Novel treatment protects bone marrow from chemotherapy's toxic side effects while making tumor cells more receptive to chemoSource:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?ei=UTF-8&p=stem+cells&eo=UTF-8
Archive for the ‘Stem Cell Therapy’ category
Stem cells boost brain tumor treatments for some patients, study finds
May 13th, 2012Stem cells jab 'helps brain cancer patients tolerate chemotherapy'
May 13th, 2012In a study involving three patients, scientists found that two of them survived longer than predicted following the surgery while the other has seen no disease progression after three years of treatment.Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?ei=UTF-8&p=stem+cells&eo=UTF-8
Stem Cells Carry 'Suicide Pills' for Instant Death
May 13th, 2012Embryonic stem cells — those revered cells that give rise to every cell type in the body — will swiftly fall on their metaphorical swords for the greater good if they are injured, new research suggests.Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?ei=UTF-8&p=stem+cells&eo=UTF-8
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces New Stem Cell Manufacturing Technologies to Support its Therapeutic …
May 13th, 2012International Stem Cell Corporation www.internationalstemcell.com today announced that the Company has developed new technologies to commercialize the use of human parthenogenetic stem cells to treat human diseases.Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?ei=UTF-8&p=stem+cells&eo=UTF-8
Successful stem cell differentiation requires DNA compaction, study finds
May 13th, 2012New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: Differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to the various types of tissues and structures in the body.Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?ei=UTF-8&p=stem+cells&eo=UTF-8
Chromatin compaction required for proper embryonic stem cell differentiation
May 13th, 2012New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to the various types of tissues and structures in the body.Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?ei=UTF-8&p=stem+cells&eo=UTF-8
ALS Patients Approved For More Stem Cells
May 13th, 2012Three patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis will be permitted to receive a second dose of stem cells delivered directly to the spinal cord, in a clinical trial being led by the University of Michigan's Eva Feldman, M.D.Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?ei=UTF-8&p=stem+cells&eo=UTF-8
Transplanted Gene-Modified Blood Stem Cells Protect Brain Cancer Patients From Toxic Side Effects of Chemotherapy
May 13th, 2012For the first time, scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have transplanted brain cancer patients' own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Initial results of the ongoing, small clinical trial of three patients with glioblastoma showed that two patients survived longer than predicted if they had not …Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?ei=UTF-8&p=stem+cells&eo=UTF-8
Successful Stem Cell Differentiation Requires DNA Compaction
May 13th, 2012New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to the various types of tissues and structures in the body.Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?ei=UTF-8&p=stem+cells&eo=UTF-8
Joseph Estrada defies age, shares how he did it: Stem cell therapy
May 13th, 2012Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada had always maintained that giving generously to friends and forgiving opponents are the secrets to staying young.Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?p=Stem+Cell+therapy&ei=UTF-8
Cryo-Cell International Taps Leader in Stem Cell Therapy to Serve as Chief Scientific Officer
May 13th, 2012OLDSMAR, Fla. — via PRWEB – Cryo-Cell International, Inc. announced the appointment of Linda Kelley, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer. Dr. Kelley is responsible for overseeing Cryo-Cells state-of-the …Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?p=Stem+Cell+therapy&ei=UTF-8
Stem Cell Study Shows Promising Results Against Heart Failure
May 13th, 2012Title: Stem Cell Study Shows Promising Results Against Heart Failure Category: Health News Created: 5/10/2012 6:06:00 PM Last Editorial Review: 5/11/2012 12:00:00 AMSource:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?p=Stem+Cell+therapy&ei=UTF-8
Using Stem Cell Therapy For Neck And Head Cancers Avoids Salivary Gland Damage Caused By Radiotherapy
May 13th, 2012Approximately 40% of individuals treated for head and neck cancer experience the distressing adverse-effects of dry mouth syndrome. However, researchers in the Netherlands may have found a way to prevent impairing salivary glands during radiotherapy treatment. The researchers note this finding could enhance the quality of life of 500,000 individuals with head and neck cancer each year worldwide …Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?p=Stem+Cell+therapy&ei=UTF-8
Stem cell therapy to battle HIV?
