Archive for May, 2012

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN - News) announced today that management will present at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2012 Health Care Conference on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay from Seattle Genetics website at http://www.seattlegenetics.com in the Investors and News section.

About Seattle Genetics

Seattle Genetics is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval of ADCETRIS in August 2011 for two indications. ADCETRIS is being developed in collaboration with Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company. In addition, Seattle Genetics has three other clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs: SGN-75, ASG-5ME and ASG-22ME. Seattle Genetics has collaborations for its ADC technology with a number of leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott, Bayer, Celldex Therapeutics, Daiichi Sankyo, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Millennium, Pfizer and Progenics, as well as ADC co-development agreements with Agensys, an affiliate of Astellas, and Genmab. More information can be found at http://www.seattlegenetics.com.

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Seattle Genetics to Present at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Health Care Conference

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Interleukin Genetics,Inc. (OTCQB: ILIU.PK - News) today announced financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $678,000, compared to $719,000 for the same period in the prior year. The decrease was attributable to lower genetic test revenue.

Research and development expenses were $446,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $305,000 for the same period in the prior year. The Company continues its work in its weight management and periodontal disease programs.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $1.2 million for the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreased corporate professional fees and patent-related legal fees offset in part by increased compensation, consulting and sales commissions paid to Amway.

The Company reported a net loss of $1.4 million, or $(0.04) per basic and diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2012, compared to a loss of $1.3 million, or $(0.03) per basic and diluted share, for the same period in the prior year. On March 31, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $732,000 and had $1.3 million available under its credit facility with Pyxis Innovations, Inc.

The Company expects that its current and anticipated financial resources, including the $1.3 million available as of March 31, 2012 under the credit facility, which was borrowed on April 13, 2012, are adequate to maintain current and planned operations at least through June 30, 2012. The Companys independent registered public accounting firm has included an explanatory paragraph in their opinion in connection with the 2011 audit, relating to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

While recognized genetic test revenue this quarter was lower than last years for this corresponding quarter, our deferred revenue increased by over 35% or more than $300,000 in this quarter indicating that unit test sales are continuing to grow nicely, said Lewis H. Bender, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics. In addition, enrollment in our clinical study in collaboration with Renaissance Health and the University of Michigan to demonstrate the utility of using our PST genetic test in the management of dental patients was completed and we successfully delivered 5,186 genotypes to the University thereby completing our portion of the program.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Interleukin Genetics will host a live conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. EDT to review the Companys new business developments and first quarter financial results. To access the live call, dial 877-324-1976 (domestic) or 631-291-4550 (international). The live webcast and replay access will be available on the Investors section of the Companys Website at: http://www.ilgenetics.com.

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Interleukin Genetics Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results

The study involved painstaking molecular analysis of blood samples taken annually from the patients, who participated in separate studies begun in 2000, 2002, and 2004.

"We were astonished that we could detect the modified cells for so long. It's a relatively small number of patients, but more than 500 years of patient data," said University of Pennsylvania pathologist Bruce Levine, a leader of the research. "But it's difficult to separate with certainty the effectiveness of this treatment from the antiretrovirals."

Gene therapy harnesses the insidious ability of viruses to slip their DNA into the cells they infect. By neutralizing a virus and then using it as a "vector" to insert DNA that is helpful rather than harmful, gene therapy can theoretically treat ailments ranging from arthritis to infections and cancer.

Levine, his Penn colleague Carl June, and their team have tested a variety of ways to outwit HIV with gene therapy. Their approach has focused on T cells, which are the big guns of the immune system but also the cells that HIV infects. The researchers took some of the patients' T cells and inserted a gene that makes them better at recognizing and killing HIV-infected cells. Then these super-T cells were multiplied using growth-stimulation technology and put back into the patient.

Over the years, many other research groups have tried using modified T cells, but the patient's immune system perceived them as invaders and wiped them out, sometimes within hours.

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Penn researchers report a gene-therapy success

Dr. Julio C. Voltarelli, who made a significant impact in cell transplantation, dies at 63

Distinguished Brazilian professor pioneered bone marrow transplantation

Newswise Tampa, Fla. (May. 9th , 2012) Julio C. Voltarelli, MD, PhD, professor at the Ribeiro Preto School of Medicine at the University of So Paulo, Brazil, died March 21, 2012 at the age of 63. Dr. Voltarelli, who was on the editorial board of the Cell Transplantation journal, published by Cognizant Communication Corporation, and an important factor in the journals success, was a distinguished stem cell researcher and head of the bone marrow transplantation unit at the Ribeiro Preto School of Medicine.

Dr. Voltarelli had a significant impact on Brazilian stem cell transplantation science, said Dr. Maria C. O. Rodrigues, Dr. Voltarellis longtime colleague. He was driven to bring the benefits of the newest cellular therapies to those with ALS, MS and type 1 diabetes. His efforts and dedication will be greatly missed.

Dr. Voltarelli, a graduate of the Ribeiro Preto School of Medicine, served post-doctoral fellowships at the University of California San Francisco, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, and the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego. He returned to Brazil in 1992 and started a highly ranked bone marrow transplantation program at the Ribeiro Preto School of Medicine. In 2002, Dr. Voltarelli initiated the schools research efforts in stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases, later focusing on diabetes, graft-versus-host disease and sickle cell anemia.

At the time of his death, Dr. Voltarelli, in addition to serving as head of the bone marrow transplantation unit, also served as research coordinator for the Center for Cellular Therapy at the So Paulo Research Foundation and the National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cells and Cell Therapy. He was recently elected president of the Brazilian Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation.

His publications included the first books on stem cell transplantation and clinical immunology written in Portuguese. He also founded the Brazilian Society of Stem Cell Transplantation.

His colleagues in Brazil called his lifelong contributions priceless and remembered him for his leadership skills, vision, and sense of humor.

