BioInformant's mission is to bring you breaking stem cell news from around the world. With the stem cell industry changing at lightening speed, it is not easy to keep up on current events. Check out our coverage below and let me know what you think. Enjoy!
Pluristem Therapeutics presented new data at the RITN (Radiation Injury Treatment Network) conference from a recent study evaluating PLX-R18 as a treatment for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). Pluristem recently announced positive data from a Phase II-equivalent study under the FDA Animal Rule demonstrating improved survival and hematological recovery of non-human primates (NHP) exposed to high levels of radiation. New data from the study focuses on 12 additional NHPs that were exposed to lower radiation levels than those in the initial study.Gamida Cell Inc. Names Ronit Simantov, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer
Gamida Cell announced that Ronit Simantov, M.D. will join the Company as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO) based in the United States. Gamida Cell is now enrolling patients to the Phase 3 registration study of its FDA Breakthrough Designation product, NiCord®. According to Dr. Yael Margolin, CEO of Gamida Cell, "Dr. Simantov will play a central role in the late stage development program and associated activities geared towards commercialization of NiCord, backed by the recently announced $40 million financing."
Black Beret Life Sciences LLC Leads Acquisition of Okyanos Center for Regenerative Medicine
Black Beret Life Sciences has finalized the acquisition of Okyanos Operating Company, a state-of-the-art adult stem cell and regenerative medicine center based in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Dr. W.E. (“Ed”) Bosarge founded Black Beret Life Sciences (BBLS) to identify and manage investments in game-changing biotechnology innovations on behalf of the Bosarge family office and other investors. Since its launch in 2014, BBLS has invested in and supported key research and development efforts in regenerative medicine, obesity and diabetes, and cancer therapeutics.
Growing Stem Cells in Suspension Bioreactors – Interview with Dr. Angel of Accellta
Accellta has introduced a paradigm shift to the stem cell marketplace, by quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively growing massive quantities of clinical grade cells in xeno-free, feeder-free culture, utilizing methods of growing the cells in suspension. The company can increase a cell population from 1 million cells to 10 billion cells in two weeks with a bi-weekly change of media and an overall cost of about $3,000, by using bioreactors to do it in a very efficient way. Accellta is now exploring applications of its technologies within the fields of biofabrication, 3D stem cell printing, and 3D stem cell weaving.
Cesca Therapeutics Acquires Cell Processing Systems of SynGen
Cesca Therapeutics, a market leader in automated cell processing and point-of-care, autologous cell-based therapies, announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, ThermoGenesis Corp., has entered into an asset acquisition agreement with SynGen Inc., a technology company active in the cellular processing field. ThermoGenesis acquired substantially all of SynGen’s operating assets, including its proprietary cell processing platform technology. In exchange, ThermoGenesis granted SynGen 20% of its common stock and paid a one-time cash payment of $1 million.
Among cell therapy companies, the pressure for manufacturing innovation and optimization can incentivize them to seek third-party partners who possess technical, manufacturing, and regulatory expertise, such as cell therapy contract and development manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). Currently, there are more than 20 cell therapy CDMOs specializing in manufacturing and clinical trial support for cell therapy companies. Benefits of partnering with a cell therapy CDMO include scalability, speed to market, access to technical expertise without overhead costs, and cost efficiencies.
Flagship Pioneering Launches Sigilon to Advance Encapsulated Cell Therapies
Flagship Pioneering announced the launch of Sigilon Therapeutics. Sigilon’s discovery platform combines cell engineering and revolutionary biocompatible Afibromer™ technology, a new class of implantable biomaterials that do not trigger fibrosis. The company will develop products that emerge from its discovery platform to treat serious hematologic, enzyme deficiency and endocrine disorders. The CEO of Sigilon Therapeutics is Dr. Paul Wotton, who previously served as president and CEO of Ocata Therapeutics until it was acquired by Astellas Pharma. Flagship capitalized Sigilon Therapeutics with $23.5 million. Cord Blood Industry is "Consolidating and Maturing"
Although the cord blood industry experienced strong growth during the 2000’s, it has witnessed substantial maturation and consolidation over the past few years. One major event was the acquisition of the United States’ largest cord blood bank, Cord Blood Registry (CBR), by AMAG Pharmaceuticals for $700M in March 2015. Australia’s largest cord blood bank (Cell Care) also acquired Canada’s largest cord blood bank (Insception Lifebank) in October 2016. Additionally, the phenomenon of “holding companies” has emerged, with groups like CryoHoldco buying up cord blood banks within targeted regions of the world.
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