May 13th, 2012(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — UC Davis Health System researchers are a step closer to launching human clinical trials involving the use of an innovative stem cell therapy to fight the virus that causes AIDS.Source:
http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/rss?p=Stem+Cell+therapy&ei=UTF-8
StemCells, Inc., Hoping for as Much as $40 Million from California Stem Cell Agency
May 13th, 2012
StemCells, Inc., said today it has
applied for as much as $40 million in funding from the California
stem cell agency for two projects dealing with Alzheimer’s disease
and cervical spinal cord injury.
applied for as much as $40 million in funding from the California
stem cell agency for two projects dealing with Alzheimer’s disease
and cervical spinal cord injury.
The announcement came in a news release
dealing with the publicly traded firm’s quarterly earnings. The applications are part of a $240 million round expected to be acted on in late July by the board
of the $3 billion California stem cell agency. Funding for
businesses in the disease team round is expected to come through a
loan.
dealing with the publicly traded firm’s quarterly earnings. The applications are part of a $240 million round expected to be acted on in late July by the board
of the $3 billion California stem cell agency. Funding for
businesses in the disease team round is expected to come through a
loan.
StemCells, Inc., of Newark, Ca., said,
“In January 2012, we submitted two
applications to the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine
(CIRM) for ‘Disease Team Therapy Development Research Awards,’ one
for Alzheimer’s disease and one for cervical spinal cord injury. A
research award may be up to $20 million, payable over four years, to
fund preclinical and IND-enabling activities with the aim of starting
human clinical trials within a four-year window.”
Applications in the round were reviewed
behind closed doors in April. CIRM also has a policy of not releasing the
names of applicants until its board acts and then only if an
applicant is approved. CIRM says it does not want to embarrass firms
that do not win approval. That includes individual researcher names
as well as the names of such institutions as the University of
California.
behind closed doors in April. CIRM also has a policy of not releasing the
names of applicants until its board acts and then only if an
applicant is approved. CIRM says it does not want to embarrass firms
that do not win approval. That includes individual researcher names
as well as the names of such institutions as the University of
California.
During discussion of grant applications by the CIRM board, directors are not told the names of the applicants,
just the number of the application. If board members have conflicts
of interest on specific applications, they are barred from voting on
and discussing the application. The names of applicants have
occassionally slipped out. Sometimes their identities can also be
discerned by information contained in the summaries of the reviews of
the applications, which become available on the CIRM web site shortly before the directors act. The summaries normally carry scientific scores and recommendations for funding.
just the number of the application. If board members have conflicts
of interest on specific applications, they are barred from voting on
and discussing the application. The names of applicants have
occassionally slipped out. Sometimes their identities can also be
discerned by information contained in the summaries of the reviews of
the applications, which become available on the CIRM web site shortly before the directors act. The summaries normally carry scientific scores and recommendations for funding.
Most companies seeking funding from
CIRM do not identify themselves in advance, although they do if they
appeal a negative decision by reviewers. The board has ultimate
authority for approval of grants but has almost never rejected a
recommendation for funding by reviewers.
CIRM do not identify themselves in advance, although they do if they
appeal a negative decision by reviewers. The board has ultimate
authority for approval of grants but has almost never rejected a
recommendation for funding by reviewers.
StemCells Inc. was founded by Irv Weissman of Stanford, who sits on its board of directors. Weissman is also on its scientific advisory board along with Fred Gage
of Salk and David Anderson of Caltech. Weissman and Gage have won
substantial grants from CIRM.
of Salk and David Anderson of Caltech. Weissman and Gage have won
substantial grants from CIRM.
StemCells Inc.’s stock price closed at
92 cents yesterday. Its 52-week high was $8.20, and its 52 week low
was 70 cents.
92 cents yesterday. Its 52-week high was $8.20, and its 52 week low
was 70 cents.
Here is a link to an analyst’s report
on the company.
on the company.
