How regenerative medicine could be used to contain COVID-19, others – Guardian

*Practice provides answer to challenges conventional medicine deemed unfixable, say experts More studies are validating the use of regenerative medicine to restore damaged organs, restore acute stroke patients, heal chronic pain and erectile dysfunction in male and female as well as prevent and treat viral infections such as COVID-19.

Indeed, several studies have shown that regenerative medicine is uniquely positioned to provide advanced organoid models to understand the infection mechanism of, identify patients at risk for, and develop ways to prevent COVID-19, as well as to introduce innovative treatments that have immune-modulatory and regenerative properties.

Organoids are tiny, self-organised three-dimensional tissue cultures that are derived from stem cells. Such cultures can be crafted to replicate much of the complexity of an organ, or to express selected aspects of it like producing only certain types of cells.

According to a recent study published in the journal Stem Cell Reviews and Reports and titled Regenerative Medicine in COVID-19 Treatment: Real Opportunities and Range of Promises, studies are increasing to find the best therapeutic approach for COVID-19 and its management.

The researchers said regenerative medicine offers various cell-tissue therapeutics and related products, such as stem cell therapy, natural killer (NK) cell therapy, Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, exosomes, and tissue products. Interestingly, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can reduce inflammatory symptoms and protect against cytokine storm, which critically contributes to the COVID-19 progression, they said.

The researchers concluded: COVID-19 can involve multiple systems, including the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal system, and the respiratory system, and this will depend on its profound effects on the immune system. Regenerative medicine offers various cell-tissue therapeutics and related products that might help the reversal of COVID-19-related immune dysregulation. In particular, the promising features of MSCs, including their regenerative properties and ability to differentiate into diverse cell lineages, have generated considerable interest among researchers whose work has offered intriguing perspectives on cell-based therapies for various diseases.

The immune-modulatory effects of MSCs, which may assist in inhibiting cytokine storm and lung inflammation, are of particular interest for COVID-19 therapy. Finally, Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can help the development of a personalised approach to COVID-19 therapy.

iPSCs are useful for researchers as they can provide an inexhaustible supply of cells that are identical to the patients.

A United States (U.S.) Board Certified Internist with a strong passion for regenerative aesthetic and cosmetic medicine, and Medical Director of Glory Wellness & Regenerative Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. David Ikudayisi, told The Guardian: One of the regenerative medicine protocols, which we also have available at our Centre, was approved for COVID-19 purposes; leveraging its immune modulatory effect to calm the potentially fatal cytokine storm of the disease. It also has the benefit of preventing or limiting lung scarring. Another protocol is in the early phase of clinical trial. While we are not a COVID-19 treating centre, it is important to note that regenerative medicine can play a role in the reduction of many of the adverse effects caused by COVID-19.

Ikudayisi said the future of regenerative medicine is very bright. We believe that the future of regenerative medicine is inevitable, and that conventional medicine will only have to catch up as it usually does to new discoveries in medicine. The more people get to hear about the merits and see the evidence; it will not be long before it becomes the norm. It starts with everyday people and medical professionals doing their due diligence and doing their research as I did. My team and I are always available to answer questions about it, and we welcome it on all our social platforms as well. We really hope it catches up soon enough to maximise these great benefits for many more patients in dire need of these amazing solutions.

Regenerative medicine has continued to generate excitement. What makes it significantly different from conventional medicine, and why would you recommend it for anyone in need of treatment? Ikudayisi said: It is great to see that Nigeria is catching up with the possibilities of regenerative medicine for our health. Conventional medicine uses anything from conservative management, the use of medication, or surgery at the other extreme to help maintain good health or get us as close to it as possible.

He said regenerative medicine on the other hand leverages the bodys natural healing mechanisms and attempts to accentuate their effects by increasing their availability to the specific organs needing regeneration. The ability to harness the bodys natural healing mechanisms using adult stem cell therapy (a subcategory of regenerative medicine) while minimising adverse effects confers on regenerative medicine a considerably greater safety profile than conventional medicine, Ikudayisi said.

He said regenerative medicine is not the secret sauce to fix all health problems, but is, however, a great tool provided by modern medicine to provide an answer to many health challenges that conventional medicine had deemed unfixable. Ikudayisi said conditions that have been considered incurable by conventional medicine due to their degenerative effects, are now made curable in the practical sense as regenerative medicine takes care of the organ degeneration.

The physician said the scientific/physiological base of the therapeutic effects of regenerative medicine, specifically adult stem cell therapy, creates endless opportunities for its application. Think about it this way, if the medical condition is of a degenerative nature, then regenerative medicine can be a viable option, he said.