# The Coeditor-in-chiefs for CELL TRANSPLANTATION are at the Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, TaiChung, Taiwan, and the Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Contact, Shinn-Zong Lin, MD, PhD at shinnzong@yahoo.com.tw or Camillo Ricordi, MD at ricordi@miami.edu or David Eve, PhD at celltransplantation@gmail.com #

News release by Florida Science Communications http://www.sciencescribe.net

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Julio C. Voltarelli, Pioneer in Cell Transplantation, Dies at 63

ScienceDaily (May 10, 2012) This summer's action film, "The Amazing Spider-Man," is another match-up between the superhero and his nemesis the Lizard. Moviegoers and comic book fans alike will recall that the villain, AKA Dr. Curt Connors, was a surgeon who, after losing an arm, experimented with cell generation and reptilian DNA and was eventually able to grow back his missing limb.

The latest issue of the journal Physiology contains a review article that looks at possible routes that unlock cellular regeneration in general, and the principles by which hair and feathers regenerate themselves in particular.

The authors apply what is currently known about regenerative biology to the emerging field of regenerative medicine, which is being transformed from fantasy to reality.

Review Article

While the concept of regenerative medicine is relatively new, animals are well known to remake their hair and feathers regularly by normal regenerative physiological processes. In their review, the authors focus on (1) how extrafollicular environments can regulate hair and feather stem cell activities and (2) how different configurations of stem cells can shape organ forms in different body regions to fulfill changing physiological needs.

The review outlines previous research on the role of normal regeneration of hair and feathers throughout the lifespan of various birds and mammals. The researchers include what is currently known about the mechanism behind this re-growth, as well as what gaps still exist in the knowledge base and remain ripe for future research.

The review examines dozens of papers on normal "physiological regeneration" -- the re-growth that happens over the course of an animal's life and not in response to an injury. This regeneration takes place to accommodate different stages in an animal's life (e.g., replacing downy chick feathers with an adult chicken's, or replacing the fine facial hair of a young boy with the budding beard of an adolescent), or in response to various environmental conditions (e.g., cats shedding a thick winter coat in the summer heat but re-growing it when the seasons change again, or snowshoe hares switching from brown in the summer to white in the winter for camouflage).

These changes seem to respond both to internal cues such as physiology of the hair follicle itself, or external cues such as the environment, but the mechanisms behind these normal alterations are largely unknown. Stem cells inside the follicle prompt hair and feather regeneration, but researchers are still unsure how to guide those cells to form the shape, size, and orientation of these "skin appendages" so that controlled re-growth is possible. Additionally, scientists are still unsure how to re-grow hair on skin in people after severe injuries that lead to scar tissue.

Importance of the Findings

The reviewed studies suggest that while researchers are making headway in understanding how and why hair and feathers regenerate after normal loss or in response to different life stages, much still remains unknown. This missing knowledge could hold valuable clues to learning how to regenerate much more complicated and valuable structures after loss to injury, such as fingers and toes.

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Regenerative medicine: Could the ways animals regenerate hair and feathers help restore human fingers and toes?

Connie K. Ho for RedOrbit.com

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has discovered two adult stem cell-like subpopulations in adult human skin.

The findings allow for further research to be done in the area of personalized medicine and patient-specific cellular therapies.

The study, using technology from Fibrocell Science, allowed the researchers to identify and confirm two types of cells in human skin cell cultures; the possible source of stem cell-like subpopulations from skin biopsies would be faster to perform, painless, and less invasive than current extractions from adipose tissues and bone marrow.

The research, featured in the inaugural issue of BioResearch Open Access, discusses two subtypes of cells. BioResearch Open Access is a bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal. It features scientific topics like biochemistry, bioengineering, gene therapy, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, stem cells, systems biology, tissue engineering and biomaterials, and virology.

Being able to identify two sub-populations of rare, viable and functional cells that behave like stem cells from within the skin is an important finding because both cell types have the potential to be investigated for diverse clinical applications, commented Dr. James A. Bryne, lead author of the report.

Brynes research, first at Stanford University then at UCLA, focused on reprogramming beginnings of cells from animals and then humans. A graduate of Cambridge University, Bryne studied the intra- and inter-species of epigenetic reprogramming. His work also highlighted how primate embryonic stem cells could be derived from somatic cell nuclear transfers.

The study published in BioResearch Open Access confirmed previous research that identified a rare population of cells in adult human skin that had a marker called stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA3). Bryne and his colleagues found that there was an increase in the amount of SSEA3 expressing cells after injury to the human skin. It showed that the SSEA3 biomarker could be used to help identify and isolate cells with tissue-regenerative traits.

Finding these rare adult stem cell-like subpopulations in human skin is an exciting discovery and provides the first step towards purifying and expanding these cells to clinically relevant numbers for application to a variety of potential personalized cellular therapies for osteoarthritis, bone loss, injury and/or damage to human skin as well as many other diseases, remarked Bryne, an Assistant Professor of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA.

Bryne and his team used Fibrocell technology to collect cells from skin samples, cultured the cells in the lab, and purified them by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The FACS tagged suspended cells with fluorescent markers for undifferentiated stem cells. The researchers were able to separate the rare cell subpopulations from other kinds of cells.

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Study Identifies Cell Subtypes For Potential Personalized Cellular Therapies

BOUDRY, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Celgene International Srl, a subsidiary of Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG - News), today announced that results from three phase III studies evaluating the use of continuous REVLIMID (lenalidomide) treatment in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients or maintenance treatment with lenalidomide following autologous stem cell transplant were published online in the May 10, 2012 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. All three publications highlight the expanding body of clinical evidence supporting lenalidomide treatment in these areas.

Continuous Lenalidomide Therapy (non-transplant eligible population):

The first article highlights a Celgene-sponsored study of continuous lenalidomide treatment in elderly patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Continuous Lenalidomide Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (MM-015)

This double-blind, phase III, multicenter, randomized study conducted by Celgene compared melphalanprednisonelenalidomide induction followed by lenalidomide maintenance (MPR-R), with melphalanprednisonelenalidomide (MPR), or melphalanprednisone (MP) followed by placebo in 459 patients aged 65 years with newly-diagnosed myeloma who were not eligible for autologous stem-cell transplant.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1112704

Post-transplant maintenance

The two additional articles published in the edition highlighted cooperative group studies that evaluated the use of lenalidomide maintenance following autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

In each of the studies, one funded by the National Cancer Institute and conducted by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) and one by the Intergroupe Francophone du Myelome (IFM), maintenance treatment with lenalidomide following ASCT resulted in delayed time to disease progression or death compared to placebo.

