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RBCC: Stem Cell Market Poised for Billion-Dollar Growth

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Fredricko

NOKOMIS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

As Rainbow BioSciences, the biotech subsidiary of Rainbow Coral Corp. (RBCC), works to acquire licensing for commercial use of NASA-developed stem cell expansion technology, the company received good news from a Wall Street analysts forecast on Wednesday.

Writing for Seeking Alpha, George Kesarios predicted major growth for the global stem cell market in coming years. Its estimated that the market will be worth about $64 billion by 2015, up from $21.5 billion in 2010.

Kesarios attributed the growth largely to a potential revolution in drug companies research and development made possible by an abundance of induced pluripotent stem cells.

With these stem cells, scientists can actually create working facsimiles of living human tissue, introduce diseases and observe how they unfold under a microscope, said RBCC CEO Patrick Brown. Spending a decade on research only to discover in trials that a drug doesnt work could become a thing of the past. Stem cells hold the key to the future of profitable, effective drug development.

Thats why RBCC has engaged Regenetech in discussions regarding the potential acquisition of a license to perform cell expansion using that companys Rotary Cell Culture SystemTM.

The Rotary Cell Culture SystemTM is a rotating-wall bioreactor designed to facilitate the growth of human cells in simulated weightlessness. Cell cultures, including stem cells, grown inside the bioreactor look and function much closer to human cells grown within the body than the flat cell cultures grown in Petri dishes.

The potential for stem cells expansion using this unique culturing system originally devised for the space program is incredible, Brown said. Every cell researcher in the world is going to want access to this technology.

RBCC plans to offer new technology to compete in the stem-cell research industry alongside Amgen, Inc. (AMGN), Celgene Corporation (CELG), Genzyme Corp. (NASDAQ:GENZ) and Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD).

For more information on Rainbow BioSciences, please visit http://www.rainbowbiosciences.com/investors.html.

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RBCC: Stem Cell Market Poised for Billion-Dollar Growth

Cancer, induced pluripotent stem cell similarities

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Fredricko

SACRAMENTO UC Davis investigators have found new evidence that a promising type of stem cell now being considered for a variety of disease therapies is very similar to the type of cells that give rise to cancer. The findings suggest that although the cells known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) show substantial promise as a source of replacement cells and tissues to treat injuries, disease and chronic conditions, scientists and physicians must move cautiously with any clinical use because iPSCs could also cause malignant cancer.

The article, "Induced pluripotency and oncogenic transformation are related processes," is now online in the journal Stem Cells and Development.

"This is the first study that describes the specific molecular pathways that iPSCs and cancer cells share from a direct comparison" said Paul Knoepfler, associate professor of cell biology and human anatomy, and principal investigator of the study. "It means that much more study is required before iPSCs can be used clinically. However, our study adds to a growing knowledge base that not only will help make stem cell therapies safer, but also provide us with new understandings about the cancer-causing process and more effective ways to fight the disease."

Since 2007, cell biologists have been able to induce specialized, differentiated cells (such as those obtained from the skin or muscle of a human adult) to become iPSCs. Like embryonic stem cells, iPSCs are a type of stem cell that is able to become any cell type. This "pluripotent" capability means that iPSCs have the potential of being used in treatments for a variety of human diseases, a fundamentally new type of clinical care known as regenerative medicine.

iPSCs are considered particularly important because their production avoids the controversy that surrounds embryonic stem (ES) cells. In addition, iPSCs can be taken from a patient's own skin and induced to produce other needed tissues, thereby evading the possibility of immunologic rejection that arises when transplanting cells from a donor to a recipient. In contrast to therapies based on ES cells, iPSCs would eliminate the need for patients to take immunosuppressive drugs.

Earlier research indicated that both ES cells and iPSCs pose some health risks. Increasing evidence suggests that pluripotency may be related to rapid cellular growth, a characteristic of cancer. iPSCs, as well as embryonic stem cells, are well known by scientists to have the propensity to cause teratomas, an unusual type of benign tumor that consists of many different cell types. The new UC Davis study demonstrates for the first time that iPSCs as well as ES cells share significant similarities to malignant cancer cells.

The investigators compared iPSCs to a form of malignant cancer known as oncogenic foci that are also produced in laboratories; these cell types are used by medical researchers to create models of cancer, particularly sarcoma. Specifically, the scientists contrasted the different cells' transcriptomes, comprised of the RNA molecules or "transcripts." Unlike DNA analysis, which reflects a cell's entire genetic code whether or not the genes are active, transcriptomes reflect only the genes that are actively expressed at a given time and therefore provide a picture of actual cellular activity.

From this transcriptome analysis, the investigators found that the iPSCs and malignant sarcoma cancer cells are unexpectedly similar in several respects. Genes that were not expressed in iPSCs were also not expressed in the cancer-generating cells, including many that have properties that guide a cell to normally differentiate in certain directions. Both cell types also exhibited evidence of similar metabolic activities, another indication that they are related cell types.

"We were surprised how similar iPSCS were to cancer-generating cells," said Knoepfler. "Our findings indicate that the search for therapeutic applications of iPSCs must proceed with considerable caution if we are to do our best to promote patient safety."

Knoepfler noted, for example, that future experimental therapies using iPSCs for human transplants would most often not involve implanting iPSCs directly into a patient. Instead, iPSCs would be used to create differentiated cells or tissues in the laboratory, which could then be transplanted into a patient. This approach avoids implanting the actual undifferentiated iPSCS, and reduces the risk of tumor development as a side effect. However, Knoepfler noted that even trace amounts of residual iPSCs could cause cancer in patients, a possibility supported by his team's latest research.

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Cancer, induced pluripotent stem cell similarities

BIO Announces Therapeutic Workshops for 11th Annual BIO Investor Forum

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Fredricko

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announces Therapeutic Workshops on Cancer stem cell therapy, kinase drugs, and ultra rare diseases planned for the upcoming BIO Investor Forum. Hosted by BIO, the 11th annual event will take place at the Palace Hotel on October 9-10 in San Francisco, Calif.

