The American biotechnology company Advanced Cell Technology said Monday it received government approval to start second test human embryonic stem cells to treat blindness-for-maculopathy in the elderly.
The paper will examine the possibilities for this therapy to safely treat people with macular degeneration related to age, which is the most common form of irreversible vision loss among people over 60 years.
There is currently no cure for this disease that affects between 10 and 15 million Americans and 10 million people in Europe, the company said.
The U.S. Agency for control of drugs, the FDA had already approved in November this firm based in Massachusetts (northeast) to initiate similar tests but to treat Stargardt's disease, a childhood disease and less common causes loss vision.
"ACT is the first company to receive FDA approval for two trials with human embryonic stem cells, and is now transnational leader in the field of regenerative medicine," said CEO Gary Rabin.
"It's a breakthrough, not only in the field of stem cells, but, potentially, to the modern techniques of health care," he said.
The company expects to begin clinical trials in the U.S. in the coming months and ask for authorization to perform similar tests in Europe.
"We are moving aggressively to have the authorization of the European medicines agency, to conduct clinical trials in Europe," said Edmund Mickunas, vice president of regulatory affairs ACT.
These tests announced by ACT will be the third of its kind-on embryonic stem cells in human patients, after the U.S. company Geron open the road in October last year, the first attempt to use this therapy in human patients with lesions the spine.
The embryonic stem cell research field has been controversial since the first attempt to isolate these cells for over 12 years. Critics oppose the research because it involves destroying human embryos.
Scientists, however, considered that these cells hold great promise in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, diabetes and other diseases.
Like other experiments involving human patients, the first step in testing phase I and phase II of ACT is to assess whether the therapy is safe, before moving on to test how well it works.
Bob Lanza, ACT's chief scientist, said the trials of this technique in animals showed no evidence of complications or tumors.
"In a model of macular degeneration in rats, we saw a marked improvement in visual performance compared to animals that were not treated, without any adverse effect," said Lanza.
Twelve patients were enrolled in the study at various U.S. sites, including the University of California, University of Los Angeles (UCLA) and Stanford University.
Therapy using retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) derived from human embryonic stem cells to replace RPE cells have been destroyed in patients with this disease.
Dry macular degeneration related to age, occurring in 90% of cases, cause a deterioration of central vision when RPE cells in patients with macular lose their ability to function.
Patients experience blurring in the center of your field of vision while peripheral vision remains intact.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Are there any studies on the treatment of multiple sclerosis with cord blood?
Mesenchymal stromal cells are cells that can be isolated from the bone marrow (BM), fat, umbilical cord blood and other tissues. After intravenous administration are able to go to places inflammation and tissue damage and participate in tissue regeneration processes. These mesenchymal cells have generated much interest in the field of Regenerative Medicine in the last decade.
It has been reported the presence of mesenchymal cells (infused intravenously) in the central nervous system, thus demonstrating the ability of these cells to cross the blood-brain barrier in their migration to sites of tissue damage, a finding of great importance for their application in central nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
The place of production of mesenchymal cells may be multiple (bone marrow, adipose tissue, amniotic membrane, placenta, umbilical cord blood, etc..), These cell populations are not homogeneous and have, therefore, different spectra of therapeutic action.
Mesenchymal cells are being used in multiple phase I and II trials for a wide variety of non-haematological diseases, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, Hurler disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy, myocardial infarction, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Crohn's enf, diabetes mellitus, refractory ulcers, and healing of fistulas in inflammatory bowel disease, etc.
At present, therefore, there are several ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of multiple sclerosis with autologous mesenchymal cells (the individual's own) or allogeneic (from another individual). ClinicalTrials.gov website can be found that reflects the clinical trials in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world about it.
It has been reported the presence of mesenchymal cells (infused intravenously) in the central nervous system, thus demonstrating the ability of these cells to cross the blood-brain barrier in their migration to sites of tissue damage, a finding of great importance for their application in central nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
The place of production of mesenchymal cells may be multiple (bone marrow, adipose tissue, amniotic membrane, placenta, umbilical cord blood, etc..), These cell populations are not homogeneous and have, therefore, different spectra of therapeutic action.
Mesenchymal cells are being used in multiple phase I and II trials for a wide variety of non-haematological diseases, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, Hurler disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy, myocardial infarction, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Crohn's enf, diabetes mellitus, refractory ulcers, and healing of fistulas in inflammatory bowel disease, etc.