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New England Journal of Medicine Reports on Three Phase III REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) Trials in Patients with Newly ...

Wed May 9, 2012 3:35pm BST

(Reuters) - Pluristem Therapeutics Inc said a 7-year old girl suffering from a bone marrow disease experienced a reversal of her condition after receiving its experimental stem cell therapy, sending the Israeli company's shares up 32 percent.

The girl, suffering from aplastic bone marrow in which the patient has no blood-forming stem cells, had a significant rise in her red cells, white cells and platelets following an injection of Pluristem's therapy -- PLacental eXpanded cells.

"The results of this unique case indicate that PLX cells may be effective in treating other diseases that affect the bone marrow," Reuven Or, the child's physician at Hadassah Medical Center, was quoted in a statement by Pluristem.

Last September, the company said animal studies showed that the therapy had the potential to treat blood tissue complications related with acute radiation syndrome, commonly called radiation sickness.

Last month, the U.S. health regulators gave a go ahead to the company to start a mid-stage trial of the therapy for treating Intermittent Claudication -- a subset of peripheral artery disease.

Pluristem shares, which have gained 5 percent since receiving the FDA nod for the mid-stage trial, were up 15 percent at $2.70 in morning trade on the Nasdaq. They touched a high of $3.10 earlier.

(Reporting by Esha Dey in Bangalore; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)

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Pluristem stem cell therapy saves a patient, shares jump

MONT-SAINT-GUIBERT, Belgium, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Belgian biotechnology company, Cardio3--BioSciences (C3BS), a leader in the discovery and development of regenerative and protective therapies for the treatment of cardiac diseases, today announces that it has received CE Marking (Conformit Europenne) for its intra-myocardial C-Cath Injection Catheter. The CE Mark certifies that C-Cath complies with applicable European health, safety and environmental protection legislation. C-Cath is now available for commercial use in the EU and many other countries where the CE mark allows commercialization.

The C-Cath Injection Catheter is the most advanced device of its kind and was designed to address three key requirements: ease of use, safety and efficacy. During its development Cardio3 BioSciences combined its extensive experience in stem cell therapies and specific knowledge of the properties of heart tissue with key insights from leading cardiologists in the field. C-Cath's performance is based on its unique needle design as well as unique catheter properties. Previously announced pre-clinical data from a head to head comparison with the 'best' injection catheter available until now showed a close to threefold increase in retention of stem cells within the heart muscle in favour of the CCath Injection Catheter. Within a clinical setting, an increased retention rate could allow an increase in efficacy while reducing side effects.-

Dr Christian Homsy,CEOof Cardio3-BioSciences comments on today's announcement: "Today marks an important milestone for Cardio3 BioSciences and our innovative C-Cath technology. With C-Cath, we developed an advanced injection catheter that meets the requirements of physicians and has the potential to deliver better outcomes for patients. C-Cath demonstrates our commitment to continued innovation in regenerative heart therapy. This is a major step forward in addressing the patient needs for regenerative therapies for the heart and provides physicians with new treatment options."

About Cardio3 BioSciences

Cardio3-BioSciences is a Belgian leading biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of regenerative and protective therapies for the treatment of cardiac diseases. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in the Walloon region of Belgium. Cardio3-BioSciences leverages research collaborations in the US and in Europe with Mayo Clinic and the Cardiovascular Center Aalst, Belgium.

The Company's lead product candidate C3BS-CQR-1 is an innovative pharmaceutical product consisting of autologous cardiac progenitor stem cells. C3BS-CQR-1 is based on ground breaking research conducted at Mayo Clinic that allowed discovery of cardiopoiesis, a process to mimic in adult stem cells the natural signals triggered in the early stages of life during the cardiac tissue development. Cardio3-BioSciences has developed C-Cath, the next-generation injection catheter with superior efficiency of delivery of bio therapeutic agents into the myocardium.

C3BS-CQR-1, C-Cure, C-Cath, Cardio3 BioSciences and the Cardio3 BioSciences and C-Cath logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cardio3 BioSciences SA, in Belgium, other countries, or both. Mayo Clinic holds equity in Cardio3 BioSciences as a result of intellectual property licensed to the company. In addition to historical facts or statements of current condition, this press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect our current expectations and projections about future events, and involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. These forward-looking statements are further qualified by important factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including timely submission and approval of anticipated regulatory filings; the successful initiation and completion of required Phase III studies; additional clinical results validating the use of adult autologous stem cells to treat heart failure; satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; and actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities. As a result, of these factors investors and prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements.We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information contact:

Cardio3 BioSciences http://www.c3bs.com

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Cardio3 BioSciences Announces CE Marking for its C-Cath® Injection Catheter

HAIFA, Israel, May 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pluristem Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:PSTI - News) (TASE:PLTR) today announced that a seven year-old girl suffering from an aplastic bone marrow whose condition was rapidly deteriorating is now experiencing a reversal of her condition with a significant increase in her red cells, white cells and platelets following the intramuscular injection of the company's PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells. Aplastic bone marrow is a disease where the patient has no blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow.

"With her body rejecting all possible treatment -- and with no other options -- we finally turned to Pluristem's PLX cells, which literally saved her life," said Professor Reuven Or, Director of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Cell Therapy and Transplantation Research Center at Hadassah Medical Center and the child's physician. "The results of this unique case indicate that PLX cells may be effective in treating other diseases that affect the bone marrow."

The patient has been hospitalized at the Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem since August 2011. Her aplastic bone marrow had been refractory to treatment and, therefore, she underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation from a matched unrelated donor. The first transplant was unsuccessful and the patient remained with bone marrow failure. Therefore, the patient underwent a second allogeneic stem cell transplantation from a second donor. Unfortunately, the bone marrow function was very poor and the patient suffered from recurrent infections. Approximately two months after the patient's second bone marrow transplant, the child received PLX cells intramuscularly in two doses approximately one week apart. Approximately 10 days after the last administration of PLX cells, the patient's hematological parameters began to significantly increase, an effect that has persisted to date. Additionally, the patient's general clinical status has improved. Subsequent analysis has indicated that the PLX cells worked by stimulating the recovery of the hematopoietic stem cells contained in the second bone marrow transplant that she had received over two months earlier. Finally, after nine months of hospitalization, the child will be discharged from the hospital.