This years Therapeutic Workshops will address some of the most exciting therapeutic advances for the biotech industry. We have worked very closely with this years esteemed Advisory Committee to identify topics that will engage investors and industry alike, said Alan Eisenberg, executive vice president, Emerging Companies & Business Developmentat BIO.

Therapeutic Workshops will feature senior-level industry executives, scientific officers and leading clinical experts that represent innovative investment opportunities in the biotech industry.

Therapeutic Workshops include:

The BIO Investor Forum features public and venture-stage company presentations, expert-led, business roundtables, one-on-one investor meetings and networking opportunities.

To learn more about the BIO Investor Forum, including registration and program information, please visit here. Advance media registration is available here. Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the media and qualified investors.

BIO is pleased to recognize the leadership provided by the BIO Investor Forum Conference sponsors including Supporting Bank Stifel, Nicolaus & Company. BIO Double Helix and Helix Sponsors include Abbott Biotech Ventures, Amgen Ventures, Baxter Ventures, J&J Development Corporation, MedImmune Ventures, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck and Pfizer.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

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BIO Announces Therapeutic Workshops for 11th Annual BIO Investor Forum

Therapeutic impact of cell transplantation aided by magnetic factor

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Fredricko

Public release date: 24-Sep-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: David Eve celltransplantation@gmail.com Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair

Putnam Valley, NY. (Sept. 24, 2012) Two studies in the current issue of Cell Transplantation (21:6), now freely available on-line at http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/ct/, demonstrate how the use of magnetic particles are a factor that can positively impact on the targeted delivery of transplanted stem cells and to also provide better cell retention.

A research team from the University of British Columbia used focused magnetic stem cell targeting to improve the delivery and transport of mensenchymal stem cells to the retinas of test rats while researchers from Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (Los Angeles) injected magnetically enhanced cardiac stem cells to guide the cells to their target to increase cell retention and therapeutic benefit in rat models of ischemic/reperfusion injury.

According to study co-author Dr. Kevin Gregory-Evans, MD, PhD, of the Centre for Macular Degeneration at the University of British Columbia, degeneration of the retina - the cause of macular degeneration as well as other eye diseases - accounts for most cases of blindness in the developed world. To date, the transplantation of mensenchymal stem cells to the damaged retina has had "limited success" because the cells reaching the retina have been in "very low numbers and in random distribution."

Seeking to improve stem cell transplantation to the retina, the researchers magnetized rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Via an externally placed magnet, they directed the SPION enhanced cells to the peripheral retinas of the test animals.

"Our results showed that large numbers of blood-borne magnetic MSCs can be targeted to specific retinal locations and produce therapeutically useful biochemical changes in the target tissue," explained Gregory-Evans. "Such an approach would be optimal in focal tissue diseases of the outer retina, such as age-related macular degeneration."

Contact:

Dr. Kevin Gregory-Evans, Centre for Macular Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2550 Willow St., Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 3N9 Tel. + 1-604-671-0419 Fax. + 1-604-875-4663 Email: kge30@interchange.unc.ca

Citation: Yanai, A.; Hfeli, U. O.; Metcalfe, A. L.; Soema, P.; Addo, L.; Gregory-Evans, C. Y.; Po, K.; Shan, X.; Moritz, O. L.; Gregory-Evans, K. Focused Magnetic Stem Cell Targeting to the Retina Using Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles. Cell Transplant. 21(6):1137-1148; 2012.

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Therapeutic impact of cell transplantation aided by magnetic factor

ChanTest Awarded $1 Million Grant for Predictive Assays using Stem Cell-Derived Human Cardiomyocytes

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Fredricko

CLEVELAND , Sept. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - ChanTest, the leading CRO expert in ion channels and nonclinical cardiac safety testing, announces funding of a Phase II SBIR grant. ChanTest will use the grant from the National Heart Lung & Blood Institute to optimize drug safety and discovery assays using stem cell-derived human cardiomyocytes.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120817/CL58977LOGO )

"This grant will allow us to optimize our industry-leading cardiomyocyte assays," said ChanTest's Principal Investigator Andrew Bruening-Wright, Ph.D. "With our collaborators at FDA, DSEC, and Leadscope, Inc., we have improved predictivity models based on currently available ChanTest services. Our nonclinical models will only get better as we fully integrate cardiomyocyte-based assays."

These cardiomyocyte assays are critical for improving the predictivity of nonclinical testing and reducing the use of animals as proposed in the NIH roadmap for drug discovery and the FDA's critical path initiative. The grant will also fund development of automated instrument-based services to increase throughput and drive down costs to meet the needs of ChanTest customers.

Dr. Arthur "Buzz" Brown, founder and CEO of ChanTest and co-PI on the grant, added "ChanTest has assembled an expert team to ensure success of this grant. We'll build on this success to improve drug discovery for other diseases in which ion channels play a critical role."

About ChanTest The Ion Channel Expert

ChanTest's mission is to serve the drug discovery and development needs of customers worldwide with high-value solutions for ion channel and GPCR biology. Since its inception in 1998, the company has tested compounds for more than 500 global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and partners with them to speed the drug development process for the release of better, safer drugs. ChanTest offers integrated ion channel and GPCR services (GLP and non-GLP) and reagents; the company's library of validated ion channel cell lines and pre-clinical cardiac risk assessment service portfolio are the most comprehensive commercially available today. Because of ChanTest's seminal role in the nonclinical cardiac safety field, along with the company's uncompromising commitment to quality, ChanTest has been named the "most trusted and most used fee-for-service provider" for ion channel screening in an independent survey for the past three years. ChanTest is based in Cleveland , Ohio. For more information, e-mail info@chantest.com.

CONTACT: Chris Mathes , +1-732-586-1073

SOURCE: ChanTest

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ChanTest Awarded $1 Million Grant for Predictive Assays using Stem Cell-Derived Human Cardiomyocytes

RBCC Expands Cell Culturing Focus to Include Adult Stem Cells

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Fredricko

NOKOMIS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Rainbow Biosciences, the biotechnology subsidiary of Rainbow Coral Corp. (RBCC), announced today that it will expand its focus on technology capable of culturing 3D cell clusters to include adult stem cells, as well.