Ikudayisi said he would continue to recommend regenerative medicine to anyone in need of treatment because where conventional medicine fails; it offers hope and delivers results beyond what conventional medicine can offer in most cases. The benefits are even more noticeable in acute phases of degeneration, he said.

Can regenerative medicine treat only select ailments or all manner of sicknesses? Ikudayisi said: The scope of application is broad and multi-systemic. This means it can be used for various systems and functions in the body. While the exceptions are diseases of a non-degenerative nature such as genetic or chromosome-related diseases; nonetheless, people with these challenges can see a reduction or improvement in symptoms even though it is not cured. Healthy people use it for anti-agEing, to feel stronger and healthier as well as look younger as they age.

As I mentioned earlier, regenerative medicine is not here to replace other branches of medicine. Like other new innovations in medicine, it can add value to other forms of medicine. For example, a patient with a displaced fracture needs the intervention of an orthopedic surgeon not regenerative medicine. However, it can be added during or after the orthopedic surgery to accelerate the healing process.

Here at Glory Wellness & Regenerative Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, we have seen so many success stories with this branch of medicine. We have treated patients with complex quadriplegia (two years old injury before our involvement due to partial transection of cervical spinal cord) and another with over nine years with cerebral palsy, both of whom have now gained the ability to move some of their extremities independently. We have also seen patients with uncontrolled diabetes with hypertension who now have blood pressures and hemoglobin A1c levels within the normal range as a result of these treatments.

We have also seen great results in patients treated for female/male sexual dysfunction, pain in their joints, neck, and back, and acute stroke (especially when the acute stroke is treated very early to prevent permanent residual symptoms). All patients with autoimmune disorders can also benefit from regenerative medicine; however, they will need continued treatments to maintain the symptoms relief.

Autistic patients in Nigeria are also benefiting from it, especially if the cause is autoimmune related (since up to 25 per cent of the autistic spectrum disorder could be caused by autoimmune diseases). Patients with chronic kidney disease in the early stages are not left out, but they will need more than one treatment session. This is just to mention a few medical conditions. One of the many joys we get is talking to people about their ailments and seeing how regenerative medicine can play a role in rejuvenating their health.

What feedback are you getting from those who have accessed this branch of medicine? Ikudayisi said many of the patients treated at Centre are delighted at their results, so much so that they are spreading the word person to person. We get a great number of them who are so pleasantly surprised of the outcome, as they also see improvements in areas they did not even think to mention to us. It is noteworthy that the therapeutic benefits they have received from regenerative medicine had been practically impossible with conventional medicine hence their satisfaction, joy, and excitement, he said.

The physician said an example is the case of a man with left testicular atrophy and low testosterone. After one session of autologous treatment, the left testicle grew back to normal size and the production of testosterone significantly increased. People who have infertility issues, both male and female, should not give up without considering one of the regenerative medicine protocols, especially those women that have tried In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) without success, he said.

How affordable is this new branch of medicine? It is truly relatively expensive due to the demand on medical manpower and the present cost of required materials. However, the costs are gradually coming down which we hope is sustained and accelerated so that more people can benefit. Our goal is to get these treatments to as many people as possible. This involves finding ways to reduce cost without compromising on value. Whenever possible, we notify our patients of these price cuts. Furthermore, there are alternative options of treatment with varying costs: this makes these treatments ultimately accessible to more people. The latest biggest price reduction is for people with pain in their peripheral joints, female and male sexual dysfunction, female urinary incontinence, chronic non-healing wounds, facial acne, and uneven skin tone.

I would like to mention that middle class to low income patients in Nigeria have also benefited from some of our regenerative medicine protocols.

Regardless of the cost of the procedure, you cannot put a price tag on a human life. Human life is priceless. As the famous adage goes, Your health, your wealth.

What is the success rate of regenerative medicine for those who have accessed treatment? Ikudayisi said the United States of America (USA) Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare claims that 75 to 80 per cent of patients have had significant pain relief and improved function. The USA Mayo Clinic website says that 40 to 70 per cent of patients find some level of pain relief using some of the regenerative medicine protocols.

The physician said the success rate has been generally high both in the USA and Nigeria at all the centres where he worked. He insisted the results differ from one patient to another, and some other centers do have low success rates. I too have had a couple of patients with delayed onset of effectiveness of treatment or patients needing additional or second treatment sessions before they begin to see positive results. It is important to mention or remind ourselves that there is no guarantee in medicine despite the hype surrounding adult stem cell therapy or regenerative medicine as a whole. It does not work 100 percent of the time. Nonetheless, there is a very high success rate amongst the patients with non-bleeding acute stroke when treatment is done within a couple of days to few weeks, with the goal of preventing permanent residual symptoms post stroke. This was evident in all our non-haemorrhagic acute stroke patients that we treated directly at our facility or through consultation in other hospitals, ranging from a top government official to a low-income grandmother. The general rule of thumb is that the earlier the treatment is given in acute injuries, the higher the success rate, Ikudayisi said.

