Research and Development: January 2007 Archives

Millipore Corporation today announced the availability of HEScGRO animal component-free medium for human embryonic stem cell research. HEScGRO medium is the first commercially available animal component-free medium tested successfully for human embryonic stem cell culture and shown to maintain hES cells in their undifferentiated state. An agreement between Millipore and Stem Cell Sciences (SCS) announced in October 2006 made it possible for Millipore to manufacture and market SCS' serum-free media.
     
HEScGRO medium’s unique serum-free, ready-to-use and complete formulation offers new ease and reliability in growing human embryonic stem cells. Media with animal-derived components are subject to wide variability and may contain factors that promote differentiation of hES cells, as well as toxic proteins or immunogens that can adversely affect the cells themselves. HEScGRO medium is a defined, animal component-free formulation that successfully addresses these problems and allows scientists to grow human stem cells with confidence.

Millipore is the leading provider of mouse embryonic stem cell culture reagents as well as human adult and primary stem cells that are used to foster growth and discovery for disease treatment and development. Millipore’s unique product range comprising optimized media, cell lines, characterization kits and novel, proprietary markers offers an integrated solution for stem cell scientists.

<a href="http://www.millipore.com/corporate/pressroom.nsf/docs/6xygtt">Millipore’s HEScGROTM Medium Advances Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research</a> (millipore.com)
 

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute granted $17.9 million for the research of stem-cell treatments for cardiovascular disease to the UT School of Public Health Coordinated Center for Clinical Trials.

The school was established in 1967 as part of the UT Health Science Center in Houston.

The new funding will bring the institution to the forefront of stem-cell, cardiovascular research. Charged with coordinating the network's participating centers, the school will serve as the hub for the Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network.

"This research will examine the promise of approved stem-cell research of cardiovascular disease," Dr. Lemuel A. Moye said.

The network's centers include the University of Florida, the Cleveland Clinic, the University of Minnesota, the Texas Heart Institute and Vanderbilt University. Dr. Lemuel A. Moye, biostatistics professor and principal investigator of the program at the UT School of Public Health, was excited that the institution was selected to coordinate the other centers.

"It was a pleasant surprise," he said.

<a href="http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2007/01/31/University/Institute.Grants.Ut.Funds.For.StemCell.Heart.Research-2687958.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com">Institute grants UT funds for stem-cell, heart research</a> (Lindsey Mullikin, dailytexanonline.com)

The California stem cell agency should not hire a "big name" as its new president, and he or she should not be allowed to conduct research on the side, according to one of CIRM's watchdogs.

John M. Simpson, stem cell project director for the Foundation for the Taxpayer and Consumers Rights, sent a letter to CIRM today and issued a press release on the subject, following the ealier item ("Move with Dispatch") below in the California Stem Cell Report. (Also see Simpson's comment on that item in which he quotes an unidentified Oversight Committee.)

In his letter, Simpson said:

"The next president must be an extremely competent hands-on scientific administrator, who can set up and maintain transparent and accountable management systems. He or she must be able to interact with the public, state officials, legislators and the media in a transparent, honest and accountable fashion.

"In the past there has been some suggestion that the president might continue to maintain research laboratory as part of the president's role. This should not be allowed. The presidency of CIRM is more than a full-time job. A person trying to manage CIRM's activities and conduct meaningful research simultaneously would do justice to neither activity.

"Members of the search committee should avoid the temptation of seeking a 'big name' scientists known for his or her discoveries. The emphasis must be on the individual's skill in scientific management and administration."
Simpson's statement came as CIRM posted a seven-page document on its Web site describing proposed criteria for the new president. That document, coming only one day before the meeting of the presidential search subcommittee, will serve as the framework for that panel's discussion. Other background information relating to hiring a search firm, whether that process should be open to bids, timetable for hiring and "interim action" was not available. The lack of that information makes it extremely difficult for the public to comment intelligently and belies CIRM's ostensible commitment to openness and transparency.

<a href="http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/2007/01/ftcr-no-to-research-and-big-name-for.html">FTCR: No to Research and 'Big Name' for Next CIRM President </a> (californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com)

Ingrid Jansson peers through a vapor of liquid nitrogen at frozen embryos conceived for her in a petri dish four years ago. It's the first time she's eyed the surplus from the in vitro fertilization procedure that brought her son Dylan, now 3, into the world.
"It's surreal," says Jansson, 39, as an embryologist fishes out the thin straw containing eight embryos stored at a fertility clinic where she was treated and now works as a nurse. "I don't think about them much, because I have two (children) at home that keep me busy."

As Congress renews debate about funding stem cell research using human embryos, people such as Jansson are thinking hard about what to do with excess embryos after their families are complete. Only they â€" not politicians, doctors or ethicists â€" are legally entitled to make the call.

It's not easy, even for Jansson, who does volunteer work helping fertility patients donate their leftover embryos to the Stem Cell Resource, an embryo bank here that provides them free to researchers. She and her husband, Jon Gardner, 41, never imagined they'd have spares after all they did to get pregnant. Now they disagree on what to do.

Jansson, who is not religious, wants to donate her embryos for research. She says giving them to an infertile couple is "not an option" because it "would be like giving away my own child, my own DNA." Gardner is Catholic, and he objects. He says stem cell research, which dismantles embryos, is "destroying human life" and opposes it for his "son's siblings." Says Jansson: "It's very difficult for us to decide."