(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this item incorrectly stated that the disease team round will be acted on later this month.)
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
$2.4 Million for State Stem Cell Lawyers: Too Much or Not Enough?
May 13th, 2012
The California stem cell agency is
spending $2.4 million a year on lawyers, a figure that one agency director has described as “awfully bloated.”
More than one dollar out of every ten
that CIRM spends on its operations goes for legal advice, and the
subject came up at a meeting last month of a meeting of its
directors’ Finance Subcommittee. The issue triggered a sharp exchange revolving around a proposal to hire an additional attorney to deal with
intellectual property issues.
that CIRM spends on its operations goes for legal advice, and the
subject came up at a meeting last month of a meeting of its
directors’ Finance Subcommittee. The issue triggered a sharp exchange revolving around a proposal to hire an additional attorney to deal with
intellectual property issues.
In the next fiscal year, the agency
expects to have legal team of six (four lawyers and two administrative assistants) on board out of a total CIRM staff
of 60. It also has three outside lawyers or firms under contract at
an annual cost of $1.1 million. Overall, CIRM is spending 13 percent of its
$18.5 million operational budget on legal matters. Its budget for
legal services will increase $50,000 next year.
expects to have legal team of six (four lawyers and two administrative assistants) on board out of a total CIRM staff
of 60. It also has three outside lawyers or firms under contract at
an annual cost of $1.1 million. Overall, CIRM is spending 13 percent of its
$18.5 million operational budget on legal matters. Its budget for
legal services will increase $50,000 next year.
CIRM’s proposed budget includes a cut
in external legal contracts to help finance the addition of another
staff attorney. Elona Baum, CIRM’s general counsel, is also
advancing an additional proposal this month that would pay for another staff attorney indirectly through CIRM loans to business, thus
avoiding problems with the 6 percent legal cap on the agency’s
budget.
in external legal contracts to help finance the addition of another
staff attorney. Elona Baum, CIRM’s general counsel, is also
advancing an additional proposal this month that would pay for another staff attorney indirectly through CIRM loans to business, thus
avoiding problems with the 6 percent legal cap on the agency’s
budget.
At the April 2 meeting of the Finance
Subcommittee April 2, Art Torres, CIRM’s co-vice chairman and an
attorney himself, vigorously questioned the addition of another
lawyer. In an exchange with Baum, Torres said,
Subcommittee April 2, Art Torres, CIRM’s co-vice chairman and an
attorney himself, vigorously questioned the addition of another
lawyer. In an exchange with Baum, Torres said,
“Well, wait a minute. We already
have you. We have Ian. We have Scott. We have James. What more do we
need to add more to our legal services budget, which looks awfully
bloated.”
Baum and CIRM President Alan Trounson
defended the addition of a staff lawyer. Both cited the need to
protect intellectual property and promote commercialization of
CIRM-funded inventions. Trounson and Baum said grantee institutions
are failing to do so. Consequently, they said, the stem cell agency
is “at risk.”
defended the addition of a staff lawyer. Both cited the need to
protect intellectual property and promote commercialization of
CIRM-funded inventions. Trounson and Baum said grantee institutions
are failing to do so. Consequently, they said, the stem cell agency
is “at risk.”
In one exchange, Torres said,
“There
are current counsels within the UC and Stanford and USC that ought to
be taking care of this for their grantees.”
According to the transcript, Trounson
replied,
“Well, they’re not – you know, this is not being
taken care of in a way which is — which is — which is reasonable to
the organization here. and I think it’s putting the organization at
risk….”
Baum cited an “a very in-depth”
memo that she said justified hiring an additional attorney. Following
the meeting, the California Stem Cell Report asked for a copy of the
memo.
memo that she said justified hiring an additional attorney. Following
the meeting, the California Stem Cell Report asked for a copy of the
memo.
