“Latest Stem Cells News”

TaiGen Biotechnology Co., Ltd. announced today that in a phase 1 study in healthy volunteers TG-0054, a chemokine receptor CXCR4 antagonist, was well tolerated and rapidly mobilized stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells from bone marrow into peripheral blood. The number of CD34+ stem cells in circulation after one dose of TG-0054 was equal or higher than reported cell numbers needed for stem cell transplantation in cancer patients. The observed AEs were all mild and transient. A phase 2 study in stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin disease patients is currently being initiated (…)

“We are greatly encouraged by the phase 1 study results which indicates that TG-0054 has the potential to be used alone, not in combination with G- CSF, for allogenic or autologous stem cell transplantation in cancer patients. This should greatly reduce the hospital and other associated cost for such a procedure. Importantly, the activity and safety profile in the phase 1 study will support our future development of TG-0054 in chemosensitization and tissue ischemia, including myocardial infarction, stroke and severe intermittent claudication. Our preclinical animal disease models and the phase 1 study results lend strong support to clinical development for these clinical indications,” said Dr. Ming-Chu Hsu, Chairman & CEO of TaiGen (…)

from http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/excellent-stem-cell-mobilization-and-safety-profile-for-tg-0054-62316942.html

Banks are assisting families with financing so they can preserve umbilical cord stem cells that could be used to fight many diseases and malignant tumors like leukemia, neuroblastoma, and Hodgkin’s disease, and multiple myeloma. This has happened so far in Liguria and the Piedmont, where the Credito Cooperativo bank in Pianfei and Rocca de’ Baldi are present.

The project by an Italian bank in collaboration with Swiss company, Genico, calls of reduced financing rates for expenses related to the cryoconservation of umbilical cord stem cells. About 2,500 euros are needed to collect the cells, transport them to a biobank abroad, and preserve them for 30 years.

The cost will be covered in three years with a variable rate based on the three-month Euribor, and a spread of 1pct. The initiative, explained the bank, “is part of a broader project that calls for the distribution of credit with reduced rates and the development of a policy of responsibility, including many social interventions for people living in Italy.