Adult Stem Cell News Highlights

SFLF is pleased to share some recent developments happening around the world in the field of regenerative medicine:

• Mayo Clinic researchers reported in a scientific poster that a stem cell transplant was viable and effective in halting or reversing degenerative disc disease of the spine. A meta-analysis of animal studies showed this result, and accordingly is expected to open up research in humans.
(Source: American Academy of Pain Medicine Press Release 03/07/14)

• Researchers have found that sutures embedded with stem cells led to quicker and stronger healing of Achilles tendon tears than traditional sutures, according to a new study published in the March 2014 issue of Foot & Ankle International. Researchers compared traditional surgery, surgery with stem cells injected in the injury area, and surgery with special sutures embedded with stem cells in rats. The group receiving the stem cell sutures healed better.
(Source: Science Codex 03/12/14)

• The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) has introduced a bill into the Senate entitled Regenerative Medicine Promotion Act of 2014. Major provisions of the bill include creation of a multi-agency Regenerative Medicine Coordinating Council within the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS); and calling for a detailed assessment of federal activities in regenerative medicine as well as progress compared to national programs in other countries.
(Source: ARM Press Release 03/13/14)

• The Alabama Institute of Medicine (AIM) received a generous donation of $1 million from an anonymous Birmingham resident to fund stem cell research, ensuring that stem cell research moves forward and thrives in Alabama.
(Source: AIM Press Release 03/16/14)

• Scientists at UC Davis Medical Center have succeeded in coaxing laboratory cultures of human stem cells to develop into the specialized cells needed to repair a patient’s defective or diseased bladder. This research, published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine scientific journal, is important as researchers can now potentially use bladder cells that they created to make a new bladder. This discovery could someday help children born with spina bifida, and adults with a diseased bladder or bladder cancer.
(Source: UC Davis Health System Press Release 03/21/14)

• Researchers in Galway, Ireland predict that stem cells could be used to treat osteoarthritis within five years, following successful phase 1 clinical trials involving the injection of adult stem cells, derived from adipose tissue or fat, into cartilage to stimulate its regeneration. Osteoarthritis affects some 70 million people across the EU, and current treatment is limited to surgery or pain management.
(Source: The Irish Times 03/26/14)