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History of veterinary medicine in the context of Indian scenario – Video

It took only 14 years to complete in dog years, that is.

And now, with just a few weeks left until Iowa State Universitys small animal hospital addition is finished, only the gurneys and monitoring carts need to be wheeled in to place.

The facelift more than doubles the size occupied by the old small animal hospital and incorporates whirrs and gadgets that would impress even Dr. Leonard McCoy, of Star Trek fame.

Its day and night, said Karl Kraus, a orthopedic surgeon in the hospital. I travel all over the world and have designed two different OR (operating room) suite areas, and to my mind, this is probably right now one of the nicest facilities in the world for veterinary medicine.

The new facility rivals some of the most high-tech animal medical hospitals in the nation.

The German-made Trumpf lights that frame each of the operating tables, which rang in at $35,000 apiece, illuminate the surgical areas with blue and white LED lights. A high-resolution HD camera is between the bulbs, giving surgeons the option to film operations for classroom lessons or online distance learning.

And the facilitys new telemetry monitoring system, which is typically found in intensive care units in human hospitals, will allow nurses and surgeons to monitor the vitals of dogs and cats recovering from surgery from afar.

But working with cats and dogs every day wont be a tidy job.

From the acrylic floors to the specially crafted ceiling tiles, Kraus said sterility was always kept in mind.

Everything from the coving to what type of paint is on the wall, he said, is always in consideration.

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ISU’s small animal clinic goes high tech

XI’AN, CHINA–(Marketwire -05/16/12)- Skystar Bio-Pharmaceutical Company (SKBI) (“Skystar” or the “Company”), a China-based manufacturer and distributor of veterinary medicines, vaccines, micro-organisms and feed additives, today reported unaudited first quarter fiscal year 2012 earnings, for the period ended March 31, 2012.

First Quarter 2012 Highlights

Management’s CommentsMr. Weibing Lu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Skystar, commented, “Management is pleased to announce a strong start for Skystar closing the first quarter of the new fiscal year on pace to meet fiscal guidance. While 2012 marks a transitional year for the Company, Skystar continues to internally fund infrastructure projects that will increase production capability, develop product pipeline internally in addition to expanding our distribution footprint across new markets. We believe these efforts will generate meaningful new sources of revenue and profit, ultimately maximizing shareholder value.

“As a veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer in China, Skystar is subject to periodic examinations of its manufacturing facilities every five years. Our Huxian facility which manufactures veterinary medicine in addition to the completed extension which will produce animal vaccines are currently closed for GMP inspections. We expect recertification of the medicine manufacturing plant to be completed in the third quarter of 2012 and first time GMP examination for the vaccine facility to be completed in the second half of the fiscal year. To date, the Company has submitted all application materials necessary for the medicine plant’s GMP re-certification which have already been accepted by the Ministry of Agriculture. We expect that Skystar’s vaccine facility will complete its GMP certification process by the second half of 2012. Unlike 2011, much of the sweeping concerns in China for human food manufacturing and safety have largely been addressed in the prior year allowing the government to shift its focus to other areas of need such as certification of newly built medical product manufacturing facilities.

“We currently have two veterinary medications plants located in Huxian and Jingzhou with Huxian being our main facility. The Jingzhou plant completed its GMP re-examination in 2011 and resumed its partial production in the first quarter of 2012 and is now under way to resume its normal production. We plan to increase the production and sales of veterinary medications in the Jingzhou plant while the Huxian facility awaits GMP re-examination.

“With this said, Skystar continues to actively position itself for the growth of its infrastructure using cash generated from operating activities and other non-dilutive measures. This fiscal quarter’s results are evidence that management can successfully implement strategic growth initiatives while maintaining profitability for shareholders,” concluded Mr. Lu.

Financial SummarySkystar reported fiscal first quarter 2012 Revenues of $7,926,337, a 12% increase compared to the $7,086,954 in revenues reported for fiscal first quarter of 2011. Gross profit for first quarter 2012 was $4,282,679, up 19.1% from first quarter 2011. Gross profit margin for the period was 54.0% and in-line with historical year over year comparables.

