Category Archives: Regenerative Medicine

Neuromics and Vitro Biopharma Expand Collaboration to Target Drug Discovery and Regenerative Medicine Markets

Golden, Colorado - Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. (VODG), dba Vitro Biopharma, announced expansion of its distribution agreement with Neuromics to include targeted sales to select markets in drug discovery & regenerative medicine. Early stages of drug development rely on in-vitro assays to identify effective new drugs and these assays are based on cellular systems. Vitro Biopharmas proprietary stem cell technology allows cost-effective manufacturing of stem cell-derived human cells and multi-cellular constructs that reflect the human in-vivo environment. We have recently developed stem cell-derived cartilage and bone producing cells called chondrocytes and osteoblasts together with various media formulations. We are now offering cells, media and custom services including genetically-engineered cells, to the biopharmaceutical industry specifically focused on drug discovery, development and toxicology for osteoporosis, Pagets disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, bone regeneration & accelerated healing of bone fractures.

This advancement allows us to now combine the distribution channels and sales/marketing expertise of Neuromics with Vitro Biopharmas proprietary technology and manufacturing to target additional markets beyond those presently being pursued in research and clinical development. In addition to markets in drug discovery, we are also pursuing select opportunities within regenerative medicine initially related to expanded use of our high performance and highly competitive MSC-Gro clinical grade media in the expansion of MSCs prior to therapeutic use. Vitro Biopharma is also developing novel stem cell-based products targeting regenerative medicine applications in animals including horses and dogs initially targeting treatment of articular injury, diseases and age-related degeneration.

Pete Shuster, the CEO of Neuromics said, Vitro Biopharmas products have performed well in the hands of our customers. We have years of experience providing primary and progenitor cells to basic and drug discovery researchers and know the importance of having best in class products and services for growing my business.

We now have the opportunity to expand into serving drug discovery for diseases that will need more cost effective treatments with our aging populations. Regenerative therapies using stem cells could prove to the silver bullet. We are working hard to everyday to make this possible

Dr Jim Musick, Vitro Biopharmas CEO, said, We are very pleased to announce our expanded relationship with Neuromics, Inc who has assisted us considerably to expand revenue generated from our products. Our new initiative is fueled by our development of stem-cell derived, differentiated cells including bone/cartilage producing osteoblasts and chondrocytes together with related media products to support use of these cellular systems in the discovery of new drugs for treatment of muscular skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. While there are several existing drugs for use in treatment of osteoporosis there is a need for new, more effective and safer drugs especially targeting anabolic processes that promote bone generation. Our stem-cell derived human osteoblasts are ideally-suited for use in discovery of new drugs to promote osteoblast function and age-related diminished osteoblast function is a key factor in the generation of osteoporosis. Vitro Biopharma also owns proprietary technology that expands differentiation capacity of adult stem cells to pluripotent levels thus enabling us to expand our offerings of human stem cell derived cellular systems for drug discovery/development applications.

About Neuromics, Inc Neuromics (http://www.neuromics.com), located in Minneapolis, MN, is a privately-held, profitable and growing bio-reagents company. The company was initially built by supplying bio-markers to Neuroscience Researchers. Today, Neuromics provides a range of solutions that include markers, growth factors, gene expression analysis tools, apoptosis detection kits, primary cells and related media. These solutions are increasingly being used in combinations by customers to help accelerate or improve the process of drug discovery. Through the expanded association with Vitro Biopharma, the reagents offered by Neuromics for drug discovery will enhance the capabilities to serve this market sector.

