Monthly Archives: July 2017

Detroit Lions’ Paul Worrilow has beaten odds, inspires others to help – Detroit Free Press

Posted: July 2, 2017 at 6:45 pm

Free Press Lions beat writer Dave Birkett answers your Twitter questions in a video mailbag June 26, 2017, before summer vacation.

Detroit Lions linebacker Paul Worrilow with daughters Juliet, left, and Rowan, right.(Photo: Paul Worrilow)

Paul Worrilow has a great back story.

The veteran linebacker, who signed with the Lions in March, was undrafted out of Delaware.

He made the Atlanta Falcons, against all odds.

Cracked the starting lineup, against all odds.

Became the teams leading tackler, against all odds.

Stuck around for four seasons, against all odds.

But theres more.

Its a story about being selfless and thinking about others. Its a story that should be repeated, if only to inspire others to follow his lead.

More Lions news:

Detroit Lions CBs coach: Interceptions 'will come' for Darius Slay

And it started with a simple cheek swab.

Its so simple, Worrilow said.

When Worrilow was a sophomore at Delaware, he joined the Be The Match Foundation Registry, hoping to become a bone marrow donor.

Four months later, he was matched with a 23-year-old woman with leukemia.

Worrilow donated peripheral blood stem cells to the woman, although he doesnt know what happened to her. He doesnt know her name. He never has met her.

Its so simple, Worrilow said. They do a cheek swab. You get put in the database. If you match somebody, there are two ways to do it. You can donate actual bone marrow or do it like I did, peripheral blood stem cells.

Lions linebacker Paul Worrilow takes part in OTAs on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Allen Park practice facility.(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)

About one in 40 registry members will be called for additional testing.

About one in 300 will be selected as the best possible donor for a patient.

And about one in 430 on the registry go on to donate bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells.

Odds are, you never will be asked to donate.

But you just might give somebody hope.

Its so simple, Worrilow said. Its not painful. Its a small part of your time, to have a great impact, a tremendous impact on another person and their family. Its a no-brainer. You can have a great impact at such a small cost to yourself.

Worrilow is on a mission to let people know about it: The cool part about it is being able to share it (with people) who are ignorant to the process and their ability to help other people. Encouraging people. People who just dont know what Be The Match Foundation is. Or how you can help people with blood cancers, or how you can join.

Worrilow signed with the Lions during the off-season.

This team is tremendous, Worrilow said. The family-oriented vibe here. From the head coach, from the ownership on down, you can feel it. Its a family vibe. They look after you, care for you.

In June, during minicamp, Worrilow played weak-side linebacker. But he can also play in the middle.

Its going good, he said. There is a lot of competition. The team is great that way, pushing each other. Any action I can get on the field is exciting. When youre winning games, and everyones in here practicing hard, its just awesome.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Worrilow has a track record for good tackling, but he has been criticized for his inability to cover.

If (the criticism) is there, its probably there for a reason, he said. Criticism, if it doesnt come from a bad place, it is probably warranted. And thats something I have to improve on. Thats with all parts of my game. I dont feel like I have played my best football yet.

Worrilow said he is adjusting to the Lions defense, making defensive calls.

Compared to the other places Ive played, there is a bigger volume of calls, he said. Thats something I like. Both linebackers do it. One guy has the indicator, but if you are not out there talking, you arent going to be out there.

And now, as he takes time off before training camp, he feels confident about himself and this team.

I dont feel like I could be in a better place, life-wise, work-wise, everything, he said. Its an encouraging place to come in and work every day. The linebacker group is awesome. Its young. Its competitive. Thats what you want.

So, this guy keeps breaking the odds.

Sticking in the NFL. And trying to use that platform to help others.

Trying to raise awareness.

Trying to encourage people to make a difference.

Trying to break the odds.

Help us, Detroit Lions: You are Detroit sports fans' only hope right now

For new Detroit Lions LB Paul Worrilow, dad duties come first

Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @seideljeff. To read his recent columns, go to freep.com/sports/jeff-seidel/.

Download our Lions Xtra app for free on Apple and Android!

See more here:
Detroit Lions' Paul Worrilow has beaten odds, inspires others to help - Detroit Free Press

Posted in Delaware Stem Cells | Comments Off

Lions LB Paul Worrilow Making A Difference On And Off The Field – FanRag Sports (blog)

Posted: July 2, 2017 at 6:45 pm

We know that Detroit Lions linebacker Paul Worrilow can play the game of football pretty well, but what you may not know is the kind of work he does off the field, according to Jeff Seidel of The Detroit Free Press.

During his sophomore year of college at the University of Delaware, Worrilow joined the Be The Match Foundation Registry to become a bone marrow donor.

Four months after doing so, he was matched with a 23-year-old woman who was dealing with leukemia.

While Worrilow does not know what happened to the woman and does not even know her name, he donated peripheral blood stem cells to her and said that the process is very quick and easy.

Its so simple. They do a cheek swab. You get put in the database, said Worrilow. If you match somebody, there are two ways to do it. You can donate actual bone marrow or do it like I did, peripheral blood stem cells.

Roughly one in 40 members will be called for additional testing, and only about one in 300 will be considered the best possible donor for a patient.

As far as actually donating peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow, approximately one in 430 will do so.

Its not painful. Its a small part of your time, to have a great impact, a tremendous impact on another person and their family, said Worrilow. Its a no-brainer. You can have a great impact at such a small cost to yourself.

The Lions signed Worrilow, who played the first four years of his NFL career for the Atlanta Falcons, to a one-year deal this past March.

More:
Lions LB Paul Worrilow Making A Difference On And Off The Field - FanRag Sports (blog)

Posted in Delaware Stem Cells | Comments Off

150 reasons why it’s better to be Canadian – Macleans.ca

Posted: July 2, 2017 at 6:43 pm

Living next to historys greatest cultural, military and economic superpower, Canada is constantly ribbed for being mediocre. While it can be hard to stand out next to our big, increasingly brash neighbour, the truth is, we like it here in the Great White North. As Canada celebrates its 150th birthday we dug into the numbers to find some of the many ways this countryis the best from sports and science, to politics and entertainment.

Life & well-being

Lewis Kent drinks a beer during the Beer Mile competition. (Damien Maloney)

1. We live a long time: Canadians born today will live an average of two years longer than the global average (close to 82 years in Canada versus 80). Meanwhile, 89% of Canadians reported being in good health, 20% above the average world-wide.

2.Our quality of life is tops: According to the U.S. News & World Report, our political and economic stability, solid job market and world-class public education system means our citizens should have the highest sense of well-being in the world. (Sadly, Switzerland bested us for the title of best country overall).

3. Saying Sorry is good for you: Canadians are mocked for always apologizing, but its not a character flaw. Saying sorry has been found to boost happiness and strengthen relationships. Researchers at the University of Waterloo even found apologizing to a cop when pulled over for speeding can get fines reduced an average of $51. True, scientists did recently claim that refusing to apologize for your actions leads to a sense of empowerment, but such short-sighted thinking would only appeal to self-centred Americans. (Sorry, that was mean.)

4. We truly are nice: At least on Twitter. Researchers from McMaster University looked at how Canadians and Americans engaged on Twitter and found that Canadians use much nicer language. While Canadians commonly used words like favourite, gorgeous, great, and amazing, Americans favoured more negative words like damn, hate, bored and annoying.

5. Our kids are all right: Canadas schools take heat from all sides, but they must be doing something right. Our 15-year-olds routinely score in the top 10 of 65 countries that participate in the OECDs reading, math and science tests. Last time around, in 2015, we were fourth, behind Singapore, Japan and Estonia.

Theres more: 6. Compared to our U.S. neighbours, we have a lower rate of suicide (11.1 per 100,000 people, versus 12 in the U.S.), 7. a lower rate of infant mortality (5.1 per 1,000 live births, versus 6.1 in the U.S.), 8.and our health care costs per person are much lower (US$4,569 per capita in Canada, versus $9,086 in the U.S.). 9.We also offer better parental leave(new mothers and fathers can take up to 18 months of leave, versus just three unpaid months in the U.S.). 10.More of our marriages last: For every 1,000 population in the U.S., 3.6 marriages end in divorce annually, compared to 2.1 in Canada. 11.Poor kids are likely to attend university or college here: By age 19 to 21 roughly 54 per cent of Canadian youth from low-income families are enrolled in post-secondary education, compared to just 30 per cent of the poorest youth in America.

12. Were quitting smoking: Only 17.7 per cent of men smoke tobacco, according to World Health Organization data for 2015, ranking us country 14th-lowest out of 129 countries, ahead of the U.S. (21st), United Kingdom (22nd), France (59th) and Jordan (128th), whose males are nearly four times more likely to take the cancer-causing puffs as Canadas. Our women rank 81st in the WHO report, but thats largely because women in less industrialized states are less likely to smokeand at 12.2 per cent, Canadian women are wiser about staying away from cigarette packs than their husbands, brothers and dads.

13. You can grow old here comfortably: Canada was ranked 5th best out of 91 countries for elderly treatment, ahead of Switzerland, New Zealand and the U.S.

14. And Canadian retirees are the happiest in the world, second only to those in Mexico.

15. We have the most most liveable cities: Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, and Torontothey all made it into the top 25 on the 2017 Mercer list of most liveable cities in the world. Taken together, that means half of all Canadians enjoy some of the best city living there is.

16. Were well educated: Two-thirds of Canadians have a post-secondary degree or certificate, compared to the average of 40 per cent for the developed world. That puts us third, after Japan and Korea, for most educated population in the world.

17. Were not prudish: The Pew Research Centre surveyed 40,117 respondents in 40 and found that found 85 per cent of Canadians believe sex between an unmarried man and woman is acceptable, compared to the global average of just 48.4 per cent.

18. We drink responsibly: Despite our reputation as beer guzzlers and whisky swiggers, Canadians drinking habits are more tame than the global average.

19. Were getting richer: The number of millionaires in Canada is expected to grow by at least 500,000 by 2021.

20. Were inclusive: Canada is the third most gay-friendly country, after Germany and Spain, according to a Pew Research study. In Canada, 80 per cent of people said society should accept gays and lesbians. In the U.S., just 60 per cent said the same.

21. Canadians are generous: Roughly 64 per cent of Canadians donate money to charitiesmore than all other countries, aside from Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. But compared to the front-runners, more Canadians are willing to help a stranger in need.

22. We have better work-life balance: Less than 4% of Canadian employees work more than 50 hours a week, far below the average of 13% across OECD countries.

23. Our homes are the most spacious: We have 2.5 rooms per person in Canada, the highest rate among OECD countries where the average is 1.8 rooms.