<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-01-29-embryo-debate_x.htm">Each stored embryo is a stem cell debate</a> (Andrea Stone, USATODAY.com)

ACCORDING to a recent survey, more than two-thirds of Americans want the new Democratic-led Congress to expand embryonic stem cell research. That's certainly what we call a public mandate.
Nancy Pelosi and company have no problem with the idea. Americans have given the go-ahead for a bill, supported by Democrats and passed by the House of Representatives (253 to 174), to expand federal funding for stem cell research using discarded human embryos. About 68 percent of the people in the survey, conducted by the Civil Society Institute, favored reversing restrictions placed on such research by President Bush, who in July used his first veto to strike down a bill that would have increased stem cell research.

The possibilities of what may come from stem cell research are many, including cures for some of our deadliest diseases. And support is clearly bipartisan, as this study showed. Supporters include 51 percent of Republican and 59 percent of independent voters. In addition, 52 percent were evangelical Christians, and 69 percent were Roman Catholics.

"It's broad, it's bipartisan and it's something everyone seems to be in favor of," said Grant Hueber, a senior researcher at Opinion Research Corporation.

It also could be a boon for the Bay Area and California. Currently, companies such as Advanced Cell Technology of Alameda and Menlo Park-based Geron are working with embryonic stem cells and, if research expands, more companies can be lured to this state.

<a href="http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/oped/ci_5117209">Stem cell research has popular support</a> (insidebayarea.com)

ES Cell International (ESI), a regenerative medicine company, and ITI Life Sciences, which funds early-stage research in life sciences, said they have signed a non-exclusive research license agreement that would allow ITI to take stem cell research to clinics.

Financial details were not disclosed. The license announced Monday involves two British patents granted to Singapore-based ESI that cover aspects of human embryonic stem cell growth and differentiation, which are particularly important in clinical applications.

On ITI’s part this agreement will form an important component of the £9.5-million ($18.6 million) new stem cell technologies program launched by ITI, which is based in Dundee, Scotland.

The deal is significant as it would add one more arrow to the United Kingdom’s stem cell quiver. The U.K. already has some of the most advanced policies in the world on stem cell research, funding both agencies and lab-to-clinic programs to perform such research.

<a href="http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=21012&hed=Stem+Cell+Firm+Licenses+Patents">Stem Cell Firm Licenses Patents</a> (Seema Singh, redherring.com)

A University scientist has reached a breakthrough in stem cell research that could expedite the search for cures to a number of neural diseases.

Steve Stice, a professor and director of the University's Regenerative Bioscience Center, said Thursday he discovered a method to produce billions of cells which can develop into and replace damaged brain tissues.

These cells, Stice said, are of great significance in finding cures to conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

"This finding is important because of the value of specialized human nerve cells in stem cell research," Stice said.

Few institutions have access to embryonic cells, a condition Stice hopes to reverse, he said.

Through his company, Aruna Biomedical Inc., Stice intends to manufacture and distribute these cells to biological labs and companies throughout the world, he said.

<a href="http://media.www.redandblack.com/media/storage/paper871/news/2007/01/30/News/Bioscientist.Broadens.Embryonic.Research-2684358.shtml?sourcedomain=www.redandblack.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com">Bioscientist broadens embryonic research</a> (NICK WARLICK, redandblack.com)

The first annual meeting of Stem Cell Research Forum of India (SCRFI) began here today with 350 delegates, including 40 international delegates from across 12 countries deliberating on advantages and progress of stem cell therapies.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Satish Totey, Director of Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Secretary of SCRFI said: ‘There is a growing consensus, amongst the policy analyst and scientists alike, that India and China are likely to play a key role in the scientific, clinical and commercial development of stem-cell research. Although at a nascent stage, stem cell therapies are a rapidly growing field in the Indian market. Recent tie-ups of several Indian firms with foreign collaborators show the trend of Indian market.’

He also said: ‘The global market for stem-cell therapies is expected to be $20 billion by 2010. The stem-cell market in India is estimated to be around US $540 million and is growing at 15 per cent yearly.’

<a href="http://www.indianpad.com/view/27945">Global meet on stem-cell research kicks off, focus on India, China</a> (indianpad.com)

Scientists hope to speed up the development of regenerative drugs for diseases such as cancer by using robotics to automate stem cell research.

London-based biotechnology firm Plasticell hopes to use robotics to automate its Combicult technology to enable thousands of stem cell experiments to be conducted at once, rather than just a handful at a time by a single scientist.
The research will be conducted in collaboration with University College London and the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) utilising a £1.1m (€1.7m) UK government grant.

Repair and regeneration of the body is dependent on stem cells, which are capable of differentiating into any specific cell types found in the body. The chemical pathways that help stem cells 'choose' which cells they will become can be modulated by drugs.

However, first these pathways need to be better understood in order to treat diseases such as cancer, which is characterised by uncontrolled cell growth and differentiation.

<a href="http://www.drugresearcher.com/news/ng.asp?n=73747-plasticell-university-college-london-department-of-trade-and-industry-national-institute">
Robotics could speed up stem cell research</a> (Mike Nagle, drugresearcher.com)

Patients or patient groups have rarely been involved in discussions on stem cell research even though they would be the most affected by the potential of such therapies.

Unfortunately, objective patient-orientated information is lacking. Policy makers must also understand the various issues involved so that appropriate policies can be tabled and seriously debated.

