Cell Therapy News Volume 10.24 | Jun 29 2009

VIDEO: An Introduction to a New and Innovative Way of Making Uniform, Size-controlled Embryoid Bodies
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Xie Lab Uncovers Molecular Machinery Related to Stem Cell Fate
The Stowers Institute’s Xie Lab has revealed how the BAM protein affects germline stem cell differentiation and how it is involved in regulating the quality of stem cells through intercellular competition.
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Stem Cell Surprise for Tissue Regeneration
Scientists have overturned previous research that the genes that make muscle stem cells in the embryo are surprisingly not needed in adult muscle stem cells to regenerate muscles after injury.
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Like Burrs on Your Clothes, Virus-size Capsules Stick to Cells to Target Drug Delivery
It is now possible to engineer tiny containers the size of a virus to deliver drugs and other materials with almost 100 percent efficiency to targeted cells in the bloodstream.
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Stem Cell Discovery May Bring Tissue Repair Closer
By studying zebrafish embryos, the research team found BMP4, a protein involved in bone and cartilage development, to be the critical signal required to generate haematopoietic, stem cells in the dorsal aorta.
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Stem Cells Created From Pigs’ Connective Tissue Cells
Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed the ability to take regular cells from a pig’s connective tissues, known as fibroblasts, and transform them into stem cells, eliminating several potential side effects.
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Possible Cure Found for Crohn’s Disease
Initial findings from the world’s first controlled trial of the procedure have raised hopes that it could banish the disease’s symptoms for many years in up to half of the patients who undergo it.
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Living Cell Technologies’ Diabetes Clinical Trial Authorized by New Zealand Government
Living Cell Technologies Limited recently announced that the New Zealand Minister of Health has authorized LCT’s New Zealand Phase I/IIa clinical trial of DIABECELL(R) for insulin dependent diabetes.
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Osiris Therapeutics Reports Interim Data for COPD Stem Cell Study
Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. recently announced six-month interim data from a Phase II clinical trial evaluating Prochymal, the Company’s proprietary formulation of adult mesenchymal stem cells, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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ABSTRACTS, REVIEWS AND SPECIAL REPORTS

The Role of Stromal Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration and Wound Repair
In mammalian wounds, stromal stem cells appear to be positioned to perform functions similar to those of blastemal cells, including communication with both the overlying epithelium and the inflammatory cells in the mesenchyme. (Science)
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Experimental Formation of Periodontal Structure Around Titanium Implants Utilizing Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Pilot Study
With the increasing need to utilize dental implants for growing patients and enhance their function to simulate normal tooth physiology and proprioception, there appears to be an urgent need for the concept of periodontal tissue regeneration around dental implants. (Journal of Oral Implantology)
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Senator Cardin Pledges to Fight for Biotech Funding
Some local life sciences players urged congressional leaders to significantly hike the amount of federal funding for small business research grants in testimony for a Senate committee hearing on whether the stimulus bill missed the boat with smaller biotechs.
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State Panel Critical of California Stem Cell Institute
After an eight-month study, California’s Little Hoover Commission yesterday released a 70-page report that said the stem cell institute’s structure “is not adequate to protect taxpayers’ interests or serve its own ambitious goals.”
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Connexon Creative Launches Cord Blood News
Cord Blood News is a weekly e-newsletter that keeps members of the cord blood community informed by providing the latest news from all areas of the field, including its science, research, policy, and business.
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ImmunoCellular Therapeutics Signs Manufacturing Agreement with Formatech for Clinical Trial of ICT-121 Immunotherapy
ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, Ltd. recently announced that the company has signed an agreement with Formatech, Inc. for the manufacture of IMUC’s cancer stem cell vaccine product candidate, ICT-121, for an upcoming clinical trial.
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Neuralstem Enters into Agreement with China Medical University in Taiwan to Develop Stem Cell Stroke Treatment
Neuralstem, Inc. announced recently that it has entered into a sponsored research agreement with the China Medical University and Hospital of Taiwan, in Taichung, Taiwan, to prepare for a human clinical trial using Neuralstem’s human spinal cord neural stem cells to treat stroke patients.
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Ohio’s Third Frontier Commission Awards $5 Million to Stem Cell Research
Ohio’s Third Frontier Commission has awarded $5 million to a stem cell research center run by Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals and Athersys.
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StemCells, Inc. to be Added to Russell 3000 Index
StemCells, Inc. announced recently its expected addition to the Russell 3000(R) Index on June 26, 2009, when Russell Investments reconstitutes its comprehensive set of U.S. and global equity indexes.
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White House: 7 Years Enough to Shield Biotech Drugs
Seven years is an appropriate time period to protect brand-name biotechnology medicines from cheaper generic rivals, White House officials said recently.
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Extension of Modified Application Submission, Referral and Review for Appointed NIH Advisory Group Members (NOT-OD-09-114)
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Announcing a Delay in Transition to Electronic Submission of Applications for Institutional Training and Institutional Career Development Programs (NOT-OD-09-113)
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BK960004 – Defense Blood Standard System (DBSS)
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FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (United States)

FDA Seeks Public Input on Transparency
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will host a daylong meeting on June 24, 2009. After the meeting, the Webcast will be made available.
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FDA Pressed for Transparency
Consumers, doctors and scientists told the Food and Drug Administration Wednesday the public deserves to know more about how the agency makes complex scientific decisions about the medicine and food Americans consume.
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MEDICINES AND HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS REGULATORY AGENCY (United Kingdom)

Good Laboratory Practice: Risk Based Inspections
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Feedback from Organizations on Good Clinical Practice Inspections
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THERAPEUTIC GOODS ADMINISTRATION (Australia)

Annual Review of Fees and Charges 2009-10 – Blood, Blood Components and Human Tissues
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