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How regenerative medicine could be used to contain COVID-19, others - Guardian

The Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market To Witness Fierce Competition Amongst The Key Players – KYT24

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The healthcare industry has been focusing on excessive research and development in the last couple of decades to ensure that the need to address issues related to the availability of drugs and treatments for certain chronic diseases is effectively met. Healthcare researchers and scientists at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the Hong Kong University have successfully demonstrated the utilization of human induced pluripotent stem cells or hiPSCs from the skin cells of the patient for testing therapeutic drugs.

The success of this research suggests that scientists have crossed one more hurdle towards using stem cells in precision medicine for the treatment of patients suffering from sporadic hereditary diseases. iPSCs are the new generation approach towards the prevention and treatment of diseases that takes into account patients on an individual basis considering their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. Along with the capacity to transform into different body cell types and same genetic composition of the donors, hiPSCs have surfaced as a promising cell source to screen and test drugs.

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In the present research, hiPSC was synthesized from patients suffering from a rare form of hereditary cardiomyopathy owing to the mutations in Lamin A/C related cardiomyopathy in their distinct families. The affected individuals suffer from sudden death, stroke, and heart failure at a very young age. As on date, there is no exact treatment available for this condition.

This team in Hong Kong tested a drug named PTC124 to suppress specific genetic mutations in other genetic diseases into the iPSC transformed heart muscle cells. While this technology is being considered as a breakthrough in clinical stem cell research, the team at Hong Kong University is collaborating with drug companies regarding its clinical application.

The unique properties of iPS cells provides extensive potential to several biopharmaceutical applications. iPSCs are also used in toxicology testing, high throughput, disease modeling, and target identification. This type of stem cell has the potential to transform drug discovery by offering physiologically relevant cells for tool discovery, compound identification, and target validation.

A new report by Persistence Market Research (PMR) states that the globalinduced pluripotent stem or iPS cell marketis expected to witness a strong CAGR of 7.0% from 2018 to 2026. In 2017, the market was worth US$ 1,254.0 Mn and is expected to reach US$ 2,299.5 Mn by the end of the forecast period in 2026.

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Customization to be the Key Focus of Market Players

Due to the evolving needs of the research community, the demand for specialized cell lines have increased to a certain point where most vendors offering these products cannot depend solely on sales from catalog products. The quality of the products and lead time can determine the choices while requesting custom solutions at the same time. Companies usually focus on establishing a strong distribution network for enabling products to reach customers from the manufacturing units in a short time period.

Entry of Multiple Small Players to be Witnessed in the Coming Years

Several leading players have their presence in the global market; however, many specialized products and services are provided by small and regional vendors. By targeting their marketing strategies towards research institutes and small biotechnology companies, these new players have swiftly established their presence in the market.

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at ASH: Fauci fireside chat, latest on cell therapies, repairing immune function, COVID and clots and more – Fred Hutch News Service

SEATTLE Nov. 18, 2020 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centers latest findings on cell therapies, repairing immune function, and more will be featured at the 62nd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition, to be held virtually Dec. 5 8.

Dr. Stephanie Lee, ASH president and Fred Hutch physician-scientist will kick off the meeting with a fireside chat with Dr. Anthony Fauci. She will also chair ASHs annual E. Donnall Thomas Lecture, named for the Hutchs Nobel laureate Dr. Thomas, who would have turned 100 this year. This lectureship recognizes pioneering research achievements.

Lee shared other meeting highlights:

Follow Lee on Twitter: @StephanieLeeMD.

See below for selected presentations by Fred Hutch researchers, along with Fred Hutch experts to follow on Twitter. Presentations times are in the Pacific time zone.

Reporters requesting additional information or interviews, contact Molly McElroy: mwmcelro@fredhutch.org,206.941.8146 (cell). For media registration for the conference, see the ASH newsroom.

REPAIRING IMMUNE FUNCTION

Damage-Induced Pyroptotic Cell Death Facilitates Regeneration of the Thymus

As a small but mighty butterfly shaped gland in the chest, the thymus is the training ground for T cells to mature into disease-killing machines in the body. But over time, the thymus wears out from stress, infection and age. Finding ways to help repair it could have broad implications for preventing and treating cancer. Dr. Sinead Kinsella, a researcher in the lab of Dr. Jarrod Dudakov, will present findings on a new way of thymus regeneration in which a cell death process called pyroptosis is critical in releasing large numbers of signaling molecules that can trigger the thymus to repair itself. Abstract No. 735 (oral presentation) Monday, Dec. 7, 2020: 2:45 p.m. On Twitter: Dr. Sinead Kinsella: @shinkinsella Dr. Jarrod Dudakov: @Dudakov_lab

T CELL RECEPTOR THERAPY

The immune system plays a key role in detecting tumor antigens and killing cancer cells. But immune response to tumor antigens varies and is often insufficient to prevent tumor growth and relapse. Fred Hutch physician-scientists have identified specific tumor antigens that can be targeted to trigger a potent immune response. The team is creating immunotherapy using genetically modified T cells, called TCR T-cell immunotherapy, to augment these responses in patients.