According to Dr Scerri (lecturer at the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta) stem cell biology represents a new scientific research frontier that may ultimately lead to a better quality of life for patients affected by a wide variety of medical conditions.

Stem cell research has received widespread attention and the diversity of viewpoints in this area of research must include not only scientists, politicians and ethicists but also the patients themselves who, in the end, would be the most affected by the potential of such treatment.

Embryonic stem cells, due to their ability to form most cells inside the body, have a huge therapeutic potential.

<a href="http://stemcell.taragana.net/archive/patient-orientated-information-about-stem-cell-research/">Patient Orientated Information About Stem Cell Research</a> (stemcell.taragana.net)

Stem cell biology represents a new scientific research frontier that may ultimately lead to a better quality of life for patients affected by a wide variety of medical conditions. Stem cell research has received widespread attention and the diversity of viewpoints in this area of research must include not only scientists, politicians and ethicists but also the patients themselves who, in the end, would be the most affected by the potential of such treatment.

Fertilisation occurs when the sperm fuses with the egg to form a zygote. The full complement of genetic material that results from this fusion will be later reproduced in nearly all types of cells found both in the embryo and the adult.

The fertilised egg has totipotent characteristics, meaning that it can develop in all types of cells found in the human body. Approximately four to eight days after fertilisation, a sphere of cells known as a blastocyst develops (containing around 50-100 cells - no bigger than the diameter of a human hair). The outside layer of the blastocyst will go on to form the placenta whereas the cells present inside will go on to form the embryo. Although the latter have the potential to form all types of cells that are found in the adult body, they cannot alone form an organism because they are unable to give rise to a placenta which is vital to embryonic development. Therefore, the cells present inside the blastocyst are known to be pluripotent, giving rise to many types of cells but not all the cells. If a cell from the inside of the blastocyst is placed inside a womb, it would never develop into an embryo. It is the cells that are present inside the blastocyst that are used to make embryonic stem cells.

After three or four weeks the cells start arranging themselves in definite layers, a process known as gastrulation, in which there is also the first evidence of nervous system formation. It is widely accepted that 14 days is the cut-off point for embryo research as gastrulation does not start until the third week following fertilisation. At 12 weeks of development, the embryo is recognisable as human and at this stage it starts to be called a foetus.

<a href="http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=250528">The science and implications of stem cell research</a> (Charles Scerri, timesofmalta.com)

The latest developments in stem cell research are being discussed as part of the Congress Sessions of Arab Health 2007, the region's largest medical exhibition and congress series.

The Arab Health 2007 began in Dubai today (January 29) and will conclude on February 1.

Developments in the field of stem cell treatments are followed with interest by the Middle East medical community, especially since such transplants have been successful in the treatment of thalassemia - the inherited blood disorder which is particularly prevalent in the region.

Internationally-renowned Dr Susan Lim of the Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore, will deliver a lecture on the topic of the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine and tissue repair, drawing on the experience of Gleneagles as the first centre to launch a stem cell transplantation programme, and whose physicians were among the first to perform stem cell transplants.

Dr Lim will be joined by a number of leading Singaporean physicians, who will lead sessions on a range of advanced medical treatments, including a laparoscopic approach to treating cancer and the latest developments in breast MRI screening and biopsy.

Dr Jee Lim Tan and Dr Chris Chong also of Gleneagles Hospital and Dr Sim Shao-Jen from Singapore General Hospital will be among other physicians participating in the lecture series.

<a href="http://www.tradearabia.com/tanews/newsdetails_snHEAL_article118199.html">Singapore doctors to lecture on stem cell research </a> (TradeArabia.com)

New and uncontroversial methods for gathering stem cells could jump-start a nascent industry.
On January 7th news broke of a study out of the Wake Forrest University School of Medicine demonstrating the potential therapeutic uses of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFS cells). The author of the study, Dr. Anthony Atala, claims that AFS cellsâ€"derived from amniotic fluid or placentaâ€"contain the best properties of embryonic stem cells (ESC) without their limitations. For example, AFS cells have much of the plasticity of ESC, but they lack the propensity of ESC to create tumors. Like ESC they are self-replicating, but they have proven relatively easier to manipulate in animal models. Importantly for many (myself included), AFS cells do not require the destruction of human embryos, as AFS cells are a byproduct of pregnancy and natural birth. Given the potential value of this discovery to regenerative therapyâ€"and the manner in which these cells are obtainedâ€"an interesting side effect of Atala’s discovery will likely be to spur an industry of stem cell preservation.

<a href="http://www.american.com/archive/2007/january-0107/an-easy-cell/">An Easy Cell</a>(Michael Fragoso, american.com)

Should the next president of the $6 billion California stem cell agency also conduct research? Should he or she receive a higher or lower salary than the current CEO? Can a suitable successor be on board by June? Can good candidates be found who also can work in the dual leadership environment at CIRM?


Those are some of the questions likely to be addressed as CIRM's presidential search committee convenes on Wednesday with remote sites for the public available from Washington, D.C., to Chico, Ca.




The specific agenda for the meeting is a bit sketchy as of this writing, reminiscent of CIRM meetings of yore in which background material was not available until the day of the meeting, making it difficult for even CIRM Oversight Committee members to comment intelligently much less the public.