It consisted of a one-page job
description. Dated March 5, it was written by Baum and directed to
Trounson. It described the duties of the new lawyer but not the
justification for hiring the person. In addition to IP work, duties including 350 hours
of work to “provide increased certainty of commercialization
rights,” 250 hours for due diligence in the grant award process,
200 hours of work on genomics and reprogrammed adult stem cell
efforts. The memo calls for 690 hours on business transactions
including 150 hours to administer the loan program and 200 hours on
agreements with companies seeking to relocate to California.
description. Dated March 5, it was written by Baum and directed to
Trounson. It described the duties of the new lawyer but not the
justification for hiring the person. In addition to IP work, duties including 350 hours
of work to “provide increased certainty of commercialization
rights,” 250 hours for due diligence in the grant award process,
200 hours of work on genomics and reprogrammed adult stem cell
efforts. The memo calls for 690 hours on business transactions
including 150 hours to administer the loan program and 200 hours on
agreements with companies seeking to relocate to California.
Much of the committee discussion focused on the
need for legal expertise on IP issues, which Baum said the agency
lacked.
need for legal expertise on IP issues, which Baum said the agency
lacked.
CIRM first took a crack at hiring an IP
attorney in 2008, seeking both a consultant and a fulltime staff attorney. A fulltime staffer was never hired. However, Nancy Koch was hired as an IP consultant for six months at $150,000 and has been
with the agency since. Koch was deputy general counsel of Chiron
Corp. and its successor Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc.
During 11 years at Chiron/Novartis, Koch was responsible for a wide
range of intellectual property matters including litigation and
licensing. Her current contract is for $250,000 for a year but would be reduced
to help provide cash for a staff attorney. Baum said last month that
Koch is primarily involved now with collaborative arrangements with
other countries.
attorney in 2008, seeking both a consultant and a fulltime staff attorney. A fulltime staffer was never hired. However, Nancy Koch was hired as an IP consultant for six months at $150,000 and has been
with the agency since. Koch was deputy general counsel of Chiron
Corp. and its successor Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc.
During 11 years at Chiron/Novartis, Koch was responsible for a wide
range of intellectual property matters including litigation and
licensing. Her current contract is for $250,000 for a year but would be reduced
to help provide cash for a staff attorney. Baum said last month that
Koch is primarily involved now with collaborative arrangements with
other countries.
Our take? It is commonplace to be
critical of lawyers, their profession and their numbers. CIRM,
however, is an unprecedented agency operating in uncharted scientific
waters with an enormous reponsibilility for generating a return for
the state. It is engaged with firms that will be negotiating
aggressively to cut the most beneficial deal possible for themselves
– not for California taxpayers, who are paying the freight. CIRM
must protect the state’s interests. And first-rate IP lawyers do not
come cheap. In 2008, the agency was lowballing when it offered $150
an hour. If CIRM fails to generate a financial return for the state,
critics are sure to say that it was overmatched legally when it dealt
with the private sector. On the other hand, the agency is sure to be
battered by contemporary critics for its battalion of barristers.
critical of lawyers, their profession and their numbers. CIRM,
however, is an unprecedented agency operating in uncharted scientific
waters with an enormous reponsibilility for generating a return for
the state. It is engaged with firms that will be negotiating
aggressively to cut the most beneficial deal possible for themselves
– not for California taxpayers, who are paying the freight. CIRM
must protect the state’s interests. And first-rate IP lawyers do not
come cheap. In 2008, the agency was lowballing when it offered $150
an hour. If CIRM fails to generate a financial return for the state,
critics are sure to say that it was overmatched legally when it dealt
with the private sector. On the other hand, the agency is sure to be
battered by contemporary critics for its battalion of barristers.
The issue of a new hire went unresolved
last month, and it was turned back to a handful of directors and
staff to solve. CIRM directors will deal with it again at their
meeting later this month.
last month, and it was turned back to a handful of directors and
staff to solve. CIRM directors will deal with it again at their
meeting later this month.