According to a report published last year by analysts as GIA, global investments in adult stem-cell research are forecast to reach $2.4 billion by 2015. That growth is being driven by technological advancements, the rising number of research groups engaged in stem cell research activities, broadening research activities and substantial investments from governments in leading global markets.

A rising incidence of life-threatening diseases, un-met needs in the area of medicine, and costs associated with drug development also contribute to the market expansion.

RBCC aims to help develop and market advanced new technologies capable of growing adult stem cells for research that more closely resemble those found in the body, said RBCC CEO Patrick Brown. Demand from the worlds growing elderly population is making continued stem-cell research a necessity, and we intend to position our company and our shareholders to capitalize on that need by providing the best stem-cell technology in the world.

RBCC plans to develop technology to compete in the stem-cell research industry alongside Amgen, Inc. (AMGN), Celgene Corporation (CELG), Genzyme Corp. (NASDAQ:GENZ) and Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD).

For more information on Rainbow BioSciences, please visit http://www.rainbowbiosciences.com/investors.html.

About Rainbow BioSciences

Rainbow BioSciences, LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rainbow Coral Corp. (OTCBB:RBCC). The company continually seeks out new partnerships with biotechnology developers to deliver profitable new medical technologies and innovations. For more information on our growth-oriented business initiatives, please visit our website at [www.RainbowBioSciences.com]. For investment information and performance data on the company, please visit http://www.RainbowBioSciences.com/investors.html.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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RBCC Expands Cell Culturing Focus to Include Adult Stem Cells

Symposium attracts top stem cell researchers

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Fredricko

BRIDGEWATER Scientists from all over the country gathered for the sixth annual New Jersey Stem Cell Research Symposium on Wednesday at the Bridgewater Marriott hotel.

Researchers presented discoveries to an audience of about 250 people, with the University contributing 42 displays on findings in fields ranging from leukemia to addiction.

The symposium was designed to help different personnel in the field meet to boost productivity, said Kathryn Drzewiecki, a University graduate student in biomedical engineering.

Its good to have research and industry together to help each other, said Drzewiecki, who studied devices meant to culture stem cells. We can tell them what they need and they can get those products to be developed.

The Universitys Center for Stem Cell Research co-sponsored the symposium.

Ron Hart, professor of cell biology and neuroscience at the University, said the University is on the forefront of stem cell research and has the largest collection of human blood cells in the world. Half a million samples are stored in the Cell and DNA Repository and are now being used to generate stem cells for research, he said.

We turn them into neurons and begin to study mechanisms of disorders, Hart said. So there are several labs in Rutgers that are dealing with various diseases. Thats what makes our University special in this aspect.

Among the projects featured at the symposium was a new machine introduced by Life Technologies, a global life-sciences company, designed to copy a genome sequence quicker and cheaper than before.

Although the machine, called the Ion Proton Sequencer, costs $200,000, the chip used to take tissue samples has been reduced from its current cost of $500,000 to about $1,000, said Marsha Slater, application specialist for Life Technologies.

Thats going to create a lot of change in how medicine is done, Slater said. Cancer patients will be able to get their tissue samples sequenced, see what mutations are there which will help choose the best chemotherapy for the patient.

Leading Stem Cell Scientists to Focus on Diabetes, Eye Diseases at Cedars-Sinai Symposium

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Fredricko

James A. Thomson, VMD, PhD, founder of human pluripotent stem cells, to give opening lecture

Newswise LOS ANGELES Sept. 17, 2012 Leading scientists and clinicians from across the nation will discuss the latest findings on potential stem cell treatments for diabetes and eye diseases at the second Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Scientific Symposium.

WHO: Stem cell scientists, clinicians and industry leaders.

The symposium is being hosted by the Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute, led by Clive Svendsen, PhD. The institute brings together basic scientists with specialist clinicians, physician scientists and translational scientists across multiple medical specialties to convert fundamental stem cell studies to therapeutic regenerative medicine.

FEATURED RESEARCH: The symposiums morning session will feature an overview of the current state of stem cells and diabetes, including efforts to start the first clinical trials with stem cells for the treatment of diabetes. Other research to be presented includes an update on regenerative medicine approaches to treating macular degeneration, a progressive deterioration of the eye that causes gradual loss of vision. This will include an update from Gad Heilweil, MD, on a key, stem-cell clinical trial on macular degeneration at the University of California Los Angeles.

WHEN: Sept. 21, 2012 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thomsons lecture begins at 8:40 a.m.

WHERE: Harvey Morse Auditorium Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 8700 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90048

How to register: http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/RMI

Media Contact: Members of news media interested in attending or learning more about the presentations should contact Media Specialist Nicole White at nicole.white@cshs.org or 310-423-5215.

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Leading Stem Cell Scientists to Focus on Diabetes, Eye Diseases at Cedars-Sinai Symposium

Gamida Cell Completes Enrollment for Phase I/II Study of Second Pipeline Product NiCord® for Hematological Malignancies

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Fredricko

JERUSALEM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Gamida Cell, a leader in adult stem cell expansion technologies and products, announced today that it has completed enrollment for a Phase I/II clinical trial of NiCord, the companys second pipeline product.

NiCord is in development as an experimental treatment for a series of indications that potentially could be cured with a bone marrow transplantation including hematological malignancies (blood cancer), sickle cell disease, thalassemia, severe autoimmune diseases and metabolic diseases. The clinical trial announced today (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01221857) is studying NiCord as an alternative investigational treatment for hematological malignancies (HM). A combined total of 11 patients were transplanted at Duke University Medical Center and at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Mitchell E. Horwitz of Duke University Medical Center is the principal investigator. Final results of the Phase I/II study are expected within 6 months. The company is also actively enrolling for a Phase I/II study of NiCord as an experimental treatment for sickle cell, a genetic blood disease (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01590628).