On the table are job summary and criteria, the search process and possible competitive bidding for a search firm, the time table and "interim actions." The last item would seem to involve a temporary appointment while the search for a permanent replacement for Zach Hall continues. The 69-year-old Hall has indicated he wants to be off the job no later than June.

<a href="http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/2007/01/cirms-presidential-search-time-to-move.html">CIRM's Presidential Search: Time to Move with Dispatch </a> (californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com)

 Sir Richard Branson will launch his most controversial business to date as he moves into stem-cell storage and the biotech sector, The Times has learned.

The Virgin-branded company will be launched next Thursday and is expected to offer parents the chance to put the umbilical blood of their newborn children into cold storage. Scientists believe that future advances in medical technology will use stem cells to cure diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.

The move into stem-cell storage is part of a strategy that Branson is developing to invest in technologies of the future. He has already launched Virgin Galactic, which will take tourists into space, and is investing all the profits of Virgin Atlantic, his airline, in the development of environmentally friendly biofuels.

Stem-cell storage works by saving human blood from the placenta or umbilical cord after birth. This blood is rich in haematopoietic stem cells, which are capable of adapting in the body and replacing damaged or diseased cells. Stem cells taken from umbilical blood at birth have a much higher chance of being supported by the body than healthy cells imported from another donor. This type of treatment has been used for many years in bone marrow transplants for leukaemia sufferers, but scientists believe that medical advances will use stem cells to cure other cancers, as well as heart disease, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,247038,00.html">Sir Richard Branson to Launch Virgin-Branded Stem Cell Storage Facility</a> (foxnews.com)

A U.S. biomedical company said Thursday it reached an agreement to commercialize the distribution of neural stem cells by the billions.

"We're going to be able to distribute a cell that has the ability to produce all the different cell types in the nervous system," Aruna Biomedical Inc. Chief Executive Steven Stice told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Stice developed neural progenitor cell technology at the University of Georgia, where he is also a professor and director of its Regenerative Bioscience Center.

<a href="http://www.playfuls.com/news_09_2528-Biomed-Firm-Commercializes-Stem-cell-Sales.html">Biomed Firm Commercializes Stem-cell Sales</a> (playfuls.com)

People who are hoping for a cure see this controversial medical issue as a positive step, By Margaret Witt

Sparta - Stem cell research is as controversial a topic as the death penalty. In December 2006, 17 research grants of about $300,000 each were awarded by the State of New Jersey to scientists in New Jersey. And the application process for this year’s awards has already begun. Regardless of the emotional and religious issues surrounding it, scientists are confident stem cell research will lead the way to understanding and curing many of the diseases humans suffer from today.

One disease which could benefit from such research is diabetes. Stanley Kelly, a resident of Sparta, was diagnosed with late onset Type 1 diabetes in 1995.

<a href="http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2007/01/26/township_journal/news/9.txt">Stem cell research has its supporters</a> (Margaret Witt, strausnews.com)

British Scientists will develop robotics to automate important stem cell research, meaning thousands of experiments will be able to be conducted at once, rather than just a handful being possible by a single scientist at work.

The Department of Trade and Industry is providing ?1.1 million for development of this technology to a consortium led by Plasticell Ltd, a London-based biotechnology company which is developing drugs to regenerate tissues of the body, to automate its Combicult research experiments.

Today's announcement coincides with first meeting of the UK/Medicon Valley ( a Danish/Swedish biotechnology cluster ) collaboration, which will focus on stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Academics and biotech companies will hold workshops and visit London, Edinburgh and Cambridge.

Minister for Science and Innovation, Malcolm Wicks, said:

"The UK is an acknowledged leader in this field and we want to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of stem cell research. That's why we're supporting the Plasticell consortium on this project, which provides a great opportunity to harness the UK's world-class expertise and use it to boost our economy and, potentially, our health.

"Stem cell research has tremendous potential to tackle some of the most devastating diseases. It could benefit patients with conditions such as Parkinson's disease, juvenile diabetes and heart disease."

<a href="http://www.fiercebiotech.com/node/5369">1.1M to develop robotic stem cell research</a> (fiercebiotech.com)

It's controversial, it's polarizing, and it's sure to come up in Annapolis again this year - stem cell research. This afternoon, we introduce you to one family who's says it will make their lives so much easier.

"My hands hurt or my feet might hurt and it doesn't last long but your reminded every morning you have this."

16-year-old Annie Dole is talking about her struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

"Going out to play a sport or what I eat everything I have to watch it because it will effect my diabetes."

Her brother, Bryan, has had diabetes for 12 years and he's only 14. Both teenagers are a part of Maryland's Families for stem cell research. An organization their mother helped to start.

"It was actually out of a lot of passion for finding an improvement for my children to see the burden that they live with day in and day out," says Kim Dole.

The Dole's and others continue to work to get legislation pushed through Maryland's General Assembly.

<a href="http://www.wmdt.com/topstory/topstory.asp?id=2532">Stem Cell Research </a> (DANYA BACCHUS, wmdt.com)

Arrowhead Research Corporation (Nasdaq:ARWR), announced today that it will sponsor the continued research of Dr. Eric Davidson’s laboratory at the California Institute of Technology focused on the re-engineering of the internal control systems of cells. This field of inquiry is expected to have applications for the controlled differentiation of stem cells and could, in the longer-term, have therapeutic applications for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

“Dr. Davidson and his colleagues have made recent breakthroughs in understanding the large networks of interacting regulatory genes that govern the development of cells,” said R. Bruce Stewart, Arrowhead’s Chairman. “These advances could open up a whole new paradigm in applied nanomedicineâ€"similar to the discovery of genetic engineering and RNAi. We are honored to be associated with Dr. Davidson, whose distinguished career in this field has spanned four decades.”