The breakdown for Operating Expenses is as follows: Research and development costs totaled $3,654 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $287,472 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $283,818 or 98.7%. The decrease was primarily due to no significant new R&D efforts undertaken during the first quarter of 2012. However, R&D is scheduled to ramp later in the fiscal year.

Selling expenses totaled $705,616 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $369,404 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $336,212 or 91.0%. This increase is primarily a result of significantly increased shipping and handling costs related to delivering our products to customers as we continued to expand our market to remote areas, and to rising oil price and continuing inflation pressure in China, which resulted in higher unit costs for transportation and delivery services. Shipping and handling costs totaled $383,703 and $194,216 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, an increase of $189,487 or 97.6%. In addition, the increases in the sales forces and selling commission due to new sales incentive programs initiated later last year also contributed to the increase in selling costs. Selling salaries totaled $105,810 and $34,811 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, an increase of $70,999 or 204.0%. Selling commission totaled $135,617 and $79,818 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, an increase of $55,799 or 69.9%.

General and administrative expenses totaled $1,105,435 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $1,294,798 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $189,363 or 14.6%. The decrease was mainly due to decreased amortization expenses, G&A travel and office expenses during the first quarter of 2012. The decrease in amortization expense was because the patent acquired through the acquisition of Jingzhou plant was fully amortized in 2011. Amortization expenses totaled $100,373 and $230,922 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, a decrease of $130,549 or 56.5%. In addition, the decreases in the G&A travel and office expenses due to the Company’s continued efforts to optimize cost control also contributed to the decrease in G&A costs in the first quarter. G&A travel costs totaled $16,215 and $120,372 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, a decrease of $104,157 or 86.5%. G&A office expenses totaled $31,042 and $142,140 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, a decrease of $111,098 or 78.2%. The increase in the audit costs of $99,480 in the first quarter of 2012 partially offset the impact of the cost reduction in other G&A items.

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Skystar Bio-Pharmaceutical Reports First Quarter 2012 Results

Posted: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 12:00 am | Updated: 6:41 am, Wed May 16, 2012.

PHILADELPHIA The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine will host a free lecture, Understanding Cancer and Cancer Treatments in Dogs and Cats, at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Dr. Erika Krick, assistant professor of oncology, will talk about common cancers of dogs and cats and will describe symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment options.

Dr. Nicola Mason, assistant professor of medicine and pathobiology, will talk about current clinical trials at the hospital that are studying new treatments available for lymphoma and osteosarcoma.

The lecture will be held at the university’s Hill Pavilion at 380 S. University Ave.

2012 www.phillyburbs.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Veterinary hospital hosts lecture on pet cancers

DALLAS, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ —

ReportsnReports.com announces a Flat 10% Discount on ALL market research reports by BioInformant WorldWide, LLC through June 20, 2012. Whether stem cells are to be studied functionally or based on source tissues, our database of reports on stem cells is sure to meet your research requirements.

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The stem cell research products market (excluding stem cell antibodies) was valued at $1.28 billion for the full year 2011 and is projected to increase to $2.10 billion by 2016. The total market for all types of stem cell products – including stem cell research products, stem cell antibodies, and stem cell therapies – was valued at $5.72 billion for the full year 2011. This report identifies, defines, and quantifies each market segment within the stem cell product industry.

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This market research report focuses on recent advances in MSC research applications, explores research priorities by market segment, highlights individual labs and end-users of MSC research products, explores the competitive environment for MSC research products, and provides 5-year growth and trend analysis.

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Explore information on applications, application priorities, patents, projected 5-years market growth, Competitors covering suppliers of neural stem & progenitor cell products and their products offered, Specialty pharmaceutical companies in neural stem & progenitor cell therapies, Breakdown of stem cell research activity by cell type, Potential end-users of neural stem cell products, Product ideas & suggestions and more.

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Pluristem Therapeutics Ltd. (Nasdaq:PSTI; DAX: PJT: PLTR) today reported that the cardiac function in a diabetic-induced diastolic dysfunction in animals improved following PLacental eXpanded (PLX cells) administration.