NiCord is an expanded cell graft derived from an entire unit of umbilical cord blood enriched with stem cells. NiCord was developed based on Gamida Cells proprietary NAM technology. As the Phase I/II trial for HM is a first in man safety and efficacy study, for this stage, NiCord was transplanted with a second un-manipulated cord blood unit in a double cord blood configuration.

Dr. Tony Peled, chief scientific officer and vice president of research & development at Gamida Cell, said, Pre-clinical data demonstrated the uniqueness of NAM technology in not only decreasing the aging process but also preserving the characteristics and functions of ex vivo expanded stem cells (Experimental Hematology 2012;40:342355). Of significance, the Phase I/II clinical trial data have already shown that many of the patients in the study engrafted with the expanded cells of NiCord rather than with the second un-manipulated unit. This is the first time, in a situation where two units are transplanted, that the cultured stem cells demonstrated prompt and durable long-term engraftment (over one year) in the clinic. We look forward to sharing the complete results of this study in the coming months.

Dr. Yael Margolin, CEO of Gamida Cell, said, The clinical progress of the companys second pipeline product reaffirms Gamida Cells leadership role in the stem cell industry and the companys expertise in bone marrow transplantation. In the near future we plan to not only release the NiCord Phase I/II data but also the long awaited complete results of the Phase III study of StemEx, also for hematological malignancies, but clearly further ahead in development. The company remains on course with the development of StemEx and is considering strategic partners to develop its expanding pipeline of products and to bring StemEx to market.

About Gamida Cell

Gamida Cell is a world leader in stem cell population expansion technologies and stem cell therapy products for transplantation and regenerative medicine. The companys pipeline of stem cell therapy products are in development to treat a wide range of conditions including blood cancers, solid tumors, non-malignant hematological diseases such as hemoglobinopathies, neutropenia and acute radiation syndrome, autoimmune diseases and metabolic diseases as well as conditions that can be helped by regenerative medicine. Gamida Cells therapeutic candidates contain populations of adult stem cells, selected from non-controversial sources such as umbilical cord blood, bone marrow and peripheral blood, which are expanded in culture. Gamida Cells current shareholders include: Elbit Imaging (NASDAQ: EMITF), Clal Biotechnology Industries (TASE: CBI), Israel Healthcare Venture, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NADAQ:TEVA), Amgen, Denali Ventures and Auriga Ventures. For more information, please visit: http://www.gamida-cell.com.

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Gamida Cell Completes Enrollment for Phase I/II Study of Second Pipeline Product NiCord® for Hematological Malignancies

South Korean lawmakers one step from rigorous new system for stem cell Advancement: scientists, physicians and …

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Fredricko

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Seung-Jo Yang, a Parliament member, prepared a bill proposing new law for the management and transplantation of stem cells. On September 17, the National Health and Welfare Committee referred the bill to the Conference for review. The previous 18th National Assembly proposed a similar stem cell bill when much of its term had already passed so it was not fully discussed until the period ended, disappointing many patients with rare diseases. The Bill was referred to the 19th National Assembly, though, which shows the willingness of South Korean leaders to meet the expectations that this new law will be passed coming from the medical community and patient groups throughout South Korea.

Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra, president of RNL BIO's stem cell technology institute said "This effort for new stem cell bill will advance the use and sophistication of autologous adult stem cell technology as a powerful solution for overcoming incurable diseases." Dr. Ra, whose pioneering efforts in Korean stem cell research are known worldwide, is equally known in Korea as an ardent advocate for governmental investment in regenerative medicine. Perhaps no scientist has pushed harder for rigorous standards for stem cell banking, which this proposal may at last bring to fruition.

In South Korea stem cell banks have not been operated under a specific legal structure, so development and progress has been limited. The proposed law suggests that the harvesting and preservation of stem cells must be controlled by national regulation, specifically a management system for stem cell harvesting, storage and implantation. Through this, stem cell experts expect growth in responsible stem cell research and faster, even safer development of therapeutics.

Additionally, the current Korean policy requires stem cell programs - regardless of whether there are available therapies for patients with any particular condition - to complete clinical trial phase III for market approval. Had such rules been in place, for example, for the treatment of H.I.V., tens of thousands of people would have died. Many treatments for those with incurable diseases have been approved without completion of Phase III including stem cell treatments in other nations, even for the treatment of HIV, which stem cells have now cured. The bill under consideration proposes that physicians can use their own stem cells to treat conditions under their discretion if those stem cells are properly expanded, managed, handled and provided to clinicians for them at or above the proposed standards, which is the best news patients with incurable diseases for which no existing cure is available by current medicine have had in a long time.

When the bill is passed, high standards will be established and the better methods will immediately be made obvious to both government and patients. Through this the stem cell community expects a leap in industrial growth, and a leap in the ethical adherence of physicians to do no harm to patients and to provide remedies where possible for the aid of their patients.

The Korean medical community also expects not only to see an influx of domestic patients but also many patients from other nations that lack standards for the growth of patients' own stem cells. South Korea, many economists predict, could become the Mecca for stem cell therapeutics.

America Stem Cell, Inc. Awarded a Phase I STTR to Explore the Therapeutic Potential of Its Platform Technology (ASC …

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Fredricko

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

America Stem Cell, Inc. (ASC) today announced that it has been awarded an Advanced Technology Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) grant from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health. This grant will be conducted in collaboration with scientists at the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) in Winston-Salem, NC, and will explore the combination of two technologies: ASC-101 developed by America Stem Cell and amniotic fluid-derived stem cells discovered and pioneered by Dr. Shay Soker and colleagues at WFIRM. We will examine the effect of ASC-101-treated amniotic fluid-derived stem cells in an experimental model of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome results from a variety of injuries such as fractures, contusions, burns, trauma, post-ischemic swelling and blast injuries such as gunshot wounds. If not addressed quickly, it can lead to considerable loss of muscle tissue. Musculoskeletal disorders are the primary cause of disability in the United States with associated costs of more than $800 billion annually. In addition to civilian injuries, more than 42,000 soldiers have been injured since the beginning of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars: the majority of these injuries were musculoskeletal in nature.