About Vitro Biopharma Vitro Diagnostics, Inc. dba Vitro Biopharma (OTCQB: VODG; http://www.vitrobiopharma.com), owns US patents for production of FSH, immortalization of pituitary cells, and a cell line that produces beta islets for use in treatment of diabetes. In 2011, Vitro Biopharma out-licensed its intellectual property related to treatment of infertility to Dr. James Posillico, a renowned expert in Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Vitro Biopharma also owns a pending US patent for generation of pluripotent stem cells and an additional pending patent for methods of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) generation and related materials. Vitro Biopharmas mission is Harnessing the Power of Cells for the advancement of regenerative medicine to its full potential. Vitro Biopharma operates within a modern biotechnology manufacturing, R&D and corporate facility in Golden, Colorado. Vitro Biopharma manufactures and sells Tools for Stem Cell and Drug Development, including human mesenchymal stem cells and derivatives, the MSC-Gro Brand of optimized media for MSC self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation. In addition to our FSH patent licensee, Vitro Biopharma maintains several strategic partnerships including an alliance with Neuromics, Inc. (www.neuromics.com). Neuromics, Inc. is a primary distributor of Vitro Biopharma products and a well established manufacturer and distributor of a large variety of life science research products especially focused on cell-based assay systems We jointly manufacture stem cell assay systems with HemoGenix, Inc. (http://www.hemogenix.com/), known as the LUMENESC quantitative assay for determination of MSC quality, potency and response to toxic agents. Vitro Biopharma has an agreement with Stemgenesis, Inc. (http://www.stemgenesisinc.com) for distribution of its stem cell products into select Chinese provinces. Also, Vitro Biopharmas CEO is a consultant on an NSF grant at the City College of New York to advise Dr. Lane Gilcrest, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and his colleagues regarding the development of novel extracellular materials for use in self-renewal and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Safe Harbor Statement Certain statements contained herein and subsequent statements made by and on behalf of the Company, whether oral or written may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements are identified by words such as intends, anticipates, believes, expects and hopes and include, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys plan of business operations, product research and development activities, potential contractual arrangements, receipt of working capital, anticipated revenues and related expenditures. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, acceptability of the Companys products in the market place, general economic conditions, receipt of additional working capital, the overall state of the biotechnology industry and other factors set forth in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulations, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly these forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: Dr. James Musick Chief Executive Officer Vitro Biopharma (303) 999-2130 Ext. 3 E-mail: jim@vitrobiopharma.com

The rest is here:
Neuromics and Vitro Biopharma Expand Collaboration to Target Drug Discovery and Regenerative Medicine Markets

Chennai, May 6: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the Tamil Nadu government would introduce 'regenerative medicine' in veterinary care and would set up a research centre capitalising on stem cells.

Making a statement in the Assembly, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said the government would set up a 'Stem Cell Research Centre' at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University at a cost of Rs 6.46 crore.

"The government has decided to set up the Stem Cell Research Centre at TANUVAS considering the benefits the Stem Cell Research will bring to human health in the future", she said.

TANUVAS was already collaborating with Michigan State University, Virginia - Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and Wakeforest Institute of Regenerative Medicine in stem cell research, she said.

Regenerative medicine is the process of replacing stem cells to restore or establish normal function in human beings and animals.

Stem cells are sourced from bone marrow, placenta and fat tissue in animals and human beings are used in regenerative medicine.

The government has allocated Rs 8.81 crore for installing 53 ultra sound scan units in veterinary hospitals across the state.

PTI

More:
TN to introduce regenerative medicine in veterinary care

Tweet 



The meeting “Commercialization of Your Regenerative Medicine Research: Lessons from Spin Out Successes” was hosted by the Oxbridge Biotech Roundtable (OBR) (Oxford, UK) at the University of Oxford in February, 2013, and attracted a multi-stakeholder audience spanning academia and industry. 


The event featured case studies from Gregg Sando, CEO, Cell Medica (London, UK), John Sinden, CSO, Reneuron (Guilford, UK), and Paul Kemp, CEO and CSO, Intercytex (Manchester, UK). 


OBR is a student-led initiative with over 7000 members across eight different UK and US locations with a mission to foster a conversation about the healthcare and life sciences industry. 


Anna French and David A. Brindley, along with some of my assistance, captured and have now published the main themes of the meeting and the major questions facing the regenerative medicine industry and its rapidly emerging subsets of cellular and gene therapies. 


Notably, we discuss the compatibility of regenerative therapies to the existing healthcare infrastructure, biomanufacturing challenges (including scalability and comparability), and the amenability of regenerative therapies to existing reimbursement and investment models. Furthermore, we reiterate key words of advice from seasoned industry leaders intended to accelerate the translation path from lab bench to the marketplace.


To read the review see: Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine: Learning from Spin-Outs


Anna French, R. Lee Buckler, and David A. Brindley. Rejuvenation Research. April 2013, 16(2): 164-170. doi:10.1089/rej.2013.1423.

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CellTherapyBlog/~3/4Uv2o54_hWQ/commercialization-of-regenerative.html

Free Webinar on the Use of Regenerative Medicine to Treat Orthopedic Injuries in Dogs

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) April 25, 2013

In this free, 40-minute webinar, Dr. Canapp discusses the recent progress in the use of regenerative medicine to treat orthopedic injuries in dogs and also identifies areas where further research is needed. Designed for both lay and scientific audiences, Dr. Canapp explains the different types of therapy that fall under the category of regenerative medicine, while presenting the stories of three canine clients whose lives were drastically improved through this exciting and innovative treatment.

