Month: October 2012

FDA approves stem cell trial for Autism spectrum disorders

On By AjanIn Biotechnology, General, Healthcare, Pharma newsLeave a comment

The FDA has approved a trial investigating the use of bone marrow derived cells in Autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While anecdotal findings might support this approach, there is mixed feeling on the scientific rationale for this trial. The most likely premiss seems – ASDs are associated with severe immune alterations and pro-inflammatory cytokines overproduction and bone marrow cells could address this through an immuno-modulatory action. http://www.scitechnol.com/JRGM/JRGM-1-e103.pdf

Stem cell small caps – high risk / high reward stock?

On By AjanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Stem cell small caps – high risk / high reward stock?.

Stem cell small caps – high risk / high reward stock?

24SEP

Stem cell stocks – bargain small caps with great potential?

Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:56 PM GMT

Stem cell stocks have greatly outperformed the market over the last 3 months:

Company Growth Market Cap

Osiris +79% $313m

Pluristem +70% $200m

NeoStem +45% $110m

Neuralstem +35% $71m

Stemcells +160% $64m

Source: http://seekingalpha.com

All these companies have products that are still in clinical trials so there is a significant risk of failure and therefore catastrophic value loss. However, Pluristem and Osiris and Mesoblast (MSB.AX) utilise the (relatively) less risky mesodermal cell platform in which Mesoblast garnered the first potential $ Billion stem cell deal with Cephalon in 2010.

Stem cell therapeutics remain the most likely ‘next breakthrough’ in Biotechnology and are reminiscent of the vastly undervalued Antibody stocks of the 1990s. Certainly great upside potential if your willing to accept risk…

Ajan Reginald

http://www.Ajan.Reginald.com

1st steps to Reversing Diabetes utilising gene modified stem cells

On By AjanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

 

In this innovative medicinal technique Professor John S. Yu genetically modified stem cells to produce Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) – a protein that stimulates neo-vascularization. The cells were then used to treat diabetes in mice:http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0042177

The study found “Human BMSCs expressing VEGF and PDX1 reversed hyperglycemia in more than half of the diabetic mice and induced overall improved survival and weight maintenance in all mice”

Most interestingly the study found that endogenous  β-cell regeneration seemed to drive the benefits.