A final footnote: Philip Pizzo, a CIRM
director and dean of the Stanford medical school, was part of the
meeting during which Trounson identified Stanford as failing to take
of care of some of its IP responsibilities. Pizzo said towards the
end of the meeting, “If Stanford is going to be referenced, we
ought to be clear that we’ve got all the facts correct about what
Stanford does or doesn’t do.”
director and dean of the Stanford medical school, was part of the
meeting during which Trounson identified Stanford as failing to take
of care of some of its IP responsibilities. Pizzo said towards the
end of the meeting, “If Stanford is going to be referenced, we
ought to be clear that we’ve got all the facts correct about what
Stanford does or doesn’t do.”
Pizzo said Stanford does a “great
job.”
job.”
(An earlier version of this item said incorrectly said that CIRM would have six lawyers on staff next year.)
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Biotech Biz Alert: California Stem Cell Agency Altering Loan Policies
May 13th, 2012
The California stem cell agency is in
the midst of making significant changes in its lending regulations,
but says it is not part of an effort to transfer a $25 million loan
to Geron to another company.
the midst of making significant changes in its lending regulations,
but says it is not part of an effort to transfer a $25 million loan
to Geron to another company.
That does not mean, however, that the agency is not going to
transfer the loan at some point. CIRM says it already has the
authority to do so.
transfer the loan at some point. CIRM says it already has the
authority to do so.
Talk has surfaced from time to time at
CIRM meetings about the likelihood of helping to continue with the
hESC clinical trial that Geron abruptly abandoned last fall. The
surprise termination of Geron’s hESC program came only a few months
after CIRM and Geron signed a $25 million loan agreement in August.
Geron is trying to sell off its hESC business, although Geron’s hESC
team has already left the company, according to industry reports.
CIRM meetings about the likelihood of helping to continue with the
hESC clinical trial that Geron abruptly abandoned last fall. The
surprise termination of Geron’s hESC program came only a few months
after CIRM and Geron signed a $25 million loan agreement in August.
Geron is trying to sell off its hESC business, although Geron’s hESC
team has already left the company, according to industry reports.
Modification of the CIRM loan
regulations has been underway for some time. Tomorrow the CIRM
directors’ Intellectual Property and Industry Subcommittee will consider the latest proposals.
regulations has been underway for some time. Tomorrow the CIRM
directors’ Intellectual Property and Industry Subcommittee will consider the latest proposals.
Some of the changes deal with
relinquishment and transfer of loans. The modifications explicitly
give CIRM President Alan Trounson the ability to transfer a loan
without having to go through additional reviews or seek board
approval. Other changes are also designed to clarify and remove
ambiguities in the transfer arrangement, which may well be necessary
in order to make a transfer acceptable to a buyer of the Geron
assets.
relinquishment and transfer of loans. The modifications explicitly
give CIRM President Alan Trounson the ability to transfer a loan
without having to go through additional reviews or seek board
approval. Other changes are also designed to clarify and remove
ambiguities in the transfer arrangement, which may well be necessary
in order to make a transfer acceptable to a buyer of the Geron
assets.
Geron paid off the loan last fall but
it is not clear whether that action would preclude a transfer. At one
point earlier this year, Trounson said he was involved in helping to find a buyer, but it is not clear whether any CIRM official is
currently involved. Geron has hired Stifel
Nicolaus & Co. to help peddle
the hESC business.
it is not clear whether that action would preclude a transfer. At one
point earlier this year, Trounson said he was involved in helping to find a buyer, but it is not clear whether any CIRM official is
currently involved. Geron has hired Stifel
Nicolaus & Co. to help peddle
the hESC business.
CIRM’s loan changes are complex. The
agency has not yet put together in one place a straightforward
rationale and explanation of all the modifications. Nonetheless,
biotech and stem cell firms should pay close attention to the
proposals. They could mean the difference between the infusion or
loss of millions for a company’s research.
agency has not yet put together in one place a straightforward
rationale and explanation of all the modifications. Nonetheless,
biotech and stem cell firms should pay close attention to the
proposals. They could mean the difference between the infusion or
loss of millions for a company’s research.
The proposals are expected to go before
the full CIRM board later this month. Then they will be subject to
the state’s administrative law process, including a period for public
comment.
the full CIRM board later this month. Then they will be subject to
the state’s administrative law process, including a period for public
comment.
