I was surprised to find this "ad" in the Listserv today. After full "internet researching," the following were found: (I hope Murray will show us his finds on this, also!) This is advertisement for an individual clinic, apparently in India (but that took some digging) that utilizes umbilical cordblood stem cells using stereotactic surgery to implant cells directly into the brain stem Dr. Dinesh Garg is the "Boss" (as described in his ad). His credentials (as stated on the Biomark website described below): "Dr. Dinesh Garg, MD, Ph.D is a member of the American Medical Association. He completed his BS at Univ of PA, with awards and accomplishments in cell biology. His MD with distinction in research was completed at SUNY-Brkln and his Ph.D in Pathology at SUNY-SB. He gained MHA-MBA credits at Cornell Univ, NY as a clinical administrator and consultant. He is founder of LifeCord USA, Inc. and Neuro Clinic, Pvt. Ltd with research specialization in cord blood stem cell production of Neuro-Glial Cells for cell therapy of Parkinson's, MS and stroke. His work in biology and neurosurgery is widely published in medical and scientific journals. He is also Chairman of BioMark's Scientific Advisory Board." One article states that he is also founder of an umbilical cordblood collection and storage business, Lifecord USA. The sponsoring company is Biomark International (of which Dr. Dinesh is also Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board) . The website describes the company as "BioMark International is a privately funded Biotech Group specializing in the marketing, research and development of 3 targeted areas of Biotech advancements: Stem Cell Therapy, Immunotherapy Cancer Diagnostics " Here was the only online "research" reports I could find (collected for the Biomark site): http://biomark-intl.com/frontdoor/article_list.cfm#30, and the only one I found which specifically mentions Dr. Dingesh was: http://biomark-intl.com/media/publications/02_Park.pdf According to the previously mentioned news release, Dr. Garg has discovered a new technique called "Brain Cooling" which claims to help implanted cells to "'take residence' along with the native cells. . . .and "since the cells are modified in a tissue-culture environment, the concern to matching and/or rejection of these medically immune cells is minimised." The source of the cells (according to this news release, were "recovered umbilical cord blood after a delivery, and separated the stem cells at Sassoon Hospital." and "modified the stem cells into brain cells in a tissue-culture facility provided by Dr. Avinash Phadnis at the Shree Clinic. One more quote concerning the CNS Cooling: "The cooling of the Central Nervous System was devised by Dr. Garg using a peristaltic flow pump in a closed circuit loop under local anesthesia." This article is posted at the NPF site: http://www.parkinson.org/umbilstemcells.htm AND, a disclaimer at t he end of a page explaining Biomark International's use of stem cells http://biomark-intl.com/frontdoor/stem_cell.cfm is quoted: "Disclaimer: It is not an FDA approved procedure and is in no way to be construed or presented as a cure for any degenerative disease or injury. " Peggy ----- Original Message ----- From: "marie judd" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 9:38 PM Subject: Re: PARKINSN Digest - 6 Oct 2003 to 7 Oct 2003 (#2003-358) > QUEST FOR A CURE! > > We are sending this letter to anyone we feel may be interested in becoming a > part of the network of people answering the "call to the cure" (or at least, > a definitive remission) of Parkinson's Disease (PD). During the past 18 > years, we have learned enough to realize that the time has now come for us > to look beyond the medication approach alone, and seek an alternate therapy > to overcome PD. > > After deep consideration, we are particularly interested in Stem Cell > Therapy with Umbilical Cord Blood, involving implantation of cells into the > brain. Sharing personal experiences with PD or other neurological > conditions is valuable to us, as we continue our journey to make things > happen, not only for ourselves but also for the PD community, at-large. > Knowledge truly is powerful, not only on an individual level, but as a > network of people wanting to make something happen - to overcome illness, > not just treat it. > > We invite you to join us in our quest, as we travel on our journey toward > what so many are hoping for - a cure. Learn more pertaining to a most > promising definitive therapy, found at www.parkinson-disease.net. We will > be glad to answer any questions anytime at [log in to unmask] as we seek to > become one of the earliest recipients in the U.S. > > If you feel you would like to help MAKE THINGS HAPPEN, you can become > actively engaged by letting us know and discussing experiences and > therapies. Medical, scientific, social and spiritual accomplishments are > indicating that a widely available cure to this devastating and debilitating > condition is in-hand, soon! > > We encourage you to contact us at our e-mail site as we coordinate the > efforts of all those networking with us. If you would like to be on our > contact list we will keep you informed of our plans, progress, and results > in the months ahead. May you all feel, as we do, the hopefulness and > confidence in the positive accomplishments being made soon to overcome this > and other devastating neurological conditions and diseases. > > As friends and believers. > > Looking forward in faith.S.F. and > Callie Marie Judd > [log in to unmask] > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Automatic digest processor" <[log in to unmask]> > To: "Recipients of PARKINSN digests" <[log in to unmask]> > Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 12:02 AM > Subject: PARKINSN Digest - 6 Oct 2003 to 7 Oct 2003 (#2003-358) > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn