[Weekly Roundup] Stem Cell News from Pluristem, Gamida Cell, Cynata Therapeutics, and More

Another week, another batch of stem cell news. We have released this week's top stories from across the stem cell industry. Check it out and let me know what you think?

Emerging Applications for Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Tissues

With more than 200 different cell types in the human body, a goal of Cellular Dynamics International (CDI), a Fujifilm company, is to continue to expand the portfolio of available human iPSC-derived tissues. iPSC technology has made significant contributions to the biologists’ toolbox and will continue to advance the frontiers of science. Recently, Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) commenced the world’s first clinical trial involving an allogeneic iPSC-derived therapeutic product, which it derived from CDI’s iPSCs. Other emerging applications include methods to enhance the functionality of terminally differentiated cells types, such as iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, and neurons.

Are Cell Therapy Companies Prioritizing Autologous or Allogeneic Therapies? 

This article highlights ten leading cell therapy companies, all of which have promising cell therapy products being evaluated in clinical trials. These 10 companies were chosen because they are market leaders, with robust financial funding, novel technologies, and strong therapeutic pipelines. While these companies do not represent all cell therapy companies, analysis of these market leaders clearly reveals that allogeneic product development is dominating over autologous product development on a global basis.

What are Stem Cells, Exactly? [Fact Sheet]

Stem cells can multiply (self-renew) and differentiate into the cells that compose the human body, giving them enormous potential for use in regenerative medicine. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. In adults, stem and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells. Originally, all stem cells were classified as either adult stem cells or embryonic stem cells (ESCs), but a diverse range of stem cell types have since been identified.

Celularity Accelerates Breakthrough Placental Discovery & Therapeutic Platform

Celularity, Inc., has completed its Series A financing with contributions from several biopharma companies, including Sorrento Therapeutics, United Therapeutics Corporation and Human Longevity, Inc., as well as entrepreneurial investors. Founded on Dr. Robert Hariri's pioneering work with human placenta-derived cellular therapeutics and biomaterials, Celularity’s ability to procure placental stem cells, engineer potential therapies, and deploy potential treatments positions it to harness the potential of the human placenta and operate along the entire value chain.

Positive Data from Cynata MSCs in Second Preclinical Asthma Study

Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) announced highly promising data supporting the efficacy of its proprietary Cymerus™ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a second preclinical asthma study. These exciting results follow a previously reported study (announced March 2, 2017), which found that both intravenous and intranasal administration of Cymerus™ MSCs caused statistically significant improvements in the three main features of asthma (airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airway remodeling) in this model.

MedRebels Cell Therapy Training, Symposium & Cadaveric Workshops (Oct 26-28, Austin, TX)

MedRebels welcomes practicing physicians to a cumulative 16-hour educational symposium and cadaveric workshop on cellular-based and regenerative therapies and their clinical applications for orthopaedics and pain management. During this workshop, industry leaders will review current research and clinical studies and will address clinical strategies for implementing regenerative medicine into their practice. Physicians will receive hands-on cadaveric training utilizing ultrasound-guidance and fluoroscopy. They will also learn a variety of techniques for treating musculoskeletal conditions.

Gamida Cell Transplants First Patient in Phase 1/2 Study of CordIn™ for Severe Aplastic Anemia and Hypoplastic MDS

Gamida Cell announced its first subject has been transplanted in an investigator-initiated study of Cordin™ for patients with severe aplastic anemia (AA) or hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who have no available matched donor. CordIn™ is in development for patients with rare genetic diseases where bone marrow transplantation is clinically established as a potential cure, but no fully matched donors are available. The primary endpoint of the Phase 1/2 trial is prompt and durable cord engraftment in patients transplanted with CordIn™.

U.S. DOD to Conduct Studies of Pluristem’s PLX-R18 in a New ARS Project for Use Before Radiation Exposure

Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: PSTI) (TASE: PSTI), a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapy products, announced that a pilot study of the company’s PLX-R18 cell therapy will be initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), part of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU). The study will examine the effectiveness of PLX-R18 as a treatment for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) prior to and within the first 24 hours of exposure to radiation.

5 Cord Blood Investors Impacting the Global Marketplace

Inspired by the acquisition of Cord Blood Registry by AMAG Pharmaceuticals for $700M, this post considers five cord blood investors that are impacting the global marketplace. It includes traditional investments, acquisitions, and contributions from wealthy founders. If you are operating within the cord blood industry, you need to know these market investors: ABS Capital Partners & HLM Management, KKR & Company, Bay City Capital, GTCR LLC, and Excalibur.

Rising Momentum in the Exosome Industry [Timeline]

Exosomes are small vesicles found in nearly all eukaryotic fluids that facilitate a range of important cellular functions. It has been long known that stem cells have the potential to exert therapeutic effects, but it has only recently been identified that exosomes may play an important role how these effects occur. This recognition has fueled the growth of a market for diagnostic and therapeutic products that leverage stem cell exosomes. Key events in the formation of this market are highlighted in this timeline.

Cellular Dynamics to Host iForum Meetings in Boston, Novato, & London

iForum℠ meetings provide a unique opportunity to connect with thought leaders from academia, government, biotech, and pharma to discover new applications and innovative uses for differentiated iPS cells through interactive presentations. Learn about the increasingly important role that iPSC-derived cells are playing in improving and shortening several steps in the drug development pipeline, as well as the latest advances using iPSC-derived cells in complex models and regenerative medicine applications.

48 Hours Only: Get the inside scoop on the future of the stem cell industry from the people who are creating it. Grab this Interview Package for only $199 (60% off).