Tomorrow’s meeting has public
teleconference locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, La Jolla and
two in Irvine. Specific addresses can be found on the agenda.
teleconference locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, La Jolla and
two in Irvine. Specific addresses can be found on the agenda.
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Advisor to CIRM Nominated to Board of CIRM Grant Recipient Expecting $5 Million from Agency
May 13th, 2012
A “special
advisor” to the $3 billion California stem cell agency has been nominated to the board of directors of Sangamo BioSciences, Inc., a
firm that is sharing in a $14.5 million grant from the state research
enterprise.
advisor” to the $3 billion California stem cell agency has been nominated to the board of directors of Sangamo BioSciences, Inc., a
firm that is sharing in a $14.5 million grant from the state research
enterprise.
She is Saira Ramasastry, managing partner of Life Sciences Advisory, LLC, of
Emerald Lake Hills, Ca., and who also has worked as a consultant to
Sangamo. Ramasastry’s ties to CIRM go back to at least May of 2010,
when she served as a consultant for the panel that CIRM hired to
review its operations. The panel strongly recommended that CIRM
engage industry more warmly. Since then Ramasastry’s contracts with
CIRM have totalled $65,000. Her current $25,000 contract describes
her work for CIRM as “industry analysis and consultation.”
Emerald Lake Hills, Ca., and who also has worked as a consultant to
Sangamo. Ramasastry’s ties to CIRM go back to at least May of 2010,
when she served as a consultant for the panel that CIRM hired to
review its operations. The panel strongly recommended that CIRM
engage industry more warmly. Since then Ramasastry’s contracts with
CIRM have totalled $65,000. Her current $25,000 contract describes
her work for CIRM as “industry analysis and consultation.”
Ramasastry’s
website says she serves as “a special advisor to CIRM in
industry engagement initiatives and strategic projects.” Her
firm also offers expertise to life sciences firms in “strategic
alternatives advisory, strategic options analysis, tailored business
development solutions and innovative financing strategies.”
website says she serves as “a special advisor to CIRM in
industry engagement initiatives and strategic projects.” Her
firm also offers expertise to life sciences firms in “strategic
alternatives advisory, strategic options analysis, tailored business
development solutions and innovative financing strategies.”
In a news release April 30 announcing her nomination, Sangamo said Ramasastry has worked as a consultant to the Richmond, Ca., company. William Ringo, chairman of Sangamo’s board of
directors, said,
directors, said,
”Saira’s
extensive experience in global healthcare investment banking and
strategic advisory consulting will bring valuable financial,
commercial assessment and business development skills to our board.”
Compensation for Sangamo directors in 2011 ranged from $75,000 to $35,000 for those who served a full year plus stock options.
Sangamo is sharing
in a $14.5 million, four-year grant from CIRM with the City of Hope
in Los Angeles dealing with an AIDS- related lymphoma therapy. The
grant was approved in 2009. Sangamo expects to receive $5.2 million from the grant if it runs for the full four years. As of the end of 2011, the firm has received $2.4 million, according to its financial documents. In March, Ellen Feigal, CIRM senior vice
president for research and development, said the effort is due for an
evaluation late this year. Earlier this year, CIRM terminated one $19 million grant in the same round after it failed to meet milestones.
Sangamo’s board is
scheduled to vote on Ramasastry’s nomination on June 21.
scheduled to vote on Ramasastry’s nomination on June 21.
The California
Stem Cell Report has asked Ramasastry if she has any comment for
publication. We are also querying CIRM and Sangamo. Their comments
will be carried verbatim when we receive them.
Stem Cell Report has asked Ramasastry if she has any comment for
publication. We are also querying CIRM and Sangamo. Their comments
will be carried verbatim when we receive them.
Our take?