America Stem Cell has demonstrated that ASC-101 enhances the ability of stem cells to migrate to their target tissue. While most companies are concerned with the type of cells used for cell therapy (i.e. the hardware), America Stem Cell addresses how to get the cells to go where they are needed most (i.e. the software). With this award, America Stem Cell will expand the potential for therapeutic application of ASC-101 with amniotic fluid-derived stem cells. According to Dr. Leonard Miller, the Co-Principal Investigator on the grant, The successful combination of ASC-101 with amniotic fluid-derived stem cells would be directly relevant to improving the treatment of muscle damage that occurs following compartment syndrome as well as multiple other types of injuries.

America Stem Cell, Inc. is a clinical stage company that is in clinical trials at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for improving clinical outcomes for cancer patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This award enables America Stem Cell to expand the development of ASC-101 to yet another cell type. Lynnet Koh, CEO of America Stem Cell, noted, The combination of ASC-101 with amniotic fluid-derived stem cells could synergistically enhance the therapeutic and regenerative capacity of these cells and most importantly provide an off-the-shelf, effective solution for tissue damage due to multiple types of injuries or diseases. ASC-101 is a transformative technology with the potential to improve clinical outcomes for patients undergoing a wide variety of cell therapies for the treatment of diseases such as graft versus host disease, diabetic complications, and ischemic diseases such as myocardial infarctions, retinopathy and critical limb ischemia. America Stem Cell has established a number of collaborations examining the potential of ASC-101 to improve cell therapies for multiple clinical conditions using a wide variety of cell types.

About America Stem Cell, Inc.

America Stem Cell is a privately held biotechnology company based in San Antonio, TX, with offices in San Diego, CA, and is dedicated to the development and commercialization of enabling technologies to enhance and expand the therapeutic potential of cell therapies. The key technology platforms (ASC-101 and ASC-102) are designed to improve the homing and engraftment of cells to target organs. ASC-101 is currently in clinical trials to improve the therapeutic potential of hematopoietic stem cells for patients in need of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Additionally, these technologies have the potential to enhance the efficacy of cell therapies for the treatment of inflammation from chemotherapy/radiation, autoimmune diseases, and ischemic diseases including myocardial infarction and stroke. America Stem Cell has partnerships and collaborations with Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Spectrum Medical Innvoations, Florida Biologix, and various medical research institutions including the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center,,University of California San Diego, Sanford-Burnham Institute, Indiana University, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as well as corporate partnerships. For additional information, please contact Lynnet Koh at 210-410-6427, or view http://www.americastemcell.com.

Probing matters of the heart: Stem cell differentiation study sheds light on genetic basis of heart disease

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Fredricko

ScienceDaily (Sep. 14, 2012) The fate of an embryonic stem cell, which has the potential to become any type of body cell, is determined by a complex interaction of genes, proteins that bind DNA, and molecules that modify those genes and proteins.

In a new paper, biologists from MIT and the University of California at San Francisco have outlined how those interactions direct the development of stem cells into mature heart cells. The study, the first to follow heart-cell differentiation over time in such detail, could help scientists better understand how particular mutations can lead to congenital heart defects. It could also assist efforts to engineer artificial heart tissue.

"We're hoping that some of the information we've been able to glean from our study will help us to approach a new understanding of heart development, and also lead to the possibility of using cells that are generated in a dish to replace heart cells that are lost as a consequence of aging and disease," says Laurie Boyer, an associate professor of biology at MIT and a senior author of the paper, which appears in the Sept. 13 online edition of Cell.

Research in Boyer's lab focuses on how DNA is organized and controlled in different cell types to create the wide variety of cells that make up the human body.

Inside a cell, DNA is wrapped around proteins called histones, which help control which genes are accessible at any given time. Histones may be tagged with different chemical modifications, which influence whether a particular stretch of DNA is exposed or hidden.

"These modifications cause structural changes that can act as docking sites for other factors to bind," says Joe Wamstad, a postdoc in Boyer's lab and one of the lead authors of the Cell paper. "It may make the DNA more or less accessible to manipulation by other factors, helping to ensure that you don't express a gene at the wrong time."

In this paper, the researchers found that histone-modification patterns shift rapidly as a stem cell differentiates. Furthermore, the patterns reveal genes that are active at different stages, as well as regulatory elements that control those genes.

Tracking development

To discover those patterns, the researchers grew mouse embryonic stem cells in a lab dish and treated them with proteins and growth factors that drive heart cell development. The cells could be followed through four distinct stages, from embryonic stem cells to fully differentiated cardiomyocytes (the cells that compose heart muscle). At each stage, the researchers used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze histone modifications and determine which genes were being expressed.

"It's basically watching differentiation over time in a dish, and being able to take snapshots of that and put it all together to try to understand how the complex process of cardiac commitment is regulated," Boyer says.

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Probing matters of the heart: Stem cell differentiation study sheds light on genetic basis of heart disease

Whitehead Scientists Bring New Efficiency to Stem Cell Reprogramming

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Fredricko

Newswise CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (September 13, 2012) Several years ago, biologists discovered that regular body cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells cells with the ability to become any other type of cell. Such cells hold great promise for treating many human diseases.

These induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are usually created by genetically modifying cells to overexpress four genes that make them revert to an immature, embryonic state. However, the procedure works in only a small percentage of cells.

Now, new genetic markers identified by researchers at Whitehead Institute and MIT could help make that process more efficient, allowing scientists to predict which treated cells will successfully become pluripotent.

The new paper, published in the Sept. 13 online edition of Cell, also identifies new combinations of reprogramming factors that produce iPSCs, according to the researchers.

Led by Rudolf Jaenisch, a Whitehead Founding Member and an MIT professor of biology, the study is the first to examine genetic changes that occur in individual cells as they become pluripotent. Previous studies have only looked at gene-expression changes in large populations of cells not all of which will actually reprogram making it harder to pick out genes involved in the process.

In previous studies, you werent able to detect the few cells that expressed predictive pluripotency markers. The really cool part of this study is that you can detect two or three cells that express these important genes early, which has never been done before, says Dina Faddah, a graduate student in Jaenischs lab and one of the papers lead authors.

The other lead author is Yosef Buganim, a postdoc at Whitehead Institute.

Single-cell analysis

In 2007, scientists discovered that adult human cells could be reprogrammed by overexpressing four genes Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4. However, in a population of cells in which those genes are overexpressed, only about 0.1 to 1 percent will become pluripotent.

In the new study, Jaenischs team reprogrammed mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and then measured their expression of 48 genes known or suspected to be involved in pluripotency at several points during the process. This allowed them to compare gene-expression profiles in cells that became pluripotent, those that did not, and those that were only partially reprogrammed.

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Whitehead Scientists Bring New Efficiency to Stem Cell Reprogramming

Scientists bring new efficiency to stem cell reprogramming

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Fredricko

In this image of mouse embryonic fibroblasts undergoing reprogramming, each colored dot represents messenger RNA associated with a specific gene that is active in cells being reprogrammed. Red dots represent mRNA for the gene Sall4, green is Sox2, and blue is Fbxo15. The researchers determined that Sox2 activates Sall4 and then activates the downstream gene Fbxo15, creating a gene hierarchy in the later phase of reprogramming. Credit: Dina Faddah/Whitehead Institute

Several years ago, biologists discovered that regular body cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cellscells with the ability to become any other type of cell. Such cells hold great promise for treating many human diseases.

The new paper, published in the Sept. 13 online edition of Cell, also identifies new combinations of reprogramming factors that produce iPSCs, according to the researchers.

Led by Rudolf Jaenisch, a Whitehead Founding Member and an MIT professor of biology, the study is the first to examine genetic changes that occur in individual cells as they become pluripotent. Previous studies have only looked at gene-expression changes in large populations of cellsnot all of which will actually reprogrammaking it harder to pick out genes involved in the process.

"In previous studies, you weren't able to detect the few cells that expressed predictive pluripotency markers. The really cool part of this study is that you can detect two or three cells that express these important genes early, which has never been done before," says Dina Faddah, a graduate student in Jaenisch's lab and one of the paper's lead authors.

The other lead author is Yosef Buganim, a postdoc at Whitehead Institute.

Single-cell analysis

In 2007, scientists discovered that adult human cells could be reprogrammed by overexpressing four genesOct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4. However, in a population of cells in which those genes are overexpressed, only about 0.1 to 1 percent will become pluripotent.

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Scientists bring new efficiency to stem cell reprogramming

Tracking stem cell reprogramming: Biologists reveal genes key to development of pluripotency, in single cells

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Fredricko

ScienceDaily (Sep. 13, 2012) Several years ago, biologists discovered that regular body cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells -- cells with the ability to become any other type of cell. Such cells hold great promise for treating many human diseases.

Now, new genetic markers identified by researchers at MIT and the Whitehead Institute could help make that process more efficient, allowing scientists to predict which treated cells will successfully become pluripotent.

The new paper, published in the Sept. 13 online edition of Cell, also identifies new combinations of reprogramming factors that produce iPSCs, according to the researchers.

Led by Rudolf Jaenisch, an MIT professor of biology and member of the Whitehead Institute, the study is the first to examine genetic changes that occur in individual cells as they become pluripotent. Previous studies have only looked at gene-expression changes in large populations of cells -- not all of which will actually reprogram -- making it harder to pick out genes involved in the process.

The other lead author is Yosef Buganim, a postdoc at the Whitehead Institute.

Single-cell analysis

In 2007, scientists discovered that adult human cells could be reprogrammed by overexpressing four genes -- Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4. However, in a population of cells in which those genes are overexpressed, only about 0.1 to 1 percent will become pluripotent.

In the new study, Jaenisch's team reprogrammed mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and then measured their expression of 48 genes known or suspected to be involved in pluripotency at several points during the process. This allowed them to compare gene-expression profiles in cells that became pluripotent, those that did not, and those that were only partially reprogrammed.

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Tracking stem cell reprogramming: Biologists reveal genes key to development of pluripotency, in single cells

Professional Conferences Held as Part of Cryo-Save's Cord Blood Awareness Months

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Fredricko

Zutphen, The Netherlands (ots/PRNewswire) -

Cryo-Save Group promotes the awareness of cord blood storage and stem cell therapies at several professional conferences held throughout eastern and southern Europe.

It is with great pleasure that Cryo-Save supports the awareness, research and advancement of cord blood storage and therapies by taking part in and sponsoring four major conferences in Cyprus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Hungary during the months of September and October.

Stem cells are becoming ever more important in the medical field as a way to treat a broad variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases such as leukemia's and other childhood cancers. Patients suffering from sickle cell anemia have been considered cured after being treated with stem cells.[1] Over 4,000 clinical trials using cord blood stem cells are taking place to treat diseases such as cerebral palsy, diabetes and autism with many more potential clinical trials continuing to develop.

"Cryo-Save's efforts to inform the medical community about advances in regenerative medicine means that patients suffering from diseases treatable with stem cells can also become better informed," says Dr. Cherie Daly, Medical Affairs Manager Cryo-Save. "Having a series of events and programs as part of Cord Blood Awareness Months makes an even stronger impact on the meaningfulness of this research and its application." Cryo-Save Group will continue its commitment to promoting the storage of cord blood and stem cells even after Cord Blood Awareness Months by offering several customer related promotions.

A half-day conference in Limassol, Cyprus will be held September 15 giving the medical community the opportunity to talk with scientists specialized in stem cells about the latest applications and cord blood and tissue regulatory requirements. Cryo-Save's Medical Affairs Manager Dr. Cherie Daly, member of ITERA (International Tissue Engineering Research Association), member of the Advisory Panel for the Parents' Guide to Cord Blood Foundation and Dr. Sally Sennitt, Cryo-Save Lab Director, will be there to present on these topics.

The third International Conference on Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cells, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnologies will take place September 21 in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arnoud van Tulder, Cryo-Save Group CEO, will present on the "Importance of Family Stem Cell Banking: Over 10 Years of Leading Experience." Medical professionals will also present on subjects like applications of cord blood, stem cell therapies and pharmacogenomics.

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1. University of Illinois at Chicago (2012, June 18). Chicago woman cured of sickle cell disease. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 12, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120618194714.htm

With the idea of broadening perspectives and expanding knowledge in the areas of regenerative medicine, genetics and clinical applications, Cryo-Save Serbia will be sponsoring the fifth International Symposium on Regenerative and Personalised Medicine on October 4 in Belgrade. Leading speakers such as Prof. Dr. Daniel Surbek from the University of Bern, Switzerland and Maja Stojiljkovic Petrovic, PhD of IMGGE, University of Belgrade will present their research and other works pertaining to stem cell application in tissue engineering at the symposium.

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Professional Conferences Held as Part of Cryo-Save's Cord Blood Awareness Months

Eastday-Stem cell donors reaches 3,000 mark

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Fredricko

The number of hematopoietic stem cell donors in the Chinese mainland hit 3,000 on Friday, as the country saw a rapid increase in donors over the last four years, an official said.

Hong Junling, director of the China Marrow Donor Program, a nonprofit organization under the auspices of the Red Cross Society of China, said that 3,000 people have donated their blood cells to domestic and overseas patients through the program.

"It took 12 years for the CMDP to witness the growth of stem cell donors from the first case to the 1,000th case from 1996 to 2008, yet the number increased from 1,000 to 3,000 cases within the last four years," he said during a news conference on Friday.

Hematopoietic stem cells are routinely used to treat a series of blood diseases, including leukemia and anemia, according to a leaflet published by the program.

The organization, established in 1992, has become the world's fourth-largest databank of stem cells donors, ranking after the United States, Germany and Brazil, with more than 1.5 million candidate donors listed in its database, Hong said.

"The number of candidate donors who had their blood samples enlisted in the program is expected to reach 2 million in 2015," he said.

The 3,000th donor was Ma Yahui, a 34-year-old woman from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, who had her blood extracted on Thursday at a hospital in Beijing. She received a certificate on Friday from the program with the number "3,000".

"I thought previously that donating stem cells is quite complicated, but I found out it is very simple after my blood was extracted yesterday," she said. "It's similar to donating blood."

The donated stem cells will be transplanted to a 2-year-old boy in South Korea who has leukemia, Ma said.

"I am a mother of a 4-year-old boy, and I felt deep sympathy toward the Korean baby patient," she said. "Saving the life of other people is not so difficultwhat we should do is just reach out our arms and give a little blood to the patients."

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Eastday-Stem cell donors reaches 3,000 mark

RNL BIO, a South Korean adult stem cell firm, introduces its autologous stem cell therapeutics in Turkey to treat …

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Fredricko

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --RNL Bio (www.rnl.co.kr) announced on Sep 11, 2012 that it signed the agreement with RST Biomedikal Sanayi A.S. (RST), a Turkish company, to license RNL Bio's stem cell technology. Turkey is the 6th country where RNL Bio's stem cell technology has entered. This is one of the major accomplishments that RNL BIO has long focused on establishing the so-called 'Stem Cell Silk Road' with South Korean stem cell technology to give hope to patients with intractable diseases in the world.

RST as a licensee will pay the $5 million fee upfront within 60 days from the agreement and will continue to pay the running royalty of 15% of the revenue, which could be up to $ 200 million. RST will benefit from the geographical advantages of Turkey where Western, Arabic and Oriental cultures are crossed. It plans to establish a GMP facility and invite patients from Europe and Middle East early next year.

Ilknur Erdemin, CEO of RST said, "We expect to improve public health and the quality of life in Turkey through stem cell therapy technology imported from RNL BIO in treating various intractable diseases. We will also grow Turkey to one of the world's most renowned country in regards to medical tourism with RNL's stem cell technology in combination with Turkish World's Heritage." To begin with, RST will focus on the treatment ofdiabeticcomplications, autoimmune diseases, cerebral palsy, and degenerative arthritis with RNL's autologous adipose derived stem cell technology. Stem cell therapy has already been allowed by Turkish health authority since 2011. Turkey actively promotes the industry of regenerative medicine and makes a quick move to expand in related fields.

Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra, president of RNL Stem Cell Technology Institute said, "This licensing deal will be a good opportunity todevelopRNL's stem cell technology to be the world's standards and tofulfillmy goal to make RNL BIO a company that will have treated and helped the most patients suffering from intractable diseases." He had a seminar introducing his stem cell studies to Turkish attendees from related fields and distinguished invitees one day prior to signing licensing agreement.

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RNL BIO, a South Korean adult stem cell firm, introduces its autologous stem cell therapeutics in Turkey to treat ...

CIRM Funds Six UC San Diego Stem Cell Researchers

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Fredricko

Newswise The governing board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has announced that six investigators from the University of California, San Diego Stem Cell Research program have received a total of more than $7 million in the latest round of CIRM funding. This brings UC San Diegos total to more than $128 million in CIRM funding since the first awards in 2006.

UC San Diego scientists funded by the newly announced CIRM Basic Biology Awards IV include Maike Sander, MD, professor of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Miles Wilkinson, PhD, professor, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology; Gene Yeo, PhD, MBA, assistant professor with the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the Institute for Genomic Medicine; George L. Sen, PhD, assistant professor of cellular and molecular medicine; David Traver, PhD, associate professor with the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ananda Goldrath, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Biological Sciences.

Sander was awarded nearly $1.4 million for her proposal to define and characterize the key transcription factors necessary to promote maturation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived pancreatic progenitors into mature insulin-secreting beta cells. The loss of pancreatic beta cells in type 1 diabetes results in the absence of insulin secreted by the pancreas. The goal of this work is to enable scientists to one day produce an unlimited source of transplantable beta-cells for patients with diabetes.

Wilkinsons grant of $1.36 million will allow his lab to develop and test induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) from patients with genetic mutations in a component of the pathway that results in intellectual disabilities. Many of these patients also have autism, attention-deficit disorders or schizophrenia. Directed towards understanding fundamental mechanisms by which all stem cells are maintained, his research has the potential to impact non-psychiatric disorders as well.