Regenerative medicine has extraordinary potential to change the way we treat both acute injury and chronic disease in dogs. Early evidence shows these techniques have real promise in helping canine patients recover from injury. Our job as a foundation is to fund research that will provide owners and veterinarians with solid evidence-based medicine, said Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF Chief Scientific Officer. We are pleased to partner with Dr. Canapp to share the emerging technology available to dog lovers throughout the world, and we look forward to a long-term research partnership with Dr. Canapp and collaborators to firmly establish best practices with regenerative medicine technology.

For the two week period following the release of the webinar, CHF will be compiling viewer questions which will be answered by Dr. Canapp and posted to the website.

In 2012, CHF established the Canine Athlete Initiative (CAI) which focuses on the health needs of active dogs. The CAI fund provides grants for cutting-edge research into orthopedic concerns, proper nutrition and conditioning to achieve maximum performance while preventing injury, and innovative rehabilitation techniques. Through the CAI, the foundation also educates the public on the joys of participating in canine athletic events, as well as the value of preventive examinations and optimal nutrition to keep all dogs at the top of their game.

Dr. Canapp completed a combined DVM and Masters of Clinical Science in Surgery at Kansas State University. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and is certified in Canine Rehabilitation, stem cell therapy and tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy or TPLO surgery. To date, he has performed more than 2000 TPLO procedures to stabilize the stifle joint after ruptures of the cranial cruciate ligament. Dr. Canapp has been named a charter Diplomate in the newly recognized American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR).

CHF HealthE-Barks webinars are released several times each year and feature key opinion leaders in various fields of canine health. To download the free webinar Regenerative Medicine for Canine Orthopedic Conditions, visit http://www.akcchf.org/webinars, or to make a donation to support this and other canine health research, visit http://www.akcchf.org/donate.

CHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. Like CHF on Facebook, follow CHF on Twitter @CanineHealthFnd, or connect with CHF on LinkedIn.

# # #

Link:
AKC Canine Health Foundation Releases Webinar on Regenerative Medicine Therapy in Dogs

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Expectation toward regenerative medicine and stem cell research represented by iPS cells is ever growing, not only for clinical application but also as tools to make drug development/discovery more effective and efficient. Especially in Japan, home of the Novel prize winner Dr. Yamanaka, the market is moving very actively, gaining support in many aspects such as government subsidies, legislation, launch of research centers and so on.

At BIOtech 2013 Japan (Asia's LARGEST bio event taking place in Tokyo from May 8 to 10), there will be an increased number of presentations, research achievements and technologies/products related to iPS Cell Research / Regenerative Medicine showcased. Why not visit BIOtech 2013 Japan and explore the forefront of the hottest field?

The foremost authority of stem cell research addresses the future potential of iPS Cells (CONFERENCE) At the Conference, the latest development on iPS Cells and Regenerative Medicine will be addressed as one of the main features. No.1 popular session at the moment is Special Session-3 spoken by the foremost authority of stem cell research, Dr. Hiro Nakauchi (Professor and Director, Center of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science of The University of Tokyo). In addition to his presentation "iPS Technology and its Potential for Future Medicine", Dr. Sawa (Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine) will disclose newly-developed cell sheet technology and its application for complete regeneration of severely-damaged myocardium. There will be more sessions featuring regenerative medicine and stem cell research, such as Special Session-5 addressing the great challenge of regenerative medicine - 3-D Tissue Engineering, Special Session-9 addressing the theme from a different approach - materials and manufacturing technologies required for further development of regenerative medicine, and many more. >>Full program & application (FREE admission with Member Registration)

The latest research achievements by Japanese academics (PARTNERING) BIOtech 2013 Japan will also be a prime opportunity to explore the latest academic research achievements and find partners from about 200 Japanese academic presenters, who participate in Partnering at BIOtech 2013 Japan through online "Bio Partnering System". There will be an increased number of platform technologies/seeds related to iPS Cells / Regenerative Medicine presented this year. (See below for excerpts) -Screening for compounds using hiPS cells and a chemically defined serum-free culture (NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION, Dr. Masaki Kinehara) -Cancer Stem Cell Model Developed From iPS Cells (OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY, Dr. Masaharu Seno) -Production of virus-free iPS cells by a novel cell penetrating peptide (NATIONAL CENTER FOR GLOBAL HEALTH AND MEDICINE, Dr. Yukihito Ishizaka) -Development of the biological pacemaker derived from pluripotent stem cells (TOTTORI UNIVERSITY, Dr. Yasuaki Shirayoshi) -Cytometry using antibody arrays for the quality control of stem cells (HIROSHIMA UNIVERSITY, Dr. Koichi Kato)

