Amazing Stem Cell Breakthrough

Scientists have created the equivalent of embryonic stem cells from ordinary skin cells, a breakthrough that could someday produce new treatments for disease such as Spinal Cord Injuries and Parkinson's Disease without the explosive moral questions of embyro cloning.

Research teams in the United States and Japan showed that a simple lab technique can rival the complex and highly controversial idea of extracting stem cells from cloned embryos. It was a landmark achievement on all fronts, defusing one of the most divisive debates in modern medicine and religion. It was lauded by scientists, ethicists and religious groups.

"This work represents a tremendous scientific milestone — the biological equivalent of the Wright Brothers' first airplane," said Dr. Robert Lanza, whose company, Advanced Cell Technology, has been trying to extract stem cells from cloned human embryos. "It redefines the ethical terrain," said Laurie Zoloth, a bioethicist at Northwestern University.

"It's a win-win for everyone involved," said the Rev. Thomas Berg of the Westchester Institute, a Roman Catholic think tank. "We have a way to move forward which ... brings the kind of painful national debate over this controversial research to very much a peaceful and promising resolution."

The new technique reprograms cells, giving them the chameleon-like qualities of embryonic stem cells, which can morph into all kinds of tissue, such as heart, nerve and brain. As with embryonic cells, the hope is to speed medical research. For example, one day an ailing patient might benefit from genetically matched healthy tissue that would replace damaged cells.

The scientists themselves were startled by their success. "I was surprised when we achieved our results with the mouse," Yamanaka said. "But proving what we could do with human cells really bowled me over."

Thomson said he was surprised it didn't take longer to discover how to reprogram ordinary cells. The technique, he said, is so simple that "thousands of labs in the United States can do this, basically tomorrow." In contrast, the cloning approach is so complex and expensive that many scientists say it couldn't be used routinely to supply stem cells for therapy.

The new work shows that like cloning, "direct reprogramming" can also use ordinary body cells to create versatile cells that are genetically matched. "It's a bit like learning how to turn lead into gold," said Lanza, while cautioning that the work is far from providing medical payoffs.

"It's a huge deal," agreed Rudolf Jaenisch, a prominent stem cell scientist at the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, Mass. "You have the proof of principle that you can do it."

Still, scientific questions remain about the cells produced by direct reprogramming, called "iPS" cells. One is how the cells compare to embryonic stem cells in their behavior and potential. Eventually, iPS cells might prove better for some scientific uses and cloned stem cells preferable for other uses. For example, scientists want to study the roots of genetic disease and screen potential drug treatments in their laboratories.

Scottish researcher Ian Wilmut, famous for his role in cloning Dolly the sheep a decade ago, has said he is giving up the cloning approach to produce stem cells and plans to pursue direct
reprogramming instead. "We'll see, ultimately, which one works and which one is more practical," he said.

Christopher Reeve - In Memorium

Christopher Reeve passed away on October 10, 2004. At only 52 years old, it was far too soon. The world mourned his death, and we all reflected on the memories he left behind for each of us. And as we approach the anniversary of his passing, we all agree: No one epitomized a true hero better than Christopher Reeve. Never before has there been so much hope and optimism that cures and treatments for SCI will be found. Christopher's legacy is that we continue his journey on behalf of millions of people worldwide living with paralysis.

Christopher Reeve was born on September 25, 1952 in New York City. While the world knew him for his incredible role as Superman, those who knew him personally remember him to be so much more than just an exquisite actor. Christopher Reeve was an extraordinary father, a loving husband, a human rights advocate, an avid adventurer, an environmentalist, an author, a director, and an accomplished pianist. He was also a pilot who had made two solo trips across the Atlantic, a outdoor enthusiast who skied, sailed, scuba dived, played tennis, and canoed alone into the wilderness.

In 1985, at the age of 33, Christopher began horseback riding and by 1989 was competing in events, which included cross-country jumping. On May 27, 1995, Christopher Reeve was thrown from a horse and suffered a spinal cord injury so severe, that he became completely paralyzed from the neck down.

Christopher initiated a sea of change. Through his leadership, the Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) was born and grew exponentially re-shaping the world of spinal repair research. Under his guidance, CRF’s research programs have tripled and today spans from very basic science (molecular and cellular research) to clinical application (testing and delivering promising therapies to patients). Research dollars can hardly keep up with the momentum that he has ignited.

Christopher fought to increase research funding and attention at a federal level by appearing in front of Congress as a patient advocate. And while ardent research continued, Dana Reeve established the Quality of Life Grants Program to aid organizations working to enhance the quality of life for those living through the day-to-day challenges of disability. In order to address individual quality of life needs, Christopher and Dana co-founded the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center. A first of its kind, the Paralysis Resource Center provides information to people around the world desperate to learn about everything related to paralysis, such as updates on leading research efforts, sources for equipment and support groups, answers for a myriad inquiries on insurance and governmental bureaucracies. Never had there been a team like Christopher and Dana Reeve – so revered and loved for their partnership, both professionally and personally.