Phase I Study of Adoptive Immunotherapy with HA-1-Specific CD8+ and CD4+ Memory T Cells for Children and Adults with Relapsed Acute Leukemia after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HCT): Trial in Progress Dr. Elizabeth Krakowwill present a Phase I trial in progress. It uses a T-cell receptor therapy developed byDr. Marie Bleakleyto treat adult and pediatric patients who have relapsed after receiving a stem cell (blood and marrow) transplant for leukemia or other related conditions. Abstract No. 492 (oral presentation) Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020: 2:15 p.m.

A Shared SF3B1 Neoantigen Is Presented on Primary Malignant Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hematopoietic Lines

Neoantigens, tiny markers that arise from cancer mutations, flag cells as cancerous and could lead to more targeted precision immunotherapies. But, because hundreds of mutations exist on a tumor, targeting the right neoantigen is crucial to trigger an immune response. Dr. Melinda Biernacki, working with the Hutchs Dr. Marie Bleakley, will present findings that identify a specific neoantigen, SF3B1, present in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as a promising target for treatment with immunotherapy. Abstract No. 3265 (poster presentation) Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

CD19 CAR T-CELL THERAPY

Hutch scientists continue to take deep dives into understanding how CD19 CAR T-cell therapy works and how to make it work better for more patients.

Age, performance status, and comorbidities in relation to IEC-associated toxicities (including ICANS) followed by live Q&A panel discussion Scientific Workshop Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, 2:45 p.m. 3:17 p.m. To be presented by Jordan Gauthier, MD On Twitter: Dr. Jordan Gauthier: @drjgauthier

High IL-15 Serum Concentrations Are Associated with Response to CD19 CAR T-Cell Therapy and Robust In Vivo CAR T-Cell Kinetics Findings by Dr. Jordan Gauthier, a clinician-scholar at Fred Hutch, suggest that high levels of IL-15 could improve CD19 CAR T-cell efficacy and in vivo persistence. Abstract No. 1442 (poster presentation) Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. ASH Virtual Poster Walk Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, 7 a.m. On Twitter: Dr. Jordan Gauthier: @drjgauthier

Patient-Reported Outcomes at Time of CAR-T Cell Therapy Abstract No. 3485 (poster presentation) Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. To be presented by Erin Mullane, DNP

CD20 CAR T-CELL THERAPY

Third Generation CD20 Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapy (MB-106) for Treatment of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Researchers at Fred Hutch have developed a CAR T-cell therapy targeting CD20, a specific protein marker in blood cancers, for treating patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma who have relapsed or previously been non-responsive to treatment. Dr. Mazyar Shadman will share early results from the ongoing trial taking place at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the Hutchs clinical-care partner. Abstract No. 1443 (poster presentation) Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. On Twitter: Dr. Mazyar Shadman: @mshadman

CAR T for AML

Therapeutic Targeting of Mesothelin in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy Abstract No. 1959 (poster presentation) Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. To be presented by Quy Le, PhD

MORE CELL THERAPY

Challenges in Cell Therapy: Relapse and Toxicities Live Q&A Even as a growing number of cancer patients benefit from advances in immunotherapy, relapse and toxic side effects from the treatment remain challenging. Dr. Aude Chapuis will discuss new strategies using genetically modified immune cells to improve the next generation of adoptive T cell therapies in the treatment of solid tumor and blood cancers. Scientific Program, Live Q&A Saturday, December 5, 2020, 9:30 a.m. 10:15 a.m.

PRECISION MEDICINE AND AML

Researchers from the lab ofDr. Soheil Meshinchi, a pediatric oncologist and acute myeloid leukemia specialist, are mapping genetic mutations to how well a patient will respond to various treatments. Their presentations show that ongoing genomic profiling work can help guide targeted treatments for patients with AML, which is the deadliest leukemia among children and young adults.