"Pluristem is extremely happy that our PLX cells have helped this little girl," said Zami Aberman, Chairman and CEO of Pluristem. "Remarkably, these beneficial effects were seen in the patient after our PLX cells were administered intramuscularly and correlates with the positive effects on the bone marrow when we administered our PLX cells intramuscularly (IM) in animals exposed to toxic levels of radiation. Pluristem now has several data points to indicate that our PLX cells may work for systemic diseases when given locally, away from the target organ, and without a need to give cells intravenously."

In February 2012, Pluristem announced the results of animal studies suggesting PLX cells can be potentially effective in treating the life threatening hematopoietic complications associated with Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). In these experiments, animals given PLX cells IM up to 24 hours post irradiation demonstrated a recovery of their red cells, white cells, platelets and bone marrow to almost normal levels. It was that announcement, and the significant deterioration of the patient following two bone marrow transplants, that led Professor Reuven Or to contact Pluristem about the possible compassionate use of PLX cells to treat his young patient.

Pluristem recently received U.S. FDA Clearance to begin a Phase II clinical trial using the company's proprietary PLX-PAD cell product candidate intramuscularly for the treatment of Intermittent Claudication (IC), a subset of peripheral artery disease (PAD). In April, the Company was awarded a $3.1 Million grant by the Israeli Government, which will be used to help fund R&D and clinical trials.

About Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.

Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:PSTI - News) (TASE:PLTR) is a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapies. The Company's patented PLX (PLacental eXpanded) cells are a drug delivery platform that releases a cocktail of therapeutic proteins in response to a host of local and systemic inflammatory and ischemic diseases. PLX cells are grown using the company's proprietary 3D micro-environmental technology and are an "off-the-shelf" product that requires no tissue matching prior to administration. Pluristem is focusing on the use of PLX cells administered locally to treat systemic diseases and potentially obviating the need to use the intravenous route.

Data from two phase I/II studies indicate that Pluristem's first PLX product candidate, PLX-PAD, is safe and potentially effective for the treatment of end stage peripheral artery disease when given locally. Additionally, Pluristem is developing PLX-PAD for cardiac ischemia, PLX-BMP for Acute Radiation Exposure, Bone Marrow Transplant Failure and Chemotherapy induced Bone Marrow Aplasia, PLX-ORTHO for orthopedic indications and PLX-PAH for Pulmonary Hypertension in collaboration with United Therapeutics. Pluristem's pre-clinical animal models have demonstrated PLX cells are also potentially effective in other inflammatory/ischemic indications, including diastolic heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathic pain and pulmonary fibrosis.

Pluristem has a strong patent portfolio, GMP certified manufacturing and research facilities as well as strategic relationships with major research institutions.

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Compassionate Use of Pluristem's PLX Cells Saves the Life of a Child After Bone Marrow Transplantation Failure

A stem cell breakthrough at UCLA could mark a big step for a biopharmaceutical company to use its proprietary technology to forge partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and other research institutions.

Fibrocell Sciences technology isolates, purifies and multiplies a patients fibroblast cells, connective skin cells that make collagen. In a research collaboration with the company, UCLA used the technology to isolate, identify and increase the number of different skin cell types, which lead to two rare adult stem cell-like subpopulations being identified in adult human skin SSEA3-expressing regeneration-associated cells associated with skin regeneration after injuries and mesenchymal adult stem cells.

The findings could have broad applications for personalized medicine. Currently, adult stem cells are derived from adipose tissue and bone marrow. Using mesenchymal stem cells would be less invasive and could be more efficient. Mesenchymal stem cells are being used in research to develop osteoblasts, or bone cells; chondrocytes, or cartilage cells; and adipocytes, or fat cells.

David Pernock, the chairman and CEO of Fibrocell, said the move could mark a significant step in the companys growth.

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Stem cell collaboration could set stage for company’s growth

By Carolyn Y. Johnson, Globe Staff

Two teams of Boston scientists have developed new ways to turn stem cells into different types of lung tissue, surmounting a major hurdle for scientists trying to harness the power of stem cell biology to study and develop treatments for major lung diseases.

One team then used skin cells from cystic fibrosis patients to create embryonic-like stem cells, then working in lab dishes used those cells to grow tissue that lines the airways and contains a defect responsible for the rare, fatal disease. The technique -- essentially a recipe for growing such lung tissue -- could provide a powerful platform to screen drugs and study the biology of the disease.

Growing lung tissue in the laboratory has long been a goal of stem cell scientists, but has been more technically difficult than growing other types of tissues, such as brain cells or heart cells. Such lung tissue is valuable because it could be used to screen potential drugs and more closely probe the problems that underlie diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and rare genetic diseases. Such techniques may also one day help researchers grow replacement tissues and devise ways to restore or repair injured lung tissue.

A team led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers created lung tissue from a patient with the genetic mutation that most commonly underlies cystic fibrosis and researchers hope the technique will also be a powerful tool to study other diseases that affect the airway tissue, such as asthma and lung cancer. The other team, led by Boston University School of Medicine scientists, was able to derive cells that form the delicate air sacs of the lung from mouse embryonic stem cells. The team is hoping to refine the recipe for making the cells so that they can be used to derive lung tissue from a bank of 100 stem cell lines of patients with lung disease. Both papers were published Thursday in the journal Cell Stem Cell.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a Cambridge biotechnology company, earlier this year received approval for Kalydeco -- the first drug to directly target the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis. That compound was discovered by screening massive numbers of potential drugs against cells engineered to carry the same defect that underlies cystic fibrosis.

We had to use engineered cells, and certainly using more native human cells ... would be potentially beneficial, said Dr. Frederick Van Goor, head of biology for Vertexs cystic fibrosis research program. We had to rely on donor tissue obtained from patients with cystic fibrosis, and its a bit more challenging, because the number of donor lungs you can get and the number of cells you can derive from there are more limited.

Van Goor said it was too soon to say whether the company would use the new technology in screening, but noted that the tests the company had used to determine whether a drug was likely to work against the disease had, in some cases, given scientists false leads. Some molecules that worked on the engineered cells did not work in the complicated biology of the lung.