A better understanding of the genetic mechanisms of cell differentiation is expected to provide the basis for more precise manipulation of cell development. Dr. Davidson’s research employs a rational approach focused on understanding the control mechanisms of the cell.

Dr. Davidson is the Norman Chandler Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology. He has been a member of the National Academy of Sciences since 1985 and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science since 1980. He has published over 350 papers and is the author of two textbooks on developmental biology, Genomic Regulatory Systems. Development and Evolution. Academic Press, 2001 and The Regulatory Genome. Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Evolution. Academic Press, 2006.

<a href="http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070125005361&newsLang=en">Arrowhead to Fund Stem Cell Research at Caltech </a> (businesswire.com)

Stem cell therapy company ReNeuron Group PLC said it won a research grant from Hollywood film star Michael J Fox's Parkinson's disease foundation.

Reneuron did not disclose the size of the grant from the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. However, it said it will fund its ReN004 stem cell programme over the next year, accelerating its progress towards trials in humans.

Reneuron said the grant will allow it to build on preclinical data showing its ReN004 stem cell line has the potential to reverse the effects of Parkinson's disease, and to develop a biodegradable delivery method to implant the stem cells in Parkinson's patients.

<a href="http://www.hemscott.com/news/latest-news/item.do?newsId=38742752512651">ReNeuron wins Michael J Fox grant for stem cell research for Parkinson's</a> (hemscott.com)

HEScGRO medium is the first commercially available animal component-free medium tested successfully for human embryonic stem cell culture and shown to maintain hES cells in their undifferentiated state. An agreement between Millipore and Stem Cell Sciences (SCS) announced in October 2006 made it possible for Millipore to manufacture and market SCS's serum-free media. HEScGRO medium's unique serum-free, ready-to-use and complete formulation offers new ease and reliability in growing human embryonic stem cells.

Media with animal-derived components are subject to wide variability and may contain factors that promote differentiation of hES cells, as well as toxic proteins or immunogens that can adversely affect the cells themselves.

HEScGRO medium is a defined, animal component-free formulation that successfully addresses these problems and allows scientists to grow human stem cells with confidence.

<a href="http://www.laboratorytalk.com/news/mll/mll230.html">Medium advances human embryonic stem cell research</a> (laboratorytalk.com)

In response to the rapidly evolving field of stem cell research, this month's launch of StemCore marks
the establishment of the first independent ethical review board focusing
exclusively on stem cell research. StemCore will function as both a Stem
Cell Research Oversight Committee (SCRO), as described in several sets of
voluntary guidelines for such research, and as an Institutional Review
Board (IRB), as required by regulations governing human subjects research.
The StemCore board consists of highly qualified members with significant
experience and expertise in molecular biology, genetics, clinical care,
ethics, law, policy, clinical research, and the regulatory aspects of basic
and clinical research. This combined review eliminates delays, reduces
administrative burden, avoids communication problems among boards, and
facilitates a streamlined, consistent review of all issues relevant to
conducting stem cell research. "It is critical that research in this
emerging area of science proceeds as quickly as possible and is subject to
independent oversight to ensure ethical and regulatory compliance," said
Kathi Hanna, StemCore Co-Chair.
    Through its validation process, StemCore can ensure investigators and
institutions that the cell lines they are importing or exporting for use in
research projects meet all ethical, regulatory, and legal requirements.
Moreover, StemCore will create and preserve an electronic dossier of
regulatory and supporting documents that verify a cell line's provenance
and integrity, which will prove critical in agency approval of breakthrough
therapies. "One of the biggest hurdles in the early stages of this research
is validating that existing cell lines were procured ethically and
consistent with applicable regulations," said Hanna. "StemCore offers a
valuable service in facilitating the validation process for each cell line
in question."

<a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-23-2007/0004511401&EDATE=">StemCore is First Independent Review Board Specializing in Stem Cell Research Protocols</a> (
prnewswire.com)

Scientists expect access to human embryonic stem cells for research to improve thanks to new policies announced yesterday by a University of Wisconsin agency that controls the patents on the cells.

The policy changes and “clarifications” include one that is specifically directed at California: The taxpayer-funded California Institute for Regenerative Medicine will not have to buy a license to distribute funding for embryonic stem cell research.

“Hallelujah,” said Larry Goldstein, a University of California San Diego stem cell researcher who lobbied for the state stem cell initiative, when he heard about the policy changes.
“I've been writing letters all over the place complaining about their policies hampering research,” Goldstein said.

For several years researchers around the nation have accused the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, or WARF, of stifling human embryonic stem cell research with its licensing policies on the cells.

<a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/biotech/20070123-9999-1b23stems.html">Stem cell scientists shout out hallelujah </a> (Terri Somers, signonsandiego.com)

Joyce Ma, a graduate student scholar in the stem cell trainee program under the supervision of the UC Davis Health System, was stunned when she discovered that her application to research stem cells was accepted.

