCards and MalaCards integrated database suite, to aid in the development of BioTimes proprietary PureStem human progenitor cell lines into products for the treatment of human diseases, especially degenerative diseases that might be treatable with cell replacement therapies. The LifeMap Discovery platform will be used to select the progenitor cell lines that are most likely to facilitate the development of cell-based regenerative medicine therapies for a wide range of diseases.

About BioTime, Inc.

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BioTime and Subsidiary LifeMap Sciences Announce the Launch of LifeMap BioReagents™ Portal

Rhiannon, an Abused Dog, and Dakota, Get Stem Cell Therapy in Litchfield

LITCHFIELDWith a name inspired by a Celtic goddess who could manifest magic for the good of others, an Elkhound mix that suffered the depths of animal abusenearly to the point of deathis benefiting from cutting-edge veterinary medicine at a practice in Bantam.

Rhiannon, whose name derives from the Stevie Nicks song about the legendary goddess, is one of two patients helping to make veterinary history in Connecticut through the states first in-clinic stem cell regenerative therapy treatments.

Such loving care stands in stark contrast to the condition Rhiannons owner, Edward Milne of Cheshire, found the 14-year-old in the first time he saw her.

I found her hanging by her neck from a tree as I was driving along a back country road in Northford, CT when she was about two years old, Mr. Milne wrote in an e-mail to the Bantam clinic, Animal Health Practice Inc.

When I confronted the owner, Mr. Milne wrote, he admitted that he had not fed her or provided her with water for some time, and when she didnt die, he hung her from the tree to finish her off. I guess it was fate that brought us together.

Another type of Rhiannon-esque fate brought the dog to a vet who is performing a ground-breaking procedure to treat severe arthritis in her elbow and back.

Rhiannon is the first dog to receive MediVet Americas non-controversial adipose regenerative stem cell therapy, according to a release sent by the company. MediVet is a global leader in veterinary science located in 29 countries. The company develops advanced cellular treatments and natural herbal remedies designed to maximize animal performance, repair, recovery and general wellness.

Were very excited to be the first veterinarians in Connecticut to offer this new technology, said Dr. Angela Erickson-Greco Monday morning.

In addition to Rhiannon, Dr. Erickson-Greco is also administering the treatment to Dakota, a Bernese Mountain Dog and Great White Pyrenees mix, who has bilateral ACL tears, which means she has torn a crucial ligament in both of her knees.

New Milford resident Cathy Morsey said Dakota had a limp in her front leg in the shoulder area at 6 months old. In January of last year, we had a wet snow and she slid on the snow and tore a cartilage in her knee, said Ms. Morsey. Continued...

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Rhiannon, an Abused Dog, and Dakota, Get Stem Cell Therapy in Litchfield

MD Stem Cells Announces First Eye Patient Treated With Stem Cells in Florida Using New Technique

MD Stem Cells is pleased to announce the first treatment in the United States of a patient with eye disease using the new injection technique for stem cells they helped pioneer. Dr Steven Levy, President of MD Stem Cells, http://www.mdstemcells.com, indicated the procedure went very smoothly. The patient is anticipating a positive response within the next few months.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) November 14, 2012

"We have helped a number of eye patients utilize Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cells or BMSC for retinal and optic nerve diseases and have observed macular degeneration, myopic degeneration, hereditary retinopathies, optic nerve and glaucoma patients, among others, have visual improvements following treatment. Our retinal surgeon has used both subretinal surgery and different injection techniques in the past for the placement of BMSC in ocular disease. We collaboratively developed a dual injection technique that we believe takes advantage of the recently identified active vascular expulsion mechanism of cell transmigration and are very excited about our ability to deliver the BMSC to the RPE, retina and optic nerve. Dr Levy mentioned that the new technique has already been used by the retinal surgeon for a number of patients in Europe and after careful preparation is now being performed in the United States.

It was a worthwhile effort to arrange for the board certified physicians and operating rooms for the new procedure to be performed in the United States. We are extremely pleased to see this high level of adult stem cell treatment come to Florida.

The Europeans have had extensive experience using BMSC in a number of different diseases and believe their effectiveness to be significantly superior to adipose derived stem cells. It is their preferred source of adult stem cells. Certainly patients with ophthalmology disease have been treated with BMSC successfully.

The new dual injection approach appears to be resulting in a faster and more vigorous response for the eye patients exclaimed Dr Levy. The retinal surgeon has been surprised regarding the tissue regrowth and rapidity of visual improvement in several patients.

With respect to BMSC, better outcomes may depend on how well the health and viability of the stem cells is maintained as well as the quality of the surgery in placing the cells. With the MD Stem Cell providers, the autologous BMSC come directly from the patient themselves, undergo minimal manipulation during the isolation process and never leave the operating room so they can be reinjected almost immediately.