Its a significant event for the lung field, said Dr. Thiennu Vu, associate professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, who was not involved in the research. She added that much work remains before such cells could be used to repair or replace damaged tissue, and even before such cells would necessarily be useful for drug screening. It will be important, she said, to refine the recipe to ensure that the technique yields pure populations of the specific types of functional lung cells.

In the competitive world of science, where credit for being the first to do something is crucially important, the two research teams accomplishments are an unusual example of competitors turning into collaborators -- forging a relationship that both teams felt helped speed up progress.

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Boston scientists grow lung tissue from cystic fibrosis patients’ skin cells

WEDNESDAY, May 9 (HealthDay News) -- An increasing number of wheelchair breakdowns are causing people with spinal cord injuries to be left stranded, hurt or unable to keep their medical appointments, according to a new study.

In the report, published online in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh researchers suggested that changes in Medicare reimbursements may be contributing to this growing problem.

The researchers found that more than half of wheelchair users had a breakdown within six months. A growing number of these breakdowns resulted in injuries and other health and safety concerns.

In conducting the research, Dr. Michael Boninger, of the University of Pittsburgh's physical medicine and rehabilitation department, and colleagues examined an ongoing survey study of more than 700 people with spinal cord injury who were confined to a wheelchair for a minimum of 40 hours each week. The participants provided information on the wheelchair problems they experienced and what happened as a result of their breakdowns.

The study revealed that the rate of wheelchair breakdowns surged between 2006 and 2011. During this time, roughly 53 percent of wheelchair users reported at least one breakdown requiring repairs within six months -- up from 45 percent between 2004 and 2006. The average number of repairs per person also surged from 1.03 in 2004-2006 to 1.42 in 2006-2011.

"It is possible that this increase in the number of repairs is the result of a decrease in wheelchair quality resulting from changes in reimbursement policies and a lack of enforcement of standards testing," the study authors noted in a journal news release.

The researchers also found the rate of adverse consequences of breakdowns jumped to 30.5 percent in 2006-2011 from 22 percent in 2004-2006. The total number of consequences per wheelchair user was also twice as high.

Power wheelchairs, particularly those with power seats, were more problematic than manual models, accounting for almost two-thirds of all problems reported by users.

Racial and ethnic minorities reported a greater number of breakdowns. The study authors pointed out that these patients were also less likely to have a backup wheelchair available to them.

Moreover, the study showed wheelchairs paid for by Medicare or Medicaid had higher rates of breakdowns and resulting problems than those covered by private insurance or other sources, including the Veterans Administration.

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Wheelchair Breakdowns on the Rise, Study Finds

The Buccaneers signed Eric LeGrand on May 2. LeGrand's return to the field in October was voted by Sports Illustrated readers as the Best Moment of 2011.

AP

"I want to make sure Eric is a part of what we do, somehow. Eric's always going to be a part of my life." -- Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano to me, upon being named coach of the Bucs in January, about the fate of Eric LeGrand, the former Rutgers defensive tackle who suffered a spinal-cord injury in a 2010 game.

When Greg Schiano told his kids they'd be moving to Florida, because he was going to become the coach of the NFL team in Tampa, one of them said: "What about Eric?''

What about Eric. It's something Schiano has been thinking about since the day LeGrand made a hard tackle against Army at the Meadowlands -- Oct. 16, 2010 -- and didn't get up. He broke two vertebrae and suffered a serious spinal cord injury, and his football career was over. Life would be challenging enough, never mind thinking about football.

LeGrand and Schiano got closer after the injury. A lot closer. "He was my coach before,'' LeGrand told me Sunday. "Now he's part of my family.''

How'd that happen?

"After I had the accident,'' LeGrand said, "I was laying in my hospital bed. My mom was with me every day. But she needed some relief at night, so about 11 o'clock, every other night, coach Schiano came into the room. I was so scared I couldn't sleep most of the time. But I'd look over and there he'd be. He'd talk to me, about everything. And if I'd doze off, I'd wake up and there he'd be, with his computer in his lap, doing the work he was supposed to be doing but he was seeing me instead. That happened every other night. We got close. He became a lot more than a coach to me.''

As LeGrand rehabbed and put the pieces of his life back together, he still thought about football. And he thought of it this spring. Had his career not been ended in the middle of his junior season, there's a chance he would have been picked on day two or three of this year's draft. LeGrand doesn't give in to pity much, but when he was watching the draft on TV late last month, he said at one point, "That could have been me.''

And so last Tuesday, when Schiano called to tell him something, football was still on LeGrand's mind. According to LeGrand, Schiano told him, "I want to offer you a contract. I want you to be our 90th man.''

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LeGrand honored by Bucs contract; mail

The Buccaneers signed Eric LeGrand on May 2. LeGrand's return to the field in October was voted by Sports Illustrated readers as the Best Moment of 2011.

AP

"I want to make sure Eric is a part of what we do, somehow. Eric's always going to be a part of my life." -- Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano to me, upon being named coach of the Bucs in January, about the fate of Eric LeGrand, the former Rutgers defensive tackle who suffered a spinal-cord injury in a 2010 game.

When Greg Schiano told his kids they'd be moving to Florida, because he was going to become the coach of the NFL team in Tampa, one of them said: "What about Eric?''

What about Eric. It's something Schiano has been thinking about since the day LeGrand made a hard tackle against Army at the Meadowlands -- Oct. 16, 2010 -- and didn't get up. He broke two vertebrae and suffered a serious spinal cord injury, and his football career was over. Life would be challenging enough, never mind thinking about football.

LeGrand and Schiano got closer after the injury. A lot closer. "He was my coach before,'' LeGrand told me Sunday. "Now he's part of my family.''

How'd that happen?

"After I had the accident,'' LeGrand said, "I was laying in my hospital bed. My mom was with me every day. But she needed some relief at night, so about 11 o'clock, every other night, coach Schiano came into the room. I was so scared I couldn't sleep most of the time. But I'd look over and there he'd be. He'd talk to me, about everything. And if I'd doze off, I'd wake up and there he'd be, with his computer in his lap, doing the work he was supposed to be doing but he was seeing me instead. That happened every other night. We got close. He became a lot more than a coach to me.''