24. There are few, if any, countries more tolerant than Canada: According the Legatum Prosperity Index, Canadians enjoy more personal freedoms, including freedom of religion and expression, social tolerance and human rights, than every other country, besides Luxembourg.

Theres more: 25.That Legatumindex ranked Canada third, after Australia and New Zealand, on measures of social capital, i.e. the strength of our personal relationships, social network supports and civic participation. 26.Our knowledge is highly sought-after. Canada is the seventh most popular place in the world to study, with 263,800 foreign students pursuing post-secondary education in Canada in 2015 alone.

Money & work

27. Canada has strong economic freedom: So says the U.S.-based Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom. Canada scores 6th place, while America comes in 10th. Credit our sounder public finances.

28. Our banks are sound: In Bloombergs annual ranking of the worlds strongest banks, Canada clinched four of the top 10 spots.

29. We have more social mobility: The Conference Board of Canada gave us an A in intergenerational income mobility, meaning that if youre born into poverty in Canada, you have a decent shot at becoming a high-income earning as an adult. Compared to the U.S., children born to poor parents in Canada are twice as likely to escape poverty. In other words, if you want the American Dream, move to Canada.

30. The money in your wallet is safe: Canadian currency once had a terrible reputation for being easy to counterfeit, but new polymer bills introduced by the Bank of Canada have hi-tech features that make them almost impossible to reproduce. Of the 500 million notes circulated since 2011, only 56 fakes have been seized. In the U.S., out of every one million banknotes in circulation, an estimated average of 6.5 are fakes.

31. Canada is the most politically and socially stable nation to crack the top ten list for biggest economies in the world.

32. Business is good: Canada cracked the top ten on Forbes annual Best Countries for Business ranking, ahead of Singapore, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the United States.

33. Weve got great pensions: Canada consistently ranks in the top ten on the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index, landing the number eight spot on the list in 2016. Our standing is expected to improve in coming years after the Canadian government, along with all provincial governments except Quebec, decided to expand the Canada Pension Plan starting in 2019.

Theres more: 34.Our corporate taxes are low (PricewaterhouseCoopers ranked Canada 8th out of 185 countries for its advantageous corporate tax structure). 35.We embrace transit: Seven of the 10 North American cities with the most people taking transit to work are in Canada.36. We get paid holidays: America has no mandated paid holidays or vacation time, so 23 per cent of U.S. workers get no paid time off, compared to Canadian workers who get at least two weeks and nine paid public holidays. 37.We have strong female workforce participation: Roughly 82 per cent of women work in Canada, up from 24 per cent in 1953. 38.Were (slowly) closing the gender wage gap. Canadian women earn 87 cents on the dollar compared to men. Its still not great, but its an improvement on the 77 cent to the dollar women made in 1981. Meanwhile, the global pay gap has been widening in recent years to 59 per cent. 39.More of our immigrants strike it rich: In both the U.S. and Canada the majority of millionaires are self-made, but a larger number in Canada are immigrants, according to a BMO studyin Canada nearly half of millionaires are immigrants or second-generation residents, compared to just one-third in America.

Arts & entertainment

Drake performs during OVO Fest at Molson Canadian Amphitheatre in Toronto, Aug. 3, 2015. (J. ADAM HUGGINS/New York Times/Redux)

40. Canadian musicians rule the charts: Drake set a recordthis year by having 21 of the top 50 streamed music tracks, according to Billboard. Who held the record before? Still Drake, with 20 of the top 50.

41. Were home to blockbusters:At one point last summer, the top two films at the U.S. Box OfficeSuicide Squad and Sausage Partywere both produced in Canada. A third film filmed in Canada, Star Trek Beyond, was number eight for ticket salesat the same time.

42. Our Indigenous music scene is mighty, with artists like Tanya Tagaq, A Tribe Called Red, Tomson Highway, Susan Aglukark, and Buffy Sainte-Marie representing Canadas ancestral roots on the international stage.

43. The Academy loves us: Canadians played pivotal roles in some of the biggest films of the last year, from Ryan Goslings role in La La Land, to the talented team of Montrealers Sylvain Bellemare, Patrice Vermette and Paul Hotte, who were behind the sound and visual production of Arrival.Canada alsodominates the Oscars animated short category.

44. Our opera house is tops: Theres no city in North America with an opera house to compare to the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto. Jack Diamond, who built it, was promptly handpicked by Valery Gergiev to build the new Mariinsky II theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.

45. The best small-screen sci-fi is secretly Canadian: Continuum, Lost Girl, Haven and Orphan Black have all captured both record ratings and critics notoriously fickle hearts. All were (or are) filmed here, funded by our networks and starring a host of talented Canadian actors (albeit some of whom are masked in layers of monster makeup).

46. We help navigate urban spaces: Canadian designer, Paul Arthur, did more than anyone to make it easier to find your way around otherwise confusing urban spaces by essentially inventing the art of signage for Expo 67, including designing clear male/female pictographs for bathrooms:

47.Superman is half Canadian: The man in tights may be the quintessential American hero, but he wouldnt exist if not for Canadian artist Joe Shuster. While the character was written by American Jerry Siegel, Shuster is credited for giving him his signature blue tights and red cape.

48. Were responsible for some of the most prominent literary authors of our time: Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, Miriam Toews, Yann Martel, Lawrence Hill, Emma Donoghue, and the list goes on.

49. Our broadcast TV doesnt have to treat adults like children: Maybe its because Americans are such sensitive folk, or its our ill-defined role as cultural bridge between the U.S. and Europe, but Canadian TV regularly gets away with showing things broadcast networks south of the border cant: nipples, F-bombs and the like. When The Sopranos aired unedited on CTV, executive producer David Chase said that could never happen on U.S. network TV: Its just not possible, we have rules against that.

50.Were big gamers: Roughly 20,400 people now work in Canadas gaming industry, making it the third largest in the world behind the United States and Japan. That also means itsthe largest gaming industry in the world on a per capitabasis.

51. Our special effects are the best: While demand for blockbuster visual effects in movies skyrockets, Californias special effects industry is collapsing. Why? They cant keep up with Canada (or Britain or Asia or New Zealand, but thats beside the point). In Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Winnipeg, visual effects artists have been taking over the design of explosions, gore and CGI monsters as our technical schools pump out skilled graduates.

Theres more: 52.Our filmmakers are wild: David Lynch, eat your heart out. Canadian movies are wilder and weirdernecrophilia in Kissed, David Cronenbergs car-crash fetishism and twin gynecologists, and Atom Egoyans films about father-daughter incest, a schoolgirl stripper, and a wife who hires a young hooker to test her husband. 53.Our filmmakers are worldly, too: Unlike Americans, who wait for the rest of the world to learn English, Canadians get Oscar nominations for foreign-language films, and not just ones in FrenchDeepa Mehtas Hindi-language Water was nominated in 2007. 54.We know our art: When museums want to tour their blockbuster exhibits, they know to stop here first. From the Picasso show at the AGO to Sebastio Salgados work at the ROM, Canada is the stop for top-tier North American premieres. 55.Our festivals rule: TIFF is by far North Americas most important film festival, and the worlds second-biggest after Cannes. 56.Hot Docs is North Americas biggest documentary festival. 57. Contact is the continents biggest photography festival. 58.Just For Laughs is the biggest comedy festival. 59.Montreals Jazz Festival is still the largest, with the most free concerts, the largest purpose-built downtown outdoor concert space and the most audacious programming. 60.ImagineNative is the worlds biggest Indigenous film and media arts festival. 61.And Torontos Caribana is the continents biggest Caribbean carnival.

Sports & leisure

Ottawa Redblacks wide receiver Jake Harty (8) and Redblacks linebacker Tanner Doll (52) celebrate their victory over the Calgary Stampeders during overtime CFL Grey Cup action Sunday, November 27, 2016 in Toronto. (Nathan Denette/CP)

62. We dominate hockey: Stanley Cups aside, hockey is still Canadas game. While the percentage of Canadians playing in the NHL has declined since the 1980s, Canadians still make up more than 50 per cent of all players in the league, including the worlds greatests: 63.Wayne Gretzky and 64.Sidney Crosby.

65. Football is better here: Since the late 1970s, the National Football League has been tweaking its rules to encourage more passingthat is, to make the U.S. game more exciting. Up here, we got it right the first time: a three-down game on a great, big field. So on second and 10, you can bet that ball will be in the air.

66. We were first to the races: When it comes to sporting events, Canada got off to an early start. Established in 1816, the Royal St. Johns Regatta is North Americas oldest annual sporting event. Hamiltons Around the Bay Race is North Americas longest distance road race, which began in 1894, beating Boston by three years. And this July Toronto plays host to the 158th running of the Queens Plate, the oldest continuously run stakes race on the continent.

67. We have great skiing: Canada is home to the best skiing in North America. The most popular ski resort, Whistler, trumps Americas most-visited resort, Vail, with more trails (200 vs. 193), longer runs (a total of 36,960 feet vs. 15,840 feet) and more snow (469 inches vs. 348 inches)

Weve invented some of the best sports on earth, including 68.Lacrosse, 69.ice hockey, 70.basketball,71.and dont forget five-pin bowling.

72. We made winters fun: Before it was a dynastic Canadian empire, Bombardier was known for inventing the Ski-Doo. In 1959, after decades of tinkering with snowmobile iterations, Joseph-Armand Bombardier completed the first Ski-Doo, which he personally delivered to a missionary in remote northern Ontario. The vehicle transformed life for northern arctic communitiesand made enduring rural winters more fun for every one.

73. We see the world: Last year Canadians took close to 12 million trips abroad to countries other than the U.S. Despite having a population nearly 10 times that of Canada, Americans made just 30 million trips overseas. The poor showing from U.S. travellers shouldnt be a surprise. While 65 per cent of Canadians hold a valid passport, only 35 per cent of Americans do.

74. We get outdoors: A survey by the Canadian Tourism Commission found that 30 per cent of Canadians consider themselves outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

75. Were plugged in: In Canada, 93.3 per cent of people surf the web, more than the U.S., Germany, France, Switzerland, the U.K. and Australia.

Environment & geography

76.Canada is the best place to ride out any impending climate change. UCLA geographer Laurence Smith has argued that by 2050 warming will unlock vast new resources and transform Canada into an economic superpower.

77. Less spin: Despite our proximity to the United States, we experience far fewer tornadoes. We average just 60 reports of twisters per year compared with the 1,200 confirmed tornado strikes in the U.S., the most of any country in the world. Only five per cent of our storms reach the EF-3 category of intensity, the level where winds of more than 220 km/h start tearing up buildings and trees. The U.S. gets about 37 such tornadoes annually, costing the country 80 lives.