Genome and Transcriptome Profiling of Monosomy 7 AML Defines Novel Risk and Therapeutic Cohorts Abstract No. 274, (oral presentation) Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, 2:30 p.m. To be presented by Rhonda E. Ries, MA

Clinical Benefit and Tolerability of Crenolanib in Children with Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Harboring Treatment Resistant FLT3 ITD and Variant FLT3 TKD Mutations Treated on Compassionate Access Abstract No. 1973, (poster presentation) Sunday, December 6, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. To be presented by Katherine Tarlock, MD

Mesothelin Expression Is Associated with Extramedullary Disease and PromotesIn VivoLeukemic Growth in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Abstract No. 1993, (poster presentation) Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. To be presented by Katherine Tarlock, MD

Target-Informed Repurposing of Immunotherapies in AML a Transcriptome Based Approach for Identifying Immediately Available Therapeutics Abstract No. 2003, (poster presentation) Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. To be presented by Amanda R. Leonti, MS

BLOOD CLOTS AND CANCER, COVID-19

Dr. Gary Lyman, a medical oncologist, hematologist and public health researcher, has helped develop treatment guidelines for managing blood clots in cancer patients and more recently in COVID-19 patients. His colleagues will present on the COVID-19 findings at this years ASH. Dr. Lyman is available to speak with media. On Twitter: Dr. Gary Lyman: @gary_lyman

Severity of Sars-Cov-2 Infection in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: A COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) Registry Analysis Abstract No. 1632 (poster presentation) Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism Among Hospitalized Patients with Cancer and COVID-19: Report from the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) Registry Abstract No. 204; Session No. 701 (oral presentation) Monday, Dec. 7, 2020: 2:45 PM

HEALTHCARE ECONOMICS

Comparison of Outcomes and Utilization of Therapy in Multiple Myeloma Patients in the USA and Alberta, Canada Abstract No. 2516 (poster presentation) Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. To be presented by Andrew J. Cowan, MD On Twitter: Dr. Andrew Cowan: @andrewcowanmd Co-author Dr. Veena Shankaran: @ShankaranVeena

CELL BIOLOGY

Distinct Transcriptional signatures distinguish the emergence of multipotent progenitors and hematopoietic stem cells from endothelial precursors in the murine embryo Abstract No. 908, (poster presentation) Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. To be presented by Tessa Dignum, BS

Note: Scientists at Fred Hutch played a role in developing these discoveries, and Fred Hutch and certain of its scientists may benefit financially from this work in the future.

###

Media Contact: Molly McElroy M:206.941.8146 mwmcelro@fredhutch.org

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutchs pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nations first National Cancer Institute-funded cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Womens Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network.

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at ASH: Fauci fireside chat, latest on cell therapies, repairing immune function, COVID and clots and more - Fred Hutch News Service

Neurons stripped of their identity are hallmark of Alzheimers disease, study finds – Newswise

Newswise Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified new mechanisms in neurons that cause Alzheimers disease. In particular, they discovered that changes in the structure of chromatin, the tightly coiled form of DNA, trigger neurons to lose their specialized function and revert to an earlier cell state. This results in the loss of synaptic connections, an effect associated with memory loss and dementia.

The findings are published Nov. 13 in Science Advances.

The study was founded on the question: how do neurons in patients with Alzheimers disease differ from neurons in healthy individuals?

Its a fundamental question that would provide the framework and foundation for understanding Alzheimers disease at the cellular level, and thus pave the path for novel therapeutic approaches, said Shankar Subramaniam, professor of bioengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering.

Subramaniam worked with an interdisciplinary team of engineers and neuroscientists at UC San Diego to answer this question. They started by taking human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with familial Alzheimers disease, which is a hereditary form of Alzheimers, and transformed them into neurons. They used next generation sequencing techniques to look at what genes are being expressed in these neurons and how gene expression is regulated, and then compared how they differ in neurons of healthy individuals.

They discovered that neurons derived from the patients de-differentiate to a precursor state.

In other words, they cease to be neurons, Subramaniam said. This is the key defect observed across a diversity of patients with distinct mutations. The consequences to the brain are dramatic, with loss of synaptic connections leading to cognitive decline.

The researchers observed other defects: neuronal genes are suppressed, so these cells no longer have any instructions telling them that they are neurons; they are in a precursor-like state, which means they can trigger cell growth and divisionthis is unusual because adult brains do not produce new neurons; and they have inflammation, which signals damage or stress.

The same defects were also observed in post-mortem human brain samples from patients with Alzheimers disease. This was validating for our findings because we werent just seeing these mechanisms in the stem cells, but in actual brain samples as well, Subramaniam said.

The researchers traced all of these mechanisms back to changes in the structure of chromatin. Parts of this structure consist of open regions, where genes are expressed or regulated, and other parts consist of closed regions, where gene expression is repressed. In the diseased neurons, some regions that used to be open are now closed, and vice versa. As a consequence, the neurons are not behaving as they should be, Subramaniam explained.

