Note: Cedars - Sinai is the medical center where the much cited (by Sen. Brownback and David Prentice), but never replicated autologous adult stem cell transplant for PD was performed by Dr. Michel Levesque on Dennis Turner.
FROM: Pharma Investments, Ventures & Law Weekly via LawRx.com via
NewsRx.com and NewsRx.net
May 27, 2007
Pg. 3063
HEADLINE: CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER, LOS ANGELES, U.S.;
New studies from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, U.S., outlined
... Study 2: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has launched an International Stem Cell
Research Institute that will conduct both adult and embryonic stem cell
research.
The academic medical center also announced the arrival of renowned Israeli
developmental geneticist Nissim Benvenisty, MD, PhD, as the institute's
co-director along with David I. Meyer, PhD, vice president of Research and
Scientific Affairs at Cedars-Sinai.
"This is the time, this is the place, and Cedars-Sinai is ready to fulfill
our vision for the promise of stem cell research," said Benvenisty, speaking at
the July 17 opening ceremony at Cedars-Sinai. Benvenisty was the first scientist
in the world to grow human embryonic stem cells into embryoid bodies and the
first to genetically manipulate them.
"Cedars-Sinai has a tradition of conducting research and clinical studies in
a way where the emphasis stays on trying to quickly translate research findings
from the bench to the bedside to benefit patients," said Benvenisty. "The
institute will perform research on all types of stem cells, emphasizing
integrity, innovation and collaboration in our approach."
"It is hoped that this streamlined 'bench to bedside' approach to research
will lead to more effective treatments in cardiovascular medicine, neuroscience,
oncology, surgery and transplantation, among other areas," said Meyer, who
conceived the idea of the International Stem Cell Research Institute and
actively recruited Benvenisty.
Benvenisty will maintain his current position as professor of genetics at
Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where he and his family live. Later this summer,
two more investigators will join the institute: professor Michal Schwartz from
the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and professor Dan Gazit, also from
Hebrew University.
Cedars-Sinai scientists have already been conducting more than a dozen
research studies involving adult stem cells in areas such as neurology and
neurosurgery, cardiology and connective tissues. Adult stem cells are rare,
however, and are difficult to grow and study in the lab. They are used primarily
to treat blood and skin diseases, or injuries such as tissue burns.
In contrast, embryonic stem cells can proliferate indefinitely into all
types of cells and are easy to grow and study.
By conducting stem cell research, scientists hope to find new treatments for
Parkinson, Alzheimer, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries
and other diseases.
"Embryonic stem cells hold the promise to change the face of medical
research," said Benvenisty. "They will potentially serve as a source of cells in
transplantation medicine, enlighten us on human development, and help us
understand the pathology of many human genetic disorders."
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