78. Canada boasts some of the most beautiful skies in the world, with the Aurora Borealis lighting up the nights from August to April. The northern territories offer the most brilliant and frequent viewing opportunities, but its possible to catch occasional glimpses of the Northern Lights in nearly every province.

79. We have the highest tides in the world: The Bay of Fundy, between Nova Soctia and New Brunswick, sees the most dramatic tides in the world, with the difference in high and low tide reaching 16.3 meters.

80. We help repopulate endangered species: When the U.S. wants to help an animal species come back from the brink, they call on Canada. In 1995, dozens of grey wolves were captured in Alberta and shipped south to be let free in Yellowstone National Park, 72 years after the parks last wolf den was destroyed under a federal extermination plan. Alaska recently reintroduced wood bison, North Americas largest living land mammals, into the wilderness. The animals come from a captive herd started with Canadian animals.

81. Niagara Falls: We may share the falls with the States, but tourists will be wise to visit Canada to take in the view. Theres a reason why any photo you see of the natural wonder is captured from the Canadian side.

82. Water, water everywhere: With less than half a per cent of the worlds population, we have seven per cent of its renewable water supplythe most per inhabitant of any developed country. The supply for an average American is just 11 per cent of whats available to us.

83. Dinosaurs lived here: Not only did archaeologists uncover the largest-ever bed of dinosaur bones near Medicine Hat, Alta., in 2010, since then scientists re-examining old fossils identified a new species of spiky-headed dinosaur called Xenoceratops foremostensisor alien horned-face from Foremost. Canada is also home to the number one place on earth for sheer number of dino discoveries: 37 species have been found in Albertas Dinosaur Provincial Park.

84. We have rat-free zones: Alberta claims to be the only human-populated jurisdiction in the world that has zero rats, thanks to an intense political campaign launched 67 years ago to protect crops from the vermin.

85. We have less gravity: A certain lightness may come over you in some parts of Canada. Thats because we have areas, namely around Hudson Bay, where, because of how ice age glaciers formed in the area, gravity is slightly weaker than anywhere else in the world.

Theres more: 86.Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined, with fresh water accounting for 9% of the countrys total area. Theres nearly one lake for every ten people in Canada, and thats just counting freshwater bodies bigger than three square kilometres. 87.We have more coast to enjoy than all but five countries in the world, with 243,000 km of shoreline. 88.Canadian waters are home to approximately three-quarters of the worlds narwhals, about 80,000, making Canada the hood of arguably the freakiest sea mammal in existence. 89.According to the OECD Better Life Index our air is cleaner than the average in the developed world, and 90.so too is our water. While there are indeed water crises in communities across the country, about 89 per cent of Canadians report being satisfied with the quality of local water. Studies also show that most tap water in Canada is better quality than any bottled water on the market. 91.Weve got the best bling: Canada is the fifth largest diamond-producing country in the world, and given its rigorous environmental and labour standards, you can count on those gems being the most ethically-sourced of its competitors. 92.And bonus: Canadian bovine semen is world-class. Thats right. Our bull semen is the most coveted in the world, with the top performers delivering $50,000 worth of product in one shot.

Politics

93. Canada is one of the most peaceful places on earth. It was ranked eighth out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index. Meanwhile, our North American neighbour was among the 50 least peaceful countries, taking the 114 spot on the list.

94. Our elections are fair and democratic: While voter turnout may be higher in the United States, its much more equitable in Canada, with broad social inclusion of both high-income and low-income voters. In Canada, voter turnout for the richest 20 per cent of the population is roughly 63 per cent, whereas the participation rate of the bottom 20 per cent is only slightly less, at 60 per cent. In the States, roughly 79 per cent of the wealthiest voters turn out to cast ballots, compared to just slightly more than half of the poorest voters.

95. Our politicians better represent the gender divide: Federally, women make up 27.2% of Parliament, compared to the global average where women represent just 22.8% of parliament members.

96. Our leader is internationally adored: While Canadians have reeled in their gushing over Justin Trudeau (to some extent), the rest of the world is still smitten with the charismatic, panda-snuggling feminist. In an Ipsos poll, even 40 per cent of Americans said theyd take Trudeau over Trump in the White House.

97. We have far fewer assassinations compared to other developed countries: Since Confederation, only three Canadian politicians have been assassinated, including two Fathers of Confederation: Thomas DArcy McGee was shot by a Fenian sympathizer in 1868; George Brown was shot in the leg by a former Globe employee in 1880 (the wound led to a fatal infection). Quebec minister of labour Pierre Laporte was kidnapped and assassinated by the FLQ in 1970. In the United States, a staggering 44 politicians have been assassinated, including four sitting presidents.

98.We support our troops: Fifty-eight per cent of Canadians believe we need to increase the size of our military, according to a poll conducted as part of The Canada Project.

99. We paved the way for marriage equality: The federal government legislated same-sex common law marriage in 1999, ahead of every other country. By 2005, same-sex marriage was legal in every province and territory.

100. Canada is a leader in gender rights: In 2002, The Northwest Territories was the first government in Canada to prohibit gender discrimination, and include gender identity in their Human Rights Code. Most other Canadian governments have since followed suit, including the federal government which passed Bill C-16 this spring. The legislation will amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code, making it illegal to discriminate based on gender identity or gender expression on provisions of housing, employment and social services.

101. Wewelcome refugees: A majority of Canadians think the country should accept more Syrian refugees, according to The Canada Project. Public opinion is often reversedin the United States.

Theres more: 102.We alsowelcome immigration: Canada gets 5.7 per 1,000 people, cracking the top 20 for most most migrants per capita ahead of Belgium, Australia, Sweden and the United States. 103.We have relatively few lobbyists: Weve seen an explosion in lobbying, but in Canada the ratio of lobbyists to senators and MPs is still 12 to 1, while in the U.S. the ratio of lobbyists to members of Congress is 23 to 1. Some estimate the U.S. ratio is as high as 65 to 1 since many lobbyists dont register. 104.We mandate a time for holding the governments feet to the fire: Sure, question period has degenerated in recent years, but nothing like it exists in the U.S. political system. 105.You dont have to be rich to run for the highest office in the land: Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey have no spending or donations restrictions, while Finland and the U.S. cap donations but not spending. Thanks to Elections Canada spending limits, Canadas top five parties were allowed to spend a combined $90 million, compared to the estimated US$7 billion it costs to mount U.S. presidential elections.

Science & Technology

106. We have the most social astronaut: Eight North Americans have commanded the International Space Station over the last four years, but only Canadas Chris Hadfield became a household name worldwide. His photos, duets from space and that cover of Space Oddity helped catapult @Cmdr_Hadfield to one million Twitter followers.

107. Holy crap, were discovering a miracle cure: Canada is a leader in fecal transplant therapy (its exactly what it sounds like). By transferring healthy bacteria from a donors stool into patients suffering from potentially fatal gut infections like C. difficile, doctors believe it could one day cure all sorts of ailments, maybe even obesity and allergies.

108. We lead in quantum computing: Whats that, you ask? Rather than calculating with ones or zeros as conventional computers do, quantum computers can theoretically harness subatomic particles to process more complex calculations in a fraction of the time. And scratch the word theoretical. In 2013, Burnaby, B.C.-based D-Wave said one of its quantum computers, the only such machines commercially available, is installed at the Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab, a collaboration between Google, the Universities Space Research Association and NASA.

109. Were wiring the oceans like no one else: Canadas NEPTUNE and VENUS projects off the coast of B.C. have installed fibre-optic cables that transmit data from the bottom of the ocean. In 2011, Popular Science named NEPTUNE one of humankinds top 10 most ambitious science projects alongside the Large Hadron Collider and the International Space Station.

110. Were rational thinkers: Most Canadians (61 per cent) accept evolution, compared to just 41 per cent of the world in general. Just 30 per cent of Americans believe in evolution, and incidentally, the same percentage believe Bigfoot is definitely or probably real.

111. Were world leaders in space robotics: Theres the Canadarm, of course, but also Dextre, which lives on the International Space Station and is the most advanced space robot ever builta space handyman that fixes up the station. In 2013, Dextre performed the first demonstration that a robot could refuel a satellite in orbit, which could give our satellites longer lives in space.

112. We invented the egg carton: The simple design is the genius of Joseph Coyle of Smithers, B.C. who, in in 1911, settled an ongoing dispute between a farmer and hotel owner over broken eggs consistently showing up in the hoteliers order. More than 100 years later, the cardboard carton has barely changed.

113. We revolutionized movie theatres: With the invention of IMAX, Canadians Graeme Ferguson, Robert Kerr, Roman Kroitor and William C. Shaw changed the way the world goes to the movies. The camera system displays images at about twice the resolution than most cinema films, and has become the global standard for the movie-viewing experience.

114. We discovered stem cells: Dr. James Till and Dr. Ernest McCulloch made history when they identified stem cells in a Toronto laboratory in 1963. These unspecified cells have the ability to regenerate or repair any cell in the body, and hold the potential to revolutionize medicine. Today, theyre used for bone marrow transplants and to treat several blood cancers.

115. Found a treatment for diabetes: Canadian doctors Frederick Banting, Charles Best and John James Rickard Macleod are credited with discovering insulin and saving the lives of people with diabetes. In 1921, Banting identified that lack of insulin caused diabetes, after removing a dogs pancreas, where insulin is produced, induced diabetic symptoms in the animal. But by extracting the insulin from the removed pancreas and injecting it back into the dog, the symptoms subsided. The first human patient began insulin therapy the following year, and treatment has been used ever since.

116. We keep hearts beating: Canadian electrical engineer John Hopps invented the first cardiac pacemaker while researching how radio frequency could help with heating in hypothermia in 1941. Knowing that the heart stopped beating when body temperature dropped, he hypothesized that it could be restarted using electrical stimulation. With that knowledge, Hopps invented the first pacemaker (which was for a dog) in 1950. Today, roughly 1 in 50 people over 75 years old rely on the device.

117. We invented the telephone: While the landline is verging on obsolescence, it revolutionized communication and remained virtually unchanged for more than 100 years after Alexander Graham Bell invented it.

118. We beat Edison to the light bulb: Thomas Edison may get all the credit, but the invention actually belongs to Henry Woodward. The Toronto medical student patented the first incandescent lamp, which featured an electric light bulb, and sold the rights to Edison who refined the invention.

119.We made hockey safer: In 1959, Goalie Jacques Plante of the Montreal Canadiens became the first player in the NHL to wear a face mask, which he helped design himself. The mask set in motion a movement towards more protective gear in the sport.

Crime & calamity

Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin (2nd R) takes part in a ceremony at the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa February 10, 2015. REUTERS/Blair Gable

120. We dont have out-of-control prison sentences: Canadas incarceration rate is about 85 offenders for every 100,000 citizens, a lower rate than nearly 200 other countries, according to World Prison Brief.