>>Search other research themes / academics >>Join "Bio Partnering System" and receive proposals/appointment requests from academics (Member Registration)

Products/services supporting iPS Cell Research (EXHIBITION) Many companies considering the growth of the iPS market as a huge opportunity, there's a notable increase in exhibits for/applied to iPS cell research at BIOtech 2013 Japan. >>Exhibitors with products/services for iPS/ES Cells Research Why not find the latest products/technologies at Asia's largest product/technology showcase, where 600 exhibitors gather from around the world? (expected) >>Search exhibitors on e-Guidebook

Visit BIOtech 2013 Japan! (May 8-10 at Tokyo Big Sight) Still in time! To visit, get FREE Invitation Ticket NOW. >>>http://www.bio-t.jp/en/inv/

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130423006972/en/

Visit link:
Explore the Forefront of iPS Cell Research / Regenerative Medicine at Asia's Largest Bio Event, BIOtech 2013 Japan

Tweet 



The meeting “Commercialization of Your Regenerative Medicine Research: Lessons from Spin Out Successes” was hosted by the Oxbridge Biotech Roundtable (OBR) (Oxford, UK) at the University of Oxford in February, 2013, and attracted a multi-stakeholder audience spanning academia and industry. 


The event featured case studies from Gregg Sando, CEO, Cell Medica (London, UK), John Sinden, CSO, Reneuron (Guilford, UK), and Paul Kemp, CEO and CSO, Intercytex (Manchester, UK). 


OBR is a student-led initiative with over 7000 members across eight different UK and US locations with a mission to foster a conversation about the healthcare and life sciences industry. 


Anna French and David A. Brindley, along with some of my assistance, captured and have now published the main themes of the meeting and the major questions facing the regenerative medicine industry and its rapidly emerging subsets of cellular and gene therapies. 


Notably, we discuss the compatibility of regenerative therapies to the existing healthcare infrastructure, biomanufacturing challenges (including scalability and comparability), and the amenability of regenerative therapies to existing reimbursement and investment models. Furthermore, we reiterate key words of advice from seasoned industry leaders intended to accelerate the translation path from lab bench to the marketplace.


To read the review see: Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine: Learning from Spin-Outs


Anna French, R. Lee Buckler, and David A. Brindley. Rejuvenation Research. April 2013, 16(2): 164-170. doi:10.1089/rej.2013.1423.

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CellTherapyBlog/~3/4Uv2o54_hWQ/commercialization-of-regenerative.html

Tweet 


The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine announced today the release of the 2013 annual regenerative medicine industry report.  Here is the announcement in the Wall Street Journal online.

I'm proud to have been a part of putting it together and hope people find it useful.  It is available for download on the ARM website here.  


In addition to the complete download, ARM will make many of the figures, charts,  tables and sections available for members to download and use in their own publications and presentations. Watch for these resources to be announced soon.

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CellTherapyBlog/~3/yFBYKblnudk/2013-annual-regenerative-medicine.html

Tweet 


The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine announced today the release of the 2013 annual regenerative medicine industry report.  Here is the announcement in the Wall Street Journal online.

I'm proud to have been a part of putting it together and hope people find it useful.  It is available for download on the ARM website here.  


In addition to the complete download, ARM will make many of the figures, charts,  tables and sections available for members to download and use in their own publications and presentations. Watch for these resources to be announced soon.

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CellTherapyBlog/~3/yFBYKblnudk/2013-annual-regenerative-medicine.html

NEWARK, Calif., April 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StemCells, Inc. (STEM) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) under which CIRM will provide approximately $19.3 million to help fund preclinical development and IND-enabling activities of the Company's proprietary HuCNS-SC(R) product candidate (purified human neural stem cells) for Alzheimer's disease. The funding, which will be in the form of a forgivable loan, was awarded under CIRM's Disease Team Therapy Development Award program (RFA 10-05) in September 2012. The goal of the research will be to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration within four years.

"With CIRM's support, we are now able to lay the groundwork that could result in the world's first neural stem cell trial in Alzheimer's patients," commented Martin McGlynn, President and CEO of StemCells, Inc. "Currently, there are no good treatment options for Alzheimer's patients, and there aren't any on the horizon, so it is clear that the field could benefit from creative approaches to this devastating and challenging disease. Our collaborators at UC Irvine have provided a compelling preclinical rationale to test the utility of our cells to restore memory in patients afflicted with this deadly condition."

