Archive for March, 2012

Editor's Choice Main Category: Genetics Article Date: 06 Mar 2012 - 9:00 PST

email to a friend printer friendly opinions

Current Article Ratings:

At the university's Genomics and Pathology Services (GPS), the researchers will sequence the patient's DNA at no cost to the advocacy groups or to patients.

Jimmy Lin, Ph.D., research instructor in pathology and immunology, explained:

Rare genetic diseases range from Neimann-Pick, a metabolic disorder which can occur in infancy, to Huntington's disease, a neurodegenrative disorder diagnosed in adulthood.

DNA sequencing is currently faster, cheaper and more accurate, as a result of advances in technology in recent years. For individuals suffering with rare diseases, researchers are now able to use DNA sequencing in order to identify the genetic flaw or flaws most likely responsible for their disease.

It is believed that several rare diseases are caused by genetic mutations in the small part of the DNA that codes for proteins, collectively known as the exome. The researchers will sequence this part of the DNA.

In early 2011, the genetic causes for 39 rare diseases were identified using exome sequencing, and according to scientists, this is just the start.

Karen Seibert, Ph.D., director of GPS and research professor of pathology and immunology, said:

Read more from the original source:
DNA Sequencing To Identify Genetic Flaws Responsible For Rare Diseases

TUESDAY, March 6 (HealthDay News) -- New research offers potential insight into the connection between cancer, obesity and longevity in humans by showing that genetically modified mice live longer, skinnier and almost cancer-free lives.

There are quite a few differences between mice and humans, especially in regard to the type of fat that's apparently affected by the genetic tweak, so there's no way to know if the research could lead to benefits in humans. Even if medications based on the research are developed, no one knows what the side effects in people might be or their eventual cost.

Still, a potential drug "could have two benefits: adding some extra protection against cancer and protecting us from overeating," said Manuel Serrano, senior group leader at the Spanish National Cancer Research Center in Madrid and co-author of a study appearing in the March issue of Cell Metabolism.

At issue is a gene called Pten that boosts the body's cancer-fighting powers. Mutations in the gene can contribute to the development of cancer.

The researchers genetically engineered mice to have extra copies of the gene. The mice didn't suffer from side effects, Serrano said, and they managed to live 15 percent longer than other mice and suffer from less cancer.

He acknowledged, however, that figuring out a mouse's cause of death can be a challenge.

Mice that ate a high-fat diet also managed to be leaner, suggesting that the genetic tweak affected their ability to gain weight even when they would normally be packing on the extra ounces.

Serrano said the key seems to be the tweak's effect on something known as brown fat.

Both mice and humans have brown fat, but it's better understood in mice, he noted. In mice, it appears to burn regular "white fat" and be activated when it's cold or when the mice eat too much, Serrano said.

"Brown fat is very abundant and active in mice, but in humans it is scarce," Serrano explained. "At present, it is not known whether pushing the brown fat in humans will have a significant effect in fat burning."

See more here:
Genetic Tweak Helps Mice Avoid Cancer, Obesity: Study

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Signal Genetics, a privately held cancer genetics testing company, today announced the launch of its new physician portal and analysis tool, ResultsPX. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant web portal will enhance physicians ability to administer and analyze the results of Signal Genetics predictive genomic tests, including MyPRS PlusTM for multiple myeloma and PrevistageTM GCC for colon cancer staging and recurrence.

Signal Genetics physician customers can use ResultsPX to retrieve the results of tests performed by Signal Genetics at its CLIA certified laboratories, and to conduct their own, deeper analysis of their patients genomic profile to better inform treatment decisions. The portal will initially be available to physicians that order Signal Genetics genomic tests, as well as select hospitals in Europe.

Our ResultsPX web portal combines state-of-the-art genomic science and technology to produce interactive, exhaustive genomic data analysis to physicians globally. We believe putting more information in the hands of physicians will enable them to make the most informed decisions for their patients, said Joe Hernandez, President and CEO of Signal Genetics. This innovative and secure technology is a key complement to our assays, and makes our strong portfolio of predictive molecular diagnostic tests for various cancers even more accessible. The portal is completely scalable, and will also support each of our genomic tests in development upon launch, including our products in development for breast cancer and lung cancer.

ResultsPX will also enable remote interpretation of Signal Genetics test algorithms in a secure and controlled environment. In Europe, where testing is typically done in internal hospital laboratories, physicians will be able to run Signal Genetics assays on-site with ResultsPX, eliminating the need to ship patient samples to labs. The portals unique technology and strict quality control standards will allow hospitals to receive accurate test results within minutes.

For more information, please visit: http://www.SignalGenetics.com

About Signal Genetics

Signal Genetics, the parent company of Myeloma Health LLC, CC Health, Respira Health, and ChipDX, is a privately held predictive genetic testing company focused on helping cancer patients. MyPRS Plus stratifies risk for patients with multiple myeloma and provides additional insights in to the genetic characteristics of each individual patient. PrevistageTM GCC Colorectal Cancer Staging Test currently is the only colorectal cancer staging test on the market that provides prognostic information based on the tumor burden measured at the molecular level in the lymph nodes. The goal of Signal Genetics is to provide cancer patients and their physicians with novel and innovative insights into their disease, including predicting outcomes, accurately staging disease, providing odds of relapse, and identifying the optimal treatment regimen based on their specific genetic profile. Additional information is available at http://www.signalgenetics.com

Link:
Signal Genetics Announces Launch of New Physician Web Portal and Genetic Test Results Analysis Tool

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

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, today pointed out the potential for substantial partnership and licensing opportunities using the companys cell encapsulation technology for applications in stem cell research and medicine. Migration of implanted cells away from the target site and host rejection have been recognized as fundamental challenges faced by the stem cell community regarding their use in therapy, which the companys technology overcomes.

The technology being acquired from associate SG Austria is used to place live stem cells into strong, flexible and permeable capsules. These capsules can then be implanted into animals or humans for specific therapies. Stem cells can then exist at the desired location inside the capsules, prevented from migrating and protected from the immune system that aims to eliminate such foreign cells from the body.

Stem cell therapy is being used by clinicians throughout the world for treating such diverse diseases as spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, burns, glioma, multiple myeloma, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy, and age-related macular degeneration, among others, most of which can be found at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Historically, researchers have faced numerous difficulties in succeeding with certain stem cell treatments, because of the problems associated with keeping stem cells alive for significant periods of time, stopping rejection and destruction by the recipients immune system, and keeping stem cells from migrating away from the desired sites. Cells encapsulated in SG Austrias porous beads have been shown to remain alive for long periods of time in humans, surviving intact for at least two years. Once encapsulated, cells are protected from the bodys immune system. Furthermore, encapsulated cells remain within the beads and are unable to migrate to other sites in the body.

In the February 29, 2012 research report, Goldman Small Cap Research stated, The Cell-in-a-Box approach could significantly advance the implementation and utilization of stem cells for a host of debilitating diseases and conditions, making it a uniquely valuable commodity. We believe that by partnering with leading players in the field, Nuvilex could find that companies with deep pockets would be happy to collaborate or license the delivery system and engage in further research which could result in meaningful development and licensing revenue.

Dr. Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Nuvilex, discussed the value for licensing the companys stem cell therapy, adding, By overcoming traditional barriers to effective stem cell therapy, namely viability, migration, and host rejection, we believe these new advances in medical science utilizing stem cells and encapsulation will enable us to take quantum leaps forward now and in the future. As a result of challenges SG Austria has overcome, new advances will be surprisingly close at hand and are part of the driving force behind our desire to work with a number of companies in this endeavor. Our primary goal has been and remains to use our technology to bring life changing treatments to patients on an expedited basis.

About Nuvilex

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX) is an emerging international biotechnology provider of clinically useful therapeutic live encapsulated cells and services for encapsulating live cells for the research and medical communities. Through our effort, all aspects of our corporate activities alone, and especially in concert with SG Austria, are rapidly moving toward completion, including closing our agreement. One of our planned offerings will include cancer treatments using the companys industry-leading live-cell encapsulation technology.

Safe Harbor Statement

Read the rest here:
Nuvilex Forecasts Vast Partnership Opportunities Using Breakthrough Stem Cell Technology

Public release date: 6-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Cody Mooneyhan cmooneyhan@faseb.org 301-634-7104 Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Bethesda, MDA new research discovery by a team of Stanford and European scientists offers hope that people with atherosclerotic disease may one day be able to avoid limb amputation related to ischemia. A new research report appearing online in the FASEB Journal suggests that the delivery of genes for two molecules naturally produced by the body, called "PDGF-BB" and "VEGF" may successfully cause the body to grow new blood vessels that can save ischemic limbs.

"We hope that our findings will ultimately develop into a safe and effective therapy for the many patients, suffering from blocked arteries in the limbs, who are currently not adequately treated by surgery or drugs," said Helen M. Blau, Ph.D., a senior researcher involved in the work and Associate Editor of the FASEB Journal from the Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology at Stanford. "This could help avoid the devastating consequences of limb amputations for both patients and their families."

To make this discovery, Blau and colleagues, including Andrea Banfi (now at Basel University), introduced the genes for PDGF-BB and VEGF into the muscles of mice, either independently or together. When high doses of VEGF alone were produced, they caused the growth of vascular tumors. When the two factors were produced in unbalanced amounts, tumor growth also occurred. When VEGF and PDGF were delivered in a fixed ratio relative to one another, however, no tumors occurred, and blood flow was restored to ischemic muscle tissue and damage repaired without any toxic effects. To achieve a "balanced" delivery of PDGF-BB and VEGF, scientists placed both genes in a single gene therapy delivery mechanism, called a "vector."

Although the report shows the feasibility of growing robust and safe new blood vessels that restore blood flow to diseased tissues, Blau points out that "there are multiple challenges to correcting peripheral vasculature disease by using proangiogenic gene therapy strategies. Two important challenges are what to deliver and how to get it to where it can have beneficial effects. Clinical success will require both delivering a gene therapy construct that encodes for effective angiogenic factors and ensuring that the sites of delivery are where the construct can have the greatest clinical benefit."

"This ingenious work, based on the latest techniques of molecular biology, tells us that it is possible to reinvigorate parts of our body that can't get enough blood to keep them going," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal. "The next question is whether this approach will work in humans and exactly how to deliver the new treatment to places that need it the most."

###

Receive monthly highlights from the FASEB Journal by e-mail. Sign up at http://www.faseb.org/fjupdate.aspx. The FASEB Journal is published by the Federation of the American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) and is the most cited biology journal worldwide according to the Institute for Scientific Information. In 2010, the journal was recognized by the Special Libraries Association as one of the top 100 most influential biomedical journals of the past century. FASEB is composed of 26 societies with more than 100,000 members, making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations in the United States. Celebrating 100 Years of Advancing the Life Sciences in 2012, FASEB is rededicating its efforts to advance health and well-being by promoting progress and education in biological and biomedical sciences through service to our member societies and collaborative advocacy.

Details: Andrea Banfi, Georges von Degenfeld, Roberto Gianni-Barrera, Silvia Reginato, Milton J. Merchant, Donald M. McDonald, and Helen M. Blau. Therapeutic angiogenesis due to balanced single-vector delivery of VEGF and PDGF-BB. FASEB J. doi:10.1096/fj.11-197400 ; http://www.fasebj.org/content/early/2012/03/05/fj.11-197400.abstract

Original post:
Stanford scientists develop gene therapy approach to grow blood vessels in ischemic limbs

PHILADELPHIA Jamie Shuda, EdD, director of life science outreach at the University of Pennsylvania's Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IRM), and coordinator of life science education at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships also at Penn, along with Steve Farber, PhD, Investigator, Embryology Department, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, have been awarded the Hamburger Outstanding Educator Prize from the Society for Developmental Biology (SBD).

Shuda and Farber run Project BioEYES, a K-12 science education program that provides classroom-based, hands-on learning using live zebrafish to teach about how cells and animals develop. The program is located within the Perelman School of Medicine, Penn; the Carnegie Institution; Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN; and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, among others, and reaches over 9,000 students per year.

"I am honored that the Society for Developmental Biology has chosen me and Dr. Farber as the 2012 recipients of the Viktor Hamburger prize," says Shuda. "Project BioEYES exemplifies how scientists and educators can come together to teach cutting edge, exciting science to students of all ages. Collaboration across disciplines is greatly supported by Penn and the IRM and it is wonderful that the university is being recognized for their public engagement. Viktor Hamburger was a pioneer in both science and teaching and I hope our education programs inspire more scientists just like him."

With over 10 years of experience in public education, Dr. Shuda has worked with teachers, students, and university staff to develop innovative science curricula. Her research focuses on the role informal science education plays in developing an effective science curriculum in K-12 schools and the characteristics of successful university and community partnerships to enhance science education at the undergraduate level. At the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Shuda teaches Stem Cell Science in Schools: History, Ethics, and Education, which provides university and high school students with the opportunity to learn the science of stem cells while becoming deeply engaged with social and ethical issues relevant to everyday life. Dr. Shuda holds an MS.Ed and teaching certification from Drexel University and an Ed.D in education policy from Temple University.

Established in 2002 by the SDB Board of Directors in honor of Dr. Viktor Hamburger and sponsored by the Professional Development and Education Committee, this Hamburger award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to developmental biology education. The recipients deliver a lecture at the Education Symposium of the SDB Annual Meetings.

Penn's Perelman School of Medicine is currently ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools and among the top 10 schools for primary care. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $507.6 million awarded in the 2010 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; and Pennsylvania Hospital the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Penn Medicine also includes additional patient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2010, Penn Medicine provided $788 million to benefit our community.

Read the original here:
Penn Medicine Science Educator Recognized by Society for Developmental Biology

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

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, today pointed out the potential for substantial partnership and licensing opportunities using the companys cell encapsulation technology for applications in stem cell research and medicine. Migration of implanted cells away from the target site and host rejection have been recognized as fundamental challenges faced by the stem cell community regarding their use in therapy, which the companys technology overcomes.

The technology being acquired from associate SG Austria is used to place live stem cells into strong, flexible and permeable capsules. These capsules can then be implanted into animals or humans for specific therapies. Stem cells can then exist at the desired location inside the capsules, prevented from migrating and protected from the immune system that aims to eliminate such foreign cells from the body.

Stem cell therapy is being used by clinicians throughout the world for treating such diverse diseases as spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, burns, glioma, multiple myeloma, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy, and age-related macular degeneration, among others, most of which can be found at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Historically, researchers have faced numerous difficulties in succeeding with certain stem cell treatments, because of the problems associated with keeping stem cells alive for significant periods of time, stopping rejection and destruction by the recipients immune system, and keeping stem cells from migrating away from the desired sites. Cells encapsulated in SG Austrias porous beads have been shown to remain alive for long periods of time in humans, surviving intact for at least two years. Once encapsulated, cells are protected from the bodys immune system. Furthermore, encapsulated cells remain within the beads and are unable to migrate to other sites in the body.

In the February 29, 2012 research report, Goldman Small Cap Research stated, The Cell-in-a-Box approach could significantly advance the implementation and utilization of stem cells for a host of debilitating diseases and conditions, making it a uniquely valuable commodity. We believe that by partnering with leading players in the field, Nuvilex could find that companies with deep pockets would be happy to collaborate or license the delivery system and engage in further research which could result in meaningful development and licensing revenue.

Dr. Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Nuvilex, discussed the value for licensing the companys stem cell therapy, adding, By overcoming traditional barriers to effective stem cell therapy, namely viability, migration, and host rejection, we believe these new advances in medical science utilizing stem cells and encapsulation will enable us to take quantum leaps forward now and in the future. As a result of challenges SG Austria has overcome, new advances will be surprisingly close at hand and are part of the driving force behind our desire to work with a number of companies in this endeavor. Our primary goal has been and remains to use our technology to bring life changing treatments to patients on an expedited basis.

About Nuvilex

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX) is an emerging international biotechnology provider of clinically useful therapeutic live encapsulated cells and services for encapsulating live cells for the research and medical communities. Through our effort, all aspects of our corporate activities alone, and especially in concert with SG Austria, are rapidly moving toward completion, including closing our agreement. One of our planned offerings will include cancer treatments using the companys industry-leading live-cell encapsulation technology.

Safe Harbor Statement

Read the original:
Nuvilex Forecasts Vast Partnership Opportunities Using Breakthrough Stem Cell Technology

Texas State radiation therapy students traveled to the University of Texas Pan America last weekend to collect enough bone marrow registrations to save the lives of 1,613 cancer patients.

The Kathy Soliz Texas State Radiation Therapy Outreach Program set up tables in prime locations around the campus on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. They asked passing students if they had five minutes to save a life. On the first day, the program exceeded 600 registrations, their target number for the whole trip.

Testing for a bone marrow match includes filling out a form and swabbing the inside of the cheek with a Q-tip. Donors can be called at anytime during their lives to save a life.

The program is named after Kathy Soliz, who fought leukemia for 10 years before losing her battle with cancer approximately one year ago. As a Hispanic, she only had about a one in 600,000 chance to find a bone marrow match. Soliz had two matches, but both donors declined the request for bone marrow.

Ronnie Lozano, chair of the radiation therapy program, was inspired by Solizs story and decided to help raise awareness for donating bone marrow. Texas State officials chose to partner with UTPA because the university is 89 percent Hispanic. Minorities have a lower chance of finding a match than Caucasians. A college campus also holds thousands of people who are unrelated and have younger stem cells.

Graciela Sandoval, doctoral student, said they had a good problem because they ran out of t-shirts and forms the first day from so many students registering. The student recreation center gave Texas State radiation therapy students extra t-shirts to give out.

The fact that theyre collecting them and people are registering thats hope for somebody, said Ricardo Soliz, assistant principal at San Marcos High School and father of the late Kathy Soliz.

Program officials are planning to travel to different minority schools each year for a bone marrow drive. Next spring the program plans to travel to a primarily African-American population campus.

The idea is to make a difference in the statistic numbers for all minorities, Lozano said.

The radiation therapy program has had bone marrow drives on the Texas State campus for the past four years, and there will be another in March.

See the original post:
Radiation therapy program campaigns for marrow donors

All that was missing was the singing cowboy himself.

Aerospace Technologies Group opened its new headquarters in Boca Raton on Monday with fanfare that included a fighter jet flyover and a color guard. But the star of the show was Jackie Autry, widow of Gene Autry, billed as "American's Favorite Singing Cowboy."

Employees dubbed their new building "Autry House," saluting the woman who has funded the company's decade-long climb to 130 employees and $22 million in sales. The company makes window shades for commercial airliners and business jets.

Autry, who was married to the Hollywood star of film, TV and radio for 17 years, owns 96 percent of the company, an investment that executives say is in the "tens of millions." She cited both her late husband's love of aviation and the company's product potential as reasons for her interest.

"My husband would be very proud," said Autry, 70. During an interview, she sang a bit of her late husband's cowpoke tunes and pointed to office wall photos of her husband's days as a fighter pilot.

She beamed as the building's "Autry House" sign was unveiled on the new $2 million headquarters.

The 65,000-square-foot building at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University also houses manufacturing. Employees finish assembly of shade systems for airlines including Emirates, Lufthansa and Qantas. New orders are being readied for delivery to British Airways, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.

Aerospace Technologies Group has grown from $11 million in sales in 2010 to nearly $22 million in 2011, said Simon Kay, chief executive.

Autry was brought into the business by Chairman Raymond Caldiero, a former Northwest Airlines executive who also attracted Emirates airline, now the company's top customer.

Her husband was a World War II fighter pilot and also got his commercial license, but Autry said she invested in the company primarily for its market potential. Eventually, she hopes the investment will help her generate more personal donations to charity.

Continue reading here:
Gene Autry's love of planes leads widow to Boca Raton firm

Public release date: 5-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Kevin Punsky punsky.kevin@mayo.edu 904-953-2299 Mayo Clinic

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Researchers have identified a gene that causes adult-onset primary cervical dystonia, an often-painful condition in which patients' necks twist involuntarily. The discovery by a team from the Jacksonville, Fla., campus of Mayo Clinic and the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center sheds light on a movement disorder that physicians previously could seldom explain. Their research appears in the Annals of Neurology.

In 1990, a man with a crooked neck came to see Ryan Uitti, M.D., a neurologist then at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Dr. Uitti knew about adult-onset primary cervical dystonia, which results in involuntary twisting of the neck to the left or right, backward or forward. Most people who have it suffer from muscle pain and abnormalities in head position. Some don't think it is all that unusual and may not seek medical help, Dr. Uitti says.

"They think they slept wrong at some point, or, because the twisting might straighten out with another maneuver, such as walking backwards, they might actually be accused of being a little crazy," Dr. Uitti says.

Dr. Uitti had been taught that there is usually no explanation for the disorder, when it shows up in adulthood. But working with a team of neurologists who have found the genetic causes of other rare conditions, Dr. Uitti began to investigate.

His patient first said no one in his family had the same problem. Dr. Uitti soon found out that his patient had an identical twin whose head was also twisted, but in the opposite direction. And when Dr. Uitti went to visit their sister, she had the same kind of dystonia. Eventually, seven people in the extended family were diagnosed with this mysterious condition. "I heard a lot of explanations by the family for it, such as that one member got hit by lightning," he says.

In 1994, when Dr. Uitti relocated to Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida, he continued his research into the genetic basis of this neurological disorder, which is also known as spasmodic torticollis. He used the research infrastructure provided by the Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, and collaborated with a Mayo team that included Parkinson's gene hunter Zbigniew Wszolek, M.D.

They and researchers from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, with Mark LeDoux, M.D., Ph.D., as the lead neurogeneticist, are reporting the first gene that causes primary cervical dystonia. Their finding is based on genetic material donated by this family the first extended "cohort" identified and others with the condition.

The researchers found a mutation in the CIZ1 gene that makes a protein expressed in certain nerve cells in the brain and which seems to be involved in cell cycle activities. The actual mechanism has not yet been identified, Dr. Uitti says: "It is interesting because the brain tissue of folks with this disorder looks absolutely normal."

Follow this link:
Researchers ID gene behind primary cervical dystonia, a neck-twisting disorder

05-03-2012 16:57 Dead Doctors Don't Lie Program 02 March 2012 Monologue Dr. Wallach starts the show discussing genetic diseases. Contending that most diseases that have been deemed "genetic" such as Lou Gehrigs disease, Alzheirmer's, Type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Asserting these are due to nutritional deficiencies either in the child or in the mother during conception. Pearls of Wisdom Doug Winfrey and Dr. Wallach discuss two news articles concerning anti-depressant drugs. A study conducted by a Harvard psychologist an Irving Kirsch who has researched the "placebo effects" for over 30 years. Using data he obtained through the Freedom of Information Act has concluded that anti-depressant drug clinical trials showed no proof of efficacy. Finding that several trials showed no efficacy and a small amount showed some efficacy. Only these trials were submitted to the FDA and were ultimately approved for the market. Irving Kirsch has concluded those showing some efficacy were due to the placebo effect. Calls * Bruce has questions regarding joint pain. * JP asks questions concerning hypertension, high cholesterol and ED (erectile dysfunction). * Ray has frequent urination and sinusitis. * Greg has two questions the first concerns his father who has neuropathies in his legs and gout. Second he has questions regarding a friend's mother who has kidney cancer. Call Dr. Wallach's live radio program weekdays from noon until 1pm pacific time at 831-685-1080 or toll free at 831-685-2552. to add comment ...

Read this article:
1/5 Dead Doctors Don't Lie Program Genetic Diseases - Video

05-03-2012 18:04 Dead Doctors Don't Lie Program 02 March 2012 Monologue Dr. Wallach starts the show discussing genetic diseases. Contending that most diseases that have been deemed "genetic" such as Lou Gehrigs disease, Alzheirmer's, Type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Asserting these are due to nutritional deficiencies either in the child or in the mother during conception. Pearls of Wisdom Doug Winfrey and Dr. Wallach discuss two news articles concerning anti-depressant drugs. A study conducted by a Harvard psychologist an Irving Kirsch who has researched the "placebo effects" for over 30 years. Using data he obtained through the Freedom of Information Act has concluded that anti-depressant drug clinical trials showed no proof of efficacy. Finding that several trials showed no efficacy and a small amount showed some efficacy. Only these trials were submitted to the FDA and were ultimately approved for the market. Irving Kirsch has concluded those showing some efficacy were due to the placebo effect. Calls * Bruce has questions regarding joint pain. * JP asks questions concerning hypertension, high cholesterol and ED (erectile dysfunction). * Ray has frequent urination and sinusitis. * Greg has two questions the first concerns his father who has neuropathies in his legs and gout. Second he has questions regarding a friend's mother who has kidney cancer. Call Dr. Wallach's live radio program weekdays from noon until 1pm pacific time at 831-685-1080 or toll free at 831-685-2552. to add comment ...

See the article here:
2/5 Dead Doctors Don't Lie Program - Genetic Diseases - Video

News Directors: Broadcast access to VCU experts can be arranged through the universitys VideoLink ReadyCam studio. ReadyCam transmits video and audio via fiber optics through a system that is routed to your newsroom. To schedule a live or taped interview, contact the VCU Office of Communications and Public Relations, (804) 828-1231.

Newswise RICHMOND, Va. (March 5, 2012) The risk of abusing drugs is greater even for adopted children if the family environment in which they are raised is dysfunctional, according to a new study conducted by a collaborative team from Virginia Commonwealth University and Lund University in Sweden.

Previous research suggests that drug abuse is strongly influenced by a mix of genetic factors and the environment, including influences of family and peers. That research is primarily based on twin studies and typically involves families that are intact. Relatives that share genes and environment make it difficult to determine if the family dysfunction is linked to the drug abuse or if it is genetics at play. There have been no large-scale adoption studies performed to verify the findings, until now.

In the study, published online March 5 in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, researchers examined how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk for drug abuse in adoptees. Using a large and representative adoption sample from Sweden, they demonstrate that genetic factors played a moderate role in the liability to drug abuse.

For an adoptee, having a biological parent with drug abuse who did not raise you doubles your risk for drug abuse, said first author Kenneth Kendler, M.D., director of the VCU Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics.

But we also found an important role for environmental factors. If you have an adoptive sibling - with whom you have no genetic relationship - develop drug abuse, that also doubles your risk for drug abuse,

More importantly, according to Kendler, the team showed that the impact of your genes on risk for drug abuse is much stronger if you are raised in a high-risk rather than a low-risk environment.

A bad environment can augment the effect of genetic risk on drug abuse, he said.

Kendler, professor of psychiatry, and human and molecular genetics in the VCU School of Medicine, and a team of researchers from Lund University led by Jan Sundquist, M.D., Ph.D., professor and director of the Center for Primary Health Care Research, and Kristina Sundquist, M.D., Ph.D., professor of family medicine at the Center for Primary Health Care Research, analyzed nine public registry data sets compiled between 1961 and 2009 of adoptees and their biological and adoptive relatives from Sweden.

The study population included more than 18,100 adoptees born between 1950 and 1993; 78,079 biological parents and siblings and more than 51,200 adoptive parents and siblings.

Read the original post:
Bad Environment Augments Genetic Risk for Drug Abuse

Public release date: 5-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Sathya Achia Abraham sbachia@vcu.edu 804-827-0890 Virginia Commonwealth University

RICHMOND, Va. (March 5, 2012) The risk of abusing drugs is greater even for adopted children if the family environment in which they are raised is dysfunctional, according to a new study conducted by a collaborative team from Virginia Commonwealth University and Lund University in Sweden.

Previous research suggests that drug abuse is strongly influenced by a mix of genetic factors and the environment, including influences of family and peers. That research is primarily based on twin studies and typically involves families that are intact. Relatives that share genes and environment make it difficult to determine if the family dysfunction is linked to the drug abuse or if it is genetics at play. There have been no large-scale adoption studies performed to verify the findings, until now.

In the study, published online March 5 in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, researchers examined how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk for drug abuse in adoptees. Using a large and representative adoption sample from Sweden, they demonstrate that genetic factors played a moderate role in the liability to drug abuse.

"For an adoptee, having a biological parent with drug abuse who did not raise you doubles your risk for drug abuse," said first author Kenneth Kendler, M.D., director of the VCU Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics.

"But we also found an important role for environmental factors. If you have an adoptive sibling - with whom you have no genetic relationship - develop drug abuse, that also doubles your risk for drug abuse,"

More importantly, according to Kendler, the team showed that the impact of your genes on risk for drug abuse is much stronger if you are raised in a high-risk rather than a low-risk environment.

"A bad environment can augment the effect of genetic risk on drug abuse," he said.

Kendler, professor of psychiatry, and human and molecular genetics in the VCU School of Medicine, and a team of researchers from Lund University led by Jan Sundquist, M.D., Ph.D., professor and director of the Center for Primary Health Care Research, and Kristina Sundquist, M.D., Ph.D., professor of family medicine at the Center for Primary Health Care Research, analyzed nine public registry data sets compiled between 1961 and 2009 of adoptees and their biological and adoptive relatives from Sweden.

See original here:
VCU study: Bad environment augments genetic risk for drug abuse

Texas State radiation therapy students traveled to the University of Texas Pan America last weekend to collect enough bone marrow registrations to save the lives of 1,613 cancer patients.

The Kathy Soliz Texas State Radiation Therapy Outreach Program set up tables in prime locations around the campus on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. They asked passing students if they had five minutes to save a life. On the first day, the program exceeded 600 registrations, their target number for the whole trip.

Testing for a bone marrow match includes filling out a form and swabbing the inside of the cheek with a Q-tip. Donors can be called at anytime during their lives to save a life.

The program is named after Kathy Soliz, who fought leukemia for 10 years before losing her battle with cancer approximately one year ago. As a Hispanic, she only had about a one in 600,000 chance to find a bone marrow match. Soliz had two matches, but both donors declined the request for bone marrow.

Ronnie Lozano, chair of the radiation therapy program, was inspired by Solizs story and decided to help raise awareness for donating bone marrow. Texas State officials chose to partner with UTPA because the university is 89 percent Hispanic. Minorities have a lower chance of finding a match than Caucasians. A college campus also holds thousands of people who are unrelated and have younger stem cells.

Graciela Sandoval, doctoral student, said they had a good problem because they ran out of t-shirts and forms the first day from so many students registering. The student recreation center gave Texas State radiation therapy students extra t-shirts to give out.

The fact that theyre collecting them and people are registering thats hope for somebody, said Ricardo Soliz, assistant principal at San Marcos High School and father of the late Kathy Soliz.

Program officials are planning to travel to different minority schools each year for a bone marrow drive. Next spring the program plans to travel to a primarily African-American population campus.

The idea is to make a difference in the statistic numbers for all minorities, Lozano said.

The radiation therapy program has had bone marrow drives on the Texas State campus for the past four years, and there will be another in March.

Continued here:
Radiation therapy program campaigns for marrow donors

27-02-2012 13:06 Free E-book /Adult Stem Cell Nutrition http://www.EJMorris.org adult stem cells help arrest Cancer as stated by Dick Van Dyke .. Adult stem cells ( ADC ) Repair damaged heart or brain following heart attack or stroke. Treatment for cardiac damage, brain damage, degenerative brain disease including potential new treatment for Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, encephalopathy, micro emboli, brain trauma. Experimental treatments to regenerate healthy brain tissue using adult stem cells -- rather than embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells from bone marrow appear to cross the blood brain barrier to form new brain tissue. Adult stem cells from bone marrow also contribute to heart repair, stimulating new cardiac cell development, improving cardiac output. Nerve tissue, neurons, nerve fibers regrow using adult stem cells. Use of adult neural stem cells from the olfactory bulb to treat brain disease, brain injury or spinal cord injury, paralysis. Animal and human experiments to repair brain and spinal cord start to show early promise. Adult stem cells will help in the future management of heart attacks .. the Reversal of neurological damage, neurosurgery, neurology and brain studies. ADC aid in Anti ageing therapies, science and research. More Adult stem cells are needed in blood circulation as we age ... 65% of health care spending on people over 65 years old. Aging process -- physiology of aging and remedies, anti aging therapies. How to stay young. How we share ...

Read the original here:
Adult Stem Cells Can Help Cancer..Investigate Stem Cell Options - Video

PETERBOROUGH, NH--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- G2 Intelligence announced today that Stafford O'Kelly, President of Abbott Molecular and Chair of the Personalized Medicine Coalition, will deliver the opening keynote address, "Putting Molecular Diagnostics to Work: What's Now and What's Next," at MDx NEXT, G2 Intelligence's seventh annual molecular diagnostics conference.

"With his depth and breadth of experience in this rapidly growing area of testing, Stafford O'Kelly is an exciting addition to our agenda," said Stephanie Murg, Managing Director of G2 Intelligence and MDx NEXT Program Chair. "Labs who want to add molecular diagnostics or optimize their current offerings will benefit enormously from Mr. O'Kelly's insights."

Mr. O'Kelly joins fellow keynote speakers Lone Frank, Ph.D., and Kenneth H. Buetow, Ph.D., who will speak on:

With a continued focus on the vibrant exchange of ideas and best practices that characterize all G2 conferences, this year's event also features a stronger emphasis on molecular diagnostic testing as a vital engine of growth for clinical laboratories of all types and sizes.

With this in mind, the new agenda showcases an exploration of key insights and opportunities around such topics as:

Distinguished faculty in attendance to include:

To find out more, or to register for MDx NEXT, go to http://www.MDxConference.com or call 1.800.401.5937. Group discounts are available for three or more people from the same organization. For group registrations, please call Jeff Watkins at 973.718.4709 to facilitate your registration, or email jwatkins@G2Intelligence.com.

Sponsors of this year's event include McKesson, Cleveland Clinic, XIFIN, Kellison & Company, and Quadax. Additional exhibitors at MDx NEXT will include Bioview, hc1.com, Streck, NeoGenomics, and Halfpenny Technologies. For information on sponsorship/exhibitor opportunities, please contact Patrice Hampson at 603-371-2126 or via email at phampson@G2Intelligence.com.

About G2 Intelligence

Advancing the Business of Diagnostic Medicine

Follow this link:
Abbott Molecular President Stafford O'Kelly to Deliver Opening Keynote at MDx NEXT in Boston

TAMPA, FL--March 5, 2012: Joining the chorus of red light safety camera supporters, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the highly-respected brain and spinal cord injury research center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, recently announced their support of the National Coalition for Safer Roads. This announcement solidifies The Project's commitment and support of red light safety cameras as well as other programs and technologies that help increase road safety.

On the heels of the strong public support we are enjoying, I am confident that we are making meaningful progress in Florida.

"Our team sees the tragedy left from preventable accidents all the time, and I firmly believe that red light cameras save lives," said Marc Buoniconti, president of The Miami Project. "And, when an aggressive driver gets ticketed for running a red light and breaking the law, it is only fitting and appropriate that some of those funds go to researching the life altering injuries that they may cause."

Under the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, Florida's red light safety camera program, a portion of the money generated from red light violations goes to research and emergency room trauma centers throughout the state.

Of the $158 fine paid by red light violators, $10 is distributed to local trauma centers through the Health Administrative Trust Fund, and $3 is allocated to support research through The Miami Project. Since July 2010, Florida's trauma centers have received more than $5.5 million and The Miami Project has received more than $1.7 million.

"It is a `red' letter day when an advocate of the stature of The Miami Project joins our effort," said David Kelly, president and executive director of the National Coalition of Safer Roads. "On the heels of the strong public support we are enjoying, I am confident that we are making meaningful progress in Florida."

About The Miami Project

The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis is the world's most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center, and a designated Center of Excellence at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. The Miami Project's international team is housed in the Lois Pope LIFE Center and includes more than 250 scientists, researchers and clinicians who take innovative approaches to the challenges of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

About the National Coalition for Safer Roads

NCSR was organized as an industry trade association with the express purpose of advocating on behalf of the traffic safety technology industry. NCSR is proud to advocate for the use of red light safety cameras in more than 600 communities across the country to change reckless driver behavior, stop red-light running and save lives. NCSR is supported by American Traffic Solutions, with coalition partners including the National Safety Council; Safe Kids USA; Child Safety Network; National Organizations for Youth Safety; America Walks; and Red Means Stop, as well as numerous police departments, medical professionals, safety advocates, industry leaders, community leaders and concerned citizens. View NCSR Partners. For more information, visit Safe Roads Save Lives.

Originally posted here:
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Supports Red Light Safety Cameras

NEW YORK, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Organovo, Inc., (OTCQB: ONVO.PK - News) the San Diego-based regenerative medicine company focused on using its breakthrough NovoGen 3D human tissue printing technology to create tissue on demand for research and medical applications, today announced that their March 1st RetailInvestorConferences.com presentation is now available for on-demand viewing.

LINK: http://www.retailinvestorconferences.com > red "register/ watch event now" button

Organovo, Inc.'s presentation will be available 24/7 for 90 days. Investors may download shareholder materials from the "virtual trade booth" for the next three weeks.

About Organovo, Inc.:

Organovo (OTCQB: ONVO.PK - News) is a three-dimensional biology company focused on delivering breakthrough bioprinting technology and creating tissue on demand for research and medical applications. The company's NovoGen three-dimensional bioprinting technology is a platform that works across all tissue and cell types. Organovo's NovoGen MMX Bioprinter was selected as one of the "Best Inventions of 2010" by TIME Magazine. Organovo is helping pharmaceutical partners develop human biological disease models in three dimensions that enable therapeutic drug discovery and development. Organovo's bioprinting technology can also be developed to create surgical tissues direct therapy. Organovo leads the way in solving complex medical research problems and building the future of medicine. For more information, please visit http://www.organovo.com.

About RetailInvestorConferences.com:

Since 2010, RetailInvestorConferences.com, created by BetterInvesting (NAIC), PR NewswireandMUNCmedia, has been the only monthly virtual investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for presenting companies to meet directly with retail investors using a graphically-enhanced online platform.

Designed to replicate the look and feel of location-based investor conferences, Retail Investor Conferences unites PR Newswire's leading-edge online conferencing and investor communications capabilities with BetterInvesting's extensive retail investor audience network and MUNCmedia's sophisticated retail investor targeting.

Here is the original post:
Organovo, Inc. Investor Presentation Now Available for On-Demand Viewing at RetailInvestorConferences.com

SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Histogen Inc., a regenerative medicine company, and Suneva Medical, a privately-held aesthetics company, today announced that they have entered into a license agreement for physician-dispensed aesthetic products containing Histogen's proprietary multipotent cell conditioned media (CCM).

Under the terms of this license agreement, Suneva Medical has acquired exclusive U.S. licensing rights to Histogen's multipotent CCM and the ReGenica branded line of products for topical applications in the licensed market. Suneva Medical will manufacture the ReGenica product line and market it to aesthetic practitioners throughout the U.S. Histogen will receive a transfer price on the CCM, as well as royalties on future sales of ReGenica and product line extensions.

"First, let me say that, as the first step in expanding our business, we are very excited about this particular opportunity as the advent of regenerative medicine is upon us. One of our key business objectives is to find novel products that complement our rapidly growing dermal filler business. We believe Histogen's innovative technology coupled with our proven experience of developing and marketing aesthetic products is a winning combination as it enables us to offer our customers a differentiated product line," stated Nicholas Teti, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Suneva Medical.

Through Histogen's technology process, which mimics the embryonic environment including conditions of low oxygen and suspension, cells are triggered to become multipotent, and naturally produce proteins associated with skin renewal and scarless healing. The result is a soluble cell conditioned media containing cell-signaling proteins such as KGF, follistatin, stem cell factor, collagens and laminins, which support the epidermal stem cells that renew skin throughout life. In addition, factors associated with scarring, such as TGF-beta, are decreased or nonexistent.

"The applications for this proprietary multipotent CCM within the field of medical aesthetics are numerous and, based upon the way the proteins within the complex signal the body's own stem cells to rejuvenate and regenerate skin, potentially groundbreaking," said Dr. Gail K. Naughton, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Histogen. "This recognition from Suneva's expert team, with a rich background in developing and marketing aesthetics, validates Histogen's technology and supports the fact that it is different from anything currently in the market."

About Histogen Histogen, launched in 2007, seeks to redefine regenerative medicine by developing a series of high value products that do not contain embryonic stem cells or animal components. Through Histogen's proprietary bioreactors that mimic the embryonic environment, including low oxygen and suspension, newborn cells are encouraged to naturally produce the vital proteins and growth factors from which the Company has developed its rich product portfolio. Histogen has two product families a proprietary cell conditioned media, and a human Extracellular Matrix (ECM) material. For more information, please visit http://www.histogen.com.

About Suneva Medical Suneva Medical, Inc. is a privately-held aesthetics company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing novel, differentiated products for the dermatology, plastic and cosmetic surgery markets. The Company's long-lasting injectable product is marketed as Artefill in the U.S. and Bellafill in Canada to correct facial wrinkles. For more information visit http://www.sunevamedical.com.

Contacts:

For Histogen Inc.:

Eileen Brandt Phone: (858) 200-9520 ebrandt@histogeninc.com

More:
Histogen Signs License Agreement with Suneva Medical for Cell Conditioned Media-based Aesthetic Products

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine issued the following statement today: "An article about stem cell treatments taking place in Texas published by Nature last week is extremely troubling. The article suggests that patients are being administered stem cell treatments that have not been systematically demonstrated to be safe and effective therapies through the established FDA regulatory process.

"Cell therapy treatments, including those using adult stem cells, hold the promise of providing patients with treatments and cures for numerous diseases and disabilities. However, FDA regulation is key to ensuring that the treatments available to patients are safe and effective.

"The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote increased funding and development of regenerative medicine products, believes cell therapy and regenerative medicine products, including autologous cell therapy products, must go through the rigorous safety testing that is part of the FDA regulatory process before they can be marketed to the public. These regulations are designed to promote safe collection, manufacture, storage, and use of human cells, and cellular and tissue based products. ARM members comply with these rules because they know that FDA oversight helps to prevent patients from exposure to potentially unsafe products.

"We urge all companies developing stem cell treatments to follow FDA rules governing research and product development. ARM remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that safe and effective products reach patients as soon as possible."

About The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization that promotes legislative, regulatory, reimbursement, and financing initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, and provides services to support the growth of its member companies and organizations. To learn more about ARM or to become a member, visit http://www.alliancerm.org.

Read more:
The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine Statement on Use of Cell Therapies Not Approved by the Federal Drug ...

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- February was a challenging month for stem cell stocks. TickerSpy's Stem Cell Stocks Index (RXSTM) has slipped nearly 13 percent over the last month -- underperforming the S&P 500 by close to 17 percent over that time frame. Despite the drop in investor optimism, new research continues to propel the industry forward. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Biotechnology industry and provides equity research on Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (OTC.BB: ACTC.OB - News) and NeoStem, Inc. (AMEX: NBS - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.fivestarequities.com/ACTC

http://www.fivestarequities.com/NBS

A new study at Johns Hopkins University has shown that stem cells from patients' own cardiac tissue can be used to heal scarred tissue after a heart attack. "This has never been accomplished before, despite a decade of cell therapy trials for patients with heart attacks. Now we have done it," Eduardo Marban, director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and one of the study's co-authors, said in a statement. "The effects are substantial."

In another study, researchers led by Jonathan Tilly, director of the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, argue they've discovered the ovaries of young women harbor very rare stem cells capable of producing new eggs.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the biotechnology industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at http://www.fivestarequities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., a biotechnology company, focuses on the development and commercialization of human embryonic and adult stem cell technology in the field of regenerative medicine. The Company recently issued a press release stating that it utilized $13.6 million in cash for operations during 2011, compared to $8.8 million in the year-earlier period. The increase in cash utilization resulted primarily from ACT's ongoing clinical activities in the US and Europe.