Go here to see the original:
150 reasons why it's better to be Canadian - Macleans.ca

Posted in Alaska Stem Cells | Comments Off

Tampa Florida Stem Cell Clinic – Don’t Operate – Regenerate

Posted: July 1, 2017 at 6:47 pm

Dont Operate Regenerate

Chronic pain in your neck, shoulder, elbow, hips, lower back, knees, ankles, and other joints is frustrating to manage. If your joint pain treatment has been a series of minor temporary fixes and, more often, disappointing failures, you may feel like surgery is your only option. The truth is, you can heal joint pain without invasive procedures, using the bodys own regenerative stem cells and Tampas Regenerative Orthopedic Institute is one of the regions most experienced specialists.

Back surgeries and joint replacements have serious risks, limited rates of success, and long recovery periods. However, our stem-cell and blood platelet procedures are available in our Tampa joint therapy center without surgical risks like general anesthesia and slow, painful recovery times, while also being available at a fraction of the cost.

Conditions We Treat

Non-surgical therapies like stem cells and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) harness the bodys healing potential through a natural process that combines growth factors and bioactive cells to repair joints and end knee pain, shoulder pain, back pain, cartilage damage, ligament damage, tendonitis, and injured discs without surgery.

See Treatment Options

The state-of-the-art science behind stem-cell joint therapy is a key area of practice for Dr. Erick Grana, one of Tampas top Physiatrist and Pain Management Specialists. Board-certified in Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Dr. Grana has been performing spinal injections and non-surgical joint therapies for more than 12 years.

See Dr. Granas Philosophy

Read the original here:
Tampa Florida Stem Cell Clinic - Don't Operate - Regenerate

Posted in Florida Stem Cells | Comments Off

Facelift Face Lift Surgery Providence Rhode Island RI

Posted: July 1, 2017 at 6:47 pm

Our approach to facial rejuvenation is different from the standard facelift. We perform a specialized facial rejuvenation that is artistically tailored for each patients individual needs and desires. Our specialty is to give each patient a very natural and more rested, youthful appearance. With facial rejuvenation from our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Patrick K. Sullivan can dramatically reduce signs of age in the face with results that look beautiful and natural.

Facial rejuvenation cant stop the aging process. What it can do is turn back the clock, improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat from the neck and jowl area, tightening and lifting underlying tissues back into a more youthful position, sculpting, enhancing cheek bones, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. Facial rejuvenation is done under intravenous sedation with an overnight stay in a recovery facility with our private nurse. Although there will be some bruising and swelling after the procedure, this will typically fade significantly in about 2 to 3 weeks (see The Kindest Cut). The final results from facelift surgery is usually most apparent after 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner, with continued improvement for several months.

It has been just over one year since my rejuvenation and I am feeling wonderful. My 32nd high school reunion is this weekend (we are celebrating our 50th birthdays!) and this gal is gonna shine. My best to all, and appreciation. Name omitted for patient privacy

Facts on Chin Augmentation

Additional procedures that may enhance the results include: forehead rejuvenation, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, earlobe reduction, or placement of fat and stem cells into areas of the face to enhance lips, cheeks and jawlines or to fill in deep creases.

Segment 1: Meet Pam

I always said to myself that when I got older, I would want to age like Katherine Hepburn-Pam, actual patient

Segment 2: The Procedure

I try to handle each person very much as an individual and that takes a lot of planning.-Dr. Patrick Sullivan

Segment 3: The Results I think its made me feel more confident and energetic. It feels natural and Dr. Sullivan did a really beautiful job in maintaining my character.-Pam, actual patient

Please contact Dr. Patrick K. Sullivan to schedule a consultation for facelift surgery in the Rhode Island area. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to view more actual patient results, please visit our facial rejuvenation gallery.

Karen had lost a significant amount of weight and was working hard trying to get into great shape. She is a ballroom dancer and has a tremendous amount of energy. She wanted her face to reflect the energy and youthfulness that she felt on the inside.

Click Here for Patients Perspective on Facial Rejuvenation

Complete the form below to schedule a consultation or request information about a procedure.

*Results May Vary

See the article here:
Facelift Face Lift Surgery Providence Rhode Island RI

Posted in Rhode Island Stem Cells | Comments Off

Don Margolis – Adult Stem Cell Research

Posted: July 1, 2017 at 6:47 pm

NEED STEM CELL INFO RELEVANT TO YOU? Go to the MEDICAL CONDITION column to the left to search our extensive database of stem cell treatment articles.

----------

ASCTCs most advanced product is an assay that can detect, very early in the drug development pipeline, drug candidates that will ultimately fail because of their toxicity to tissue stem cells.The companys patent portfolio contains biotechnologies that solve the two main technical problems production and quantification.In addition, the portfolio includes novel technologies for isolating cancer stem cells and producing iPSCs.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) August 29, 2014

A major challenge before new biotechnology start-up companies, especially ones in the biotech start-up dense realm of Boston-Cambridge, is gaining visibility that can lead to important strategic alliances and able investors. James Sherley, the Director of Bostons Adult Stem Cell Technology Center, LLC (ASCTC), has made increasing the local and national visibility of his company an important priority since he started the company in September 2013.

In addition to a social media marketingcampaignlaunched earlier in July of this year, Director Sherley has targeted research and development conferences both nationally andinternationallyto increase industry awareness of ASCTCs unique portfolio of intellectual property available for licensing and its current commercial development targets. The company is focused on producing two products to address two important needs in drug development and regenerative medicine, respectively, that it is uniquely positioned to address.

ASCTCs most advanced product is an assay that can detect, very early in the drug development pipeline, drug candidates that will ultimately fail because of their toxicity to tissue stem cells. ASCTC developed the new technology in partnership withAlphaSTAR, Corporation, located in Long Beach, California. Currently, such lurking drugs are not detected until after expensive animal testing, more expensive clinical trials, or worse, after marketing. Director Sherley refers to the second product as, A future of pounds and pounds of normal adult tissue stem cells. The company holds a patented technology for mass production of human tissue stem cells. The initial production target is human liver stem cells that can be used to make mature human liver cells for use in drug development and to support liver transplant patients. The company also holdspatentsfor production of pancreatic stem cells and hair follicle stem cells.

The sponsor the 2014 Stem Cells & Regenerative MedicineConference, in Boston, September 15-16, Terrapinn, Inc., invited ASCTC to attend as a VIP guest. Although ASCTC will not make a formal presentation at this conference, Director Sherley will participate in a roundtable discussion on the topic, Articulating value for up-and-coming regenerative medicine, stem cell and cell-based therapies.

Later in September (22-24), Director Sherley will present one of the selected Next Generation Presentations for new companies atBioPharm America 2014, also taking place in Boston. In addition to the public presentation, ASCTC will also participate in confidential partnering meetings with potential investors and strategic alliance partners arranged by conference organizers.

In October, Director Sherley will present to a primarily academic research audience a more detailed accounting of ASCTCs computer simulation technology for quantifying tissue stem cells in culture. This technology is the basis for the companys new assay for tissue stem cell toxicity. Director Sherley is particularly interested in the response from several experts in tissue stem cell growth dynamics who are invited speakers. The symposium, which will take place at Rhode Island Hospital, a medical affiliate of Brown University in Providence, has the goal of presenting emerging disruptive research in the area of Novel Stem Cells and Vesicles. Director Sherley is a member of the symposium organizing committee. ***************************************************************************************** The Adult Stem Cell Technology Center, LLC(ASCTC) is a Massachusetts life sciences company established in September 2013. ASCTC Director and founder, James L. Sherley, M.D., Ph.D. is the foremost authority on the unique properties of adult stem cells. The companys patent portfolio contains biotechnologies that solve the two main technical problems production and quantification that have stood in the way of successful commercialization of human adult tissue stem cells for regenerative medicine and drug development. In addition, the portfolio includes novel technologies for isolating cancer stem cells and producing iPSCs. Currently, ASCTC is employing its technological advantages to pursue commercialization of mass-produced therapeutic human liver cells and facile assays that are early warning systems for drug candidates with catastrophic toxicity due to adverse effects against adult tissue stem cells.via

During the Second International Adult Stem Cell conference at the Vatican, a boy who had his windpipe replaced with one grown using his own stem cells won the Pontifical Hero Award for his courage. Ciaran Finn-Lynch, 14, was born withlong-segment tracheal stenosis,a condition that resulted in a narrow windpipe and made it hard for him to breathe.The operation involved taking a donor trachea and seeding it with stem cells taken from Ciarans bone marrow. The result of the procedure was that after six months, his trachea looked almost normal. Further more, the operation used his own cells, preventing the need for anti-rejection drugs.

Vatican Honors Boy for Courage During Stem Cell Trachea Transplant Operation that Used His Own Cells

During the Second International Adult Stem Cell conference at the Vatican, a boy who had his windpipe replaced with one grown using his own stem cells won the Pontifical Hero Award for his courage.

Ciaran Finn-Lynch, 14, was the second person to receive the award, and he made the trip from Northern Ireland to the Vatican to receive it.

Ciaran is a shining example of what this result has shown, said his father, Paul Finn, in an April 12 interview with CNA.

His mother, Colleen Finn, said we need to have faith in God to get through all of this.

This has made our faith stronger because we need more and more prayers all the time, she added.

Ciaran was born with long-segment tracheal stenosis, a condition that resulted in a narrow windpipe and made it hard for him to breathe.

He had a major transplant surgery to rebuild his trachea when he was two years-old.

Doctors placed metal stents to hold his windpipe open and he went without any major issues until he was 10 years-old.

One day after school, the stents that had been placed in his windpipe started to cut into his aorta, the main blood vessel coming out of his heart.

He was taken to intensive care at Belfast Hospital and then later transferred to Londons Great Ormond Childrens Hospital.

He had several operations but he had more bleeding from his stents, said Doctor Paolo De Coppi, head of the surgery unit at University College Londons Institute of Child Health, during the April 12 morning session of the conference.

The leader of our team didnt know what to do next, but an option was to do an operation done before on an adult in Barcelona. But we didnt have the time to do that, De Coppi explained.

But we did something similar and it was a quite difficult operation, he said.

The operation involved taking a donor trachea and seeding it with stem cells taken from Ciarans bone marrow.

The result of the procedure was that after six months, his trachea looked almost normal.

Ciaran is doing really well and I think he has a chance to become a rock star, since he plays the drums so well, De Coppi commented after showing a video of Ciaran playing with a band.

Ciaran told CNA that it felt good to receive the award and that he was happy with his life.

His father noted that the stem cells have been a great contribution to Ciarans procedure.

What weve heard here these last couple of days (at the conference) has been amazing, knowing theyre talking about building other organs, Paul Finn said.