The study was conducted as part of the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Program (FP7) in collaboration with Prof. Doctor Carsten Tschope and his staff at the Charite Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin-Bradenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany.

Dr. Tschope said, “Currently, there are limited treatment options for diastolic dysfunction and even fewer options for diabetic induced diastolic dysfunction. This study holds promise that PLX cells might be able to inhibit diabetic induced diastolic dysfunction progression as well as possibly repair the existing damage, hypotheses that will be further explored in future studies.”

Diabetes was induced in thirty-six mice resulting in the development of diastolic heart failure. After seven days, the animals received either PLX cells from two separate batches or placebo (12 subjects in each of the three groups). Ten mice were not treated (controls).

After three weeks, several cardiac parameters were assessed and found to be significantly improved following the treatment with PLX cells. Important measurements included the cardiac ejection fraction and the left ventricular (LV) relaxation time constant, believed to be the best index of LV diastolic function and a determination of the stiffness of the ventricle. Cardiac ejection fraction improved 19%, the left ventricular relaxation time constant fell 16% and stiffness of the ventricle fell 19%.

Administration of either batch of PLX cells also resulted in a significant anti-inflammatory effect.

Pluristem chairman and CEO Zami Alberman said, “As we demonstrated last week with the announcement that our cells successfully treated the seven year old patient suffering from aplastic bone marrow disease, our strategy is to develop a minimally invasive cell therapy solution that can be used to treat a wide range of life-threatening diseases. Our initial testing of a treatment for diastolic heart disease opens a new potential indication where our cells can be used and potentially positions Pluristem as a “first-line of defense” for diastolic dysfunction.”

Pluristem’s share price jumped 5.6% in pre-market trading on Nasdaq to $3.01, giving a market cap of $126.33 million. The share rose 10.6% on the TASE today to NIS 11.50.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news – www.globes-online.com – on May 15, 2012

Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2012

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Pluristem trial finds stem cells improve cardiac dysfunction

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Bone grown from human embryonic stem cells

What if your very own bone marrow stem cells, upgraded with more immune cells, could be used to increase your chances of survival after a heart attack? Sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but according to a study done by Timothy Henry, MD of the Minneapolis Heart Institute and colleagues, it may in fact be possible. The findings, which were presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography, are considered preliminary until they are published in a peer-reviewed journal, but they are definitely promising.

“With stem cells, we’ve been successful with processes that improve blood flow,” Henry told MedPage Today, and added that there is a significant number of class III heart failure patients who don’t do well on medications or with devices.

“A therapy that would delay heart failure progression would be a major step forward,” he said. “This small trial proved the intervention is safe and all the trends were in the right direction.”

The next phase of the trial will begin in the summer. Stay tuned!

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Stem Cells May Help Heart Patients

By Chelsea Conaboy, Globe Staff

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Advanced Cell Technology of Marlborough have become the first to publish a study involving the use of embryonic stem cells in humans.

The study, published online in the British medical journal The Lancet and involving just two patients, was designed to test the safety of injecting the cells into patients with degenerative eye conditions. In both patients, the cells behaved as expected after four months, with no safety concerns arising, the researchers reported today, and the patients reported improvement in their vision.

The study provides a boost for the beleaguered field of embryonic stem cell research but must be view cautiously, said Dr. George Q. Daley, director of the Stem Cell Transplantation Program at Childrens Hospital Boston and a faculty member at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute.

Were all enthusiastic to see actual trials of cells based on human embryonic stem cells, but it really is far too preliminary to conclude anything other than that more studies are warranted, he said. What we have to do is temper our hope with real skepticism.

The researchers injected one eye of each patient with specialized eye cells derived from embryonic stem cells, which promote the health of photoreceptors in the eye. One, an adult woman, had Stargardt disease, a form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration. The other had age-related macular degeneration.

Dr. Robert Lanza, an author of the study and chief scientific officer at Advanced Cell Technology, a publicly traded company that funded the research, said the fact that the patients both reported improvements in their vision was a bonus, though he acknowledged that some of the change could be attributed to the placebo effect, or the patients own expectation for improvement as a result of the study.