At present, therefore, there are several ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of multiple sclerosis with autologous mesenchymal cells (the individual's own) or allogeneic (from another individual). ClinicalTrials.gov website can be found that reflects the clinical trials in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world about it.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
What is an autologous transplant? What allogeneic?
An autologous transplant is performed with the individual's own cells obtained from bone marrow or peripheral blood, and if we talk about umbilical cord blood (UCB) that is performed with the patient's own cord blood.
An allogeneic transplant is done with cells from a donor family (related) or unfamiliar (unrelated), obtained from bone, blood or the SCU.
An allogeneic transplant is done with cells from a donor family (related) or unfamiliar (unrelated), obtained from bone, blood or the SCU.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Umbilical cord stem cells could be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis
The umbilical cord stem cells could be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, according to a People's Hospital of Peking University in China published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy.
Researchers show through in vitro experiments and animal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cord blood suppress inflammation and attenuate collagen-induced arthritis.
Explains Zhan-guo Li, author of the study, "the CMM can have a profound immunosuppression, which encourages their use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, the most common source of MSCs is the bone bone. However, the bone marrow aspiration is an invasive procedure and the number and differentiation potential of MSCs from bone marrow decreases with age. In contrast, the collection of umbilical cord CMM does not require any invasive procedure. "
The researchers took immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed that umbilical MSCs were able to suppress cell proliferation, invasive behavior and inflammatory responses. Systemic infusion of umbilical MSCs in mice significantly reduced the severity of collagen-induced arthritis. "Rheumatoid arthritis inflicts a huge cost to health services around the world and none of the existing agents get a long-term remission that allows to stop using drugs. Therefore, a new and more effective therapy for rheumatoid arthritis will very welcome, "Li concluded.
Researchers show through in vitro experiments and animal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cord blood suppress inflammation and attenuate collagen-induced arthritis.
Explains Zhan-guo Li, author of the study, "the CMM can have a profound immunosuppression, which encourages their use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, the most common source of MSCs is the bone bone. However, the bone marrow aspiration is an invasive procedure and the number and differentiation potential of MSCs from bone marrow decreases with age. In contrast, the collection of umbilical cord CMM does not require any invasive procedure. "
The researchers took immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed that umbilical MSCs were able to suppress cell proliferation, invasive behavior and inflammatory responses. Systemic infusion of umbilical MSCs in mice significantly reduced the severity of collagen-induced arthritis. "Rheumatoid arthritis inflicts a huge cost to health services around the world and none of the existing agents get a long-term remission that allows to stop using drugs. Therefore, a new and more effective therapy for rheumatoid arthritis will very welcome, "Li concluded.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Umbilocal cord blood auto transplant
n 2005 EM, a four year old who suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and whose life expectancy was three months, received a transplant of stem cells from his own umbilical cord: a treatment is unprecedented in the world and that until then had not success, because the patient's own cells were not effective in the fight against cancer. Two years later, a team of German and American doctors published in the journal Pediatrics the results of the procedure: at 20 months after transplantation had no cancer cells in your body, a situation that continues until now, six years later, what will most likely cure.
This is the period after which doctors believe that a child is effectively cured of the disease as EM becomes the world's first patient is cured of leukemia by transplantation of stem cells themselves.
The particularity of this transplant is that it did with the patient's own cells, while most of the cases were performed with stem cells donated by others. In 20% of procedures, cells belonging to brothers of the patient, while the remaining 80% are used stem cells from other people.
The girl began to experience the first symptoms at age 3. Blood tests revealed he suffered leukemia. Even though he was undergoing chemotherapy, suffered two severe relapses and cancer cells were reaching the brain. His parents had kept her umbilical cord at birth, without thinking that would save her life.
This is the period after which doctors believe that a child is effectively cured of the disease as EM becomes the world's first patient is cured of leukemia by transplantation of stem cells themselves.
The particularity of this transplant is that it did with the patient's own cells, while most of the cases were performed with stem cells donated by others. In 20% of procedures, cells belonging to brothers of the patient, while the remaining 80% are used stem cells from other people.
The girl began to experience the first symptoms at age 3. Blood tests revealed he suffered leukemia. Even though he was undergoing chemotherapy, suffered two severe relapses and cancer cells were reaching the brain. His parents had kept her umbilical cord at birth, without thinking that would save her life.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Umbilocal cord blood banks
Until recently it was believed that the umbilical cord once it had completed its function (when cut to separate the child from the placenta), good for nothing and without throwing it. Today, not always.
It is known that within the cord is a great treasure, the famous stem cells, which are used for transplants in some leukemia patients so they can heal them. Therefore, such a precious treasure not to be missed and launched banks umbilical cord blood.
In these banks, remains the donor's blood for him or his family can use it if it were the case. After delivery, you can donate or save the tiny amount of blood flow within the cord to help yourself or others, but must choose one or the other option, since you can not choose both.
There are diseases that can be treated with stem cells and if taken from the umbilical cord itself, are ideal because they are compatible with your body and do not cause any rejection.
I wish I never had to use such resources, but if in case your baby needs in the next 20 years, since there are no studies proving that it can be retained after this time, you can, in the case of Spain , contact any of these banks of umbilical cord blood.
Cryo is the case of Concord, a company specializing in the issue, if you contact them, they will explain in detail how the process is all the information prior to the midwife, blood collection, conservation and price total.
Throw no! Because you can donate at no cost and can help in the future to save a life, if you decide to donate, inform you of the process and must sign a consent form, will make a detailed clinical history of possible diseases that may contraindicate the use of blood umbilical cord.
At delivery, will make several tests to rule out possible diseases and the collection of cord blood will be made once they have cut the cord. You know it may seem heavy highlight it, it is important, use it to save lives and is saving or donating.
It is known that within the cord is a great treasure, the famous stem cells, which are used for transplants in some leukemia patients so they can heal them. Therefore, such a precious treasure not to be missed and launched banks umbilical cord blood.
In these banks, remains the donor's blood for him or his family can use it if it were the case. After delivery, you can donate or save the tiny amount of blood flow within the cord to help yourself or others, but must choose one or the other option, since you can not choose both.
There are diseases that can be treated with stem cells and if taken from the umbilical cord itself, are ideal because they are compatible with your body and do not cause any rejection.
I wish I never had to use such resources, but if in case your baby needs in the next 20 years, since there are no studies proving that it can be retained after this time, you can, in the case of Spain , contact any of these banks of umbilical cord blood.
Cryo is the case of Concord, a company specializing in the issue, if you contact them, they will explain in detail how the process is all the information prior to the midwife, blood collection, conservation and price total.
Throw no! Because you can donate at no cost and can help in the future to save a life, if you decide to donate, inform you of the process and must sign a consent form, will make a detailed clinical history of possible diseases that may contraindicate the use of blood umbilical cord.
At delivery, will make several tests to rule out possible diseases and the collection of cord blood will be made once they have cut the cord. You know it may seem heavy highlight it, it is important, use it to save lives and is saving or donating.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Leukemia treatment with cord blood
A study by U.S. scientists shows the benefits it holds the cord blood with regard to their use in the treatment of childhood leukemia. Statistically, there is a greater survival rate in children who have been treated with stem cells from umbilical cord blood than with other treatments.
The study took data from 785 children under 16 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia who formed two groups, those treated with stem cells from umbilical cord blood and those who received a bone marrow transplant. The data left no doubt, to a 20% increase in survival was reflected in the group using umbilical cord blood.
A special feature is that this blood has the potential to be used without the need for an affinity between donor and recipient, bone marrow transplantation is necessary to have full compatibility. In addition, being able to store it makes it especially interesting and important.
The study took data from 785 children under 16 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia who formed two groups, those treated with stem cells from umbilical cord blood and those who received a bone marrow transplant. The data left no doubt, to a 20% increase in survival was reflected in the group using umbilical cord blood.
A special feature is that this blood has the potential to be used without the need for an affinity between donor and recipient, bone marrow transplantation is necessary to have full compatibility. In addition, being able to store it makes it especially interesting and important.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Anti-aging and vegetal stem cells
Recent advances in cellular biotechnology have demonstrated the ability of plant stem cells to enhance the regenerative potential of human epidermal stem cells. These treatments focus on dermal and epidermal area under the wrinkles. Direct action under the wrinkle repairing the effects of the passage of time has caused, and promoting increased production of collagen and elastin from within the skin, made from plant stem cell therapies a revolutionary anti-aging discovery skin.
How stem cells are derived from plants
By a single crop (using the most sophisticated nanotechnology) are removed one by one the "molecules native " plants, ie, molecules that cause the life process. Undifferentiated cells are removed, which contain all components of the plant. Thus, the cells act as biomimetics, integrating and adapting to the skin cells and completely restructure the skin.
How stem cells are derived from plants
By a single crop (using the most sophisticated nanotechnology) are removed one by one the "molecules native " plants, ie, molecules that cause the life process. Undifferentiated cells are removed, which contain all components of the plant. Thus, the cells act as biomimetics, integrating and adapting to the skin cells and completely restructure the skin.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Stem cells information
Stem cells are highly specialized and when they are stimulated, can produce many types of cells and tissues in the human body.
Umbilical cord blood is an abundant source of these cells, and this is one of the main reasons why many parents choose to maintain stem cells from cord blood of their babies at birth.
Stem cells from umbilical cord blood can be used to replace damaged or abnormal blood cells as treatment of certain malignant blood disorders such as leukemia. This is an alternative to bone marrow transplantation. The stem cell transplant from cord blood has potential advantages, such as immediate availability of cells if necessary, an exact match with the baby's cells, the possibility of transplanting siblings and parents, and low risk of rejection and infection.
The current scientific research shows the potential of stem cells from umbilical cord blood in the theoretical treatment of a wide variety of diseases.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
If you need a transplant, what advantages does the blood is of a family member?
The absence or inability to use own stem cells lead physicians to find alternative donors. Usually donors are being sought from the next of kin, preferably brothers, asthey are the ones most homology with the patient's cells and recipient of the grant. Thisimplies a lower probability of rejection of grafting, and increases to more than doublethe survival rate, with the added advantage of knowing where they come from the cells and therefore have the security of a known family history, in which genetic problemsare well described.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Ethics
Should not be confused freezing and cryopreservation of umbilical cord stem cells, whose origin no doubt from an ethical standpoint, with the embryonic stem cell research.
The decision to cryopreserve (preserve stem cells) umbilical cord blood of newborns isa voluntary decision, without further connotation that the provision of health for all practical purposes.
The sample can be taken only during labor and may be donated to a public bankaltruistically for research or therapy, or cryopreserved individually to protect thepersonal rights of the newborn on the sample.
In any case, the recommendation is that umbilical cord blood is disposed of in any wayand serve for the future benefit of the donor or the society.
The decision to cryopreserve (preserve stem cells) umbilical cord blood of newborns isa voluntary decision, without further connotation that the provision of health for all practical purposes.
The sample can be taken only during labor and may be donated to a public bankaltruistically for research or therapy, or cryopreserved individually to protect thepersonal rights of the newborn on the sample.
In any case, the recommendation is that umbilical cord blood is disposed of in any wayand serve for the future benefit of the donor or the society.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Reasons to cryopreserve stem cells
The probability that a newborn or a family member need a regenerative therapy withhigh donor-recipient compatibility is low, estimated at one per 20,000 inhabitants, butthe likelihood exists and, in these cases, access to such material can be of greatimportance to the patient.
The extraction of umbilical cord blood can only be done at the time immediatelyfollowing childbirth. The process of collecting cord blood is simple, painless andinvolves no risk or to the newborn or the mother.
The actual medical benefit of access to own stem cells, the patient or family member,is given to pathological conditions whose treatment requires a bone marrow transplant,the type of leukemia or lymphoma, certain metabolic disorders and someimmunodeficiencies genetic origin. Scientific progress, probably will in future cell therapy for other diseases where the organ or tissue regeneration is needed.
The extraction of umbilical cord blood can only be done at the time immediatelyfollowing childbirth. The process of collecting cord blood is simple, painless andinvolves no risk or to the newborn or the mother.
The actual medical benefit of access to own stem cells, the patient or family member,is given to pathological conditions whose treatment requires a bone marrow transplant,the type of leukemia or lymphoma, certain metabolic disorders and someimmunodeficiencies genetic origin. Scientific progress, probably will in future cell therapy for other diseases where the organ or tissue regeneration is needed.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Collection of umbilical cord blood
The collection and storage of umbilical cord blood is a simple process that takes placeduring the delivery, either naturally or by Caesarean section at any time withoutinterrupting the normal routine of births. The gynecologist removed the umbilical cord blood after it has been separated from the newborn. This process is not, therefore, painful, intrusive and risky, or to the newborn or the mother.
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