Ciarans mother noted that she was happy that her son is not on any medication, since the operation used his own cells, preventing the need for anti-rejection drugs.

You just have to keep going on for him, and you cant show that youre scared or teary and you just have to put a brave face on, said Colleen.via

Parkinson's: Adult Stem-Cell Use Proves Successful Once Again!

LifeNews.com reports the results were published in the February issue of the Bentham Open Stem Cell Journal. Dr. David Prentice, a fellow with the Family Research Council, says the research features only one patient.

The gentleman was treated with stem cells into only half of his brain, and he went almost five years (without symptoms), he explains. Now his symptoms did start to return after that, and obviously hed like the other half of his brain treated.

The patients motor skills improved by over 80 percent in the first five years after the procedure. Prentice says he was able to have an active lifestyle. During that time he was traveling all around the world and living a full life, he points out.

David Prentice (FRC)No human embryos were killed in the research. They used the gentlemans own adult stem cells, so obviously theres no chance of transplant rejection, no tumors, Prentice notes, and of course, adult stem cells really work in patients.

UCLA researchers will now expand their work to 15 humans.via

Revolutionaryfindings in study by researchers in Korea suggest the first real breakthrough toward preventing Alzheimer's and helping millions of patients and families by relieving its symptoms. Researchers announced this week the results of a study that suggests an astounding possibility: adult stem cells may not only have a positive effect on those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, theycanprevent the disease.Using fat-derived adultstem cells from humans,adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, researchers were able to cause Alzheimer's disease brains in animal models to regenerate. For the first time in history, stem cells were used toidentify the mechanism that is key to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and demonstrated how to achieve efficacy as well as prevention of the symptoms of Alzheimer's with adult stem cells, a "holy grail" of biomedical scientists for decades.

In the first study of its kind, researchers at Korea's leading university and the RNL Bio Stem Cell Technology Institute announced this week the results of a study that suggests an astounding possibility: adult stem cells may not only have a positive effect on those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, theycanprevent the disease.Using fat-derived adultstem cells from humans [scientific term:adMSCs, orhuman, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells], researchers were able to cause Alzheimer's disease brains in animal models to regenerate. The researchers, for the first time in history, used stem cells toidentify the mechanism that is key to treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and demonstrated how to achieve efficacy as well as prevention of the symptoms of Alzheimer's with adult stem cells, a "holy grail" of biomedical scientists for decades.

Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia (loss of brain function), is the 6th leading cause of death, and affects 1 in 8 people -- more than breast cancer. As of 2010, there were 35.6 million people with Alzheimer's disease in the world, but this number is expected to double every 20 years. It is estimated that the total cost of Alzheimer's is US$604 billionworldwide, with 70% of this cost in the US andEurope. To put that in perspective, Alzheimer's care costs more than the revenues of Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion), according to the British World Alzheimer's Report of ADI. The cost of Alzheimer's is at the top of health economists' list of the disorders of aging that could topple nations' entire economies, and that regularly ruin not only the lives of patients but of their relatives.

According to the results of this first major study, Alzheimer's may soon be a preventable disease, or even a thing of the past. Equally important, the safety human administration of the kind of adult stem cells used in this experiment has been established in multiple articles and government-approved clinical trials.

THE RESEARCH:

The study was jointly led by SeoulNational UniversityProfessorYoo-Hun Suhand RNL Bio Stem Cell Technology Institute (SCTI) director Dr.Jeong-Chan Ra.

The researchers and their teams injected stem cells into mice genetically designed to have the core symptoms and physiology of Alzheimer's disease. They were able to identify that these human stem cells, derived from adipose tissue, behave in a very special way when injected into the tail vein of mice subjects. The cells migrated through the blood brain barrier, thought by many to be impossible for adult stem cells to cross, and went into the brain. In fact,fluorescent labeled cells were monitored for distribution in subjects and the team identified that the infused cells migrated throughout the bodiesincluding brainexcept the olfactory organ, and therefore confirmed that IV infused stem cell can reach to the brain across the blood brain barrier.

The team infused human adipose stem cells intravenously in Alzheimer model mice multiple times two weeks apart from three month to 10 month.Once there, the mice who received cells improved in every relevant way: ability to learn, ability to remember, and neuropathological signs. More important, for the first time ever, Alzheimer model mice showed the mediation of IL-10, which is known for anti-inflammation and neurological protection.

The team also found that stem cell restored special learning ability from Alzheimer model subjects with great reduction of neuropathy lesions.This was found using tests used for Alzheimer's disease: behavioral assessment. In assessment it was found, amazingly, that stem cells' therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease was tremendous. This was also found in pathological analysis. The key though was prevention: the scientists showed that stem cells, when infused into Alzheimer's mice, decreased beta amyloid and APP-CT, known to cause brain cell destruction, leading to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In the lab it was clear that stem cells increased neprilysin, which hydrolyzes toxic proteins. No other compound or treatment has ever suggested so strongly the potential to prevent, as well as stop, this epidemic of incurable dementia sweeping across suffering patients and their families.

Stopping Alzheimer's disease, let alone preventing it, is the focus of thousands of researchers worldwide. Speaking of their breakthrough discovery,Professor Yoo-Hun Suh, who led the study, said, "It is a ground breaking discovery that such a simple method as IV injection of the safest autologous adipose stem cells, without causing any immune rejection, or any ethical issues, opened a new door to conquering Alzheimer's disease, one of the most horrible, expensive and incurablediseases of our time." Joining him, leader of the RNL Bio Stem Cell Technology InstituteDr.Jeong-Chan Rasaid, "It has never been more clear that it is an ethical imperative for governments to provide patients with incurable diseases with their right to participate not only in studies like this but in therapies with such obvious potential, once they have been tested as many times for safety as has our technology." Both scientists stressed that the real breakthrough in their complex research is the prevention of the onset of symptoms.

Specifically, stem cells grafted in the brain, in another part of the study, were identified to induce cell division and neuro differentiation of endogenous neuro progenitor cells around the hippocampus and its surrounding cells and increase in great deal the stability of dendrites and synapses. Stem cell also contributed various anti-inflammatory and neuro growth factors, especially increased the expression of IL-10. This again suppressed apoptosis of brain neurons, the prevention effect against Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Ra of RNL Bio noted that, "RNL Bio has already completed government-approved clinical trials confirming the efficacy of RNL Bio stem cells in the management and treatment of other diseases, including osteoarthritis, limb ischemia, and progressive hemifacial atrophy (Romberg's disease)."

This study was published in a recent volume of the renowned, peer-reviewed U.S. medical journalPLOS ONE. Images, plans for future efforts, and impact on this crushing disease will be discussed when the scientists discuss the details of this revolutionary study in a press conference inSeoulonSeptember 27th.via

SOURCE RNL BIO CO., LTD.

Type 2 Diabetes Trial Using Mesoblasts Proprietary Adult Stem Cells Yields Positive Results

MELBOURNE, Australia, June 18, 2014 Results from the Phase 2 trial of Mesoblasts proprietary adult stem cells in type 2 diabetes patients have been presented at the scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association annual meeting.

Type 2 diabetes and its complications are considered to have an underlying immunological component associated with excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The immunomodulatory properties of Mesoblasts Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (MPCs) provided the rationale for conducting the study.

The Phase 2 randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalation trial was conducted across 18 U.S. sites. The trial evaluated the effects of a single intravenous infusion of 0.3, 1.0 or 2.0 million MPCs/kg or placebo over 12 weeks in 61 patients who were inadequately controlled on metformin alone or with one other glucose-lowering agent. Mean diabetes duration was 10 years.

The key findings from the study:

The study investigators concluded there was sufficient evidence to support further evaluation into the use of MPCs in type 2 diabetes and its complications, and to explore further the effects of MPCs on disease mechanisms.

Multiple Sclerosis - Italians Lead Clinical Trial Testing Safety and Effectiveness of Stem Cell Transplantation MS Patients

(ANSA) Boston, September 9 Mesenchymal stem cell therapy to treat multiple sclerosis so far appears safe and without side effects, according to data released Tuesday and obtained through clinical trials on patients as part of the international Mesems project coordinated by University of Genoa neurologist Antonio Uccelli.

The results were announced ahead of the World Congress on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis opening in Boston Wednesday through Saturday. The Mesems project involves researchers from nine countries Italy, Spain, France, Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada and Australia.

It is the first large phase II international multicentre clinical trial to determine the safety of a consensus treatment protocol established by the International Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation Study Group to obtain information on its effectiveness on multiple sclerosis patients.

So far, 81 patients have been involved in the project half of the 160 needed for the whole clinical trial. About 73 or 90% of those involved in blind testing were given at least one injection with mesenchymal therapy or got a placebo while 51 or 63% were given both injections and 27 33% completed the study.

The promising result is that so far none of these 27 people have suffered significant adverse events, which means that, so far, the treatment appears to be safe, said Uccelli. The neurologist warned that caution is necessary and that the effectiveness of the therapy can only be determined once the study is completed in 2016.

Uccelli however added that preliminary studies on animals have persuaded researchers that mesenchymal stem cells can halt inflammation on the central nervous system and probably succeed in protecting nervous tissue, even repairing it where damage is minor. Out of the 81 patients recruited so far, 28 are Italian and 10 of them have completed the study, Uccelli said, adding that all patients over the past year did relatively well except for one who was treated with placebo.

The neurologist expressed the hope that data in 2016 will give final confirmation that the therapy is effective so we can take the subsequent step with a larger phase III study aimed at demonstrating the role of stem cells as neurorepairers. Meanwhile Genoas bioethics committee has approved a two-year extension of the project, which will be called Mesems Plus, to verify, beyond the year of observation provided for by Mesems, the long-term safety of treatments in the study and the potential insurgence of adverse events in all those treated, said Uccelli.

A study last week showed statin use increases the risk of diabetes by 46 per cent, and those who take the cholesterol-lowering drugs are more than twice as likely to develop Parkinsons disease in later life than those who do not.The Parkinsons research carried out over 20 years suggests cholesterol may have a vital role in protecting the brain and nervous system.The findings have alarmed experts who say if applied to the number of Britons deemed eligible for statins it couldequate to 150,000 extra patients with Parkinsons.The work has also fuelled concerns that statins, now recommended for up to half the adult population over 50 by government drug policy adviser the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, may be doing many patients more harm than good.

Dr Kailash Chand, deputy chairman of the British Medical Association, was speaking following research which found those who take the cholesterol-lowering drugs are more than twice as likely to develop Parkinsons disease in later life than those who do not.

A study last week showed statin use increases the risk of diabetes by 46 per cent.

It has led to calls to end to the widespread use of the drugs.