Ma is one of 10 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows chosen by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to become involved with the rapidly growing field of stem cell research. The CIRM, established in 2004 with the passage of Proposition 71, provides UC Davis with $2.6 million of its $3 billion budget for a three-year program designed to yield the newest and brightest of stem cell researchers in California.

<a href="http://media.www.californiaaggie.com/media/storage/paper981/news/2007/01/23/CampusNews/New-Stem.Cell.Facility.To.Provide.Research.Opportunities-2668818.shtml?sourcedomain=www.californiaaggie.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com">New stem cell facility to provide research opportunities</a> (Allie Shilin, californiaaggie.com)

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) announced today three policy changes and clarifications that are expected to have a positive affect on stem cell research. The new policies will affect industry-sponsored stem cell research, academic and commercial licensing, and WARF’s relationship with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and will apply to current and future license agreements.
 

“WARF’s stem cell policies have evolved over the years, always in favor of increasing access and making it easier for scientists to move the technology forward,” said Carl Gulbrandsen, managing director of WARF. “These latest changes reflect an ongoing dialog with researchers and university administrators across the country.”

 

Industry-sponsored stem cell research will be facilitated by a new WARF policy that will enable companies to sponsor research at an academic or non-profit institution without a license, regardless of location and regardless of intellectual property rights passing from the research institution to the company. This will enable companies to get started with stem cell research in a low-cost, visible manner and increase funding of stem cell research by for-profit companies. Companies will still need a license when they want to bring the research into their company laboratories or when they want to develop a product for the market.

<a href="http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=86971">Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation changes stem cell policies to encourage greater academic, industry collaboration</a> (wisbusiness.com)
 

Two newspapers on Sunday featured opinion pieces on efforts by the 110th Congress related to Medicare and other issues. Summaries appear below.

David Brooks, New York Times: "It's time to render judgments on the substance of all this legislation coursing through the Democratic Congress," such as legislation that would require the HHS secretary to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies on prices for medications under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and reduce restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, columnist Brooks writes in a Times opinion piece. Democrats should receive a grade of "D" for the Medicare bill, Brooks writes. The Congressional Budget Office has concluded that the legislation would have "a negligible effect on prices for the elderly," Brooks writes, adding that the bill "allows the government to negotiate but doesn't take the politically difficult step of giving it any leverage to actually lower prices." In addition, Democrats should receive a "B" for the stem cell research legislation, Brooks writes. According to Brooks, "it's hard to judge the practical consequences, given how distant the benefits of this research are, and the fact that recent innovations like amniotic stem cells might alter the whole debate." Brooks writes that the 110th Congress "has a weakness for showy symbolism and middle-class subsidies" but "hasn't humiliated the nation the way the last Congress did" (Brooks, New York Times, 1/21).

Jonathan Chait, Los Angeles Times: The pharmaceutical industry will serve as a "source of temptation" for Democratic leaders in the 110th Congress, columnist Chait writes in a Los Angeles Times opinion piece. Pharmaceutical companies "are frantically trying to get in with the new majority party, scooping up Democrats to work as lobbyists and expressing their newfound appreciation for liberal ideals in the form of donations," Chait writes. "How are Democrats responding to this patently disingenuous maneuver?" Chait asks, adding, "Not by crushing their enemies." For example, in the case of revisions to the 2003 Medicare law, "Democrats have confined themselves to one provision in the law" -- a "measure that forbids the government from negotiating for cheaper prices when it buys drugs for Medicare" -- although the "best policy and the best politics would be to gut the Medicare law and write a cheaper, more efficient version," Chait writes (Chait, Los Angeles Times, 1/21).

<a href="http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=42399">Opinion | Op-Eds Address Congressional Efforts on Medicare, Stem Cell Research</a> (kaisernetwork.org)

Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (TSX VENTURE:SSS) ("SCT") is pleased to announce the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) with four internationally renowned scientists and clinicians. Drs. Myron D. Ginsberg, Joshua M. Hare, Craig M. Pratt, and Samuel Weiss have agreed to provide input and guidance on SCT's current stroke program with NTxTM-265, as well as future programs in Traumatic Brain Injury, Schizophrenia, Multiple Sclerosis, and potentially Huntington's disease.

"These distinguished and renowned scientists and clinicians have agreed to form the nucleus of our Scientific Advisory Board," commented Dr. Alan Moore, President and CEO of SCT. "As we rapidly advance through the clinic with our stroke program, and look to develop other programs, this advisory board will be invaluable in providing input and guidance to ensure future success."

Myron D. Ginsberg, M.D., is the Peritz Scheinberg Professor of Neurology, Director of the Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Center, and Co-Director of the Neurotrauma Research Center at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Miami Florida. Dr. Ginsberg's areas of expertise and research interest are around stroke and cerebrovascular disease specifically looking at pharmaceutical agents and strategies that can be utilized to protect the injured brain. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, and served as a resident at Harvard Medical Services, Boston City Hospital as well as the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Moreover Dr. Ginsburg is a well known thought leader in stroke with over 260 publications to his credit.

Joshua M. Hare, M.D., is the Louis Lemberg Professor of Medicine, Director of the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Assistant Dean of Research, and Chief of Cardiology at the Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida. At Johns Hopkins University he pioneered the use of stem cell therapy to repair damaged hearts. Dr. Hare graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and has a medical degree from Johns Hopkins. He did his residency at Hopkins and fellowships at Hopkins, Harvard University and The Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Dr. Hare has over 120 publications and 43 invited lectureships over his career thus far.

