Cell Therapy News Volume 10.36 | Sep 14 2009

Complimentary Webinar: Feeder-independent growth of hESCs & hiPSCs using mTeSR(R)1
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STEMCELL Technologies Applauds Feeder-free Derivation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Using adipose cells as the starting cell population and mTeSR(TM)1, a defined medium that allows the expansion of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells without the use of feeders, the researchers were able to fully reprogram cells to the pluripotent state. [STEMCELL Technologies, Vancouver]
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New Type of Adult Stem Cells Found in the Prostate
A new type of stem cell discovered in the prostate of adult mice can be a source of prostate cancer. [Columbia University Medical Center, New York]
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How Stem Cells Make Skin
Scientists have discovered two proteins that control when and how a layer of cells at the base of the skin containing stem cells switch to being skin cells. [European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo]
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Mesoblast’s Proprietary Stem Cells Successfully Repair/Regenerate Damaged Intervertebral Disc Cartilage
Mesoblast Limited recently announced highly successful preclinical trial results of its adult stem cells in the treatment of degenerative intervertebral disc disease, the leading cause of low back pain. [Mesoblast Limited, Melbourne]
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Osiris Therapeutics Announces Preliminary Results for Prochymal Phase III GvHD Trials
Recent preliminary results for two phase III trials showed Prochymal caused significant improvements in response rates in liver and gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease, however neither trial reached its primary endpoint. [Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., Columbia]
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ABSTRACTS, REVIEWS AND SPECIAL REPORTS

Interplay of Oct4 with Sox2 and Sox17: a Molecular Switch from Stem Cell Pluripotency to Specifying a Cardiac Fate
Here, the researchers identify the molecular mechanism underlying the dose-dependent dual action of Oct4 as both a gatekeeper for stem cell pluripotency and in driving cells toward specific lineages. [J Cell Biol]
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Spontaneous Calcium Oscillations Regulate Human Cardiac Progenitor Cell Growth
The adult heart possesses a pool of progenitor cells stored in myocardial niches, but the mechanisms involved in the activation of this cell compartment are currently unknown. [Circ Res]
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Legislature Approves Stem Cell and Biotechnology Education Bill
A bill to help California develop a homegrown workforce for the state’s stem cell and biotechnology industries cleared its final hurdle in the legislature recently with Senate approval of amendments the Assembly adopted Tuesday.
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Connexon Creative Launches Mesenchymal Cell News
Mesenchymal Cell News is a free, weekly e-newsletter that keeps the mesenchymal cell community informed by providing the latest news from all areas of the field, including its science, policy, and business.
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The Jordanian Stem Cell Company Acquires Stem Cell Technology from Stemedica International S.A.
Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. has announced recently that the Jordanian Stem Cell Company has signed a five year multi-million dollar agreement to purchase its stem cell and related technology.
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ReNeuron Signs Manufacturing Contract for Second-generation CTX Stem Cell Product
ReNeuron Group plc recently announced that it has signed a contract with Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc, under which Angel will manufacture clinical-grade lots of a second-generation formulation of ReNeuron’s lead CTX stem cell line, for subsequent pre-clinical and clinical applications.
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Targeted Genetics Corporation Announces the Sale of Manufacturing Assets to Genzyme Corporation
Targeted Genetics Corporation recently announced the sale to Genzyme Corporation of certain assets, including manufacturing technologies and other adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector technology, for up to $7 million in cash.
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Neuralstem Receives Notice of Patent Allowance
Neuralstem, Inc. recently announced that it has received notice of allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its patent entitled “Transplantation of Human Neural Cells For Treatment Of Neurodegenerative Conditions”.
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United States Patent and Trademark Office Publishes Stemedica’s Patent Application for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. has filed a patent application for the use of multiple stem cells and a transplantation methodology in the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy.
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SEC Charges Seattle-Area Biotech Company with Fraudulently Hyping Stem Cell Breakthrough
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently charged a Bothell, Wash.-based biotechnology company, its former CEO, and its former Chief Scientific Officer for falsely telling investors that the company’s stem cell technology had been proven successful and was headed for human trials.
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Correction to Required Components for the 2010 NIH Directors Pioneer Award Program (DP1); RFA-RM-09-010 (NOT-RM-09-018)
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Correction to Required Components for the 2010 NIH Directors New Innovator Award Program (DP2); RFA-RM-09-011 (NOT-RM-09-019)
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Biological Approvals by Year
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FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (United States)

Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting
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