The team is now working on developing drugs to inhibit these mechanisms.

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Neurons stripped of their identity are hallmark of Alzheimers disease, study finds - Newswise

Genetic influences on viral-induced cytokine responses in the lung – DocWire News

This article was originally published here

Mucosal Immunol. 2020 Nov 12. doi: 10.1038/s41385-020-00355-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Infection with respiratory viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and coronavirus provides a difficult immunological challenge for the host, where a balance must be established between controlling viral replication and limiting damage to the delicate lung structure. Although the genetic architecture of host responses to respiratory viral infections is not yet understood, it is clear there is underlying heritability that influences pathogenesis. Immune control of virus replication is essential in respiratory infections, but overt activation can enhance inflammation and disease severity. Cytokines initiate antiviral immune responses but are implicated in viral pathogenesis. Here, we discuss how host genetic variation may influence cytokine responses to respiratory viral infections and, based on our current understanding of the role that cytokines play in viral pathogenesis, how this may influence disease severity. We also discuss how induced pluripotent stem cells may be utilised to probe the mechanistic implications of allelic variation in genes in virus-induced inflammatory responses. Ultimately, this could help to design better immune modulators, stratify high risk patients and tailor anti-inflammatory treatments, potentially expanding the ability to treat respiratory virus outbreaks in the future.

PMID:33184476 | DOI:10.1038/s41385-020-00355-6

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Genetic influences on viral-induced cytokine responses in the lung - DocWire News

Japanese and U.S. astronauts arrive at ISS in SpaceX ship – The Japan Times

Cape Canaveral, Florida The commercially developed SpaceX Crew Dragon ship carrying a group of astronauts, including Japan's Soichi Noguchi, successfully docked with the International Space Station on Monday following its liftoff from NASA's space center a day earlier.

Three NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker and Noguchi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, made up the crew that will begin a six-month mission at the orbiting laboratory.

"Oh, what a good voice to hear, space station astronaut Kate Rubins called out when the Dragon's commander, Hopkins, first made radio contact. The linkup occurred 422 kilometers above the U.S. state of Idaho.

The second manned flight to the ISS by the Crew Dragon capsule, developed by the U.S. company Space Exploration Technologies Corp., followed a test flight earlier this year with two NASA astronauts.

Noguchi, 55, became the first non-American astronaut to be ferried by NASA's first-ever certified commercial human spacecraft system.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi waves as the crew of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket departs to the launchpad for the first operational NASA commercial crew mission at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday. | REUTERS

He is a veteran astronaut with experience from two previous space missions, having been aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2005 and a Russian Soyuz spacecraft for a 161-day stay on the ISS between 2009 and 2010.

During his present stay on the ISS through April, Noguchi is expected to carry out experiments involving iPS cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be converted into any type of cell in the body, according to JAXA.

The SpaceX system is expected to serve as a successor to NASA's Space Shuttle program that was in service for 30 years through 2011, its development ending the subsequent years of reliance on the Russian Soyuz vehicle as the sole means of accessing the ISS.

Seats in the Soyuz have cost NASA around $80 million or more each in recent years, according to a 2019 report by the U.S. space agency's Office of Inspector General. NASA hopes to reduce crew transportation costs through commercial systems developed in the United States.

The latest development is welcome news for Japan, which also has had to rely on the Soyuz vehicle to send its astronauts to the ISS.

NASA officials have highlighted the importance of sending more astronauts to the ISS, which increases the capacity for scientific research in space.

The arrival of the four astronauts raises the total number of crew members aboard the ISS to seven. Permanent human occupancy of the station began in November 2000.

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Japanese and U.S. astronauts arrive at ISS in SpaceX ship - The Japan Times

AgeX Therapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Business Update – BioSpace

Nov. 16, 2020 21:05 UTC

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AgeX Therapeutics, Inc.. (AgeX; NYSE American: AGE), a biotechnology company developing innovative regenerative therapeutics to treat human diseases to increase healthspan and combat the effects of aging, reported financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Q3 Highlights

This quarter, we continued to build upon our licensing and collaboration model through our new agreement with ImStem that provides us an avenue for participating financially in potential treatments for COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS. Since the first of the year, AgeX has entered into six agreements that could lead to the development of new cell therapies by our licensees and collaborators, which utilize our core technologies and cell lines with potential future income streams to AgeX, said Greg Bailey M.D., Chairman of AgeX. In addition, expansion of our agreement related to ESI clinical-grade pluripotent stem cell lines will now allow us independence to build ESI cell lines as a to-go-to source for deriving cell based therapeutics across the industry.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

AgeX is in need of additional capital to finance its operations. On March 30, 2020, AgeX entered into a Secured Convertible Facility Agreement (the New Loan Agreement) with Juvenescence Limited pursuant to which AgeX may borrow funds from time to time. As of November 16, 2020, AgeX has borrowed $5.5 million and may draw additional funds from time to time subject to Juvenescences discretion, prior to the contractual repayment date on March 30, 2023. AgeX may not draw down more than $1.0 million in any single draw. More information about the New Loan Agreement can be found in AgeXs Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, and September 30, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2020, May 14, 2020, August 14, 2020, and November 16, 2020, respectively.

