Monthly Archives: March 2012

OTTAWA A team of Canadian researchers has been awarded $442,000 to test the world's first experimental stem-cell therapy aimed at patients who suffer from septic shock, a runaway infection of the bloodstream that's notoriously difficult to treat. The federal grant will allow researchers from the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute to use mesenchymal stem cells, found in the bone marrow of healthy adults, to treat as many as 15 patients with septic shock. The deadly infection occurs when toxic bacteria spreads rapidly throughout the body and over-activates the immune system, leading to multiple organ failure and death in up to 40 per cent of cases. One in five patients admitted to intensive-care units suffers from septic shock, making it the most common illness among a hospital's sickest of the sick. Existing treatments focus on early diagnosis and intervention before organs start to fail. Patients with septic shock require aggressive resuscitation measures, large doses of intravenous antibiotics and, often, ventilators to help them breathe. Yet because the infection can creep up on patients rapidly and cause unpredictable complications, death from septic shock remains relatively common. The experimental therapy aims to use donor stem cells, grown and purified at the Ottawa laboratory, to … Continue reading →

LEUVEN, BELGIUM--(Marketwire -03/15/12)- TiGenix NV (EURONEXT: TIG) today gave a business update and announced financial results for the full year 2011. Business highlights Financial highlights "TiGenix has created a new and strong basis in 2011 on which we can build going forward and we have strengthened our position as the European leader in cell therapy," says Eduardo Bravo, CEO of TiGenix. "We have delivered on our promises: we have obtained national reimbursement for ChondroCelect in Belgium and made progress in other European markets. We advanced all clinical stem cell programs on plan, and raised substantial funds from specialized healthcare investors and through non-dilutive financing. Today, TiGenix is well-positioned to reach the next value-enhancing inflection points." Business Update Successful integration of Cellerix reinforces leadership position in cell therapyIn May 2011, TiGenix closed the business combination with the stem cell therapy company Cellerix, creating the European leader in cell therapy. During 2011 the Company succeeded in rapidly integrating both entities. The Company now combines top line revenues with an advanced pipeline of clinical stage regenerative and immuno-modulatory products. TiGenix's operations are supported by a strong commercial and manufacturing infrastructure for advanced cell therapies, an experienced international management team and a solid cash … Continue reading →

The Board of Trusties of the Centre for Science and Society at Trinity College of the University of Oxford, England has appointed Nikolai Tankovich, MD, PhD, FASLMS as a Legate of the Centre. Dr. Tankovich is President and Chief Medical officer of Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. and Chairman of Stemedica International S.A. a manufacturer of ischemic tolerant adult allogeneic stem cells. (PRWEB) March 15, 2012 Dr. Tankovich has been a frequent lecturer and guest speaker at the Centre for the last several years. The position of Legate recognizes the importance of his continuing role in reporting on the latest worldwide trends in regenerative medicine and biotechnology. Dr Tankovich is a surgical oncologist who holds a Masters Degree in Physics and a PhD in Biophysics. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Tankovich is the author of multiple patents in the fields of stem cells and laser science. Dr. Frank C. Schuller, Director of the Centre for Science and Society at Trinity College said, We are pleased to formalize our valued relationship with Dr. Tankovich by naming him a Legate of the Center. This honor is in recognition of his extensive contributions to advancing … Continue reading →