JERUSALEM, May23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Hadasit Bio-Holdings Ltd. (TASE: HDST, OTC: HADSY), a publicly traded portfolio of biotech companies, based on intellectual property developed and owned by Hadassah University Hospital, Israel's foremost medical research center, today announced that its portfolio company, Cell Cure Neurosciences Ltd., received significant funding from the Israeli Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) to support product development and advance clinical trials. Cell Cure's development budget totaling NIS 11.5 million (over $3 million USD) was approved for a grant of close to 50% financial support. CEO of Hadasit Bio-Holdings, Ophir Shahaf, stated, "We are very pleased with the recent grant approvals. This substantial government support, particularly at a time of cut backs in government spending, is a vote of confidence and an expression of faith. The OCS conducted a rigorous evaluation of Cell Cure's scientific, managerial and potential. The financial support will fund up to 60% of certain aspects of the company's activities. Cell Cure is at the forefront of the regenerative medicine field with stem cell therapies posing as the promising future of medicine, attracting worldwide scientific reviews and substantial investments. Using the unique cell lines, directed differentiation process and controlled growth … Continue reading →

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BioTime, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTX) today announced that at a Special Meeting held on May 21, 2013, its shareholders approved the proposals related to the planned acquisition of stem cell related assets from Geron Corporation by BioTimes subsidiary Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Asterias). Each of the proposals received at least 32,459,164 votes in favor from the 34,450,307 shares that were represented and voted, in person or by proxy, at the meeting. Additional information concerning the proposals approved at the Special Meeting and the vote totals can be found in a Form 8-K that BioTime has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Approvals of the Share Issuance Proposal and the Articles Amendment Proposal were necessary for the acquisition of stem cell related assets from Geron Corporation under the Asset Contribution Agreement, as the approval of those proposals satisfies one of the conditions required to be met in order to complete the asset contribution transaction. About BioTime, Inc. BioTime, headquartered in Alameda, California, is a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine and blood plasma volume expanders. Its broad platform of stem cell technologies is enhanced through subsidiaries focused on specific fields of application. BioTime develops and markets research products … Continue reading →

BROWNSBURG, Ind., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) and StemCyte, Inc., a global leader in human cord blood stem cell banking and therapeutics, announced today that StemCyte has become an associate sponsor of the No. 16 Acorn Stairlifts Indy car driven by James Jakes. Sponsorship is for the remainder of the IZOD IndyCar 2013 season. StemCyte, Inc.and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) will work to support awareness of umbilical cord blood banking and its educational initiative 'Stars for Stem Cells'. Cord blood stem cells are potential cures for over 80 illnesses, including cancers,blood disorders, immune and genetic diseases, and continuebe a keyelement in regenerative medicine research. "We are very excited about our relationship withRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing," said Calvin Cole, StemCyte President for Commercial Operations, North America."We believe StemCyte's brandaligns with thepioneeringimage of IndyCar and thechampionship spirit of Bobby Rahal. SupportingdriverJames Jakes and getting the word outon optionsfor expecting parents to secure their baby's cord bloodforfuturelife-saving treatmentsis very important." "We are always looking towards innovation in our ongoing efforts within the world of motorsports," said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with CBS LATE SHOW host David Letterman and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan. "Working with … Continue reading →