The Parkinsons research carried out over 20 years, and involving nearly 16,000 people, suggests cholesterol may have a vital role in protecting the brain and nervous system.

The findings have alarmed experts who say if applied to the number of Britons deemed eligible for statins it could equate to 150,000 extra patients with Parkinsons, a central nervous system disorder affecting one in 350 mostly older people.

The work has also fuelled concerns that statins, now recommended for up to half the adult population over 50 by government drug policy adviser the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, may be doing many patients more harm than good.

Doctors used to prescribe the drugs only to those who had a 30 per cent or greater risk of suffering a heart attack within a decade, but this was lowered to 20 per cent in 2005.

A 10-year plan has been introduced to reduce this further and include low-risk patients who have just a 10 per cent chance of a heart attack within a decade.

Nice believes this could save thousands of lives.

Other studies have shown a link between the cholesterol-lowering drugs and potentially disabling side effects including cataracts, diabetes, muscle pains, fatigue and memory loss.

Researchers warn that the mass roll-out of statins leaves 150,000 people at risk

Dr Chand, who suffered debilitating muscle pains while taking statins, said of the Parkinsons research:

This research has been done over a considerable amount of time and on a considerable number of people and it is very worrying.

Speaking in a personal capacity, he added:

"The risks of side-effects of these drugs are far greater than any potential benefits and it is high time these drugs were restricted in the low-risk population" - Dr Kailash Chand

Dr Xuemei Huang, who led the research, recently published in the journal of Movement Disorders, expressed concerns about the widespread prescription of statins.

If we blanket prescribe statins to people we could be creating a huge population of people with neurological problems.

Does mother nature create cholesterol for a reason?

"I think doctors are over-enamoured with statins and think it is a cure-all.

But the body is not just for the heart, it is also for the brain.

Here is the original post:
Don Margolis - Adult Stem Cell Research

Posted in Rhode Island Stem Cells | Comments Off

Sunrun Expands Into Seven New States, Nearly Doubles Market Reach – CleanTechnica

Posted: July 1, 2017 at 6:47 pm

Published on June 29th, 2017 | by Joshua S Hill

June 29th, 2017 by Joshua S Hill

Sunrun, one of the United States leading residential solar developers, announced this week that it has recently completed expanding into seven new US state markets, nearly doubling its market reach in just under four months.

The California-based company bills itself as the largest dedicated residential solar, storage, and energy services company, though it falls behind larger companies like SolarCity. However, while its nationwide ranking may not explode immediately, Sunrun has just finished expanding its market share, extending its reach into seven new markets New Mexico, Rhode Island,Texas,Vermont,Wisconsin,Washington D.C., and Florida states which, according to recent analysis, add nearly 12 million candidate homes for residential solar systems. This effectively doubles the companys addressable market, thanks also to expanding operations in Pennsylvania, and re-entering Nevada after the states policymakers passed legislation re-allowing solar net metering. (Vivint Solar, another of Sunruns competitors, similarly announced that it was re-launching its Nevada services following the passing of the same legislation.)

These recent expansions subsequently bring Sunruns total market reach up to 22 states and Washington, D.C., and according to the companys announcement, offer another proof point of the inevitability of solar.It demonstrates that falling solar installation costs, combined with strong consumer demand for energy choice, are increasing homeowners access to solar power.

Expanding to these new markets will give homeowners the opportunity to power their homes directly from their rooftops, making energy more affordable and the electric grid cleaner and more reliable, saidLynn Jurich, CEO of Sunrun. Better yet, we provide this service by creating one of our countrys other great needs: new, highly paid jobs that can be neither exported nor automated.

The move takes advantage of larger global swings in solar cost momentum, which has surprised just about everybody even the optimists among us. A new report published this week by GTM Research Solar Analyst Ben Gallagher predicts that the average global solar price could decline by 27% by 2022 and theres very little that is likely to stem this downward trend.

Unless you are a solar company in America, each of which is currently waiting to hear whether the countrys International Trade Commission (ITC) will rule in favor of a trade filing by Chinese-backed solar company, Suniva, which has asked fora$0.40/watt tariff for cells and a floor price of $0.78/watt on modules. Separate reports from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GTM Research have expanded on just what a Suniva favorable ruling could do, with SEIA explaining that 88,000 jobs, or a third of the countrys solar workforce, would be lost, while GTM warns the ruling could slash two-thirds of expected installations through to 2022.

One cannot help but hope that Sunrun havent unintentionally stretched themselves too thin on pretenses which will prove false if the ITC rules in favor of Suniva.

Check out our new 93-page EV report.

Join us for an upcoming Cleantech Revolution Tour conference!

Tags: Florida, itc, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, suniva, sunrun, Texas, US Solar, Vermont, Vivint Solar, Washington D.C., Wisconsin

Joshua S Hill I'm a Christian, a nerd, a geek, and I believe that we're pretty quickly directing planet-Earth into hell in a handbasket! I also write for Fantasy Book Review (.co.uk), and can be found writing articles for a variety of other sites. Check me out at about.me for more.

See the article here:
Sunrun Expands Into Seven New States, Nearly Doubles Market Reach - CleanTechnica

Posted in Rhode Island Stem Cells | Comments Off

Texas gives green-light for experimental stem-cell …

Posted: July 1, 2017 at 6:46 pm

The government of Texas will allow clinics across the state to market unapproved stem-cell therapies, in a move that has met with criticism from bioethicists.

Last week Governor Greg Abbott signed off on the new legislation that allows clinics to by-pass FDA approval for investigational stem cell treatments for patients with certain severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses. Like right to try laws in other States, the Texas legislation will give desperate patients access to therapies that provide hope after traditional medical treatments have failed.

Currently, most patients wishing to have stem-cell therapy have to travel out of the country to receive it. The new law will allow people with severe chronic or terminal illness to be treated at a clinic that purports to isolate therapeutic stem cells from adult tissuesuch as a patients own fatif their doctor recommends it after considering all other options, and if its administered by a physician at a hospital or medical school with oversight from an institutional review board (IRB). It also requires that the same intervention already be tested on humans in a clinical trial.

Click here to sign up for pro-life news alerts from LifeNews.com

The law sanctions a much broader set of therapies than federal rules, which already exempt certain stem cell interventions from FDAs lengthy approval process, provided the cells are only minimally manipulated and perform the same function they normally have in the body.

Bioethicists have expressed their concern at the move, which they say puts patients at risk of the effects of dangerous, untested therapies.

University of Minnesota bioethicist Leigh Turner said he was sceptical about whether the clinics would be adequately monitored, while NYU Langone Medical Center bioethicist Beth Roxland said it was insufficient to have the therapies tested in clinical trials while by-passing FDA approval. You could gain access to something [as long as its] being studied in a human somewhere on the planet, Roxland told Science, which in the stem cell area makes it really very scary.

LifeNews Note: This appeared at Bioedge.org and is reprinted with permission.

Read the original:
Texas gives green-light for experimental stem-cell ...

Posted in Texas Stem Cells | Comments Off

Lung Institute | Stem Cell Treatment in Texas

Posted: July 1, 2017 at 6:46 pm

Stem cells are essential building blocks for survival.A stem cellis responsible for acting as the foundation for every living being. They are capable of forming any tissue or organ in the body, which is unique from other cells. They can self-renew and replicate constantly. Their plasticity acts as another differentiator from other cells because their ability to create tissue for an organ different than their originating organ is essential to their benefit in regenerative medicine.

Stem celltreatments at the Lung Institute have continued to improve the functionality of lungs affected by chronic lung disease. The Lung Institute in Dallas, Texas, offers stem cell treatments with adult autologous stem cells. The cells come directly from an adult patients body only to be administered to the same patient. Using a patients own stem cells decreases the potential risk of rejection and undermines any possible controversy about stem cell therapy.

The Lung Institute in Texas provides twounique stem cell treatments: venous (blood-derived) and bone marrow. During a physician consultation, the recommended stem cell treatment will be determined based on patients health history and their current condition. Once the patient has the stem cell treatment, the stem cells target the damaged tissue or organ to promote healing, improve lung function and hopefully offer a better quality of life.

Receiving stem cell treatment at the Lung Institute in Dallas, Texas gives patients and their family members the opportunity to visit local historical, cultural and other tourist destinations. For example, on hot days, theMorton H. Meyerson Symphony Centeris a great way to beat the heat. Sit back, relax and let the Dallas Symphony Orchestra take you on a musical journey.

You can also find delicious local foods. To try some of the local Dallas flavors, check outFamous Smokey Johns Bar-B-Que, whichis known for its signature hickory smoked BBQ. If you are a seafood lover, Trulucks Seafood, Steak, and Crab Houseoffers a fresh seafood menu and great wine selection.

The Lung Institute in Texas is happy to answer your questions. With clinics nationwide, including in Dallas, Texas, we are here to help you. For more information about howstem cell treatment in Texascan be used to battlelung diseaseand improve your life or the life of a loved one,please feel free to contact usor call us at (800) 729-3065.

Visit link:
Lung Institute | Stem Cell Treatment in Texas

Posted in Texas Stem Cells | Comments Off

Biotech Gene Therapy Names Juno, Kite, And bluebird bio Still Have Room To Run – Seeking Alpha

Posted: July 1, 2017 at 6:46 pm

Author's note: The following consists of excerpts from my 45-page May 30 report on bluebird bio (NASDAQ:BLUE), Kite Pharma (NASDAQ:KITE), and Juno Therapeutics (NASDAQ:JUNO). The focus in this submission is BLUE. Please check out my Seeking Alpha profile for important information. Global Gene Therapy Market

The gene therapy market is gaining popularity in the global medical community. The advent of advanced techniques for gene transfer has enabled the use of gene therapy for various new applications. Although it is still at an infant stage, its promise has led to a range of bullish estimates. Market research firm BCC Research forecasts the global market for DNA vaccines to grow at a 54.8% CAGR to $2.7 bln by 2019, while two other observers - Roots Analysis and Research and Markets - predict the gene therapy market as a whole to reach ~$11 bln by 2025. Another report from market intelligence firm Transparency Market Research forecasts that the global stem cell market will grow at a CAGR of > 20% in the next few years and said there is a rich pipeline of more than 500 cell and gene therapy products, which will drive significant capacity as the pipeline matures and progresses to commercial supply.

Key factors driving market growth include demand for novel and efficient therapies to treat cancers and other indications with high unmet needs. Other market drivers include completion of the human genome project, rising incidence and prevalence of cancers and other critical diseases, and the prospective launch of gene therapies in major global markets.

Most gene therapy products are in the pre-clinical or clinical research stage. To-date, there are only five marketed drugs, namely Glybera, Neovasculogen, Gendicine, Rexin-G, and Oncorine. However, these products constitute very little revenue for the gene therapy market. Most revenue for the gene therapy market is generated from products used in clinical trials.