<a href="http://www.ccnmatthews.com/news/releases/show.jsp?action=showRelease&searchText=false&showText=all&actionFor=631781">Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Announces Formation of Scientific Advisory Board and Proposed $2.0 Million Financing</a> (ccnmatthews.com)

The Institute for Stem Cell Biology is within the School of the Biological Sciences at the University of Cambridge.

This institute has been created to bring together outstanding principal investigators to undertake ground-breaking research into the biological properties and biomedical potential of stem cells.

With core support from the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council, ISCB will be an exceptional environment for fundamental stem cell research.

<a href="http://stemcell.taragana.net/archive/the-institute-for-stem-cell-biology-will-pioneer-the-next-generation-stem-cell-research/">The Institute for Stem Cell Biology Will Pioneer the Next Generation Stem Cell Research</a> (stemcell.taragana.net)

The discovery of the structure and function of DNA is indisputably one of the most important scientific innovations of the 20th century. DNA is the foundation upon which modern genetics was established and has dictated the course of modern medicine over the past 50 years. Today, many believe a new exemplar is emerging that has the potential to influence the life sciences with equal magnitude - the stem cell. The idea of a stem cell dates to the 1960s experiments of Till and McCulloch and Gordon Pierce. Pierce discovered that tumorigenicity correlates with cells that have pluripotent capabilities. Teratocarcinomas (malignant tumors) produce two cell lines: C-cells that are tumorigenic and E-cells that are not. It was thus concluded that C-cells are undifferentiated cells that could give rise to both cell types and perpetuate tumor growth. The possibility of a stem cell system such as this has formed the foundation for modern stem cell research and is currently being investigated in embryonic and adult cell lines.

By definition, stem cells are cells that individually or as a population can produce differentiated progeny and reproduce themselves (Slack 1991). More specifically, they can divide without limit, are not terminally differentiated, can be either unipotent , pluripotent, or totipotent , and upon division, daughter cells can either become another stem cell or begin a process of terminal differentiation. In this article I will explore the similarities and differences between two stem cell types, adult and embryonic, both of which are being aggressively investigated for their potentially invaluable medical implications. In addition to their contributions to science, stem cells, particularly embryonic, are the focus of a public debate surrounding the ethics of research that could potentially destroy a human life. For this reason, the delineation of these cell types and elucidation of the prospects and problems associated with this research is exceedingly important.

<a href="http://stem-cells-info.blogspot.com/2007/01/embryonic-stem-cells-vs-adult-stem.html">Embryonic Stem Cells Vs. Adult Stem Cells </a> (http://stem-cells-info.blogspot.com)

Scotland launched a new £9.5 million R&D programme by ITI Life Sciences (Dundee, Scotland) to develop an automated process to produce high-quality human stem cells. This capability does not exist anywhere in the world and its development shall put Scotland at the forefront of stem cell research as well as bringing closer the use of stem cells as therapeutics. As part of this three-year programme, Swedish biotech company Cellartis AB is setting up an R&D and manufacturing facility in Dundee. The ITI programme will also involve the University of Glasgow, which brings world-class expertise in the molecular mechanisms that control cell signalling and development. The work will be carried out by the University's Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences. In bringing together this programme, ITI Life Science hopes to solve some of the main problems associated with producing high volumes of quality stem cells.  

<a href="http://www.bionity.com/news/e/61043">Scotland Moves Another Step Closer to Global Leadership in Stem Cell Research</a> (bionity.com)

Second, I find it difficult to think that a three-billion-dollar voter-approved cancer initiative could be accomplished without concessions that allow for stem cell research. The Star-Telegram touches on that a tad:

Efforts to expand cancer research funding in Texas, where Republicans control every statewide office and both houses of the Legislature, haven’t included discussions about embryonic stem cell research, said state Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland.

I find that almost unbelievable. Perhaps they haven’t discussed that because it could tear apart the entire package before anyone gets a chance to wrap it, much less top it with a bow.

Face it: Texas Republicans aren’t New York or California Republicans. The vast majority of Republicans in the Legislature will not cotton to a penny for stem cell research in such a bold measure even if John Sharp and Lance Armstrong (two people involved in the measure) danced a tango down Congress Avenue.

The often nutty manifesto that is the Republican Party of Texas Platform has some very strong language about stem cell research:

Conscience Clause - We believe that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, any employees of hospitals and insurance companies, health care organizations, medical and scientific research students, and any employee should be protected by Texas law if they conscientiously object to participate in practices that conflict with their moral or religious beliefs, including but not limited to abortion, the prescription for and dispensing of drugs with abortifacient potential, human
cloning, embryonic stem cell research, eugenic screenings, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and the withdrawal of nutrition and hydration. We call on the Texas Legislature to pass legislation to strengthen and clarify the current conscience clause in the Occupational Code to include the above-mentioned persons and practices.
Fetal Tissue Harvesting - We support legislation prohibiting experimentation with human fetal tissue and prohibiting the use of human fetal tissue or organs for experimentation or commercial sale. Until such time that fetal tissue harvesting is illegal, any product containing fetal tissue shall be so labeled.
Stem Cell Research - We commend the President for banning most government funding of human embryo stem cell harvesting. We oppose any legislation that would allow for the creation and/or killing of human embryos for medical research. We encourage stem cell research using cells from umbilical cords, from adults, and from any other means which does not kill human embryos. We oppose any state funding of research that destroys/kills human embryos. We encourage the adoption of existing embryos. We call for legislation to withhold state and/or federal funding from institutions that engage in scientific research involving the killing of human embryos or human cloning.