Ramasastry’s consulting work with both CIRM and Sangamo demonstrates
again the tiny size of the world of stem cell science. It also raises
questions about conflicts of interest involving CIRM and industry. Can
a consultant in such a position serve two masters and serve them both
equally well? CIRM’s interests are not necessarily the same as
Sangamo’s, which is a publicly traded firm working diligently to
generate profit and financial returns for its shareholders. To do
that, it needs capital from its financial “backers,”
including CIRM. The stem cell agency, however, is in the business of
getting the results that it wants from Sangamo. If not, the grant
can be cancelled. Working for both the stem cell agency, whose
paramount obligation is to the people of California, and a recipient
of the agency’s millions is incompatible.
Ramasastry’s consulting work with both CIRM and Sangamo demonstrates
again the tiny size of the world of stem cell science. It also raises
questions about conflicts of interest involving CIRM and industry. Can
a consultant in such a position serve two masters and serve them both
equally well? CIRM’s interests are not necessarily the same as
Sangamo’s, which is a publicly traded firm working diligently to
generate profit and financial returns for its shareholders. To do
that, it needs capital from its financial “backers,”
including CIRM. The stem cell agency, however, is in the business of
getting the results that it wants from Sangamo. If not, the grant
can be cancelled. Working for both the stem cell agency, whose
paramount obligation is to the people of California, and a recipient
of the agency’s millions is incompatible.
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Kudos to CIRM: Stem Cell Agency Sticks with Full Financial Disclosure
May 6th, 2012
A key panel of directors of the $3
billion California stem cell agency yesterday voted unanimously to
retain full public disclosure of the financial interests of its
directors and top executives.
billion California stem cell agency yesterday voted unanimously to
retain full public disclosure of the financial interests of its
directors and top executives.
The director’s Governance Subcommittee
bypassed a proposal that would have substantially weakened disclosure at a time when the agency is moving closer to industry in an effort
to develop cures.
bypassed a proposal that would have substantially weakened disclosure at a time when the agency is moving closer to industry in an effort
to develop cures.
“Because of CIRM’s unique mission
and the agency’s longstanding commitment to transparency,” said
Kevin McCormack, the agency’s spokesman, “they believed that
CIRM should continue to set an example by requiring the broadest
disclosure of members of the board and high level staff.”
and the agency’s longstanding commitment to transparency,” said
Kevin McCormack, the agency’s spokesman, “they believed that
CIRM should continue to set an example by requiring the broadest
disclosure of members of the board and high level staff.”
Currently CIRM board members and top
executives must disclose all their investments and income – in a
general way – along with California real property that they hold.
Under the rejected changes, disclosures would have instead been
required only “if the business entity or source of income is of
the type to receive grants or other monies from or through
the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.”
executives must disclose all their investments and income – in a
general way – along with California real property that they hold.
Under the rejected changes, disclosures would have instead been
required only “if the business entity or source of income is of
the type to receive grants or other monies from or through
the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.”
The proposed changes would also have
relieved CIRM officials of reporting investment in or income from
venture capital or other firms that may be engaged in financing
biotech or stem cell enterprises, since the firms do not receive cash
from CIRM or engage in biomedical research.
relieved CIRM officials of reporting investment in or income from
venture capital or other firms that may be engaged in financing
biotech or stem cell enterprises, since the firms do not receive cash
from CIRM or engage in biomedical research.
The subcommittee’s action will go before the full CIRM board later this month, where it is expected to be ratified.
Our take? The Governance Subcommittee
took the right action and is to be commended for going beyond the
letter of the law. The integrity and credibility of CIRM are
paramount. As the California Stem Cell Report wrote last week, narrowing disclosure would only have engendered suspicion and
unnecessarily raised questions about the conduct of the agency as it
embarks on an aggressive push for stem cell cures.
took the right action and is to be commended for going beyond the
letter of the law. The integrity and credibility of CIRM are
paramount. As the California Stem Cell Report wrote last week, narrowing disclosure would only have engendered suspicion and
unnecessarily raised questions about the conduct of the agency as it
embarks on an aggressive push for stem cell cures.