Need for gene therapy: It is estimated that approximately 5% of the global population suffers from a rare disease, and half of the global population affected by rare diseases are children, making rare disease treatment a concern for children across the globe. There are about 7,000 known rare diseases that comprise the most complex healthcare challenges for researchers and health professionals - with most being difficult to diagnose due to heterogeneity in disease epidemiology.

Rare diseases that affect 200,000 people in the US (as per the FDA definition) and a similar percentage in Europe are typically genetic in nature and, thus, present a significant unmet need for potential regimes in the market.

As per World Health Organization, 80% of rare diseases are caused due to genetic abnormality and are inherited for generations. Approximately 5% of the rare diseases have a treatment, and most of the current therapeutic approaches include gene therapy and cell therapy. A significant gap between demand and supply of rare disease drugs is expected to create a massive opportunity for manufacturers and researchers in the area of rare disease treatment.

How Does Gene Therapy Work?

Advances in biotechnology have brought gene therapy to the forefront of medical research. The prelude to successful gene therapy, the efficient transfer and expression of a variety of human gene into target cells, has already been accomplished in several systems.

Gene therapy may be defined as the introduction of genetic material into defective cells for a therapeutic purpose. While gene therapy holds great potential as an effective means for selective targeting and treatment of disease, the field has seen relatively slow progress in the development of effective clinical protocols. Although identifying genetic factors that cause a physiological defect is straightforward, successful targeted correction techniques are proving continually elusive. Hence, safe methods have been devised to do this (using several viral and no-viral vectors). Two main approaches have emerged in-vivo modification and ex-vivo modification. Retrovirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus are suitable for gene therapeutic approaches; these are based on permanent expression of the therapeutic gene. Non-viral vectors are far less efficient than viral vectors, but they have advantages due to their low immunogenicity and large capacity for therapeutic DNA.

Viral Vectors: These are virus-based vectors. Examples include retrovirus vector, adeno virus vector system, adeno associated virus vector, and herpes simplex virus. Extensive research is being conducted on the various viral vectors used in gene delivery. Non-viral vectors: Examples of non-viral vector systems include pure DNA constructs, lipoplexes, DNA molecular conjugates, and human artificial chromosomes. Owing to the following advantages, non-viral vectors have gained significant importance in the past few years as they are less immune-toxic, there is risk-free repeat administration and relative ease of large-scale production.

A major disadvantage is that the corrected gene needs to be unloaded into the target cell, and the vector has to be made to reach the required treatment site.

Gene therapy has transitioned from the conceptual, technology-driven, laboratory research, to clinical trial stages for a wide variety of diseases. In addition to curing genetic disorders such as Hemophilia, Chronic Granulomatous Disorder, and Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (ADA-SCID), it is also being tested to cure acquired diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, influenza, and hepatitis.

Gene therapy is not limited to any particular disease. It is proving to be a promising treatment for rare diseases such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. The therapy has proved effective in research conducted for the following diseases:

Fat Metabolism Disorder: Gene therapy is used to correct rare genetic diseases caused due to lipoprotein lipase deficiency. This deficiency leads to fat molecules clogging the bloodstream. An adeno-associated virus vector is used to deliver the corrected copy of the LPL to the muscle cells. This corrected copy prevents excess accumulation of fat in the blood by breaking down the fat molecules. In 2012, the EU approved Glybera, the first viral gene therapy treatment for LPLD, manufactured by uniQure (NASDAQ:QURE). Glybera is likely to be approved for the American market by 2018.

Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency: Gene therapy has successfully been used to treat another inherited immune disorder - ADA deficiency. More importantly, none of the patients undergoing this treatment developed any other disorder. The retroviral vector is used in multiple small trials to deliver the functional copy of the ADA gene. Primarily, all the patients involved in these trials did not require any injection of ADA enzyme as their immune functions had immensely improved.

Severe Combined Immune Deficiency: A lot of documented work is already available regarding treating this immunodeficiency with gene therapy; however, clinical trials have not shown promising results. The viral vectors used during the trials triggered leukemia in patients. Since then, focus of the research and trials has been on preparing new vectors that are safe and do not cause cancer.

Hemophilia: Patients with hemophilia suffer excessive blood loss as the blood clotting protein (Factor IX) is absent. Researchers have successfully inserted the missing gene in the liver cells using an adeno-associated viral vector. After undergoing this treatment, patients experienced less bleeding as their body was able to create some of the Factor IX protein.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF): CF is a chronic lung disease caused due to a faulty CFTR gene. Genes are injected into cells using a virus. Recent studies also include testing the cationic liposome (a fatty container) to deliver DNA to the faulty CFTR gene, thus making the use of the non-viral gene carrier more successful. Phase II trials using this therapy were published in early 2015, which promised a novel therapeutic approach to CF.

-thalassemia: Clinical trials on gene therapy for -thalassemia (the faulty beta-globin gene, which codes for an oxygen-carrying protein in RBC) can be tracked back to 2007. Blood stem cells were taken from the patients bone marrow, and a retrovirus was used to transfer a working copy of the faulty gene. The modified stem cells were re-injected into the body to supply functional red blood cells. This treatment, once conducted, lasted over seven years, with the patient not undergoing blood transfusion during this time.

Hereditary Blindness: Currently, gene therapy is being tested to treat degenerative form of inherited blindness, where patients lose light-sensing cells in their eyes over time. Experimental data suggests that the animal models of a mouse, rat, and dog show slow or even reverse vision loss using gene therapy. The most important advantage associated with gene therapy for eye disorders is that AAV (adeno-associated virus) cannot shift from the eye to other body parts and hence does not cause an immune reaction.

Parkinson's Disease: Patients with Parkinson's disease lose the ability to control their movement as their brain cells stop producing the dopamine molecule used for signaling. A small group of patients showed improved muscle control when a small area of their brain was treated with a retroviral vector that contained dopamine-producing genes.

This is because cancer genetics is a novel treatment method, marked by high R&D costs. The therapy targets diseases with high unmet needs; this has been the driving force behind academic research laboratories, small biotech firms, and large pharmaceutical companies. The therapy is of short-duration treatment or mostly one-time treatment customized to individuals and often in small patient populations.

bluebird bio (BLUE) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that focuses on developing transformative gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and cancer. Its product candidates include Lenti-D, which is in Phase II/III clinical studies for the treatment of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy - a rare hereditary neurological disorder - and LentiGlobin, which is in four clinical studies for the treatment of transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia and severe sickle cell disease. The companys lead product candidate is bb2121, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell receptor (TCR) product candidate that is in Phase I trial for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

The company's gene therapy platform is based on viral vectors that utilize a non-replicating version of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1). Its lentiviral vectors are used to introduce a functional copy of a gene to the patient's own isolated hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the case of its LentiGlobin and Lenti-D product candidates, or the patient's own isolated white blood cells, which include T cells, in the case of its bb2121 product candidate.

BLUE has a strategic collaboration with Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG) to discover, develop, and commercialize disease-altering gene therapies in oncology; with Kite Pharma (KITE) to develop and commercialize second generation T cell receptor product candidates against an antigen related to certain cancers associated with the human papilloma virus; and with Medigene (Germany) for the research and development of (TCR) product candidates directed against approximately four antigens for the treatment of cancer indications. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company was formerly known as Genetix Pharmaceuticals and later changed its name to bluebird bio (Incorporated) in September 2010.

With its lentiviral-based gene therapies, T cell immunotherapy expertise, and gene-editing capabilities, BLUE has built an integrated product platform with broad potential application for severe genetic diseases and cancer. BLUE's approach to gene therapy is based on viral vectors that utilize the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 or HIV-1. The HIV-1 vector is stripped off all the components that allow it to self-replicate and infect additional cells. HIV-1 is part of the lentivirus family of viruses. The vectors are used to introduce a modified copy of a gene from the patients own blood stem cells called hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), which reside in the patient's bone marrow. HSCs divide cells that allow for sustained expression of the modified gene.

Lenti-D

bluebird is developing the Lenti-D product candidate to treat patients with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a rare X-linked, metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene, which results in a deficiency in adrenoleukodystrophy protein, or ALDP, and subsequent accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids. Symptoms of CALD usually occur in early childhood and progress rapidly if untreated, leading to severe loss of neurological function and eventual death.

Completed non-interventional retrospective study (the ALD-101 Study)

CALD is a rare disease, and data on the natural history of the disease, as well as the efficacy and safety profile of allogeneic HSCT, is limited in scientific literature. To properly design clinical studies of Lenti-D and interpret the efficacy and safety results thereof, at the recommendation of the FDA, bluebird performed a non-interventional retrospective data collection study to assess the natural course of the disease in CALD patients that were left untreated in comparison with the efficacy and safety data obtained from patients that received allogeneic HSCT.

For this study, data was collected from four US sites and one French site on a total of 137 subjects, 72 of whom were untreated, and 65 were treated with allogeneic HSCT.

Starbeam Study (ALD-102) - Phase II/III clinical study in subjects with CALD

The company is currently conducting a Phase II/III clinical study of Lenti-D product candidate in the US, referred to as the Starbeam Study (ALD-102), to examine the safety and efficacy of Lenti-D product candidate in subjects with CALD. The study was fully enrolled in May 2015; however, in December 2016, the company amended the protocol for this study to enroll up to an additional eight subjects in an effort to enable the first manufacture of Lenti-D product candidate in Europe and the subsequent treatment of subjects in Europe, and to bolster the overall clinical data package for potential future regulatory filings in the US and Europe. It intended to begin treating the additional patients in early 2017.

The ALD-103 (observational) study

bluebird is also conducting the ALD-103 study, an observational study of subjects with CALD treated by allogeneic HSCT. This study is ongoing and is designed to collect efficacy and safety outcomes data in subjects who have undergone allogeneic HSCT over a period that is contemporary with the Starbeam study.

Lentiglobin Product

Transfusion-dependent -thalassemia (TDT)

-thalassemia is a rare hereditary blood disorder caused by a mutation in the -globin gene, resulting in the production of defective red blood cells, or RBCs. Genetic mutations cause the absence or reduced production of beta chains of hemoglobin, or -globin, preventing the proper formation of hemoglobin A, which normally accounts for more than 95% of the hemoglobin in the blood of adults.

Limitations of current treatment options

In geographies where treatment is available, patients with TDT receive chronic blood transfusion regimens. These regimens consist of regular infusions with units of packed RBC, or pRBC, usually every three to five weeks, to maintain hemoglobin levels and control symptoms of the disease.