As LeGrand rehabbed and put the pieces of his life back together, he still thought about football. And he thought of it this spring. Had his career not been ended in the middle of his junior season, there's a chance he would have been picked on day two or three of this year's draft. LeGrand doesn't give in to pity much, but when he was watching the draft on TV late last month, he said at one point, "That could have been me.''

And so last Tuesday, when Schiano called to tell him something, football was still on LeGrand's mind. According to LeGrand, Schiano told him, "I want to offer you a contract. I want you to be our 90th man.''

Continue reading here:
Peter King: Schiano, Bucs honor LeGrand's perseverance with contract; mail

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/bx4hvt/acute_spinal_cord) has announced the addition of Global Markets Direct's new report "Acute Spinal Cord Injury - Pipeline Review, H1 2012" to their offering.

Global Markets Direct's, 'Acute Spinal Cord Injury - Pipeline Review, H1 2012', provides an overview of the Acute Spinal Cord Injury therapeutic pipeline. This report provides information on the therapeutic development for Acute Spinal Cord Injury, complete with latest updates, and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Acute Spinal Cord Injury. 'Acute Spinal Cord Injury - Pipeline Review, H1 2012' is built using data and information sourced from Global Markets Direct's proprietary databases, Company/University websites, SEC filings, investor presentations and featured press releases from company/university sites and industry-specific third party sources, put together by Global Markets Direct's team.

Scope:

- A snapshot of the global therapeutic scenario for Acute Spinal Cord Injury.

- A review of the Acute Spinal Cord Injury products under development by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.

- Coverage of products based on various stages of development ranging from discovery till registration stages.

- A feature on pipeline projects on the basis of monotherapy and combined therapeutics.

- Coverage of the Acute Spinal Cord Injury pipeline on the basis of route of administration and molecule type.

- Profiles of late-stage pipeline products featuring sections on product description, mechanism of action and research & development progress.

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Research and Markets: Acute Spinal Cord Injury - Pipeline Review, H1 2012

Source: ISNA, Tehran

Iranian researchers managed to design and build a machine which helps the patients suffering Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) increase their movement abilities.

An Iranian faculty member of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Amir Massoud Arab told ISNA that there is no treatment for the trauma and that rehabilitation plays a significant role in helping the patients to return to their previous condition to some extent.

Arab noted Functional Electrical Stimulation-Assisted Rowing Machine has been made inside the country by Iranian experts and would increase the movement activities of SCI sufferer. It aims to functionalize the rehabilitation objectives.

A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) refers to any injury to the spinal cord that is caused by trauma instead of disease. Depending on where the spinal cord and nerve roots are damaged, the symptoms can vary widely, from pain to paralysis to incontinence.

Spinal cord injuries are described at various levels of "incomplete", which can vary from having no effect on the patient to a "complete" injury which means a total loss of function.

Arab noted patients' lack of movements as well as their dependence on wheelchair is considered to be of major threats for the SCI sufferers and the designed machine would decrease their dependency and let them have more activities.

He said the advantages of rowing exercise comparing to other ones is that upper limbs would be involved in movement as well as the lower limbs which would help the operation of the patients' heart, adding the machine has been tested on a number of patients and the results were satisfying.

Iranian lecturer pointed out the machine possesses a fly wheel which is equipped with magnetic brakes with 9 resistance level, adding there is a chair equipped with a dorsal so that the patient do not have any problem while sitting on it.

Originally posted here:
Iran builds machine to help SCI patients' movements

NEWARK, Calif., May 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StemCells, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEM - News) today announced that Armin Curt, MD, FRCPC, Professor and Chairman, Spinal Cord Injury Center at the University of Zurich, and Medical Director of the Paraplegic Center at the Balgrist University Hospital and principal investigator for the Company's Phase I/II clinical trial in chronic spinal cord injury, will provide a progress report on the trial on Thursday, May 17 at the Interdependence 2012 Global SCI Conference. Interdependence 2012, which is being held in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 15-17, 2012, is jointly organized by the Rick Hansen Institute, a Canadian not-for-profit organization committed to accelerating the translation of discoveries and best practices into improved treatments for people with spinal cord injuries, and the Rick Hansen Foundation.

In addition, on Thursday, May 17, Stephen Huhn, MD, FACS, FAAP, Vice President and Head of the CNS Program at StemCells, Inc., will make a presentation on neural stem cell transplantation in neurological disorders. Dr. Huhn will describe the scientific and preclinical rationale for the Company's extensive clinical development program which encompasses all three elements of the central nervous system -- spinal cord, brain, and eye. StemCells was the first company to receive authorizations from the US Food and Drug Administration and Swissmedic to conduct clinical trials to evaluate purified human neural stem cells as potential therapeutic agents.

The goal of Interdependence 2012 is to bring together international healthcare and research facilities to showcase their work through presentations, workshops and exhibits and discuss how to advance research, implement new best practices and shape the next generation of spinal cord injury research.

About the Spinal Cord Injury Clinical Trial

The Phase I/II clinical trial of StemCells, Inc.'s HuCNS-SC(R) purified human adult neural stem cells is designed to assess both safety and preliminary efficacy. Twelve patients with thoracic (chest-level) neurological injuries at the T2-T11 level are planned for enrollment. The Company has dosed the first three patients all of whom have injuries classified as AIS A, in which there is no neurological function below the injury level. The second and third cohorts will be patients classified as AIS B and AIS C, those with less severe injury, in which there is some preservation of sensory or motor function. In addition to assessing safety, the trial will assess preliminary efficacy based on defined clinical endpoints, such as changes in sensation, motor and bowel/bladder function.

All patients will receive HuCNS-SC cells through direct transplantation into the spinal cord and will be temporarily immunosuppressed. Patients will be evaluated regularly in the post-transplant period in order to monitor and assess the safety of the HuCNS-SC cells, the surgery and the immunosuppression, as well as to measure any recovery of neurological function below the injury site. The Company intends to follow the effects of this therapy long-term, and a separate four-year observational study will be initiated at the conclusion of this trial.

The trial is being conducted at Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, a world leading medical center for spinal cord injury and rehabilitation, and is open for enrollment to patients in Europe, Canada and the United States. For information on patient enrollment, interested parties may contact the study nurse either by phone at +41 44 386 39 01, or by email at stemcells.pz@balgrist.ch.