Going Concern Considerations

As required under Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (ASC 205-40), AgeX evaluates whether conditions and/or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to meet its future financial obligations as they become due within one year after the date its financial statements are issued. Based on AgeXs most recent projected cash flows, and considering that loans from Juvenescence under the New Loan Agreement will be subject to Juvenescences discretion, AgeX believes that its cash and cash equivalents, the remaining $2.5 million available under the New Loan Agreement and reduction in staff in May 2020 would not be sufficient to satisfy its anticipated operating and other funding requirements for the twelve months following the filing of AgeXs Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the ability of AgeX to continue as a going concern.

Third Quarter 2020 Operating Results

Revenues: Total revenues for the third quarter of 2020 were $434,000 as compared with $411,000 for the third quarter of 2019. AgeX revenues are primarily generated from subscription and advertising revenues from the GeneCards online database through its subsidiary LifeMap Sciences, Inc. Revenues in 2020 also included approximately $40,000 of allowable expenses under AgeXs research grant from the NIH. Revenues from that grant were $41,000 in the same period in 2019.

Operating expenses: Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were $2.8 million as compared to $3.6 million for the same period in 2019. Operating expenses are comprised of research and development expense and general and administrative expenses. On an as-adjusted basis, operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020 were $2.3 million as compared to $3.0 million for the same period in 2019.

The reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses is provided in the financial tables included with this earnings release.

Research and development expenses were $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020, a $0.6 million decrease from $1.4 million during the same period in 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to the layoff of 11 research and development personnel in May 2020 and the elimination of shared services payments to Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (Lineage) with the termination of our Shared Facilities and Services Agreement on September 30, 2019.

General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.3 million to $1.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020 from $2.2 million during the same period in 2019 despite an increase in head count resulting from the employment of AgeXs own finance team commencing in October 1, 2019. These increases were offset by a decrease in noncash stock-based compensation expense, travel and related expenses with the shelter in place mandates since March 15, 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the elimination of shared facilities and services fees from Lineage following the termination of the Shared Facilities and Services Agreement on September 30, 2019.

About AgeX Therapeutics

AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: AGE) is focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics to treat human diseases to increase healthspan and combat the effects of aging. AgeXs PureStem and UniverCyte manufacturing and immunotolerance technologies are designed to work together to generate highly defined, universal, allogeneic, off-the-shelf pluripotent stem cell-derived young cells of any type for application in a variety of diseases with a high unmet medical need. AgeX has two preclinical cell therapy programs: AGEX-VASC1 (vascular progenitor cells) for tissue ischemia and AGEX-BAT1 (brown fat cells) for Type II diabetes. AgeXs revolutionary longevity platform induced Tissue Regeneration (iTR) aims to unlock cellular immortality and regenerative capacity to reverse age-related changes within tissues. HyStem is AgeXs delivery technology to stably engraft PureStem or other cell therapies in the body. AgeX is seeking opportunities to establish licensing and collaboration arrangements around its broad IP estate and proprietary technology platforms and therapy product candidates.

For more information, please visit http://www.agexinc.com or connect with the company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not historical fact including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as will, believes, plans, anticipates, expects, estimates should also be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in more detail in the Risk Factors section of AgeXs most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commissions (copies of which may be obtained at http://www.sec.gov). Subsequent events and developments may cause these forward-looking statements to change. AgeX specifically disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise these forward-looking statements as a result of changed events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law.

AGEX THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUE AMOUNTS)

September 30, 2020

December 31, 2019

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,107

$

2,352

Accounts and grants receivable, net

241

363

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

581

1,339

Total current assets

1,929

4,054

Excerpt from:
AgeX Therapeutics Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Business Update - BioSpace

Coadministration of endothelial and smooth muscle cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells as a therapy for critical limb ischemia -…