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Researcher Alert: First Look at Proposed Rules for California’s Stem Cell Bank
May 6th, 2012
The California
stem cell agency today unveiled initial details of how it plans to
run its $30 million bank of reprogrammed adult stem cells.
The proposed
regulations are the first step this year in the $3 billion agency’s
project to make IPS cells available worldwide at low cost. It is part
of an effort to stimulate the science and develop commercial cures by
removing research roadblocks.
regulations are the first step this year in the $3 billion agency’s
project to make IPS cells available worldwide at low cost. It is part
of an effort to stimulate the science and develop commercial cures by
removing research roadblocks.
As Amy Adams,
CIRM‘s communications manager wrote earlier this year on the agency’s research blog,
CIRM‘s communications manager wrote earlier this year on the agency’s research blog,
“One way for CIRM to accelerate research is by creating more of a library system
for stem cells – except we don’t want the cells back.”
The agency expects
to issue its first RFA next month in the stem cell banking initiative, which consists of three grant rounds to be approved by
the CIRM board no later than Feburary of next year.
To clear the way
for the first round, CIRM plans to revise its IP regulations to
ensure that they don’t hamper the distribution of stem cells in its bank and their wide use. The revisions will come before the CIRM directors’
IP/Industry Subcommittee next Tuesday. The six-member panel is
co-chaired by co-chaired by Stephen Juelsgaard, former executive vice
president of Genentech, and Duane Roth, CEO of Connect in San Diego,
a nonprofit that supports tech and life sciences entrepreneuers.
Sites where the public can participate in the meeting will be
available in San Francisco, La Jolla, Los Angeles and two in Irvine.
for the first round, CIRM plans to revise its IP regulations to
ensure that they don’t hamper the distribution of stem cells in its bank and their wide use. The revisions will come before the CIRM directors’
IP/Industry Subcommittee next Tuesday. The six-member panel is
co-chaired by co-chaired by Stephen Juelsgaard, former executive vice
president of Genentech, and Duane Roth, CEO of Connect in San Diego,
a nonprofit that supports tech and life sciences entrepreneuers.
Sites where the public can participate in the meeting will be
available in San Francisco, La Jolla, Los Angeles and two in Irvine.
Under the new IP rules, CIRM will retain ownership of the cells in its bank instead
of the grantee, as the current IP rules state.
of the grantee, as the current IP rules state.
In a memo to
directors, Elona Baum, general counsel for the agency, said,
directors, Elona Baum, general counsel for the agency, said,
“This permits
CIRM to have complete control of this valuable resource and is
consistent with the practice of NIH’s Center for Regenerative
Medicine which is also creating a repository for iPSC lines and
derived materials.”
Baum also said,
“The (current) IP
regulations were drafted to address conventional drug discovery
activities and did not contemplate creation of a comprehensive
repository of cell lines intended for broad distribution. As a
result, the IP regulations contain a number of provisions which are
either not applicable or worse could impede the success of the hiPSC
bank. For instance, IP regulations permit the exclusive licensing of
CIRM funded inventions and technology. This would be
counterproductive to the goals of the hiPSC repository which are
predicated on wide spread access.”
Baum provided the
following summary of the $30 million banking initiative:
following summary of the $30 million banking initiative:
“These lines
will serve as valuable tools in drug discovery and will be available
to researchers worldwide. The Tissue Collection RFA No. 12-02 will
fund clinicians and other scientists to identify, recruit and consent
sufficient numbers of affected individuals within a disease
population so as to effectively represent the disease’s
manifestations. Tissues will be collected and appropriate clinical,
medical or diagnostic information, will be obtained to enable
informed discovery of disease-related phenotypes and drug development
activities using hiPSC-based models. These tissue samples will be
provided (without charge) to the recipient of the CIRM hiPSC
Derivation Award (RFA No. 12-03) for the production of the hiPSC
lines. Once derived, characterized and released, the lines will be
deposited in the CIRM hiPSC bank funded under RFA No. 12-04.”
Specific addresses
for the public meeting locations can be found on the agenda.
for the public meeting locations can be found on the agenda.
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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