A grant of almost $1.4 million will fund Yeos research to help decode the mechanisms that underlie the single most frequent genetic mutation found to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Yeo will generate iPSCs and differentiated motor neurons derived from patients with these mutations, then use genome-wide technologies to analyze these and normal cells and test strategies to rescue mutation-induced defects in iPSC-derived motor neurons.

Sen received a grant of just over $1 million to investigate how tissue specific stem and progenitor cells exist to replenish both healthy, normal tissue and for regeneration from a wound. Disease and aging deplete stem and progenitor cells, impeding the bodys ability to regenerate itself. Sens work aims to better understand the mechanisms of self-renewal and differentiation in epidermal (skin) stem cells. Imbalanced growth and differentiation of epidermal cells can lead to a variety of human skin disorders, including psoriasis and cancer.

Traver, who was awarded a CIRM grant of more than $1.3 million in collaboration with Thierry Jaffredo of the Universit Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, studies hematopoietic stem cells. HSCs are rare, multipotent stem cells that give rise to all blood cell types, including red blood and immune cells. Travers lab investigates the genes and signaling pathways used by vertebrate embryos to create the first HSCs. An understanding of this developmental process has implications for producing restorative stem cell-based therapies for diseases like leukemia and congenital blood disorders. Currently, medical treatments using HSCs are hampered by cell shortages and finding compatible matches between donors and recipients.

Goldraths $1.16 million grant will help develop strategies to induce immunological tolerance to hESC-derived tissues and cells. Immune-mediated rejection of hESC-derived tissues remains a significant barrier to the promise of regenerative therapies. She proposes a novel approach to promote long-term acceptance of hESC-derived tissues by exploring the molecular pathways and immune cell types that mediate the induction of immune tolerance and pursuing additional targets that halt rejection of tissue grafts derived from these stem cells. If successful, this would increase the potential reach of cellular therapies by decreasing the undesirable side effects of generalized immune suppression.

The CIRM Basic Biology Awards are designed to fund investigations into the basic mechanisms underlying stem cell biology, cellular plasticity, and cellular differentiation. These awards will also fund the development and use human stem cell based models for exploring disease. According to CIRM, studies supported by these awards will form the foundation for future translational and clinical advances, enabling the realization of the full potential of human stem cells and reprogrammed cells for therapies and as tools for biomedical innovation.

CIRM was established in November 2004 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act. The statewide ballot measure provided $3 billion in funding for stem cell research at California universities and research institutions and called for the establishment of an entity to make grants and provide loans for stem cell research, research facilities, and other vital research opportunities.

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CIRM Funds Six UC San Diego Stem Cell Researchers

Unprecedented Donation by Korean Stem Cell Leader: Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra of RNL Bio announces the donation of 90% of his …

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Fredricko

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra, founder and largest shareholder of RNL Bio (www.rnl.co.kr),an international biotechnology research and development firm, has pledged to give away 90% of his personal wealth over the next 10 years to promote social causes consistent with the values of human life. Dr. Ra will donate 90% privately owned equity, equity-related bonds, warrants and other assets of RNL Bio Co. and RNL Bio affiliates to the following four non-profit organizations: Bethesda Life Foundation, Yesung Medical Corporation, Academia Christiana of Korea, and Central Christian Academy.

Since 2009, Dr. Ra, based on the value of respect for human life, has supported various causes that promote social justice, access to health care, and wellness across the lifespan. A donation of $1M from Dr. Ra established the Bethesda Life Foundation (http://www.bethesdalife.org/index.php/donate), a nonprofit organization for social welfare, committed to providing patients with chronic rare diseases with access to medical care and life-saving therapies.

Through his donation, Dr. Ra wants to continue his healthcare support for those with retractable diseases as well as support for educating children of underprivileged patients with such diseases. Dr. Ra "hoped that this donation becomes the turning point for RNL Bio to fulfill its responsibility as a society helping enterprise." He also explained that while he continues to serve as a stem cell scientist at RNL Stem Cell Technology Institute he plans to focus his efforts upon the research on finding cure of rare chronic diseases.

Dr. Ra's gift is made in the spirit of other major corporate leaders worldwide who have become instrumental philanthropists by converting their personal fortune into a foundation for good, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Bill Clinton. Dr. Ra is mirroring Mr. Buffet and Mr. Gates' contributions that were made in late 2010 for the wealthy to donate at least 50% of their personal wealth.

A Commitment to Healing and Social Justice

< Bethesda Life Foundation > Bethesda Life Foundation supports patients of rare and chronic disease in the socially and economically underprivileged class with various medical help. The mission of Bethesda Life Foundation is, based on the value life-respect, for all mankind to enjoy a healthy and happy life.

< Yesung Medical Corporation > Yesung Medical Corporation operates the Bethesda General Hospital, located in Yangsan, Korea and the hospital has advanced in specializing theregenerative medicine using adult stem cell research and technology. With the realization of 100-year longevity utilizing stem cells as the mission, the corporation is enhancing the medical technology of respect for life.

< Academia Christiana of Korea > Academia Christiana was established in order to contribute to establish the mental discipline of the country and people by Christian studies to meet the growth and development of the Church in Korea. Academia Christiana of Korea has been organizing academic seminars and public lectures, publishing academic research papers and operating Ulaanbaatar University in Mongol.

< Central Christian Academy School Corporation > Founder Pastor Billy Kim and his wife were sent out to return to Korea in 1959 as missionaries from the Christian Service Center, an international mission organization, based in Ohio, USA and appointed to Suwon Central Baptist Church. After establishing Central Kindergarten in 1978, he obtained the lot in Woncheon-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Korea, received the approval of School Corporation to open the Central Christian School to achieve the goal of nurturing Christians to become the world's salt and light through cooperation of homes, schools and churches.

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Unprecedented Donation by Korean Stem Cell Leader: Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra of RNL Bio announces the donation of 90% of his ...

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