StemCells, Inc. will evaluate its HuCNS-SC cells as a potential therapeutic in Alzheimer's disease in collaboration with researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) led by Frank LaFerla, Ph.D., a world-renowned researcher in the field, and Matthew Blurton-Jones, Ph.D. Dr. LaFerla is Director of the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), and Chancellor's Professor, Neurobiology and Behavior. Dr. Blurton-Jones is Assistant Professor, Neurobiology and Behavior, at UCI.

In July 2012, Dr. Blurton-Jones presented data at the Alzheimer's Association Annual Meeting demonstrating that the Company's neural stem cells restored memory and significantly enhanced synaptic function in two animal models relevant to Alzheimer's disease. Importantly, these results did not require reduction in beta amyloid or tau that accumulates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease and account for the pathological hallmarks of the disease.

Terms and Conditions of the Loan

Loan funds are expected to be disbursed periodically over the four-year project period, with disbursements subject to a number of preconditions, including the achievement of certain progress milestones and compliance with certain financial covenants. The term of the loan is ten years, but may be extended under certain circumstances. The loan is unsecured and will bear interest at the one year LIBOR rate plus two percent; however, the interest rate will increase by one percent each year after year five. The loan is forgivable, such that the Company's obligation to repay the loan will be contingent upon the success of HuCNS-SC cells in Alzheimer's disease. No warrants will be issued in connection with the loan, but the Company will owe various success milestone payments in the event of the product's commercial success.

About Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder that results in loss of memory and cognitive function. Today there is no cure or effective treatment option for patients afflicted by Alzheimer's disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, approximately 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, including nearly half of people aged 85 and older. The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is expected to increase rapidly as a result of the country's aging population.

About CIRM

CIRM was established in November 2004 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act. The statewide ballot measure, which provided $3 billion in funding for stem cell research at California universities and research institutions, was overwhelmingly approved by voters, and called for the establishment of an entity to make grants and provide loans for stem cell research, research facilities, and other vital research opportunities. A list of grants and loans awarded to date may be seen here: http://www.cirm.ca.gov/for-researchers/researchfunding.

Read more:
StemCells, Inc. Enters Agreement to Receive $19.3 Million From California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to Help ...

Mahendra Rao, director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. Image: Richard Clark, NIH

Researchers are now experimenting with stem cellsprogenitor cells that can develop into many different types of tissueto coax the bodies of a few individuals to heal themselves. Some of the most advanced clinical trials so far involve treating congestive heart disease and regrowing muscles in soldiers who were wounded in an explosion. But new developments are happening so quickly that investigators have come up with a new nameregenerative medicineto describe the emerging field.

Many of the stem cells being studied are referred to as pluripotent, meaning they can give rise to any of the cell types in the body but they cannot give rise on their own to an entirely new body. (Only the earliest embryonic cells, which occur just after fertilization, can give rise to a whole other organism by themselves.) Other stem cells, such as the ones found in the adult body, are multipotent, meaning they can develop into a limited number of different tissue types.

One of the most common stem cell treatments being studied is a procedure that extracts a few stem cells from a person's body and grows them in large quantities in the laboratorywhat scientists refer to as expanding the number of stem cells. Once a sufficient number have been produced in this manner, the investigators inject them back into the patient.

The bone marrow is a rich source of adult stem cells, containing both the hematopoietic stem cells that give rise to the various types of blood and the so-called mesenchymal cells, which can develop into bone, cartilage and fat. Mesenchymal cells are found in the bone marrow and various other places in the body, although whether all mesenchymal stem cells are truly interchangeable irrespective of origin is unclear.

Scientific American spoke with Mahendra Rao, director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., to get a sense of the sorts of new developments that might occur in regenerative medicine in the next five years or so.

[An edited transcript of the interview follows.]

Why is there so much excitement about regenerative medicine? You could say that medicine up until now has been all about replacements. If your heart valve isn't working, you replace it with another valve, say from a pig. With regenerative medicine, you're treating the cause and using your own cells to perform the replacement. The hope is that by regenerating the tissue, you're causing the repairs to grow so that it's like normal.

And research into regenerative medicine has been going at a pretty fast pace. Yes, there have been a lot of novel breakthroughs in the past few years. It seems that things are moving relatively rapidly to true translation and clinical practice. When you think about it, it usually takes 10 to 14 years to bring a drug to market. Well, the entire field of pluripotent stem cells is 14 or 15 years old. And yet, in those 15 years there are already clinical trials in place.

Visit link:
What's Next for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine ?