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

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, announced today Goldman Small Cap Research has reissued its buy recommendation on Nuvilex with a short term price target of $0.50 per share.

According to the research report prepared by Goldman, The current share price represents but a fraction of its true value, in our view. With recently increased interest and valuation in the pancreatic cancer treatment arena, we believe that Nuvilex is worth $0.20 just on the oncology therapies alone and that the shares will reach $0.50 in the next six months. Looking ahead, as milestone events occur, $1.00 per share is within reach over the next 12-18 months.

Goldman bases this value projection, in part, on the pending acquisition of SG Austria assets, and with it complete control over the cell encapsulation technology that forms the backbone of Nuvilexs planned biotechnology development. The report states in part the following:

Following execution of the SG Austria asset acquisition, we expect to see a flurry of events and progress on the development side which will serve as catalysts, including when management submits its protocol for the next stage pancreatic cancer trial. We would not be surprised to see the stock break through the $0.50 price on such news as well as progress on the next stage of trials for other therapies.

One reason we are so convinced of the great buying opportunity is the fact that pancreatic cancer treatments are currently at the forefront of the biotech space and are enjoying very high valuations. Although Nuvilex is a not a drug producer, but an existing therapy enhancer through the use of its live cell encapsulation enhancement platform, the timing of these milestone events could not be better for Nuvilex and a re-valuation of its offering.

The Goldman report also compares alternative oncology therapies, including Gemzar from Threshold Pharmaceuticals and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals drug encapsulation technology, noting that, contrary to these treatments, the Nuvilex live-cell encapsulation technology is not limited to one specific use, but can be adapted to use for a host of cell types. The report states, Its difficult to compare apples-to-apples in this space as Nuvilex is the only firm utilizing live-cell encapsulation therapy for cancer, while all the other treatments are based upon a particular drug usage. Contrasting the results of different Phase II clinical trials, the Goldman report comments that the pancreatic cancer therapy, based on completed Phase 1/2 data, appears to have yielded statistically greater results than competing technologies.

Commenting on The Goldman Report, Nuvilex Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robert Ryan, stated, The report did an excellent job highlighting the value and capabilities of our cell encapsulation technology, not just for cancer therapy, but also for the vast array of treatments where live-cell encapsulation can aid multiple diseases. In the case of the completed cancer trials, it generated superior results with lower drug dosages, and reduced chemotherapeutic side effects. As we move forward with diabetes and stem cell therapy treatments, we are confident our success will, as Goldman predicts prompt leaders in multiple treatment segments to partner with Nuvilex in order to maintain their respective market shares.

Investors are recommended to study the Goldman Research Report for a detailed review and valuation methodology regarding Nuvilex.

About Nuvilex

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Nuvilex Reveals Goldman Small Cap Research Cites Groundbreaking Cancer Therapy in Updating Buy Recommendation

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

A long-held belief about women and fertility is that each woman has a set amount of eggs in her lifetime and that when those eggs are depleted at menopause, so are her chances at having a biological child. However, research out of Massachusetts General Hospital questioning that view. Using stem cells taken from human ovaries, scientists have produced early-stage eggs, which brings up all sorts of questions about possible new methods for treating infertility.Nicholas Wade, writing in the New York Times, adds, "The ability to isolate stem cells from which eggs could be cultivated would help not only with fertility but also with biologists understanding of how drugs and nutrition affect the egg cells."

RELATED: Gecko Foot Glue; When Alcohol Is a Health Food

Jonathan Tilly, the director of Mass General's Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology and leader of the new research, had reported in 2004 that ovarian stem cells in mice could create new eggs "similar to how stem cells in male testes produce sperm throughout a mans life."His new study attempted to prove this with humans. Researchers took healthy ovaries from patients having sex reassignment surgery, and injected stem cells from the ovaries into human ovarian tissue grafted under the skin of mice: "Within two weeks, early stage human follicles with oocytes had formed."Ryan Flinnwrites in Bloomberg Businessweek that this could potentially point at "new ways to aid fertility by delaying when the ovaries stop functioning."

RELATED: The Super Discriminating Powers of Ovulating Women

Dr. Tilly has long been a proponent of the belief that women might be able to produce new eggs, and has said the 50-year belief otherwise is based on lack of evidence rather than on data proving that it's impossible. In 2005, he reported that women have a "hiddenreserve of cells in the bone marrow that constantly replenish the ovaries with new eggs," though other researchers have not been able to confirm his finding.

RELATED: Richard Dawkins Gets into a Comments War with Feminists

Along with opening new doors to understanding the incredibly complex human egg cell, this new research could eventually have very practical implications for the 10 percent of child-bearing age women in the U.S. who have fertility problems. More philosophically, it opens up a new way of thinking about the hard-stop in women's lives for having kids. While fertility technologies like in-vitro and egg freezing are happening to some extent, Tilly's team is exploring the way this new knowledge could improve in-vitro -- IVF involves a limited number of eggs -- and also looking into possibility of developing an ovarian stem-cell bank with eggs that could be "cryogenically frozen and thawed without damage, unlike human eggs."

The problem we face with IVF is we dont have many eggs to work with, said Tilly. These cells are renewable. If we are successful -- and its a big if -- in generating functioning eggs from these cells, we can generate as many eggs as we need to on a per patient basis.

Researchers warn that there's a ways to go before there are any real applications to this, if ever. Female reproduction expertDavid Albertini said it's still unclear whether the egg cells yielded actually could be used in human fertility. Cells grown in laboratories are more likely to develop abnormalities; even if they are proven viable,it's a given that there will be numerous social and political aspects that factor in down the road. Nonetheless, evidence that women's eggs may not be the finite commodity we all thought they were seems poised to make a huge impact across many aspects of contemporary life. What would if mean, for instance, if the old ticking "biological clock" no longer applied -- or applied to women and men more equivalently?

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New Stem Cell Research Could End the Hard Stop of Female Fertility

Recommendation and review posted by sam

For 60 years, doctors have believed women were born with all the eggs they'll ever have. Now Harvard scientists are challenging that dogma, saying they've discovered the ovaries of young women harbor very rare stem cells capable of producing new eggs.

If Sunday's report is confirmed, harnessing those stem cells might one day lead to better treatments for women left infertile because of disease or simply because they're getting older.

"Our current views of ovarian aging are incomplete. There's much more to the story than simply the trickling away of a fixed pool of eggs," said lead researcher Jonathan Tilly of Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital, who has long hunted these cells in a series of controversial studies.

Tilly's previous work drew fierce skepticism, and independent experts urged caution about the latest findings.

A key next step is to see whether other laboratories can verify the work. If so, then it would take years of additional research to learn how to use the cells, said Teresa Woodruff, fertility preservation chief at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

Still, even a leading critic said such research may help dispel some of the enduring mystery surrounding how human eggs are born and mature.

"This is going to spark renewed interest, and more than anything else it's giving us some new directions to work in," said David Albertini, director of the University of Kansas' Center for Reproductive Sciences. While he has plenty of questions about the latest work, "I'm less skeptical," he said.

Scientists have long taught that all female mammals are born with a finite supply of egg cells, called ooctyes, that runs out in middle age. Tilly, Mass General's reproductive biology director, first challenged that notion in 2004, reporting that the ovaries of adult mice harbor some egg-producing stem cells. Recently, Tilly noted, a lab in China and another in the U.S. also have reported finding those rare cells in mice.

But do they exist in women? Enter the new work, reported Sunday in the journal Nature Medicine.

First Tilly had to find healthy human ovaries to study. He collaborated with scientists at Japan's Saitama Medical University, who were freezing ovaries donated for research by healthy 20-somethings who underwent a sex-change operation.

Continued here:
Women Have Egg-Producing Stem Cells

Recommendation and review posted by sam

These human eggs (oocytes) can now be made from adult ovaries; Credit: Shutterstock

Yvonne A R White, Dori C Woods, Yasushi Takai, Hiroyuki Seki and Jonathan L Tilly worked hard in 2004. When this intrepid team revealed that some mammals (eg. mice) can produce eggs into their adult life, there was hope that stem cells could now become a staple of medical ideas. That hope has been fully justified. Published in the March issue of Nature Medicine, the same team have explored human female ovary capabilities and performed what was thought the impossible.

We may all know that female babies are born with their full and finite complement of oocytes or eggs, but we are only partly correct. Now the possibilities have enlarged. The proof that you could find egg-producing stem cells in the ovary of adult women was paramount for this team of scientists.

Dr. Jonathan Tilly directs the Vincent Center in Massachusetts General Hospital: "The discovery of oocyte precursor cells in adult human ovaries, coupled with the fact that these cells share the same characteristic features of their mouse counterparts that produce fully functional eggs, opens the door for development of unprecedented technologies to overcome infertility in women and perhaps even delay the timing of ovarian failure." Presumably, stem cell researchers will read much more into this.

Shanghai mouse research provided support with proof of egg-producing stem cells in 2009 and then the Vincent team developed a more precise green fluorescence-activated cell-sorting technique(GFP), whereby no possibility of contamination from other cells was possible. The verified eggs they produced could then be fertilised and developed into blastocysts. Now for human tissues. The resultant oocytes (eggs) not only looked like and grew like those in human ovaries, but some had the required haploid number of chromosomes, presumably after meiosis (all true eggs of course have to double up their DNA later, when fertilised.)

This cross-section of a human ovary shows potential areas for stem cells -which can now be converted to oocytes - even in adult women; Credit: Shutterstock

The final step, to date, involved using mouse recipients for the human tissue. Immature human follicles and oocytes were found after 7-14 days, and possibly were present before the mouse skin graft. Dr. Tilly and the team are now exploring the freezing of these cells in human OSC banks, as human eggs cannot be frozen and thawed without damage.

Likewise, factors such as hormones that influence the marvellous transformation from OSC to oocyte need to be identified with IVF and other infertility possibilities become let us say, "improved" spectacularly by these discoveries. Women's health generally could also be improved by maintaining some functions in the ovary throughout life. Let us be clear that with even more from these particular stem cells, a fascinating transformation of the whole of medicine lies ahead.

Read the original:
Eggs from Stem Cells excite the imagination

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

28-02-2012 14:48 Albert Rodriguez, MD administers stem cell therapy for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. stemcelldrR.com, email airpainmd@aol.com

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Stem Cell Therapy Procedure and Outcome - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

SAN DIEGO, CA and PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire -02/28/12)- Medistem Inc. (Pinksheets: MEDS.PK - News) announced today its Annual "Evening with Medistem" Event will take place in Portland, Oregon on March 7th, 2012. The event is being hosted by Vladimir Zaharchook, Vice Chairman at Medistem, Inc., and will feature stem cell luminaries and pioneers working with Medistem including Dr. Amit Patel, Director of Regenerative Medicine at University of Utah and the first person to administer stem cells into patients with heart failure, Dr. Michael Murphy, Vascular Surgeon at Indiana University and Principal Investigator for Medistem's FDA clinical trial in patients with risk of amputation, and Dr. Alan Lewis, former CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, advisory board member of Medistem.

In 2007 Medistem discovered an entirely new type of stem cell, the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC). This cell has proven it is a "universal donor" and can be used to treat many more conditions compared to other types of stem cells. The company received FDA clearance to begin clinical trials in September of 2011 for critical limb ischemia, a condition that is associated with amputation. Medistem is also running a Phase II clinical trial for heart failure using the new stem cell. The ERC stem cell does not involve the highly controversial use of fetal tissue, can be produced very economically and administered to the patient in a very simple manner. Medistem is exploring ways to expand clinical trials of its stem cell into other diseases.

"Stem cells and regenerative medicine offer hope in clinical conditions in which hope previously did not exist," said Dr. Stanley Cohan, Head of Neurology at the St Vincent's Hospital, the largest center for treatment of multiple sclerosis in the Pacific Northwest, who will be attending the event. "We are honored in the Portland community to have this distinguished team of accomplished researchers and medical doctors convene here and discuss with us possible collaborations."

"As a long-time member of the Portland academic community, it is exciting to have companies such as Medistem to visit us and share their experiences 'from the trenches' of what it takes to push a cellular drug through the FDA," said Dr. Shoukrat Milipotiv, Associate Scientist in the Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences of ONPRC, Oregon Stem Cell Center and Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Molecular & Medical Genetics, and co-director of the ART/ESC core at the Center. He is an internationally recognized researcher in the area of stem cells.

"The Event is an annual celebration to honor our team and collaborators for the successes of the previous year, while at the same time educate the local business and medical community on the latest research on stem cells not just at Medistem but internationally," said Thomas Ichim, Ph.D Chief Executive Officer of Medistem Inc. "2012 is particularly exciting for us due to approvals for two clinical trials, and the initiation of patient treatments within this context."

About Medistem Inc.

Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company's lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a "universal donor" stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia and heart failure.

Cautionary Statement

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Original post:
Stem Cell Pioneers Converge in Portland to Discuss and Celebrate a Revolutionary New Stem Cell Entering Human Clinical ...

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

28-02-2012 14:48 Albert Rodriguez, MD administers stem cell therapy for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. stemcelldrR.com, email airpainmd@aol.com

Continued here:
Stem Cell Therapy Procedure and Outcome - Video

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

ScienceDaily (Feb. 26, 2012) Japanese scientists have found that the odorous compound responsible for halitosis -- otherwise known as bad breath -- is ideal for harvesting stem cells taken from human dental pulp.

In a study published 27 February, in IOP Publishing's Journal of Breath Research, researchers showed that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) increased the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into hepatic (liver) cells, furthering their reputation as a reliable source for future liver-cell therapy.

This is the first time that liver cells have been produced from human dental pulp and, even more impressively, have been produced in high numbers of high purity. "High purity means there are less 'wrong cells' that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells. Moreover, these facts suggest that patients undergoing transplantation with the hepatic cells may have almost no possibility of developing teratomas or cancers, as can be the case when using bone marrow stem cells," said lead author of the study Dr. Ken Yaegaki.

The remarkable transforming ability of stem cells has led to significant focus from research groups around the world and given rise to expectations of cures for numerable diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

In this study, Dr. Ken Yaegaki and his group, from Nippon Dental University, Japan, used stem cells from dental pulp -- the central part of the tooth made up of connective tissue and cells -- which were obtained from the teeth of dental patients who were undergoing routine tooth extractions.

Once the cells were sufficiently prepared, they were separated into two batches (a test and a control) and the test cells incubated in a H2S chamber. They were harvested and analysed after 3, 6 and 9 days to see if the cells had successfully transformed into liver cells. To test if the cells successfully differentiated under the influence of H2S, the researchers carried out a series of tests looking at features that were characteristic of liver cells.

In addition to physical observations under the microscope, the researchers investigated the cell's ability to store glycogen and then recorded the amount of urea contained in the cell. "Until now, nobody has produced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplantation. Compared to the traditional method of using fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe" continued Dr. Yaegaki.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has the characteristic smell of rotten eggs and is produced throughout the body in the tissues. Although its exact function is unknown, researchers have been led to believe that it plays a key role in many physiological processes and disease states.

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Dental pulp stem cells transformed by 'bad breath’ chemical

Recommendation and review posted by sam

16-02-2012 10:34 http://www.ova-skin.com http Linda Barnes, national sales director for Dr. Lam's new skin care line Ova, offers her greetings as part of the extended staff at Lam Facial Plastics key words: skin care, ova, plant stem cells, plano, dallas, texas, plastic surgery, linda barnes, dr. sam lam

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Linda, Sales Director for Ova Skin Care - Video

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These human eggs (oocytes) can now be made from adult ovaries; Credit: Shutterstock

Yvonne A R White, Dori C Woods, Yasushi Takai, Hiroyuki Seki and Jonathan L Tilly worked hard in 2004. When this intrepid team revealed that some mammals (eg. mice) can produce eggs into their adult life, there was hope that stem cells could now become a staple of medical ideas. That hope has been fully justified. Published in the March issue of Nature Medicine, the same team have explored human female ovary capabilities and performed what was thought the impossible.

We may all know that female babies are born with their full and finite complement of oocytes or eggs, but we are only partly correct. Now the possibilities have enlarged. The proof that you could find egg-producing stem cells in the ovary of adult women was paramount for this team of scientists.

Dr. Jonathan Tilly directs the Vincent Center in Massachusetts General Hospital: "The discovery of oocyte precursor cells in adult human ovaries, coupled with the fact that these cells share the same characteristic features of their mouse counterparts that produce fully functional eggs, opens the door for development of unprecedented technologies to overcome infertility in women and perhaps even delay the timing of ovarian failure." Presumably, stem cell researchers will read much more into this.

Shanghai mouse research provided support with proof of egg-producing stem cells in 2009 and then the Vincent team developed a more precise green fluorescence-activated cell-sorting technique(GFP), whereby no possibility of contamination from other cells was possible. The verified eggs they produced could then be fertilised and developed into blastocysts. Now for human tissues. The resultant oocytes (eggs) not only looked like and grew like those in human ovaries, but some had the required haploid number of chromosomes, presumably after meiosis (all true eggs of course have to double up their DNA later, when fertilised.)

This cross-section of a human ovary shows potential areas for stem cells -which can now be converted to oocytes - even in adult women; Credit: Shutterstock

The final step, to date, involved using mouse recipients for the human tissue. Immature human follicles and oocytes were found after 7-14 days, and possibly were present before the mouse skin graft. Dr. Tilly and the team are now exploring the freezing of these cells in human OSC banks, as human eggs cannot be frozen and thawed without damage.

Likewise, factors such as hormones that influence the marvellous transformation from OSC to oocyte need to be identified with IVF and other infertility possibilities become let us say, "improved" spectacularly by these discoveries. Women's health generally could also be improved by maintaining some functions in the ovary throughout life. Let us be clear that with even more from these particular stem cells, a fascinating transformation of the whole of medicine lies ahead.

See the original post here:
Eggs from Stem Cells excite the imagination

Recommendation and review posted by sam

The Open University has come up with a 3D cell culture model that could provide insight into how cells in the spinal cord repair after damage.

The new 3-dimensional (3D) tissue model recreates interactions between cell types the system mimicking the cellular features of the spinal cord after damage, enabling scientists to study their behaviour in a similar way to how they normally function in the body.

The research, published in Tissue Engineering, shows how an interface develops between the injured and surrounding tissue after spinal cord injury. The interface inhibits neuronal regeneration, and this research will aid development of treatment to encourage repair.

Dr James Phillips, Lecturer in Health Sciences, explained: Astrocytes are central nervous system (CNS) cells that normally support neuronal activity, but they change behaviour following damage and can inhibit regeneration. With our model, we can simulate the interaction between astrocytes and regenerating neurons after CNS injury.

We found at first the astrocytes in our model were in a resting state, and then became reactive over 15 days, just like they do following CNS damage. As the astrocytes became reactive we were able to monitor the way in which the neurons interacted with them the neurons grew well in their part of the model but when they reached the boundary with the reactive astrocytes they could not penetrate it, mimicking the kind of regeneration failure associated with spinal cord damage.

By using the culture system, the research team can monitor both cell types continuously and control variables to test specific scientific questions. The 3D model provides a powerful new tool for neuroscience research and provides a new way to test the development of new therapies.

The authors Emma East PhD, Jon P. Golding PhD and James B. Phillips PhD from The Open University Faculty of Science, received support from The Wellcome Trust.

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Open University offers spinal chord injury solution

Recommendation and review posted by sam

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

The law firm of Katz Stepp Wright & Fleming LLC (KSWF) recently won a $1,395,031 verdict on behalf of a client involved in an Atlanta car accident. (Thurman v. United Services Automobile Association, Civil Action File No. 2009EV007882F). The 2-day jury trial was held before Judge Susan B. Forsling in the State Court of Fulton County, Georgia. KSWFs legal team was led by partners Robert N. Katz and Lyn B. Dodson, which declined to accept the defendant United Services Automobile Associations pre-trial offer of $100,000.

The facts of the case were unique. According to trial testimony, KSWFs client was struck while waiting in a line of traffic on I-75 at the Howell Mill exit ramp. Two cars collided while moving in the adjacent interstate traffic lanes, causing one of those cars to hit the clients vehicle in the driver side door area. KSWFs client suffered a number of injuries, the most severe of which was a ruptured disc in the neck area of her spine. This injury resulted in her undergoing a cervical fusion, a very serious medical procedure. According to plaintiff's counsel, Robert N. Katz, the case included a number of very challenging aspects. First, although KSWFs client experienced neck pain 3 days after the accident, she did not see a medical doctor for her injuries until 3 weeks later. In addition, it was 5 months before she saw an orthopedic specialist. During that time, she trained for and ran a half-marathon. It wasnt until 2 years after the accident that an MRI showed KSWFs client had a herniated disc in her neck. Furthermore, the clients orthopedic doctor was a childhood friend of her brother, an issue that required KSWFs trial team to overcome a strong assertion of bias by the defense team.

Katz, an Atlanta injury attorney with 25 years of experience, explained the firms decision to take the case to trial as opposed to settling it. Our client was very honest, and now has a 25% permanent impairment of her whole body. We felt she deserved more than the insurance company offered, and we were prepared from the start of the case to make sure she received all the compensation she was entitled to. We approach every case in our office that way.

Note: United Services Automobile Associations Motion for New Trial was denied by the court on February 12, 2012.

About Katz Stepp Wright & Fleming LLC: Founded by former DeKalb Bar Association President Robert Katz, KSWF is nationally recognized for their strong advocacy on behalf of the injured, as well as families of wrongful death victims. With offices across the Southeastern United States, the firm is well-positioned to handle the most complex car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases, workers compensation and medical malpractice claims, and wrongful death actions.

###

Link:
Law Firm Wins $1,375,031 for Atlanta Car Accident Victim

Recommendation and review posted by sam

Public release date: 28-Feb-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Tara Womersley tara.womersley@ed.ac.uk 44-131-650-9836 University of Edinburgh

The quest for treatments for motor neurone disease, spinal cord injury and strokes could be helped by new research that shows how key cells are produced.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have been able to manipulate the production of motor neurones which control all muscle activity in zebrafish.

Zebrafish are important in helping scientists understand how motor neurones are produced, because unlike mammals, they are able to create new motor neurones as adults.

Humans can generate motor neurones during embryonic development but lose the ability to generate these cells, which are important for speaking, walking and breathing, after birth.

This means that the body is unable to replace these cells if they become damaged as a result of motor neurone disease, stroke or spinal cord injury.

The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, found that motor neurone production could be increased in adult zebrafish with a drug that inhibits the so-called notch-signalling pathway.

Dr Catherina Becker, from the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Neuroregeneration, said: "If we can find out more about the cell mechanisms involved in zebrafish to make motor neurones, we could potentially manipulate these pathways in humans with the hope of being able to generate new motor neurones."

The research focussed on early stage cells known as progenitor cells in zebrafish, which have the ability to generate motor neurones.

Original post:
Cell study may aid bid for motor neurone therapies

Recommendation and review posted by sam

SAN DIEGO, CA and PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire -02/28/12)- Medistem Inc. (Pinksheets: MEDS.PK - News) announced today its Annual "Evening with Medistem" Event will take place in Portland, Oregon on March 7th, 2012. The event is being hosted by Vladimir Zaharchook, Vice Chairman at Medistem, Inc., and will feature stem cell luminaries and pioneers working with Medistem including Dr. Amit Patel, Director of Regenerative Medicine at University of Utah and the first person to administer stem cells into patients with heart failure, Dr. Michael Murphy, Vascular Surgeon at Indiana University and Principal Investigator for Medistem's FDA clinical trial in patients with risk of amputation, and Dr. Alan Lewis, former CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, advisory board member of Medistem.

In 2007 Medistem discovered an entirely new type of stem cell, the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC). This cell has proven it is a "universal donor" and can be used to treat many more conditions compared to other types of stem cells. The company received FDA clearance to begin clinical trials in September of 2011 for critical limb ischemia, a condition that is associated with amputation. Medistem is also running a Phase II clinical trial for heart failure using the new stem cell. The ERC stem cell does not involve the highly controversial use of fetal tissue, can be produced very economically and administered to the patient in a very simple manner. Medistem is exploring ways to expand clinical trials of its stem cell into other diseases.

"Stem cells and regenerative medicine offer hope in clinical conditions in which hope previously did not exist," said Dr. Stanley Cohan, Head of Neurology at the St Vincent's Hospital, the largest center for treatment of multiple sclerosis in the Pacific Northwest, who will be attending the event. "We are honored in the Portland community to have this distinguished team of accomplished researchers and medical doctors convene here and discuss with us possible collaborations."

"As a long-time member of the Portland academic community, it is exciting to have companies such as Medistem to visit us and share their experiences 'from the trenches' of what it takes to push a cellular drug through the FDA," said Dr. Shoukrat Milipotiv, Associate Scientist in the Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences of ONPRC, Oregon Stem Cell Center and Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Molecular & Medical Genetics, and co-director of the ART/ESC core at the Center. He is an internationally recognized researcher in the area of stem cells.

"The Event is an annual celebration to honor our team and collaborators for the successes of the previous year, while at the same time educate the local business and medical community on the latest research on stem cells not just at Medistem but internationally," said Thomas Ichim, Ph.D Chief Executive Officer of Medistem Inc. "2012 is particularly exciting for us due to approvals for two clinical trials, and the initiation of patient treatments within this context."

About Medistem Inc.

Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company's lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a "universal donor" stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia and heart failure.

Cautionary Statement

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Read more:
Stem Cell Pioneers Converge in Portland to Discuss and Celebrate a Revolutionary New Stem Cell Entering Human Clinical ...

Recommendation and review posted by sam

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 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 announcedthat Keith Murphy, CEO will present at RetailInvestorConferences.com.

DATE: March 1st, 2012

TIME: 1:00 PM EST

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

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time - both in the presentation hall as well as the company's "virtual trade booth." If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an on-demand archive will be available for 90 days.

It is recommended that investors pre-register to save time and receive event updates.

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 MMXTM 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.

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Organovo, Inc. to Webcast, Live, at RetailInvestorConferences.com on March 1st

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Study Aims to Deliver Adult’s Own Cells As Treatment for Chronic Myocardial Ischemia

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) announced today that it has initiated a phase III pivotal clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adult autologous (an individual’s own) CD34+ stem cells to increase exercise capacity in patients with chronic myocardial ischemia (CMI).

Chronic myocardial ischemia (CMI) is one of the most severe forms of coronary artery disease, causing significant long-term damage to the heart muscle and disability to the patient. It is often diagnosed based on symptoms of severe, refractory angina, which is severe chest discomfort that does not respond to conventional medical management or surgical interventions.

“The prospect of using a person’s own adult stem cells to restore and repair blood flow in CMI is a very exciting concept based on a biological regenerative approach,” said Norbert Riedel, Ph.D., Baxter’s chief science and innovation officer. “The goals of this phase III trial are aligned with Baxter’s overall mission to develop life-saving and life-sustaining therapies and it will help us determine if the therapy can make a meaningful difference for CMI patients.”

The trial will enroll approximately 450 patients across 50 clinical sites in the United States, who will be randomized to one of three arms: treatment with their own autologous CD34+ stem cells, treatment with placebo (control), or unblinded standard of care. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with CD34+ stem cells to improve the functional capacity of patients with CMI, as measured by a change in total exercise capacity at 12 months following treatment. Secondary objectives include reduced frequency of angina episodes at 12 months after treatment and the safety of targeted delivery of the cells.

After stem cell mobilization, apheresis (collecting the cells from the body) and cell processing, participants will receive CD34+ stem cells or placebo in a single treatment via 10 intramyocardial injections into targeted areas of the heart tissue. Efficacy will be measured by a change in total exercise capacity during the first year following treatment and safety data will be collected for two years. Stem cell processing will be conducted in GMP facilities in the United States by Progenitor Cell Therapy (PCT), a subsidiary of NeoStem, Inc. To learn more or enroll, visit http://www.renewstudy.com or http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

This trial is being initiated based on the phase II data, which indicated that injections of patients’ own CD34+ stem cells may improve exercise capacity and reduce reports of angina episodes in patients with chronic, severe refractory angina.

“The phase II trial provided evidence that this strategy, leveraging the body’s own natural repair mechanisms, can improve exercise capacity and reduce chest pain, the first time these endpoints have been achieved in a population of patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options,” said Douglas Losordo, MD, vice president of new therapeutic development at Baxter.

CD34+ cells, which are blood-forming stem cells derived from bone marrow, are comprised of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which develop into new blood vessels. Previous preclinical studies investigating these cells have shown an increase in capillary density and improved cardiac function in models of myocardial ischemia.

About Baxter

Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma, and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.

This release includes forward-looking statements concerning the use of adult autologous stem cells to treat CMI, including expectations with respect to the related phase III clinical trial. These statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: clinical results demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the use of autologous stem cells to treat CMI; timely submission of regulatory filings; satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; the enrollment of a sufficient number of qualified participants in the phase III clinical trial; the successful provision of stem cell processing by PCT, a third party; and other risks identified in Baxter’s most recent filing on Form 10-K and other SEC filings, all of which are available on Baxter’s website. Baxter does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

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Baxter Initiates Phase III Adult Stem Cell Clinical Trial for Chronic Cardiac Condition

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(RTTNews.com) - Baxter International Inc. (BAX) said it has initiated a phase III pivotal clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adult autologous CD34+ stem cells to increase exercise capacity in patients with chronic myocardial ischemia.

Chronic myocardial ischemia is one of the most severe forms of coronary artery disease, causing significant long-term damage to the heart muscle and disability to the patient.

The company said that the trial will enroll approximately 450 patients across 50 clinical sites in the United States, who will be randomized to one of three arms, namely treatment with their own autologous CD34+ stem cells, treatment with placebo (control), or unblinded standard of care. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with CD34+ stem cells to improve the functional capacity of patients with chronic myocardial ischemia, as measured by a change in total exercise capacity at 12 months following treatment.

Efficacy will be measured by a change in total exercise capacity during the first year following treatment and safety data will be collected for two years.

The company noted that the trial is being initiated based on the phase II data, which indicated that injections of patients' own CD34+ stem cells may improve exercise capacity and reduce reports of angina episodes in patients with chronic, severe refractory angina.

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

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Baxter Begins Phase III Adult Stem Cell Trial For Chronic Cardiac Condition

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Source: ISNA, Tehran

The researches have studied mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs derived from mice bone marrow in cell culture period and succeeded to identify new division in cell latency period which can lead to chromosomal disorders in the cells.

Phd student in Hematology at Tarbiat Modarres University in Tehran, Naser Ahmad Beigi told ISNA that mesenchymal stem cells are powerful tools in cell therapeutic and tissue engineering because of their special specifications. For the same reasons stem cells derived from them are used effectively in experiments.

He added during the procedure of separating mesenchymal stem cells from mice bone marrows, many researchers believe them to be dead and refuse to continue the procedure and this is because of changing form of the cells and a reduction in their propagation at the beginning level of the cell culture.

Beigi stressed these signs show latency period and that cells would be propagated without showing any signs for a long time if the culture continues. He noted an unknown division is the specification of the latency period which leads to chromosomal disorders.

He added the disorders can lead to the appearance of tumors inside the body and inefficiency of non-carcinogenic drugs and restraining mitosis is the only mechanism to prevent them.

"Identifying the mechanism of the new division can lead to producing new generation of non-carcinogenic medicines with high efficiency in the near future, "Beigi added.

... Payvand News - 02/28/12 ... --

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Iranian researcher discovers factor of stem cell disorder

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Left-hander C.J. Nitkowski appeared in 336 games, mostly in a relief role, over parts of 10 seasons. (AP)

The last known whereabouts of C.J. Nitkowski, in regard to his Major League career, was Washington, some seven years ago. It's entirely possible -- maybe even probable -- that this career is 100 percent over and out.

Yet there was Nitkowski on a field in the Dominican Republic last month, working in setup situations for Gigantes del Cibao in the middle of the Dominican Winter League's round-robin playoffs. Hoping, perhaps against hope, that some scout would take note of his new sidearm delivery and effectiveness against lefties and upper-80s gun readings and determine that he's worth another look. Hoping, basically, for one more chance -- a chance, he believes, that would have been completely out of the question if not for the blood-and-stem-cell treatments he received last summer. "From a medical standpoint," Nitkowski says, "[the treatments have] been a success. I'm healthy." But the route he took to get to this point is, in many ways, misunderstood. Nitkowski received treatment identical to the one that picked Bartolo Colon's ailing arm and career off the scrap heap and made him a prominent member of the Yankees rotation last season. It's a treatment that, in Colon's case, caused a bit of an uproar in the headlines last summer, as such labels as "disputed" and "controversial" were used to describe it. In reality, though, the use of one's own stem cells to promote healing in an injured area is far from a new development. In fact, the microfracture procedure that is becoming more and more common in the treatment of knee injuries (it was performed on Victor Martinez last month) is, at its core, a stem-cell procedure. In microfracture, tiny holes are drilled in the bone to allow marrow to drip out and repair damaged tissue -- the mesenchymal stem cells inside the marrow provide the repairing power. In the cases of Nitkowski and Colon, the mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from bone marrow and from body fat and then injected into a blood-poor area -- Nitkowski's left shoulder and Colon's right shoulder and elbow -- to promote healing. Now, is this really a reliable way to treat an ailing athlete? That's a subject of scrutiny. Embryonic stem cells are the cause of controversy all their own, given the ethical and political debates over their use and concern by some members of the medical community that they have the potential to become cancerous tumors. With mesenchymal stem cells, on the other hand, the debate is not over morals or safety but, rather, efficacy. "There's very little evidence that bone marrow stem cells taken from one site and injected into another will do anything," Theodore Friedmann, a geneticist at the University of California at San Diego who heads the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) gene doping panel, told ESPN The Magazine recently. "The most likely outcome is that if you put stem cells in places that are unfamiliar to them, like a knee or shoulder, most of them will just die." WADA initially banned all blood-spinning therapies before reversing its position in 2011 after studies failed to demonstrate that they enhance performance the way steroids do. So WADA currently has no position on the use of stem-cell treatments. In the face of skepticism, you have the case of Colon, who in the spring of 2010 was unsigned, unable to get any of his old velocity on his fastball and seemingly at the end of a once-dazzling career. Dr. James Purita, founder of the Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopedics in Boca Raton, Fla., traveled to the Dominican Republic to perform platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem-cell treatments to help repair ligament damage in Colon's elbow and aid a torn rotator cuff. "There was a stigma that it was illegal, because we did it in the Dominican," Purita said. "But it was just because he lived there." And there was another stigma. Because Colon not only returned to the Majors but thrived in the first half of the 2011 season, some wondered if the procedure could be labeled a performance-enhancer. When Colon's story became public, Purita was questioned by Major League Baseball officials to ensure that he did not use human growth hormone in the procedure. Purita has admitted using HGH when treating non-athletes but said he knows better than to do so in these cases. MLB did a complete investigation, and no further action was taken. "We're not reinventing the wheel here," Purita said. "We've done a number of these procedures on people from all the major sports, with the exception of hockey. We've done some of the top players. But we keep it very discreet." The reason for the discretion, beyond the obvious HIPAA standards, is that some teams are leery of or reluctant to trust these stem-cell treatments. Purita said that he performed the procedure this winter on a Major League free agent who expressed an explicit desire that word not get out, because he didn't want it to affect his contract negotiations. However, the case of Colon, who signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the A's this winter, makes one wonder if biologic stem cells could be the next medical revolution, following arthroscopy and the ulnar collateral ligament replacement known as Tommy John surgery. Nitkowski, for one, hopes to find out. A member of eight Major League teams over parts of 10 seasons from 1995-2005, the left-handed Nitkowski appeared in 336 games, mostly in a relief role. In 2006 he began a five-year stint pitching for various teams in Asia -- first in the Japanese Pacific League, then in the Korean Baseball Organization. A year ago, hoping for another shot in the bigs, he began working on a sidearm delivery, only to injure his shoulder. It was around that time that Nitkowski heard about Colon. Intrigued, he made a call to Purita's office, and, within weeks he was in Boca Raton to undergo the procedure himself. Purita first drew fat from Nitkowski's waist, then drew bone marrow from the left side of Nitkowski's lower back. The liquids were spun in a centrifuge at 2,000 rotations per minute for about 15 minutes, isolating the platelets. They were then inserted into syringes and placed under an LED light for about 20 minutes -- a process that supposedly "kick starts" the cells inside. Once this process was complete, Purita injected the platelet-rich plasma and stem cells into Nitkowski's labrum and rotator cuff. This is an important distinction. Under U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines, mesenchymal stem cells must be "minimally manipulated," meaning they can't be harvested in a lab for days or weeks or transported elsewhere. "Everything," Purita said, "has to be used the same day, on the same patient, and everything has to be done at the point of care." In Nitkowski's case, the whole process took about four hours. Much to his amazement, he had full range of motion within 24 hours. "The rehab starts right away," he said. "You have to commit to it, like any injury. I never thought I had the mindset to do the tedious rehab work. But if you want it bad enough, you'll do it." Nitkowski's stem-cell treatment was performed in July of last year. And per the usual protocol in Purita's treatment plan, Nitkowski had a second PRP treatment four weeks later. By November he was throwing off a mound, and he was pleased with how his arm felt and how his sidearm-delivered stuff worked in the Dominican Republic last month. "I was sitting at 86, 87 [mph] and hitting 88-89," he said. "That's more than enough [velocity] from that arm angle." Though he hasn't pitched in the bigs in seven years, Nitkowski believes he could help a team, and he's hoping someone will give him a tryout in Spring Training. "I at least want to get in front of people and be told no," he said. "I can live with that. I would love the opportunity. This is either going to happen fast, or it's not going to happen at all." Nitkowski's about to turn 39. But he's left-handed, and he's healthy. And he firmly believes the latter would not have been possible without the treatment he received. "My arm feels really good," he said. "Every pitcher has little tears. It just comes with the territory. But this seems like it could be a good maintenance plan." There are skeptics, and there are critics. Nitkowski knows how some people feel when they hear about stem-cell treatments or about Alex Rodriguez flying to Germany for blood-spinning therapy to address his chronic knee and shoulder problems. They wonder if that precious line between therapy and enhancement is being straddled too closely. Having experienced it for himself, Nitkowski is a believer in the safety, the purity and the benefits of the treatment he had performed on his arm. And he thinks many other athletes will follow. "This," he said, "is going to be mainstream sooner rather than later."

Anthony Castrovince is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his columns and his blog, CastroTurf, and follow him on Twitter at @Castrovince. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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28-02-2012 12:18 FREE STEM CELL BOOK! myjdimlm.com PUBLIC SERVICE VIDEO Home of JDI Multi Vitamin-Minerals with Stem Cell Nutrition Support Overcome the Aging Process. As we age, the body releases fewer and fewer adult stem cells which are the body's rebuilding tools. Stem cell nutrition helps overcome the aging process by promoting the release of additional adult stem cells in the body. This book contains over 70 different stories from doctors, everyday people, and even about how stem cell nutrition helps animals. Get this book FREE with your first purchase or when you become an active auto-ship member. Join us TODAY and start the Journey that will set you FREE!!! http Enhance your Stem Cells with JDI MultiVitamin with Stem Cell Nutrition Support utilizing... Vita-Stim™ Stem Cell Nutrition Vita-Stim is an all-natural patented supplement that helps to increase the release of adult stem cells or what are also known as progenitor cells noted below. It is not to be confused with any other product that has less than 750 mg. of active ingredient per capsule and could consist of merely fruit extracts and/or simply Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) extracts.

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Stem Cell Therapy Book ~ Enhance Your Stem Cells - Video

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PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL), a global leader in filtration, separation and purification, today announced it has entered into an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with leading animal health products provider MWI Veterinary Supply Co. As part of the agreement, MWI, through its SECUROS division, will market an innovative canine platelet enhancement therapy (C-PET) kit developed by Pall to treat dogs suffering from osteoarthritis as well as tendon and ligament injuries. The disposable system provides veterinarians a quick, portable and cost-effective solution for helping dogs realize long-term relief from these painful conditions.

Osteoarthritis, a major concern for owners of the more than 72 million pet dogs1 in the United States, is a chronic condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the joints. Approximately one in five adult dogs in the U.S.2 suffer from osteoarthritis. Common canine treatment methods can range from weight control and exercise to the administration of nutraceuticals and anti-inflammatory drugs. In an effort to treat the condition rather than just the symptoms, many veterinarians have begun offering alternatives like minimally-invasive cell therapy procedures. Typically offered in conjunction with some of the more traditional methods, cell therapy can help accelerate healing and lead to longer-term relief.

The SECUROS C-PET system relies on Pall’s unique filter-based technology to concentrate platelets and their associated growth factors – which enhance wound healing and induce tissue regeneration – from a small volume of a dog’s own blood. As easy to use in the field as in a clinic, the convenient C-PET system involves a simple process. It includes sedating the dog, drawing blood, filtering the blood, recovering the platelet concentrate, and delivering the cell therapy. In most instances, the C-PET process can be completed in 30 minutes or less.

Additionally, the SECUROS C-PET system does not require a centrifuge or power supply, a significant advantage over other platelet enrichment techniques. Methods that rely on centrifuges expose platelets to forces several thousand times the force of gravity. C-PET is the only platelet therapy method that uses filtration technology to gently capture and recover platelets. Another major benefit is that the C-PET procedure allows veterinarians to adjust the volume of blood used in the procedure to the size of the patient they are treating.

“Pall’s novel point-of-care cell harvesting and delivery method has been used to successfully treat tendinosis in horses,” says Dr. Jeffrey Schaffer, D.V.M., Director of Pall Animal Health. “In adapting this technology for dogs, we worked closely with MWI to identify veterinarians interested in evaluating the product by treating osteoarthritic dogs and using a questionnaire to assess improvement in lameness.3 Over 100 dogs were treated and the improvement in lameness was judged to be statistically significant in animals expected to worsen with this progressive degenerative joint disease.”

These results suggest that the SECUROS C-PET kit would not only provide a long-term, optimal solution for treating osteoarthritis, but also offer veterinarians a practical and safe application of this state-of-the-art procedure. Pall also funded a clinical trial of SECUROS C-PET, the results of which are to be presented at the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) conference on March 7 in Crested Butte, Colorado.

“We are excited about teaming with Pall on SECUROS C-PET,” says Jim Cleary, MWI President and CEO. “MWI and Pall share a similar commitment to innovation and Pall has an established history in cell therapy as well as the development of practical solutions that are primed for commercial success. With the SECUROS C-PET kit, we can provide veterinarians an easy-to-use and economical single-use disposable solution for treating osteoarthritis that they in turn can offer to clients as a value-added service.”

Added Byron Selman, President, Pall Medical: “MWI is a highly respected leader in its field. With its strong sales force and dedicated technical support team, we believe we have the ideal partner for maximizing the reach of this important innovation in the veterinary community.”

For more information on how to obtain a SECUROS C-PET kit, visit: http://www.securos.com.

About Pall Corporation

Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL) is a filtration, separation and purification leader providing solutions to meet the critical fluid management needs of customers across the broad spectrum of life sciences and industry. Pall works with customers to advance health, safety and environmentally responsible technologies. The company’s engineered products enable process and product innovation and minimize emissions and waste. Pall Corporation, with total revenues of $2.7 billion for fiscal year 2011, is an S&P 500 company with almost 11,000 employees serving customers worldwide. Pall has been named a “top green company” by Newsweek magazine. To see how Pall is helping enable a greener, safer, more sustainable future, follow us on Twitter @PallCorporation or visit http://www.pall.com/green.

About MWI

MWI is a leading distributor of animal health products across the United States of America and United Kingdom. MWI sells both companion animal and production animal products including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, supplies, pet food, capital equipment and nutritional products. MWI also is a leading innovator and provider of value-added services and technologies used by veterinarians and producers. For more information about MWI, please visit our website at http://www.mwivet.com.

1 U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook (2007 Edition). n.p., n.pag. Web. 9 Jan. 2012. ‹http://www.avma.org/reference/marketstats/sourcebook.asp›.

2 Fox SM, Millis D. Multimodal Management of Canine Osteoarthritis. Manson Publishing Ltd. 2010, p. 24.

3 Hudson et al. Am J Vet Res. 2004 Dec; 65(12):1634-43.

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MWI to Market Innovative Canine Platelet Therapy from Pall Under SECUROS Brand

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Gene transfer between species is known as horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and up until recently has been considered a very rare event in plants and animals. In just the past few years, however, some microscopic organisms have been found to transfer genes to plants and even bacteria. Also, recently some parasites have been found to transfer their genes to humans. Now, a diverse research team has found evidence that bacteria found in the gut of the coffee berry borer beetle has transferred its genes to its host, though how exactly it might have done so is still a mystery.

In examining the beetle’s genes, the researchers found one in particular that really stood out, HhMAN1, both because it’s not one normally found in insects, and because its known to create a protein called mannanase that is able to break down one of the main ingredients in coffee beans. Interestingly, the team noted, HhMAN1 is commonly found in bacteria, which caused the team to suspect it had jumped from a gut bacteria. Making it even more of a possibility was the fact that the HhMAN1 gene was surrounded by transposons, genes that are known to be able to extract themselves from their host genome and paste themselves into the gene pool of another organism. The final bit of evidence was that in studying the genes of the beetle, it was noted that one section of the genome just looked more like that of a bacteria than an insect.

As most things in nature happen for a reason, it appears the gene transfer has benefitted the coffee berry borer beetle by allowing it to lay its eggs in coffee berries which grow into larva that can feed directly on the carbohydrates in them. The transfer has been so successful that the berry borer beetle is now responsible for half a billion dollars in coffee bean crop damage every year.

More information: Adaptive horizontal transfer of a bacterial gene to an invasive insect pest of coffee, PNAS, Published online before print February 27, 2012, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1121190109

Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) involves the nonsexual transmission of genetic material across species boundaries. Although often detected in prokaryotes, examples of HGT involving animals are relatively rare, and any evolutionary advantage conferred to the recipient is typically obscure. We identified a gene (HhMAN1) from the coffee berry borer beetle, Hypothenemus hampei, a devastating pest of coffee, which shows clear evidence of HGT from bacteria. HhMAN1 encodes a mannanase, representing a class of glycosyl hydrolases that has not previously been reported in insects. Recombinant HhMAN1 protein hydrolyzes coffee berry galactomannan, the major storage polysaccharide in this species and the presumed food of H. hampei. HhMAN1 was found to be widespread in a broad biogeographic survey of H. hampei accessions, indicating that the HGT event occurred before radiation of the insect from West Africa to Asia and South America. However, the gene was not detected in the closely related species H. obscurus (the tropical nut borer or “false berry borer”), which does not colonize coffee beans. Thus, HGT of HhMAN1 from bacteria represents a likely adaptation to a specific ecological niche and may have been promoted by intensive agricultural practices.

? 2011 PhysOrg.com

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Gene found to have jumped from gut bacteria to beetle

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GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on the Genetic Testing market. The global market for Genetic Testing is forecast to reach US$2.2 billion by 2017. Increasing knowledge about the potential benefits in genetic testing is one of the prime reasons for the growth of the genetic testing market. Advancements in the genetic testing space, aging population and a subsequent rise in the number of chronic diseases, and increasing incidence of cancer cases are the other factors propelling growth in the genetic testing market.

San Jose, California (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

Follow us on LinkedIn – Genetic testing represents the most rapidly expanding segment of the molecular diagnostics market worldwide. Growing incidence of genetic diseases unravels new opportunities for genetic testing. The transformation of genetic testing from being a service-driven market to a product-driven market is expected to provide an impetus to the diagnostic companies for the expansion of their operations. The market for screening the newborns, diagnosing rare and fatal disorders, and predicting the probability of occurrence of diseases is likely to expand. Particularly, genetic tests to screen the newborns are expected to expand immensely over the coming years.

The US represents the largest market for genetic testing worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Genetic Testing. Screening for genetic disorders continues to be of fundamental importance in view of the increasing awareness on the importance of prognostic and predictive screening, such as maternal screening. Among such tests, screening for genetic mutations within the CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Trans-Membrane Conductance Regulator) gene is the most frequently conducted test in the US.

Advancements in the genetic testing space are expected to aid in tailoring Personalized Medicine for specific targeted markets. Genetic testing not only identifies the finest cancer treatment for specific patients, but also permits physicians to find if some drugs are unsuitable for a section of patients, while they can be given freely to a majority of others. Genetic testing has also enabled the easy diagnosis of diseases, such as haemophilia, sickle cell anaemia, and cystic fibrosis, facilitating several patients in leading a normal life. Nevertheless, owing to the increasing incidence of cancer cases, cancer genetic testing is expected to register high growth, and would dominate the genetic testing market by 2017.

As each individual’s genetic structure differs, there is a need to develop a method that can be customized as per the individual needs. One of the major issues faced by the industry is the urgent need to employ standard regulations with regard to procedures employed during the genetic testing process. Lack of credible standard procedure has led to the fear among individuals regarding the authenticity of genetic reports. Genetic counseling services are on the rise, specifically in the US. Presently, there are around 2,780 certified genetic counselors operating in the United States.

Major players profiled in the report include Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Molecular Inc., Applied Biosystems Inc., AutoGenomics Inc., BioRad Laboratories, Celera Group, ELITech Group, PerkinElmer Inc., Quest Diagnostics Inc., Roche Diagnostics Corp., Roche Molecular Diagnostics Inc., Transgenomic Inc., among others.

The research report titled "Genetic Testing: A Global Strategic Business Report" announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the genetic testing market, current market trends, key growth drivers, new product innovations/launches, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for the global genetic testing market for the years 2007 through 2015 for the regions, including US, Canada, Japan, Europe, and Rest of World. The report also analyzes the US market for genetic testing by application type - Pharmacogenomic Testing, Prenatal and Newborn Genetic Testing, and Predictive Medicine. Also, a six-year (2003-2008) historic analysis is provided for additional market perspective.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit –

http://www.strategyr.com/Genetic_Testing_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a leading publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company currently employs over 800 people worldwide. Annually, GIA publishes more than 1300 full-scale research reports and analyzes 40,000+ market and technology trends while monitoring more than 126,000 Companies worldwide. Serving over 9500 clients in 27 countries, GIA is recognized today, as one of the world's largest and reputed market research firms.

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Global Genetic Testing Market to Reach US$2.2 Billion by 2017, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

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LONDON--(Marketwire -02/28/12)- Laboratories performing molecular or genetic diagnostic testing play a vital strategic role in the success of personalized medicine (PM), but are often the "forgotten" link, according to a new survey of 31 laboratories in five EU countries conducted by Labceutics, a division of Diaceutics, that provides value-enhancing laboratory networks and services for the PM industry.

"We wanted to better understand the barriers faced by laboratory leaders as they seek to partner with pharmaceutical companies in the development of companion diagnostic tests for PM," said Maria Fe Paz, Managing Director of Labceutics. "Laboratories' interest in early participation has important implications for the success of pharmaceutical companies' PM businesses."

Survey findings included:

Laboratories as PM stakeholders have been largely forgotten by pharmaceutical companies, which wrongly assume that diagnostic partners have sufficiently engaged laboratories; Unlike the US, Europe has a fragmented laboratory market with strong country personalities, therefore centralized approaches may be too disruptive; A decentralised laboratory strategy in Europe will enable a "high touch" service among laboratory managers or pathologists and physicians; One-size-fits-all laboratory testing plans or "kit" approaches will encounter slow uptake in Europe; Successful introduction of PM therapeutics and companion diagnostics must include early preplanning with laboratories.

"Labs are at the front line of implementing testing algorithms," said Ferdinand Hofstaedter, Professor of Pathology and Director of Institut Für Pathologie Der Universität Regensburg (Germany). "Our business planning must be done in concert with our competing pharmaceutical customers, so that everyone's marketing and financial goals are met."

Only a quarter of laboratories surveyed said they prefer to use an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) kit purchased from a diagnostic company to begin a new testing service. The remainder said they carefully review the test's business case before deciding on an approach, since so many diagnostics have low volumes in the initial three to five years.

The report will be published later this year. Representatives will be available to discuss it at TAT 2012, the International Congress on Targeted Anticancer Therapies, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, March 8-9, 2012.

Labceutics (www.labceutics.com) provides the pharmaceutical industry with a one-stop, value-enhancing laboratory service partner for high quality companion diagnostic testing for personalized medicine.

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SAN MARINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Viral Genetics, Inc. (Pinksheets: VRAL.PK - News) today announced that Nathan Tinker, PhD, has joined the company’s list of industry-leading advisors. This represents the next step in the Company’s 2012 plan to reach out to potential industry partners in order to enhance corporate development and capital-raising capabilities.

Nathan Tinker, currently Executive Director of the New York Biotechnology Association (NYBA), has built his career in the life sciences and nano-sciences sectors. NYBA is a not-for-profit trade association promoting the development and growth of bioscience related industries and institutions in New York State. The organization promotes cooperation between academia and industry, and new and established companies, including making specialists from larger member companies available to offer assistance with early-stage ventures. Before joining NYBA, Nathan led the Sabin Vaccine Institute’s Cancer Vaccine Consortium and was a co-founder of the NanoBusiness Alliance (now the NanoBusiness Commercialization Association).

“We are very pleased to add Nathan as a corporate development advisor to our team where we believe he will add a great deal of value by focusing the marketing of both our drug and biofuel technologies to potential strategic partners,” said Haig Keledjian, President of Viral Genetics and VG Energy.

“Viral Genetics and VG Energy provide the strategic partnering marketplace with some of the most interesting science and technology opportunities that I have encountered in an emerging company. The two core technologies are exactly the types of assets that potential industry partners are seeking: they are platform technologies offering a number of potential product development opportunities in major markets and not just 'one-trick ponies;' the intellectual property securing them is well-established through a series of patents and patent applications; and they hold the promise of offering significant advances to their respective end-markets – novel mechanisms of disease treatment and advanced biofuels,” said Nathan Tinker.

About Viral Genetics, Inc.

San Marino, California-based Viral Genetics discovers drug therapies from two platform technologies based on over 60 patents: Metabolic Disruption (MDT) and Targeted Peptides (TPT). Founded in 1994, the biotech company is researching treatments for HIV/AIDS, Lyme Disease, Strep, Staph and drug resistant cancer. A majority-owned subsidiary, VG Energy (www.vgenergy.net), is dedicated to exploring biofuel and agricultural applications for the MDT platform. For more information, visit http://www.viralgenetics.com.

About VG Energy

VG Energy Inc. is an alternative energy and agricultural biotech company that is a majority-owned subsidiary of Viral Genetics Inc. Using its Metabolic Disruption Technology (MDT), Viral Genetics' cancer research led to discoveries with major consequences in a wide variety of other industries, including production of biofuel and vegetable oils. VG Energy holds the exclusive worldwide license to the MDT patent rights for use in the increase of production of various plant-derived oils from algae and seeds. Application of MDT technology to the biofuel industry could potentially allow it to overcome its major obstacle in the area of production efficiency: namely, an increase in production yields leading to feasible economic returns on investment, allowing renewable biodiesel to be competitive with fossil fuels. For more information, please visit http://www.vgenergy.net.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties associated with financial projections, budgets, milestone timelines, clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and other risks described by Viral Genetics, Inc. from time to time in its periodic reports, including statements about its VG Energy, Inc. subsidiary. None of Viral Genetics' drug compounds are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or by any comparable regulatory agencies elsewhere in the world, nor are any non-pharmaceutical products of VG Energy, Inc. commercialized. While Viral Genetics believes that the forward-looking statements and underlying assumptions reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, including, but not limited to, the ability of Viral Genetics to establish the efficacy of any of its drug therapies in the treatment of any disease or health condition, the development of studies and strategies leading to commercialization of those drug compounds in the United States, the obtaining of funding required to carry out the development plan, the completion of studies and tests including clinical trials on time or at all, the successful outcome of such studies or tests, or the successful commercialization of VG Energy, Inc.’s non-pharmaceutical products. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Viral Genetics or any other person that the objectives and plans of Viral Genetics will be achieved.

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Viral Genetics Inc. Adds Nathan Tinker to Corporate Development Advisory Board

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