The patient with Stargardt disease could detect hand motion before the injection. Within two weeks afterward, she could count fingers, the study said. She also reported improvements in her ability to detect color with the injected eye. There was no change in her other eye, the study said. The other patient showed improvement in reading a vision chart.

In these advanced patients it would be hard to expect much improvement but were surprised, Lanza said.

The patients were the first two in a set of trials that will study the use of the cells in a total of 24 people. The researchers injected the first patient in a separate trial in Europe on Friday.

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Advanced Cell Technology reports positive early results from embryonic stem cell trial

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) May 16, 2012

QualityStocks would like to highlight International Stem Cell Corporation, a publicly traded company focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO’s core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs).

In the companys news yesterday,

International Stem Cell Corp. announced that several of its leading scientists will be presenting experimental results from three of ISCOs pre-clinical therapeutic programs at the 15th Annual Meeting of American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, in Philadelphia at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17th.

Firstly, the application of A9 dopaminergic neurons derived from human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSC) for the treatment of Parkinsons disease. Demonstrating functional dopaminergic neurons in vivo represents an important milestone towards the goal of creating well characterized populations of cells that could be used to develop a treatment for Parkinsons.

Secondly, the differentiation of hpSC and embryonic stem cells into cornea-like constructs for use in transplantation therapy and the in vitro study of ocular drug absorption. There are approximately ten million people worldwide who are blind as a result of damage to their cornea. Generating human corneas from a pluripotent stem cell source should increase the likelihood that people will receive treatment in the future even in the absence of suitable tissue from eye banks.

Lastly, the in vivo and in vitro characterization of immature hepatocyte derived from hpSC. Such cells could be used to develop a treatment for individuals with a liver that has been damaged by disease or sufferers of genetic disorders that inhibit normal liver function. In both cases, implanting healthy hepatocyte cells could treat the underlying disease and prolong the life of the individual.

These results not only show the progress we have made in these important programs, but also demonstrate the broad application of human parthenogenetic stem cells in the development of treatments for incurable diseases, stated Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President of Research and Development.

About QualityStocks

QualityStocks, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a free service that collects data from hundreds of Small-Cap and Micro-Cap online Investment Newsletters into one Daily Newsletter Report. QualityStocks is dedicated to assisting emerging public companies with their investor communication efforts and connecting subscribers with companies that have huge potential to succeed in the short and long-term future.

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QualityStocks News – International Stem Cell Scientists to Present Pre-Clinical Research Results at Gene and Cell …

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Amgen (AMGN) today announced updated results from a Phase 2 study that showed treatment with blinatumomab (AMG 103) helped achieve a high-rate of complete response (CR) in 72 percent of adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated in the study. Blinatumomab is the first of a new class of agents called bi-specific T cell engagers (BiTE) antibodies, designed to harness the body’s cell-destroying T cells to kill cancer cells. Blinatumomab targets cells expressing CD19, a protein found on the surface of B-cell derived leukemias and lymphomas, such as ALL. Full results of the study will be presented during an oral abstract session at the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on June 4 (Abstract Number 6500, 8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. CDT, E354a).

In this Phase 2 single-arm dose-ranging trial, 26 of the 36 patients treated with blinatumomab across all of the tested doses and schedules achieved a CR with partial hematologic recovery (CRh*). All but two patients achieved a molecular response, meaning there was no evidence of leukemic cells by polymerase chain reaction. No treatment related deaths or serious adverse events (AEs) were reported in the study.

At the time of the analysis, median survival was 9.0 (8.2, 15.8) months with a median follow-up period of 10.7 months. In the group of patients who received the selected dose, median survival was 8.5 months. The median duration of response in the 26 patients who responded to treatment was 8.9 months.

“For these patients with limited treatment options, the remission rate observed in the trial is a vast improvement over the current standard of care,” said Professor Max Topp, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Wuerzburg and chair of the study. “These results also represent significant progress in our research of immunotherapies; a new approach to fighting cancer that we believe could make a real difference for patients.”

For patients who received the selected dose and schedule, the most common adverse events were grade one or two and included pyrexia (70 percent), headache (39 percent), tremor (30 percent) and fatigue (30 percent). These were most frequently seen at the onset of treatment in cycle one. Reversible central nervous system events led to treatment interruptions in six patients with two patients permanently discontinuing treatment. Cytokine release syndrome led to treatment interruption in two patients.

In addition to the results from this study, data from studies of 12 Amgen investigational molecules and marketed products will be presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting. These include results from studies of the immunotherapy talimogene laherparepvec, pipeline molecules such asrilotumumab (AMG 102) and AMG 386, and marketed products. A complete listing of Amgen abstracts of interest can be found at www.amgen.com/media/amgen_asco_2012.html. Abstracts are available online at www.asco.org.

Phase 2 Study DesignThis Phase 2 dose-ranging study evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of blinatumomab in adult patients with B-precursor ALL who had relapsed following treatment with standard front-line chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplant. Patients received blinatumomab for 28 days followed by two weeks off therapy over a six week treatment cycle, for up to five treatment cycles. Patients received a continuous intravenous infusion of blinatumomab at an initial dose of five or 15 micrograms per meter squared per day, ranging up to 30 micrograms for the remainder of the treatment. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of CR/CRh*. Secondary endpoints included molecular response rate, duration of response and overall survival. As of April 13, 2012, all 36 patients were evaluable for efficacy and safety.

About BlinatumomabBlinatumomab (AMG 103) is a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) antibody designed to direct the body’s cell-destroying T cells against target cells expressing CD19, a protein found on the surface of B-cell derived leukemias and lymphomas. The modified antibodies are designed to engage two different targets simultaneously, thereby juxtaposing T cells to cancer cells. Blinatumomab is the first of the BiTE antibodies and Amgen has received orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ALL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), hairy cell leukemia, prolymphocytic leukemia and indolent B cell lymphoma and from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of indolent B cell lymphoma, ALL, CLL and mantle cell leukemia (MCL).

About ALLAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. The disease progresses rapidly and affects immature blood cells, rather than mature ones.(1) Worldwide, ALL accounts for more than 12 percent of leukemia. Of the 42,000 people diagnosed worldwide, 31,000 will die from the disease.(2)Patients with ALL have abnormal white blood cells (lymphocytes) that crowd out healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, leading to infection, anemia (fatigue), easy bleeding and serious side effects.(3,4)

AboutAmgenAmgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing safe, effective medicines from lab to manufacturing plant to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people’s lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and vital medicines, visit http://www.amgen.com/. Follow us on http://twitter.com/amgen.

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Amgen's BiTE® Antibody Blinatumomab (AMG 103) Achieved High Rate of Complete Response in Adult Patients With Relapsed …

Updated: Wed May. 16 2012 16:34:33

CTVNews.ca Staff

Federal ministers are scoffing at the findings of a United Nations right-to-food envoy who blasted Canada for tolerating inequality and lack of access to nutritious diets among its poor and First Nation citizens.

Olivier De Schutter, whose damning report is based on an 11-day visit to Canada, says the country’s rate of food insecurity is “unacceptable” and called on the federal government to adopt a national right-to-food strategy.

“What I’ve seen in Canada is a system that presents barriers for the poor to access nutritious diets and that tolerates increased inequalities between rich and poor, and aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples,” De Schutter told reporters in Ottawa Wednesday.

“Canada has long been seen as a land of plenty. Yet today one in 10 families with a child under six is unable to meet their daily food needs,” he said, noting that “people are simply too poor to eat decently.”

De Schutter said 800,000 Canadian households are “food insecure” because social assistance benefits and minimum wages have not kept up with the rising costs of basic necessities, such as food and housing.

“Food banks that depend on charity are not a solution: they are a symptom of failing social safety nets that the government must address,” he said.

“Here I have to say my concerns are extremely severe and I don’t see why I should mince my words.”

But Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said De Schutter is simply an “ill-informed” and “patronizing” academic who is “studying us from afar.”

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Feds dismiss UN envoy's findings on hunger, poor diets

Published on May 15, 2012 at 5:02 AM

Dr. Darja Marolt, an Investigator at The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Laboratory, is lead author on a study showing that human embryonic stem cells can be used to grow bone tissue grafts for use in research and potential therapeutic application. Dr. Marolt conducted this research as a post-doctoral NYSCF – Druckenmiller Fellow at Columbia University in the laboratory of Dr. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic.

The study is the first example of using bone cell progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells to grow compact bone tissue in quantities large enough to repair centimeter-sized defects. When implanted in mice and studied over time, the implanted bone tissue supported blood vessel ingrowth, and continued development of normal bone structure, without demonstrating any incidence of tumor growth.

Dr. Marolt’s work is a significant step forward in using pluripotent stem cells to repair and replace bone tissue in patients. Bone replacement therapies are relevant in treating patients with a variety of conditions, including wounded military personnel, patients with birth defects, or patients who have suffered other traumatic injury.

Since conducting this work as proof of principle at Columbia University, Dr. Marolt has continued to build upon this research as an Investigator in the NYSCF Laboratory, developing bone grafts from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. iPS cells are similar to embryonic stem cells in that they can also give rise to nearly any type of cell in the body, but iPS cells are produced from adult cells and as such are individualized to each patient. By using iPS cells rather than embryonic stem cells to engineer tissue, Dr. Marolt hopes to develop personalized bone grafts that will avoid immune rejection and other implant complications.

The New York Stem Cell Foundation has supported Dr. Marolt’s research throughout her career, first through a NYSCF – Druckenmiller Fellowship to fund her post-doctoral work at Columbia University, and now with a NYSCF – Helmsley Investigator Award at The New York Stem Cell Foundation Laboratory. “The continuity of funding provided by NYSCF has allowed me to continue my research uninterrupted, making progress more quickly than would have otherwise been possible,” Dr. Marolt said.

Source: New York Stem Cell Foundation

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Human embryonic stem cells can be used to grow bone tissue grafts

May 15, 2012

A New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) scientist has shown in new research that human embryonic stem cells can be used to grow bone tissue grafts for use in research and potential medical applications.

Dr. Darja Marolt, an investigator at the NYSCF, is the lead author of the study, which was published this week in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

It is the first example of using bone cell progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells to grow compact bone tissue in quantities large enough to repair centimeter-sized defects. When implanted in mice and studied over time, the implanted bone tissue supported blood vessel in-growth, and continued development of normal bone structure, without demonstrating any incidence of tumor growth.

This is a significant step forward in using pluripotent stem cells to repair and replace bone tissue in patients, noted the researchers. Bone replacement therapies are relevant in treating patients with a variety of conditions, wounds, birth defects, or other traumatic injuries.

Dr. Marolt conducted this research as a post-doctoral NYSCF Druckenmiller Fellow at Columbia University in the laboratory of Dr. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic. Since conducting this work, Marolt has continued to build upon the research, developing bone grafts from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

IPS cells are similar to embryonic stem cells in that they can also give rise to nearly any type of cell in the body, but iPS cells are produced from adult cells and as such are individualized to each patient. Marolt hopes that by using iPS cells to engineer tissue, she can develop personalized bone grafts that will avoid immune rejection and other implant complications.

The New York Stem Cell Foundation conducts cutting-edge translational stem cell research in its laboratory in New York City and supports research by stem cell scientists at other leading institutions around the world.

Source: RedOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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Human Embryonic Stem Cells Used To Grow Bone Tissue

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. & CAMBRIDGE, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Avita Medical Ltd. (ASX: AVH), (OTC: AVMXF), (OTCQX: AVMXY),the regenerative medicine company, today announced that it has commenced enrolment in the US FDA-approved feasibility study for the use of ReCell Spray-On-Skin in the treatment of hypertrophic dyspigmented scars (raised and/or discoloured scars).

The initial three patients were treated by Dr Rajiv Sood, at the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center of Wishard Hospital, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, for scarring resulting from previous grafting due to burn injuries.

The approved FDA protocol permits the Company to treat 20 patients with scars at up to four U.S. study sites; patients will be assessed for healing and pain on a weekly basis during the initial four weeks post-treatment; at weeks 12 and 24 the treatment site will be assessed for healing and aesthetic outcomes by both the patient and an independent observer.

“Commencement of the FDA scar study is an important milestone for Avita,” said Dr William Dolphin, Avita Medicals CEO. “ReCell has shown the potential to provide significant benefits over current options in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds and for a wide range of skin defects. We are confident that this study will demonstrate the effectiveness of ReCell in the corrective treatment of scars, making ReCell directly applicable and immediately relevant to the very large aesthetic markets.

The feasibility study is primarily designed to confirm the effectiveness of ReCell for the treatment of scars in a single session in comparison to the current standard of care involving dermabrasion of the scar and often requiring multiple treatment sessions; study endpoints are time-to-healing and aesthetic outcomes. Following completion of the study, Avita will submit the feasibility data and seek FDA approval for a statistically powered, pivotal clinical trial.

The study is funded by the US Department of Defense in partnership with the OSD Manufacturing Technology Program and Rapid Fielding Directorate for the Limb Salvage and Regenerative Medicine Initiative. The contract is a Technology Investment Agreement that is focused on the transition of the capability to meet DoD needs. ReCell was selected as it has the potential to be a quantum advance over the existing ability to treat and re-grow tissue and to substantially reduce the effects and appearance of scarring and thereby profoundly assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of wounded warriors suffering from disfigurement and impeded function due to combat injuries.

An interview with Dr Sood regarding the use of ReCell in treatment of scars and acute wounds is available at http://soundmedicine.iu.edu/segment/3245/Spray-on-Skin.

ABOUT AVITA MEDICAL LTD.

Avita Medical (www.avitamedical.com) develops and distributes regenerative and tissue-engineered products for the treatment of a broad range of wounds, scars and skin defects. The companys lead product, ReCell Spray-On-SkinTM, is used in a wide variety of burns, plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. ReCell is patented, CE-marked for Europe, TGA-registered in Australia, and SFDA-cleared in China. ReCell is not available for sale in the United States; in the U.S. ReCell is an investigational device limited to investigational use.

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Avita Medical Initiates US FDA Study of Its ReCell® Spray-On-Skin™ for Reconstructive and Aesthetic Indications

Regenerative medicine startup Juventas Therapeutics has begun enrollment in a phase 2a trial of critical limb ischemia patients.

The Cleveland-based company, which recently secured an important investment from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, is planning to enroll 48 patients and complete enrollment early next year, CEO Rahul Aras said.

Juventas technology, called JVS-100, works by recruiting stem cells from the bone marrow to create new blood vessels. Its based on Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1), a naturally produced molecule that attempts to repair the heart immediately following a heart attack.

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients are enrolling at several U.S. hospitals, as well as three in India. CLI is a severe obstruction of the arteries that greatly decreases blood flow to the extremities.

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CLI has become a very exciting clinical opportunity, Aras said. Its becoming a growing area of interest for a number of biotech and pharma companies.

Other companies pursuing CLI treatment include Aastrom Biosciences, Arteriocyte and Biomet.

Among the top advantages of Juventas CLI therapy is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, Aras said. Patients can be injected with the companys therapeutic in an easy procedure at a physician office, and the approach doesnt require bone marrow aspiration to obtain patients own stem cells or complex cell processing as some competing therapeutics do.

Juventas also has a phase 2 trial underway to investigate its therapy with heart failure patients.

The company is expected to shortly announce a series B round of investment, which includes the funding from Takeda, that totals around $20 million or $25 million.

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Regenerative medicine company begins enrollment in critical limb ischemia trial

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Study Links Antibiotic to Slight Rise in Heart Patients' Death Risk

Why silverware? Why didnt people choose to eat and drink from palladium, ivory, or other materials? Of course many people did. Throughout history people have used gold, clay, wood, and a wide range of other items at mealtime. For many of those who chose silver, however, it was more than just a fad or a symbol of financial standing. Ancient civilizations reportedly used silver because they recognized a connection between the metal and their health. Today, people are also finding silver to be increasingly useful in health-related applications. But will these uses have a material effect on the silver market?

For thousands of years, individuals have used silver at the table, on the battlefield, and in healthcare. The metal has been relied upon to prevent and treat infections, to treat wounds, to prevent food spoilage, and to prevent water contamination. Since long ago, the metal has been credited as having antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties.

Medical uses of silver and preventative applications

Many readers have probably received a silver treatment at least once, as silver nitrate is commonly placed in the eyes of newborns to prevent infections that could cause blindness. Silver has also been widely used in dentistry to fabricate fillings.

Today, the uses of silver for its healing and preventative properties are growing.

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For example, it was only in 2007 that the US Food and Drug Administration approved the marketing of silver-coated breathing tubes. Prior to this approval, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, 15 percent of patients on ventilators contracted ventilator-associated pneumonia. For tens of thousands of people these infections proved fatal. Including silver in the fabrication of these endotracheal breathing tubes reduces this risk and has likely saved many lives.

Silver is also used in much the same way for catheters and other medical implantation devices. The metal is used to coat surgical instruments and emergency ward equipment to prevent and reduce the transmission of infections.

Wound creams, gels, and powders are made with silver, and the metal is fabricated into wound dressings because it is considered toxic to germs and can prevent the invasion and livelihood of bacteria and yeast. Silver has also been found to reduce the adhesion of dressings to wounds and thus improves the comfort of burn victims.

A recent edition of Silver News spotlights the Trinity Bed Protection System. The covering system is supposed to provide an effective and impermeable barrier between patients and the surfaces they lie on, such as mattresses and stretchers. A notable benefit of this bedding is that it is supposed to retain itsantimicrobialproperties even after repeated washings.

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Silver in Medicine: Support for the Market?

Scientists are forecasting that by 2030, 42 percent of the U.S. population will be obese.

This would cost an additional $550 billion in healthcare expenditures, according to the study published by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

Despite reports that obesity levels were tapering off, the scientists found that Americans are gaining weight all the time. There’s also been a surge in severe obesity, or being overweight enough to reduce your life expectancy by at least seven years.

Given the many caveats listed in the preceding paragraph, the current study forecasts a 33% increase in the prevalence of obesity over the next 2 decades based on extrapolating prior available data and assuming these trends continue into the future. If these forecasts prove accurate, this will further hinder efforts for healthcare cost containment.

Here’s a chart showing their projections. The blue line is the previous forecast of 35 percent obesity by 2030. The orange line is what the scientists found by studying trends so far and predictions for the future:

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STUDY: 42% Of The US Will Be Obese By 2030

By Rachel Jackson | Originally Published: 05/14/12 10:49pm |Modified: 05/15/12 2:35pm |

Despite the large amount of debate about health care reform in the past few years, according to medical professionals from across the state, one major topic is missing from the discussion: prevention.

Preventative medicine often is overlooked by pilot studies in hopes of finding solutions to more efficient and cost-effective health policies, said Ken Thorpe, the director of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, or PFCD.

Thorpe, also a professor of public health at Emory University, spoke about prevention of chronic diseases at the Michigan Health Policy Spring Forum, held Monday afternoon in the James B, Henry Center for Executive Development, 3535 Forest Road.

MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean William Strampel said he has worked with the PFCD for more than a decade, and MSU has hosted the forum a gathering of medical professionals, business leaders and state policymakers for 26 years.

Its one of those things that we will all say is very important to us, he said.

Thorpe said there are three approaches to preventative care that often go overlooked: building healthy habits, detecting diseases early and managing diseases to avoid complications.

He also stressed the importance of working within a community care network, bringing together medicine, business and commerce to strengthen the health systems.

The PFCD, a series of seminars focusing on health policy issues, is launching a new initiative in Michigan to unite those health field professionals and determine a way to strengthen health care at a lower cost.

Thorpe said the current health care system is very reactive, and people seem more willing to pay for medical maladies when they arise, but not to prevent diseases in the first place.

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Seminar addresses health concern