This delicate approach, coupled with the precise dual placement our experienced retinal surgeon provides, may be the explanation for the results we are seeing. Most ophthalmology patients will have a stem cell procedure only once and it makes sense to choose an approach that will give the best opportunity for improvement, opined Dr Levy.

Dr Levy indicated this particular patient suffered from optic nerve disease and that other scheduled patients will include AMD or macular degeneration, myopic degeneration and other diseases of the retina and optic nerve that can be expected to potentially benefit. We believe strongly that regenerative medicine is evolving and will expand in many directions over the next few years. We are excited to help bring access to this advanced stem cell technology to the USA for ophthalmology.

MD Stem Cells is a practice management and development organization working closely with adult stem cell providers globally. Inquires may be made directly to stevenlevy(at)mdstemcells(dot)com or visit our website http://www.mdstemcells.com.

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MD Stem Cells Announces First Eye Patient Treated With Stem Cells in Florida Using New Technique

New Cell Type Developed For Possible Treatment Of Alzheimer's And Other Brain Diseases

UCI discovery accelerates efforts at Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center

UC Irvine researchers have created a new stem cell-derived cell type with unique promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers.

Dr. Edwin Monuki of UCIs Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, developmental & cell biology graduate student Momoko Watanabe and colleagues developed these cells called choroid plexus epithelial cells from existing mouse and human embryonic stem cell lines.

CPECs are critical for proper functioning of the choroid plexus, the tissue in the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid. Among their various roles, CPECs make CSF and remove metabolic waste and foreign substances from the fluid and brain.

In neurodegenerative diseases, the choroid plexus and CPECs age prematurely, resulting in reduced CSF formation and decreased ability to flush out such debris as the plaque-forming proteins that are a hallmark of Alzheimers. Transplant studies have provided proof of concept for CPEC-based therapies. However, such therapies have been hindered by the inability to expand or generate CPECs in culture.

Our method is promising, because for the first time we can use stem cells to create large amounts of these epithelial cells, which could be utilized in different ways to treat neurodegenerative diseases, said Monuki, an associate professor of pathology & laboratory medicine and developmental & cell biology at UCI.

The study appears in todays issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.

To create the new cells, Monuki and his colleagues coaxed embryonic stem cells to differentiate into immature neural stem cells. They then developed the immature cells into CPECs capable of being delivered to a patients choroid plexus.

These cells could be part of neurodegenerative disease treatments in at least three ways, Monuki said. First, theyre able to increase the production of CSF to help flush out plaque-causing proteins from brain tissue and limit disease progression. Second, CPEC superpumps could be designed to transport high levels of therapeutic compounds to the CSF, brain and spinal cord. Third, these cells can be used to screen and optimize drugs that improve choroid plexus function.

Monuki said the next steps are to develop an effective drug screening system and to conduct proof-of-concept studies to see how these CPECs affect the brain in mouse models of Huntingtons, Alzheimers and pediatric diseases.

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New Cell Type Developed For Possible Treatment Of Alzheimer's And Other Brain Diseases

International Stem Cell Corp Subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care Announces Latest Product Launch

CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwire - Nov 13, 2012) - International Stem Cell Corporation ( OTCQB : ISCO ) (www.internationalstemcell.com) ("ISCO" or "the Company") a California-based biotechnology company, today announced the commercial launch of its newest stem cell based skin care product by wholly-owned subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care, Inc.

The new Lifeline Eye Firming Complex is now available to shareholders, followers and supporters of ISCO and Lifeline Skin Care. The product will be available online (www.lifelineskincare.com), in selected spas and medical clinics on November 15, 2012.

Lifeline Eye Firming Complex complements the current anti-aging product line introduced in November 2010 and available in selected luxury spas, medical offices and online. The new, extended Lifeline product line will be promoted by recently engaged celebrities including Emme, the supermodel and author who was twice-named one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People, and Glamour magazine's Woman of the Year; and Jennifer Galardi, a celebrity trainer, nationally recognized fitness and yoga guru, and the face for fitness brands Adidas, Under Armour, New Balance and Nike.

According to supermodel and beauty expert Emme, "Women are concerned about their appearance, and they're especially concerned about the lines and wrinkles around their eyes. That's why they'll like Lifeline's new eye cream -- women want something that really works."

Eye creams are considered a "must-have" in anti-aging skincare, and are typically the most popular product with customers. The new Eye Firming Complex includes novel ingredients designed to produce beneficial results, including peptides and HSC-X -- the human stem cell extract developed and patented by International Stem Cell Corporation which is used in the Company's anti-aging Day and Night serums.

"This addition to our skincare line has been highly anticipated," says Donna Queen, President of Lifeline Skin Care. "An eye treatment was the #1 request by our customers."