The only potentially curative therapy for -thalassemia today is allogeneic HSCT. However, complications of allogeneic HSCT include risk of engraftment failure in unrelated human-leukocyte-antigen, or HLA, matched patients, risk of life-threatening infection, and risk of GVHD - a common complication in which donor immune cells (white blood cells in the graft) recognize the cells of the recipient (the host) as foreign and attack them. As a result of these challenges, allogeneic HSCT can lead to significantly high mortality rates, particularly in patients treated with cells from a donor who is not a matched sibling and in older patients. Overall, TDT remains a devastating disease with an unmet medical need.

The Northstar Study (HGB-204) Phase I/II clinical study in subjects with TDT

The Northstar study is a single-dose, open-label, non-randomized, multi-site Phase I/II clinical study in the US, Australia, and Thailand to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the LentiGlobin product candidate in increasing hemoglobin production and eliminating or reducing transfusion dependence following treatment. In March 2014, the first subject with TDT was treated in this study, and, in May 2016, the study was fully enrolled.

The study enrolled 18 adults and adolescents. To be eligible for enrollment, subjects had to be between 12 and 35 years of age, with a diagnosis of TDT, and received at least 100 mL/kg/year of pRBCs or more than or equal to eight transfusions of pRBCs per year in each of the two years preceding enrollment.

Efficacy will be evaluated primarily by the production of 2.0 g/dL of hemoglobin A containing A-T87Q-globin for the six-month period between 18 and 24 months, post transplants. Exploratory efficacy endpoints include RBC transfusion requirements (measured in milliliters per kilogram) per month and per year, post transplants.

The HGB-205 study Phase I/II clinical study in subjects with TDT or with severe SCD

bluebird is conducting the HGB-205 study, a Phase I/II clinical study, in France to study the safety and efficacy of its LentiGlobin product candidate in the treatment of subjects with TDT and of subjects with severe SCD. In December 2013, the company said that the first subject with TDT had been treated in this study; in October 2014, bluebird declared that the first subject with severe SCD had been treated in this study. By February 2017, the study had been fully enrolled.

bluebird is conducting HGB-206 multi-site Phase I clinical study in the US to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its LentiGlobin product candidate for the treatment of subjects with severe SCD. In October 2016, the company amended the protocol of its HGB-206 study to expand enrollment and incorporate several process changes, including updated drug product manufacturing process. Enrollment had begun under this amended protocol, and in February 2017, the company treated the first subject under this amended protocol.

The Northstar-2 Study (HGB-207) Phase III study in subjects with TDT and a non-0/0 genotype

The Northstar-2 study is an ongoing single-dose, open-label, non-randomized, international, multi-site Phase III clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the LentiGlobin product candidate to treat subjects with TDT and non-0/0 genotype. Approximately 23 subjects will be enrolled in the study, consisting of at least 15 adolescent and adult subjects between 12 and 50 years of age at enrollment and at least eight pediatric subjects less than 12 years of age at enrollment. In December 2016, the first subject had received treatment with the LentiGlobin product candidate.

The planned Northstar-3 Study (HGB-212) Phase III Study for TDT in subjects with TDT and a 0/ 0 genotype

The company plans the initiation of HGB-212, a Phase III clinical study of LentiGlobin in patients with TDT and the 0/0 genotype in 2H FY2017.

bluebird expects to enroll up to 15 adult, adolescent, and pediatric subjects. The company anticipates that the primary endpoint of the Northstar-3 study will be transfusion reduction, which is defined as a demonstration of a reduction in the volume of pRBC transfusion requirements in the post-treatment time period of 12-24 months, compared with the average annual transfusion requirement in the 24 months prior to enrollment.

Sickle Cell Disease

SCD is an inherited disease that is caused by a mutation in the -globin gene; this results in sickle-shaped red blood cells. The disease is characterized by anemia, vaso-occlusive crisis, infections, stroke, overall poor quality of life, and, sometimes, early death. Where adequate medical care is available, common treatments for patients with SCD largely revolves around the management and prevention of acute sickling episodes. Chronic management may include hydroxyurea and, in certain cases, chronic transfusions. Given the limitations of these treatments, there is no effective long-term treatment. The only advanced therapy for SCD is allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Complications of allogeneic HSCT include a significant risk of treatment-related mortality, graft failure, graft-versus-host disease, and opportunistic infections - particularly in patients who undergo non-sibling-matched allogeneic HSCT.

In March 2017, bluebird announced the Publication of the Case Study on the First Patient with Severe Sickle Cell Disease Treated with Gene Therapy in The New England Journal of Medicine. Patient 1204, a male patient with S/S genotype, was enrolled in May 2014 at 13 years of age into the HGB-205 clinical study. The patient underwent a regular transfusion regimen for four years prior to this study. Over 15 months since transplant, no SCD-related clinical events or hospitalizations occurred - contrasting favorably with the period before the patient began regular transfusions. All medications were discontinued, including pain medication.

The successful outcome in Patient 1204 demonstrates the promise of treatment with LentiGlobin gene therapy in patients with severe SCD and serves as a guide to optimize outcomes in future patients.

Celgene Collaboration

In March 2013, BLUE entered into a strategic collaboration with Celgene to advance gene therapy in oncology (cancer), which was amended and restated in June 2015, and amended again in February 2016. The multi-year research and development collaboration focused on applying BLUEs expertise in gene therapy technology to CAR T cell-based therapies, to target and destroy cancer cells. The collaboration now focuses exclusively on anti- B-cell maturation antigen BCMA product candidates for a new three-year term.

Under the terms of the Amended Collaboration Agreement, for up to two product candidates selected for development under the collaboration, BLUE is responsible for conducting and funding all research and development activities performed up through completion of the initial Phase I clinical study of such a product candidate.

In February 2016, Celgene exercised its option to obtain an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize bb2121, the first product candidate under the Amended Collaboration Agreement, and paid the associated ($10 million) option fee. BLUE will share equally in all costs related to developing, commercializing, and manufacturing the product candidate within the US, if it elects to co-develop and co-promote bb2121 with Celgene. In case BLUE does not exercise its option to co-develop and co-promote bb2121, it will receive an additional fee (of $10 million).

Summary

All three names in my May 30, 2017, (45-page) report are from the same space, and I highly recommend taking a look at the entire report before making an investment decision. It is available on request.

This industry is in its infancy - most trials are only in Phase I or Phase II. The companies do not have earnings yet, and that makes them difficult to value today. In my opinion, the upside here is significant, but you may have to hold on to these names for a few years in order to realize that upside, because today an argument can be made that the stocks have gotten a little bit ahead of themselves.

I am keeping my Buy recommendation on Juno (unchanged), and I am keeping my Hold recommendation on Kite (unchanged). There are currently seven institutions (each) with stakes of at least 250 million dollars in BLUE. There are nine institutions (each) with stakes of at least 175 million dollars in KITE. With JUNO, the institutional ownership is much lower - many institutions probably got shaken out following deaths on the Juno trials last year. In my opinion, the market over-reacted to those deaths. In fact, the shares have already bounced significantly since the low from last year following that market over-reaction (and insiders bought $500,000 worth of Juno shares recently).

I went in and out of KITE twice in the last couple of years and locked in gains of 35% both times. I most recently exited KITE at $87 a share on March 13.

The 52-week high on BLUE is $124, and the all-time high is $194.

There are 8,000,000 shares short, and that is more than 10X the average daily volume.

My recommendation is to allocate 3% portfolio weight to this industry: 1.5% to BLUE, 0.75% to KITE, and 0.75% to JUNO.

I remember an analyst (many years ago) on CNBC defending his Sell recommendation on Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN). It was trading at $100/share at the time. He defended the Sell rating by saying it loses money on every book it sells. AMZN recently hit $1,000 today. The lesson here is do not be afraid to invest in names with multi-billion market caps that are without EPS today. With KITE, BLUE, and JUNO, you must look out 3-5 years.

Sources

Why bluebird bio Stock Surged 20.7% Higher in January

Risks - Mayo Clinic

bluebird bio Reports First Quarter 2017 Financial Results and Recent Operational Progress

bluebird bio Announces Publication of Case Study on First Patient with Severe Sickle Cell Disease Treated with Gene Therapy in The New England Journal of Medicine

Annual Report 10-K

Quarterly Report 10-Q

Press Release | Investor Relations | Bluebird Bio

Kite Pharma Posts Q1 Loss, Reveals CAR-T Patient Death

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Announces Investigation of Kite Pharma, Inc. (KITE)

KITE INVESTOR ALERT: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $100,000 Investing In Kite Pharma, Inc. To Contact The Firm

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Announces the Commencement of an Investigation Involving Possible Securities Fraud Violations by the Board of Directors of Kite Pharma, Inc.

Kite Investors See An Uncomfortable Parallel With Juno

Kite Pharma: History In The Making?

Kite Pharma: Still Time To Get In Ahead Of Lead Oncology Treatment Approval

Here's What's Dragging Kite Pharma Inc. Down Today -- The Motley Fool

Global Gene Therapy Market to Reach US$316 Million by 2015, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Gene Therapy Market information, Current Trends Analysis, Major Players and Forecast 2024

Gene Therapies Market will generate $204m in 2020

Cancer Gene Therapy Market size to exceed $4.3bn by 2024

Could gene therapy become biotech's growth driver in 2017?

Cell Therapy 2016 - Year in Review (part 1)

Cancer Gene Therapy Market Size, Share, Industry Report 2024

Gene Therapy Market information, Current Trends Analysis, Major Players and Forecast 2024

Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Worldwide

Human Gene Therapy (PDF)

Aranca Report - GENE THERAPY: Advanced Treatments for a New Era

International Journal Of Pharma Sciences and Research (IJPSR) - Gene therapy: Current status and future perspectives Gene Therapy Institute for Clinical and Economic Review

See more here:
Biotech Gene Therapy Names Juno, Kite, And bluebird bio Still Have Room To Run - Seeking Alpha

Posted in Gene therapy | Comments Off

Monthly Archives: July 2017

Detroit Lions’ Paul Worrilow has beaten odds, inspires others to help – Detroit Free Press

Lions LB Paul Worrilow Making A Difference On And Off The Field – FanRag Sports (blog)

150 reasons why it’s better to be Canadian – Macleans.ca

Tampa Florida Stem Cell Clinic – Don’t Operate – Regenerate

Facelift Face Lift Surgery Providence Rhode Island RI

Don Margolis – Adult Stem Cell Research

Sunrun Expands Into Seven New States, Nearly Doubles Market Reach – CleanTechnica

Texas gives green-light for experimental stem-cell …

Lung Institute | Stem Cell Treatment in Texas

Biotech Gene Therapy Names Juno, Kite, And bluebird bio Still Have Room To Run – Seeking Alpha

Categories

Archives

Recommended Sites

Contact Us

Recent Posts