NeoStem, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development and manufacture of cellular therapies for oncology, immunology, and regenerative medicines in the United States and China. In January, Amorcyte, LLC, a NeoStem, Inc. company, announced the enrollment of the first patient in the Amorcyte PreSERVE Phase 2 trial for acute myocardial infarction.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at: http://www.fivestarequities.com/disclaimer

Continued here:
New Stem Cell Research Shows Promising Results -- Advanced Cell Tech and NeoStem Poised to Benefit

SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Histogen Inc., a regenerative medicine company, and Suneva Medical, a privately-held aesthetics company, today announced that they have entered into a license agreement for physician-dispensed aesthetic products containing Histogen's proprietary multipotent cell conditioned media (CCM).

Under the terms of this license agreement, Suneva Medical has acquired exclusive U.S. licensing rights to Histogen's multipotent CCM and the ReGenica branded line of products for topical applications in the licensed market. Suneva Medical will manufacture the ReGenica product line and market it to aesthetic practitioners throughout the U.S. Histogen will receive a transfer price on the CCM, as well as royalties on future sales of ReGenica and product line extensions.

"First, let me say that, as the first step in expanding our business, we are very excited about this particular opportunity as the advent of regenerative medicine is upon us. One of our key business objectives is to find novel products that complement our rapidly growing dermal filler business. We believe Histogen's innovative technology coupled with our proven experience of developing and marketing aesthetic products is a winning combination as it enables us to offer our customers a differentiated product line," stated Nicholas Teti, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Suneva Medical.

Through Histogen's technology process, which mimics the embryonic environment including conditions of low oxygen and suspension, cells are triggered to become multipotent, and naturally produce proteins associated with skin renewal and scarless healing. The result is a soluble cell conditioned media containing cell-signaling proteins such as KGF, follistatin, stem cell factor, collagens and laminins, which support the epidermal stem cells that renew skin throughout life. In addition, factors associated with scarring, such as TGF-beta, are decreased or nonexistent.

"The applications for this proprietary multipotent CCM within the field of medical aesthetics are numerous and, based upon the way the proteins within the complex signal the body's own stem cells to rejuvenate and regenerate skin, potentially groundbreaking," said Dr. Gail K. Naughton, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Histogen. "This recognition from Suneva's expert team, with a rich background in developing and marketing aesthetics, validates Histogen's technology and supports the fact that it is different from anything currently in the market."

About Histogen Histogen, launched in 2007, seeks to redefine regenerative medicine by developing a series of high value products that do not contain embryonic stem cells or animal components. Through Histogen's proprietary bioreactors that mimic the embryonic environment, including low oxygen and suspension, newborn cells are encouraged to naturally produce the vital proteins and growth factors from which the Company has developed its rich product portfolio. Histogen has two product families a proprietary cell conditioned media, and a human Extracellular Matrix (ECM) material. For more information, please visit http://www.histogen.com.

About Suneva Medical Suneva Medical, Inc. is a privately-held aesthetics company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing novel, differentiated products for the dermatology, plastic and cosmetic surgery markets. The Company's long-lasting injectable product is marketed as Artefill in the U.S. and Bellafill in Canada to correct facial wrinkles. For more information visit http://www.sunevamedical.com.

Contacts:

For Histogen Inc.:

Eileen Brandt Phone: (858) 200-9520 ebrandt@histogeninc.com

Read more from the original source:
Histogen Signs License Agreement with Suneva Medical for Cell Conditioned Media-based Aesthetic Products

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- February was a challenging month for stem cell stocks. TickerSpy's Stem Cell Stocks Index (RXSTM) has slipped nearly 13 percent over the last month -- underperforming the S&P 500 by close to 17 percent over that time frame. Despite the drop in investor optimism, new and promising research continues to propel the industry forward. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Biotechnology industry and provides equity research on BioTime, Inc. (AMEX: BTX - News) and Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTM - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.fivestarequities.com/BTX

http://www.fivestarequities.com/ASTM

A new study at Johns Hopkins University has shown that stem cells from patients' own cardiac tissue can be used to heal scarred tissue after a heart attack. "This has never been accomplished before, despite a decade of cell therapy trials for patients with heart attacks. Now we have done it," Eduardo Marban, director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and one of the study's co-authors, said in a statement. "The effects are substantial."

In another study, researchers led by Jonathan Tilly, director of the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, argue they've discovered the ovaries of young women harbor very rare stem cells capable of producing new eggs.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the biotechnology industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at http://www.fivestarequities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., a regenerative medicine company, engages in developing autologous cell therapies for the treatment of severe and chronic cardiovascular diseases.

BioTime, Inc. primarily focuses on regenerative medicine, which refers to therapies based on human embryonic stem (hES) cell and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology designed to rebuild cell and tissue function lost due to degenerative disease or injury. The company recently elected to market progenitors of muscle stem cells bearing hereditary diseases. BioTime will produce the products from five human embryonic stem (hES) cell lines from Reproductive Genetics Institute (RGI) of Chicago, Illinois.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at: http://www.fivestarequities.com/disclaimer

Link:
BioTime and Aastrom Biosciences -- Stem Cell Research Making Breakthroughs

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine issued the following statement today: "An article about stem cell treatments taking place in Texas published by Nature last week is extremely troubling. The article suggests that patients are being administered stem cell treatments that have not been systematically demonstrated to be safe and effective therapies through the established FDA regulatory process.

"Cell therapy treatments, including those using adult stem cells, hold the promise of providing patients with treatments and cures for numerous diseases and disabilities. However, FDA regulation is key to ensuring that the treatments available to patients are safe and effective.

"The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote increased funding and development of regenerative medicine products, believes cell therapy and regenerative medicine products, including autologous cell therapy products, must go through the rigorous safety testing that is part of the FDA regulatory process before they can be marketed to the public. These regulations are designed to promote safe collection, manufacture, storage, and use of human cells, and cellular and tissue based products. ARM members comply with these rules because they know that FDA oversight helps to prevent patients from exposure to potentially unsafe products.

"We urge all companies developing stem cell treatments to follow FDA rules governing research and product development. ARM remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that safe and effective products reach patients as soon as possible."

About The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization that promotes legislative, regulatory, reimbursement, and financing initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, and provides services to support the growth of its member companies and organizations. To learn more about ARM or to become a member, visit http://www.alliancerm.org.

Read more:
The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine Statement on Use of Cell Therapies Not Approved by the Federal Drug ...