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 Corp Subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care Announces Latest Product Launch

Lung Cancer Research Could Get Boost From New Stem Cell Findings

New research conducted at the University of Cincinnati (UC) Cancer Institute suggests that lung cancer stem cells can be successfully isolated and grown in a preclinical model. Such a process could provide a new method for investigating immunotherapy treatment options that target lung cancer stem cells.

Increasing evidence supports the idea that cancerous tumors have a population of stem cells, also called cancer-initiating cells, that continually regenerate and fuel cancer growth, explains Dr. John Morris, lead author of the study and professor at the UC College of Medicine. These cancer stem cells may also have the highest potential to spread to other organs.

The researchers stated that current research models provide limited information in the interaction between cancer stem cells and the immune system. They claim this makes it virtually impossible to study therapies that utilize the bodys immune system to fight off cancer.

The new study, published this week in PLOS One, successfully isolated lung cancer stem cells that can be used in a mouse model with full immune system function. The researchers used a tumorsphere assay test to accomplish this feat, allowing them to enrich their samples to isolate cancer stem cells.

The research team now hopes to develop more effective therapies that target cancer stem cells by showing how those cells escape the bodys immune system.

One of the hypotheses behind why cancer therapies fail is that the drug only kills cells deemed to be bad (because of certain molecular characteristics), but leaves behind stem cells to repopulate the tumor, said Morris. Stem cells are not frequently dividing, so they are much less sensitive to existing chemotherapies used to eliminate cells deemed abnormal.

Studying these unique cells could greatly improve our understanding of lung cancers origins and lead to the novel therapeutics targeting these cells and help to more effectively eradicate this disease. Immunotherapy is the future of cancer treatment. We are hopeful that this new method will accelerate our investigation of immunotherapies to specifically target cancer stem cells.

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Lung Cancer Research Could Get Boost From New Stem Cell Findings

Stem cell finding could advance immunotherapy for lung cancer

ScienceDaily (Nov. 13, 2012) A University of Cincinnati (UC) Cancer Institute lung cancer research team reports that lung cancer stem cells can be isolated -- and then grown -- in a preclinical model, offering a new avenue for investigating immunotherapy treatment options that specifically target stem cells.

John C. Morris, MD, and his colleagues report their findings in the Nov. 13, 2012, issue of PLoS One, a peer-reviewed online publication.

Stem cells are unique cells that can divide and differentiate into specialized cells types -- for example cardiac muscle or liver tissue. These cells also have the ability to self-renew and produce more stem cells.

"Increasing evidence supports the idea that cancerous tumors have a population of stem cells, also called cancer-initiating cells, that continually regenerate and fuel cancer growth," explains Morris, senior author of the study and professor at the UC College of Medicine. "These cancer stem cells may also have the highest potential to spread to other organs."

Current models used to study cancer stem cells provide limited information on the interaction between cancer stem cells with the immune system, making the study of new therapies that utilize the body's immune system to fight off cancer virtually impossible.

In this study, the UC team set out to find a viable, consistent way to isolate lung cancer stem cells that could be used in a mouse model with full immune system function. The team was able to achieve this using a functional laboratory test known as "tumorsphere" assay.

The test -- which shows how cells grow in culture -- allowed them to enrich for cancer stem cells.

"Studying these unique cells could greatly improve our understanding of lung cancer's origins and lead to the novel therapeutics targeting these cells and help to more effectively eradicate this disease," adds Morris. "Immunotherapy is the future of cancer treatment. We are hopeful that this new method will accelerate our investigation of immunotherapies to specifically target cancer stem cells."

The team is working to characterize how cancer stem cells escape the body's immune system in order to develop more effective therapies that target stem cells.

"One of the hypotheses behind why cancer therapies fail is that the drug only kills cells deemed to be 'bad' (because of certain molecular characteristics), but leaves behind stem cells to repopulate the tumor," adds Morris. "Stem cells are not frequently dividing, so they are much less sensitive to existing chemotherapies used to eliminate cells deemed abnormal."

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Stem cell finding could advance immunotherapy for lung cancer

What Are Stem Cells | Stem Cell Malaysia – Video


What Are Stem Cells | Stem Cell Malaysia
stemcellmalaysia.com Stem cells are non-differentiated cells with the ability to divide and produce any body cell types. The ability of stem cells to differentiate and self-regenerate impart great possibilities for disease treatment other than for restoring health, beauty and anti-aging. Clinically proven for certain illness and conditions, stem cells can now be introduced into the body to repair and replace damaged organ or tissue. For more informative articles on stem cells and stem cell therapy, please visit Stem Cell Malaysia at http:/stemcellmalaysia.com/.From:stemcells2012Views:2 1ratingsTime:06:29More inHowto Style

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What Are Stem Cells | Stem Cell Malaysia - Video