While I don’t think we’ll see any embryo adoption agencies sprouting up soon, I do think that many in the Lege will adhere to the language in the platform lest they offend the far right and end up with a primary opponent.

<a href="http://capitolannex.com/2007/01/21/cancer-the-legislature-assaults-on-the-disease-from-two-fronts-face-similar-obstacles/">Cancer & The Legislature: Assaults On The Disease From Two Fronts Face Similar Obstacles</a> (capitolannex.com)

Bangalore is likely to get the ambitious Stem Cell Research Institute envisaged by the Department of Biotechnology of the Government of India, with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, having agreed in principle to grant 10 acres of land on its Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra campus here.

Information Technology and Biotechnology Secretary M.N. Vidyashankar disclosed this on the sidelines of a press briefing to announce Bangalore Bio 2007 to be held here in June. He said this is the first such initiative to be undertaken by the Government of India, and the Department of Biotechnology was keen on this location as it would be close to the National Centre for Biological Sciences campus.

Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said Bangalore Bio 2007 would witness the launch of the revamped biotech policy, an updated version of the maiden policy of 2002. The upcoming event would be on the theme " Think Big Think Biotechnology think Innovation and Think Growth." The main conference would focus on "accelerated industry growth through integrated innovation."

The event, which has already emerged the undisputed unique platform for bringing together national and international participants from biotechnology, pharmaceutical educational and financial sectors to interact, network and showcase innovations, would continue to retain its brand identity, Ms Mazumdar-Shaw said.

The much-awaited Bangalore Helix, the biotech park planned on a 106-acre campus in Electronics City here, is closer to becoming a reality, and it has been accorded Special Economic Zone status.

The Vision Group on Biotechnology, chaired by Ms. Mazumdar-Shaw has finalised plans to select a developer or a consortium to execute the Rs. 350-crore project that would be developed in two phases.

<a href="http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/21/stories/2007012104950500.htm">Stem Cell Research Institute for Bangalore</a> (hindu.com)

According to stem cell research expert Eve Herold, the general public have
become the victims of misinformation about this essential science. Over the
last few years, the stem cell debate has been intensely political,
religious, global, and confusing to many people. Now, Herold explains to a
general audience what this science is all about, who is for and against it,
and why it must go forward. In this startling book, Herold pulls together
fascinating stories to highlight every aspect of this multifaceted field.
She exposes the politics of stem cell research and demonstrates how these
forces will intimately affect everyone. Packed with real-life stories of
the people caught up in this groundbreaking struggle, Stem Cell Wars is a
call to arms that will provoke debate and discussion for years to come.

<a href="http://evomech5.blogspot.com/2007/01/stem-cell-wars-inside-stories-from.html">Stem Cell Wars: Inside Stories from the Frontline (Review /Video)</a> (Eve Herold, evomech5.blogspot.com)

Say you're a woman who wants to have fertility treatment but can't afford the $5,000 to $6,000 cost.

What if you could get it for half-price, by agreeing to donate half the eggs you produce for stem cell research?

Interested?

British women may get a crack at that deal in a few months, under a plan pursued by Dr. Alison Murdoch of Newcastle University.

This concept, which resembles a strategy sometimes used to get eggs for fertility treatment, is just one of several new efforts to boost the supply of human eggs needed for research. The shortage has triggered an ethical debate on both sides of the Atlantic: Should women be paid for supplying eggs?

Scientists need eggs for a process called therapeutic cloning, which creates stem cells genetically matched to an individual. It may be used someday to create tissue to treat illnesses like diabetes and Parkinson's disease, providing transplant material that's genetically matched to the patient so that it won't be rejected. Therapeutic cloning may also help scientists develop better drug treatments.

The process involves transferring DNA into human eggs and growing them into 5-day-old embryos, from which stem cells are harvested.

<a href="http://www.kotv.com/news/national/story/?id=118542">For stem cell research, getting human eggs is a challenge: Should women be paid for them?</a> (KOTV - Tulsa, OK, USA)

Chennai-based LifeCell, the pioneer stem cell repository in India, has announced plans to foray into the Middle East region. Dubai will be the 22nd centre for LifeCell.

The company will initially extend their services to reach one million Indians in UAE for umbilical cord stem cell banking. The cord blood collected from this region will be stored at LifeCell’s cord blood banking facility in Chennai.

Launched in November 2004, LifeCell’s 21,000 square feet state-of-the-art stem cell processing and banking facility in India conforms to the standards of American Association of Blood Banks and USFDA and has a capacity to store over one lakh samples. CRYO-CELL International, a global leader in stem cell banking, has also trained LifeCell’s technical team. LifeCell offers its services for a fixed and transparent price. The cost includes an enrollment fee of $975 and annual storage fee of $100 or a one-time fee of $1,950 for 21 years.

<a href="http://stemcell.taragana.net/archive/indian-stem-cell-banking-company-to-provide-revolutionary-stem-cell-technology-into-the-middle-east-region/">Indian Stem Cell Banking Company to Provide Revolutionary Stem Cell Technology into the Middle East Region</a> ( Angsuman Chakraborty, stemcell.taragana.net)