Cord Blood Registry Launches Industry-Leading Innovations for Newborn Stem Cell Collection

New Collection System Offers Parents Opportunity to Preserve a Greater Number and Diversity of Their Newborn’s Umbilical Cord Stem Cells for More Potential Therapeutic Uses

Cord Blood Registry (CBR), the global leader in the collection and preservation of newborn stem cells from the umbilical cord, announced today the launch of its new stem cell collection system that saves a greater number and diversity of a newborn’s stem cells – from both the blood in the umbilical cord and the cord tissue itself – for a wider range of potential therapeutic uses.

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The official definition of human embryonic stem (HES) cells in US National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines is to be broadened from those ‘derived from the inner cell mass of blastocyst stage human embryo’ (ie. from embryos that have reached the blastocyst stage at four or five days old, 70-100 cells), to include also those derived from earlier stage embryos.

Dr Lana Skirboll, director of the Office of Science Policy of the NIH, reportedly said: “We are making what I think is a relatively small technical change to the definition of human embryonic stem cells…This changes none of the ethical requirements in the guidelines” (see Reuters news). This move was prompted by an application from a commercial source to list cell lines derived from eight-cell stage embryos, and will make some commercial and academic research programs potentially eligible for government funding.

Derivation of HES cells from a cell taken from an eight-cell stage embryo could possibly allow implantation and normal development of the remaining seven-cell embryo. This is what happens in pre-implantation prenatal diagnosis (PGD); one cell is removed for genetic analysis and, if healthy, the seven-cell embryo is implanted and can grow into a normal fetus.

In an autologous stem cell transplant, you are your own donor. Your peripheral blood stem cells are taken from you, frozen until needed, then given back to you after you have received high doses of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both, to destroy cancer cells.

“An autologous stem cell transplant removes your bone marrow stem cells so that you can be given larger doses of chemotherapy and radiation. Following therapy, your unharmed stem cells are returned”

Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine may have taken the controversy out of the entire field of stem cell research.

In a paper published online today in the journal Nature, they report that they were able to transform mouse skin cells directly into functioning nerve cells without needing to go through a stem cell stage first.

As they say in their paper, this “could have important implications for studies of neural development, neurological disease modeling and regenerative medicine.”

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“By combining the proven oocyte retrieval experience and clinical excellence of California Center for Reproductive Medicine and Acacio Fertility Center with the pharmaceutical and operational experience of Dr. Craw, International Stem Cell Corporation is well positioned to generate the world’s first cGMP quality hpSC lines in 2010.”

The company uses unfertilized eggs (oocytes) to create human “parthenogenic” stem cells (hpSCs). Like embryonic stem cells (ESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent (i.e. have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body), yet avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos. Unlike induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSs), hpSCs do not involve extensive gene manipulation, which may have unknown biological impact. Unlike both ESCs and iPSs, hpSCs can be created in a homozygous form such that each line will be an immunological match for millions of patients.

International Stem Cell Corporation has partnered with two IVF clinics in Southern California, California Center for Reproductive Medicine under the leadership of Dr. Lori Arnold and Acacio Fertility Center under the leadership of Dr. Brian Acacio. Both clinics provide exceptional clinical care for egg donors and IVF patients, not only regionally but across the US and abroad. California Center for Reproductive Medicine and Acacio Fertility Center provide a US source of oocytes under full regulatory and medical oversight that allow for the creation of the first clinical grade hpSC lines anywhere in the world. Dr. Acacio says: “We look forward to participating in this important research with the ultimate goal of each egg donation not only helping a single couple but millions of people with degenerative diseases.” Dr. Arnold says: “While we provide world-class care for our IVF patients, we are excited to add our clinical expertise and join International Stem Cell Corporation in this medical frontier of regenerative medicine.”

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“The treatment of the first patient with our spinal cord stem cells represents a significant milestone for the Company,” said Neuralstem President and CEO, Richard Garr.

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Stem Cells: Developing New Cures from NYSCF on Vimeo.

The Stem Cell Summit is an annual gathering of stem cell and biomaterial company executives, scientists and investors to explore the therapeutic applications of stem cells, the successful path to stem cell product commercialization, and the latest investment opportunities within the space. The Summit features 35 corporate presentations, a scientific panel, separate tracks for stem cell tools & instruments, and a closing reception. It is an intensive one-day event held at Bridgewaters in New York City’s historic South Street Seaport.

The presenting stem cell companies include:

Aastrom Biosciences, Inc.        INCELL Corporation, LLC
AllCells, LLC                            International Stem Cell Corp.
AlloSource                               Lonza Group Ltd.
Aldagen, Inc.                           MaxCyte, Inc.
ArunA Biomedical, Inc.            Mesoblast Limited
Athersys, Inc.                           Novocell, Inc.
BioE Inc.                                   Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.
Cardiogenesis Corp.                 Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.
Cellerix, S.A.                             ProChon Biotech, Ltd.
Celtigen Therapeutics, LLC      Progenitor Cell Therapy, Inc.
Core Dynamics Ltd.                   SpineSmith Partners LP
Cytori Therapeutics, Inc.           Stematix, Inc.
Gamida Cell Ltd.                        Stemina Biomarker Discovery, Inc.
Garnet BioTherapeutics, Inc.    TiGenix NV
Genzyme Biosurgery                  Tissue Genesis, Inc.
Glycosan BioSystems, Inc.         TxCell SA
Harvest Technologies Corp.      Vet-Stem, Inc.
Histogen, Inc.

In addition to the company and scientific presentations, Robin R. Young, CFA, a leading medical technologies analyst, will deliver his updated 10-year market forecast for the industry. “In 2009, the number of new market entrants was notable, but there were some difficulties with regard to clinical trials. Nevertheless, sales of stem cell therapies continue to grow extremely rapidly in the United States. We now estimate that revenues from stem cell therapies will surpass $2.5 billion by 2015 and that the industry will support a $10 billion valuation,” said Young.

5th Annual Stem Cell Summit Facts at a Glance

When:  Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Where:  Bridgewaters
11 Fulton Street
New York City

Admission:  $1,200 advance registration by January 31, 2010
$1,500 (February 1 – 16, 2010)

Information: A detailed agenda and online registration are available at www.stemcellsummit.com.