This article was originally published here

Stem Cells Transl Med. 2020 Nov 11. doi: 10.1002/sctm.20-0132. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Critical limb ischemia is a condition in which tissue necrosis occurs due to arterial occlusion, resulting in limb amputation in severe cases. Both endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are needed for the regeneration of peripheral arteries in ischemic tissues. However, it is difficult to isolate and cultivate primary EC and SMC from patients for therapeutic angiogenesis. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are regarded as useful stem cells due to their pluripotent differentiation potential. In this study, we explored the therapeutic efficacy of human iPSC-derived EC and iPSC-derived SMC in peripheral artery disease model. After the induction of mesodermal differentiation of iPSC, CD34+ progenitor cells were isolated by magnetic-activated cell sorting. Cultivation of the CD34+ progenitor cells in endothelial culture medium induced the expression of endothelial markers and phenotypes. Moreover, the CD34+ cells could be differentiated into SMC by cultivation in SMC culture medium. In a murine hindlimb ischemia model, cotransplantation of EC with SMC improved blood perfusion and increased the limb salvage rate in ischemic limbs compared to transplantation of either EC or SMC alone. Moreover, cotransplantation of EC and SMC stimulated angiogenesis and led to the formation of capillaries and arteries/arterioles in vivo. Conditioned medium derived from SMC stimulated the migration, proliferation, and tubulation of EC in vitro, and these effects were recapitulated by exosomes isolated from the SMC-conditioned medium. Together, these results suggest that iPSC-derived SMC enhance the therapeutic efficacy of iPSC-derived EC in peripheral artery disease via an exosome-mediated paracrine mechanism.

PMID:33174379 | DOI:10.1002/sctm.20-0132

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Coadministration of endothelial and smooth muscle cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells as a therapy for critical limb ischemia -...

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market Size, Drivers, Potential Growth Opportunities, Competitive Landscape, Trends And Forecast To 2027 -…

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market Overview

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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market Segmentation:

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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market Segment by Type:

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market Segment by Application:

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market Segment by Global Presence:

North America Latin America Middle East Asia-Pacific Africa Europe

The report has been aggregated by using a couple of research methodologies such as primary and secondary research techniques. It helps in collecting informative pieces of professional information for deriving effective insights into the market. This informative report helps in making well informed and strategic decisions throughout the forecast period.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market: Scope of the Report

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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market Size, Drivers, Potential Growth Opportunities, Competitive Landscape, Trends And Forecast To 2027 -...

Proteintech and HebeCell Announce Collaboration on Nanobody iPSC-derived Natural Killer Cells – BioSpace

Proteintechs recent acquisition of nanobody manufacturer, ChromoTek, has made them a leading player in the nanobody space. ChromoTeks high-performing camelid single-chain recombinant reagents, also known as nanobodies, fuel breakthrough research discoveries.

HebeCell holds unique expertise and intellectual property in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and their lineage specific differentiation, especially toward natural killer (NK) cells. Although NK cells are best known for killing virally infected cells, they also play key roles in detecting and controlling early signs of cancer.

Partnering with Proteintech will give both companies a competitive edge, said Dr. Allen Feng, the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of HebeCell, Our combined expertise and technologies create a unique and special collaboration that will improve the treatment and care of cancer patients.

Dr. Jason Li, CEO of Proteintech added, Ive known Dr. John Lu, Founder and CEO of HebeCell, for many years and Im glad we have an opportunity to work together on this important project. With HebeCells proprietary NK cells and Proteintechs nanobodies, the two companies can transform the future of cancer therapy.

About Proteintech Group Inc.

Proteintech is a leading manufacturer of antibodies, proteins and immunoassays across research areas. Proteintech has the largest proprietary portfolio of self-manufactured antibodies covering 2/3 of the human proteome. Proteintech produces cytokines, growth factors and other proteins that are human expressed, bioactive and cGMP-grade. After the acquisition of manufacturer, ChromoTek, Proteintech now provides innovative reagents based on camelid antibodies called nanobodies. Proteintech sites are ISO13485 and ISO9001-2015 accredited.

About HebeCell Corporation

HebeCell, founded in 2016, focuses on the fields of Immunotherapy by developing human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based off-the-shelf CAR-natural killer (CAR-NK) and other immune cell therapeutics targeting hematological malignancies and solid tumors, as well as autoimmune and infectious diseases. HebeCell has expertise and assets in iPSC specific lineage cell differentiation and state-of-the-art cGMP cell manufacturing facility. Its first-in-class proprietary 3D manufacturing platform for human iPSC-CAR-NK cells is feeder-free and designed specifically for single-use-bioreactor at industrial scale, which allows rapid deploy off-the-shelf CAR-NK cell products for all patients. HebeCells platform technology will accelerate the application of iPSC cells as a viable source of immune cells in the next generation of immunotherapy and will alter the CAR-NK cell therapy field by delivering cost effective allogenic therapeutics worldwide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201111005786/en/

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Proteintech and HebeCell Announce Collaboration on Nanobody iPSC-derived Natural Killer Cells - BioSpace