Additional information about the Company's spinal cord injury program can be found on the StemCells, Inc. website at http://www.stemcellsinc.com/Therapeutic-Programs/Clinical-Trials.htm and at http://www.stemcellsinc.com/Therapeutic-Programs/Spinal-Cord-Injury.htm, including video interviews with Company executives and independent collaborators.

About Balgrist University Hospital

Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich is recognized worldwide as a highly specialized center of excellence providing examination, treatment and rehabilitation opportunities to patients with serious musculoskeletal conditions. The clinic owes its leading international reputation to its unique combination of specialized medical services. The hospital's carefully-balanced, interdisciplinary network brings together under one roof medical specialties including orthopedics, paraplegiology, radiology, anesthesiology, rheumatology, and physical medicine. More information about Balgrist University Hospital is available at http://www.balgrist.ch.

Continued here:
StemCells, Inc. to Provide Progress Report on Spinal Cord Injury Trial at the Interdependence 2012 Global SCI ...

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (ACT; OTCBB:ACTC), a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, announced today first quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2012. The Company reported a loss from operations of $(5.4) million compared to a loss from operations of $(4.8) million in the 2011 first quarter.ACTreported a net loss of $(5.7) million or $(0.00) per share, compared to a loss in the same period in 2011 of $(3.3) million, or $(0.00) per share.

Net cash used in operations for the 2011 first quarter was $4.8 million, compared to net cash used in operations of $3.4 million in the same period in 2011. The Company ended the 2012 first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $10.8 million, compared to $13.1 million as of December 31, 2011.

Highlights from the first quarter of 2012 included:

We are very pleased with our progress in the clinic so far, said Chairman and CEO Gary Rabin. We are encouraged by the results we have seen from the early patients treated in each of our indications, and look forward to completing the trials on schedule.

Conference call and Webcast

The Company will hold a conference call tomorrow at 9 a.m. eastern time to discuss the first quarter results and business outlook. Interested parties may access the call live by dialing (888) 264-3177 and using conference ID 72827188. This event will be streamed via webcast. The webcast will be available at http://us.meeting-stream.com/advancedcelltechnology050912. A replay of the call will also be available via the same link.

About Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., is a biotechnology company applying cellular technology in the field of regenerative medicine. For more information, visitwww.advancedcell.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

See original here:
Advanced Cell Technology Announces 2012 First Quarter Results

Newswise Timothy Cripe, MD, PhD, chief of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplantation at Nationwide Childrens Hospital, was recently appointed a member of the Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapy Advisory Committee which reports to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This committee provides guidance to the FDA in approving novel cellular, tissue and gene therapy therapeutics and devices. In recent years, the committee reviewed applications for the new cancer immunotherapy Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) and the first licensed cord blood product, HEMACORD. The committee is also charged with reviewing applications that use embryonic stem cells or other cellular therapies.

Such committees of the FDA are established to provide functions which support its mission of protecting and promoting the public health, while meeting the requirements set forth in the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The FDA has 32 Advisory Committees across all Centers which are subject to renewal at two-year intervals unless the committee charter states otherwise. They are advisory in nature with the FDA making final decisions.

Dr. Cripe recently came to Nationwide Childrens from Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center where he served as medical co-director in Clinical and Translational Research and was the founding director of the Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Tumor Program. During his stint at Cincinnati, he was a professor of Pediatrics and Director of Pilot and Collaborative Studies in the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training.

His clinical interests include gene and viral therapies for solid tumors in children, including brain tumors, neuroblastoma and bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Dr. Cripes current research focuses on developing and testing new, targeted therapies for pediatric solid tumors and translating those findings into clinical studies. He also investigates the use of viruses that selectively infect and kill cancer cells, studies their utility for killing cancer stem cells, and was among the first in the country to launch clinical trials of attenuated viruses in children.

Dr. Cripe is a magna cum laude graduate of Princeton University and completed his MD, PhD in genetics and pediatric residency training at the University of Iowa. He was a fellow in pediatric hematology/oncology at the Childrens Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and at the Childrens Hospital and University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver.

Following his subspecialty training, he was an assistant professor of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin Childrens Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center in Madison and was the pediatric medical director of the UW/American Red Cross Hemophilia Treatment Center.

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Dr. Timothy Cripe of Nationwide Children's Hospital Appointed to a Committee of the Food and Drug Administration

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Almost halfway through a $600 million state program supporting stem cell research, eight medical schools around New York are reporting progress on projects such as replicating liver cells and eradicating leukemia cells.

A new report from Associated Medical Schools of New York updates work at the institutions where hundreds of researchers are starting to unravel causes and potential treatments for conditions ranging from autism to heart disease and cancer. Stem cells are self-renewing and have the ability to develop into other types of cells.

The Mount Sinai School of Medicine reported finding a method to transform human skin cells into stem cells and turned differentiated human stem cells into heart cells. Those findings are expected to result in better understanding of how heart disease develops and allow initial testing of new treatments on stem cells before they are used on human subjects.

Dr. Ihor Lemischka, director of the Black Family Stem Cell Institute at Mount Sinai, said recreating heart cells in a dish from a patient with LEOPARD Syndrome, a disease caused by a genetic mutation, has opened ongoing avenues for researching the disease and screening potential drugs.

"It was a major achievement," Lemischka said. The initial work was reported in June 2010 in the journal Nature.

The shared research facility at Mount Sinai supports the work at 80 different labs, Lemischka said.

The Empire State Stem Cell Program was intended to fund projects in early stages, including those that initially have been unable to get federal or private funding. Grants have also been used for capital projects like renovating labs and establishing new stem cell centers.

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine reported replicating liver cells that could help reduce the need for liver transplants using live donors and cadavers.

Dr. Allen Spiegel said 12 new researchers have been hired with state funding at the Bronx school, which also lists anemia, brain disorders, heart disease and obesity among its stem cell research subjects.

"It offers tremendous potential for understanding the causes of and developing better treatments for diseases like cancer, type 1 diabetes and Parkinson's," he said.