Christopher’s legacy through the Christopher Reeve Foundation is strong and enduring. It is humbling to comprehend how one man, who for the last decade of his life was a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic, could change the world.

...At The Stem Cell Summit

I will put up detailed information soon. For now, here are some Brief Highlights:

• Governor Deval Patrick appeared at the conference today to speak in support of stem cell research. He thinks Massachusetts should be able to attract top-notch scientists and researchers in this field
• Over 35 countries participated in the summit, through poster sessions, speakers, vendors, consumers and researchers
• Doctors are aiming for a "pragmatic cure" for SCI - meaning that basic motor function could be achieved by reconnecting as little as 20% of damaged CNS nerves
• Blood diseases, such as diabetes and leukemia, may present a simpler treatment than SCI for stem cells because they involve replacing only 1 type of cell vs. the entire CNS
• Stem cells have not been used in any practical application as of yet
• There are 3 types of stem cells: embryonic, umbilical, and adult
  
  
  more soon...

Stem Cell Summit Scholarship Award

I was notified today that I have been chosen to receive a scholarship award from Boston Medical Center to attend the Stem Cell Summit at the Hynes Convention Center on October 2 & 3.

I will also get to meet Michael J Fox Tuesday evening at the Stem Cell Awards dinner!

The climate is changing for stem cell research -- for the better!

Stem cell research represents the universal hope for healing and the political climate is changing for those seeking cures through revolutionary medicine. New rules are being written and public and private funding for research is becoming available. Genetics Policy Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Burrill Life Science Media Group have joined together to produce The Stem Cell Summit. This unique event will gather the global community of stakeholders to learn what's new, share ideas, search for solutions and focus on advancing stem cell research from "the bench to the bedside."

Meet top innovators, researchers from around the world, clinicians, government officials, business leaders, political strategists, bioethicists, legal experts and advocates to celebrate scientific achievements, confront challenges and chart the future of regenerative medicine. Learn how cutting-edge biomedical research might impact your health and the health of your family and loved ones.

RESEARCH, ADVOCACY, FUNDING, LAW, COMMERCE, PHILANTHROPY, FINANCE, BIOPHARMA, ETHICS, POLITICS, HOSPITAL PERSPECTIVES, PATIENT INFORMATION

I will write a synopsis for my blog on the information I receive at the conference next week. In the meantime, check out The Stem Cell Summit for more information.

Boston Herald Features SCI Research Story - Friday, September 21, 2007

MIT Scientist: Paralysis Cure Eyed
By Herald staff
Friday, September 21, 2007
http://www.bostonherald.com

The future of curing traumatic spinal cord injuries could be on the horizon, and it involves plastics, according to one of MIT’s top biotechnology professors. Dr. Robert Langer, 59, MIT professor of chemical engineering and the youngest person ever - at 43 - to be appointed to all three U.S. National Academies of science, told the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce that he and his students began effectively curing rats of paralysis using a plastic scaffold that would be inserted into their bodies.

During the speech, Langer demonstrated what could be a future treatment for humans. He showed a film of the paralyzed rat before it was treated with a special plastic implant coated with neuronal stem cells.The rat could move around but had lost the use of its rear legs.

The film showed the rat weeks later able to walk on all four legs fairly well.

The plastic scaffold helps reduce scar tissue and may help duplicate new cells, Langer said. “Different people have used different models,” Langer said. “It’s a question of how much improved function you get.”

Langer said his research is being partially funded by InVivo Therapeutics Corp., a Cambridge life-science company that is raising funds to treat traumatic spinal cord injuries. Frank Reynolds, CEO of InVivo, declined to give financial specifics, but said the company has a consulting staff of 18 people.

Reynolds said Langer’s use of plastics, which the MIT professor also believes could grow new bone, intestine, liver and ureter cells, would help commercialize the first big breakthrough in treatment of paralysis.

“We believe it will be the first effective treatment for spinal cord injury,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds said Irish officials will be visiting Boston to discuss $10 million in funding for InVivo from the Irish government.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/business/healthcare/view

Upcoming Event - Stem Cell Summit, October 2 & 3, 2007

The Stem Cell Summit promises to be a veritable cornucopia of scientific and political information for people with spinal cord injuries.

Produced by great friend of the movement, Bernard Siegel of the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI), the Summit brings together GPI, The Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the same Burrill and Company who put on an outstanding Stem Cell Meeting earlier this year.

The Stem Cell Summit will take place at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Attendees will have unprecedented access to the stem cell world's leading thinkers and decision-makers. The topmost tier of guests includes scientists Ian Wilmut, George Daley, and Kevin Eggan, along with warrior patient advocates such as Tricia Brooks and Don Reed.

Please join us for this one of a kind Summit!

Email me for more information...