Excerpt from:
NY medical schools chart progress with stem cells

LEUVEN, BELGIUM--(Marketwire -05/08/12)- TiGenix (TIG), a leader in the field of cell therapy, announced today that during the months of May and June the company will present at a number of key events in Europe and the U.S. geared at investor, industry, and academic audiences to highlight the commercial potential of ChondroCelect, the only approved cell therapy in Europe, and of the company's innovative proprietary allogeneic stem cell platform with programs in Phase I, II, and III for a range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

May 15-16 BioEquity, Marriott Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: Tuesday, May 15, 16:00-16:25 Room: Level 1, Room Gold 1

May 21-23 World Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Congress, Victoria Park Plaza, London, UK Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: Monday, May 21, 15:25 -15:50 Title: Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine - Progressing into phase III with an orphan indication

May 24 Knowledge for Growth, ICC Ghent, Belgium Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Time: 11:30 Keynote speech - Advanced therapies: this time it is for real

June 5-8 18th International Stem Cell Therapy Sociey Annual Meeting, Sheraton Seattle, WA, U.S. Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: June 7, 13:45-15:15 Title: Plenary Session 4 - Regenerative Medicine and Positioning for Commercial Success - Lessons from the commercial roll out of ChondroCelect in Europe

June 18-21 BIO International Convention, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, MA, U.S. Presenter: Eduardo Bravo, CEO Date & time: June 20, 15:00-15:45 Title: Stem Cell Therapies...Fact or Fiction?

June 23 VFB Biotech Congres, Leuven, Belgium Location: Imec, Kapeldreef 75, Leuven Presenter: Gil Beyen, Chief Business Officer Time: 11am

June 23 Dag van de Biotechnologie, Leuven, Belgium Location: TiGenix headquarters, Leuven Event: Open day event throughout Flanders for all biotech companies & academic labs Time: 10am-5pm

About TiGenixTiGenix NV (TIG) is a leading European cell therapy company with a marketed product for cartilage repair, ChondroCelect, and a strong pipeline with clinical stage allogeneic adult stem cell programs for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. TiGenix is based out of Leuven (Belgium) and has operations in Madrid (Spain), and Sittard-Geleen (the Netherlands). For more information please visit http://www.tigenix.com.

Forward-looking information This document may contain forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated future performance of TiGenix and the market in which it operates. Certain of these statements, forecasts and estimates can be recognised by the use of words such as, without limitation, "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will" and "continue" and similar expressions. They include all matters that are not historical facts. Such statements, forecasts and estimates are based on various assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable when made but may or may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict and may depend upon factors that are beyond TiGenix' control. Therefore, actual results, the financial condition, performance or achievements of TiGenix, or industry results, may turn out to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements, forecasts and estimates. Given these uncertainties, no representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates only speak as of the date of the publication of this document. TiGenix disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statement, forecast or estimates to reflect any change in TiGenix' expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement, forecast or estimate is based, except to the extent required by Belgian law.

Continued here:
TiGenix : Presenting at Key Conferences - Spring 2012

SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, reports the Chairman of its associate company, SG Austria, Dr. Walter Gunzburg, participated in multiple private meetings with leading Japanese biotech and pharmaceutical companies following the recent Annual Meeting of the Organisation for Oncology and Translational Research (OOTR), where he was a invited guest speaker.

The meetings took place immediately after his recent bench to bedside presentation of data from the clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors using the companys cutting-edge living cell encapsulation technology. Nuvilex and SG Austria have been actively working to advance the value and use of the live cell encapsulation technology throughout North America and Europe, and are encouraged by the positive response in the Asia-Pacific Rim. Drs. Gunzburg and Salmons have been increasing the number of companies that know about this cutting-edge live cell encapsulation technology and their efforts have been paying off in terms of invitations for in-depth company meetings.

Dr. Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Nuvilex, commented, Japan is well known as an important producer and consumer of advanced medical products and were excited to report there was keen interest in the use of live cell encapsulation. In addition, we are noting the living cell encapsulation technology is proving to be of great interest to a number of biotech companies developing cell therapies for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

About Nuvilex

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX) is an emerging international biotechnology provider of live therapeutically valuable, encapsulated cells and services for research and medicine. Through substantial effort, aspects of our corporate activities alone and in concert with SG Austria are nearing completion, ultimately providing for a strong future together. Our companys clinical offerings will include cancer, diabetes and other treatments using the companys industry-leading cell and gene therapy expertise and cutting edge, live-cell encapsulation technology.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements described within the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act involving risks and uncertainties including product demand, market competition, and meeting current or future plans which may cause actual results, events, and performances, expressed or implied, to vary and/or differ from those contemplated or predicted. Investors should study and understand all risks before making an investment decision. Readers are recommended not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Nuvilex is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, reflect events or circumstances afterward, or disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.

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Nuvilex Announces Excitement Grows in Japan over Encapsulated Living Cell Technology Oncological Applications

07-05-2012 10:59 Here it is. The First Trailer for the Scientific Thriller Errors of The Human Body. Currently still seeking funds for post production through crowdfunding at

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Errors of The Human Body - Official Trailer - Video

07-05-2012 15:13 Dorothy Roberts, Professor at Northwestern University, discusses how emerging biotechnologies are reconfiguring, reforming and revising notions of race in potentially dangerous ways at the 2010 Tarrytown Meeting. The Tarrytown Meetings bring together people working to ensure that human biotechnologies and related emerging technologies support rather than undermine social justice, equality, human rights, ecological integrity and the common good. Find out more about the Tarrytown Meetings here: To find more videos, check out the Tarrytown Youtube channel: Presentation Excerpt: The expansion of genetic research and technologies has helped us cross a threshold into a new type of biopolitics concerned with our capacity to control and manipulate human life. As British sociologist Nicholas Rose has shown, so-called biological citizenship is grounded in the unprecedented authority wielded by individuals over their well-being at the molecular level. According to Rose, "our very biological life itself has entered the domain of decision and choice." Biological citizenship entails both individuals' autonomy over personal welfare and a biosociality that links people together around their common genetic traits. Genetic information enables individuals not only to manage their own health, but also to unite with others around their common health conditions, as revealed by DNA testing. Rose and others celebrate biocitizenship because it enhances ...

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Dorothy Roberts: Race and the New Biocitizen- Tarrytown 2010 - Video