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Currents in Stem Cell Medicine
August 23, 2011. Vol. 1, No 2.
Stem cells have dominated the news for the last two weeks. With Governor Rick Perry announcing that he underwent a treatment in Texas, you’d think that these promising therapies would finally be accepted. Sadly, the media responded by calling into question the right of the Governor to access these therapies and attacked the physician for treating the Governor. The situation is, of course, more complicated. The underlying issue, however, is not: Physician innovation must be protected and the patient’s right to access appropriate healthcare cannot be denied. The ICMS has publically stated the Society's support of patient rights and the practice of medicine.
It is our belief that the people best qualified to make a health care decision are an informed patient and a licensed and qualified physician. This does not mean that we advocate for a wild west of medicine with no oversight. On the contrary, our mission is to provide peer oversight based upon best practice standards and guidelines written by physicians and scientists. Peer oversight brings transparency, and transparency is what will assure patient safety and protect the practice of medicine.
This oversight begins with you. Join the ICMS and bring your experience and your voice together with other physicians and scientists to define the future of stem cell medicine.
Latest News from the ICMS
ICMS Announces Professional Membership.
ICMS Publishes Statement in Support of Patient Rights
ICMS Announces New Clinics Participating in the Accreditation Program
Latest News from NCBI
Ex vivo-expanded bone marrow CD34(+) for acute myocardial infarction treatment: in vitro and in vivo studies.
Bone marrow (BM)-derived cells appear to be a promising therapeutic source for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Gene expression analysis of in vitro-expanded cells revealed that endothelial markers were up-regulated during culture. Data suggest that combining basal and expanded BM-derived CD34(+) cells in a specific temporal pattern of administration might represent a promising strategy for a successful cell-based therapy.
The Influence of Hypoxia and Fibrinogen Variants on the Expansion and Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
Upon implantation of tissue-engineered scaffolds, hypoxia will occur until neovascularization takes place. In this study, the influence of oxygen tension and naturally occurring fibrinogen variants on adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASC) expansion and differentiation were determined. Differentiation of ASC toward adipogenic and osteogenic lineages was improved in 20% oxygen, whereas 1% oxygen improved chondrogenic differentiation. In conclusion, optimal oxygen concentrations vary for the intended ASC application, and fibrinogen variants, which can be used to influence neovascularization, do not alter ASC behavior. These data emphasize the importance of oxygen concentrations during stem cell growth and differentiation.
If you appreciate this kind of information, join the ICMS and help us to protect the practice of medicine.
Autologous fat transplantation versus adipose-derived stem cell-enriched lipografts: a study.
Several techniques for lipoinjection have been described in the literature. Recently, the role of adult stem cells in adipose tissue has gained interest. The authors compare autologous fat transplantation to adipose-derived stem cell-enriched lipografts. Adipose-derived stem cell-enriched lipografts produced aesthetically-acceptable results without the need for repeat treatment sessions, which are necessary with autologous fat transplantation.
Chondrogenic differentiation of adult mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic cells in collagen scaffolds.
Many cell types and cellular microenvironments have been explored for articular cartilage tissue engineering. This study compares the potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and P19 embryonic carcinoma cells (ECCs), a pluripotent derivative of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), for cartilage histogenesis in porous collagen scaffolds in vitro. We conclude that MSCs appear to be superior over ECCs for cartilage regeneration under particular culture conditions.
Construction of Artificial Laminae of the Vertebral Arch Using Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplanted in Collagen Sponge.
A rabbit laminectomy model was used to evaluate the efficacy of artificial laminae of vertebral arch using bone marrow-derived osteoblasts transplanted in a collagen sponge to reconstruct an artificial laminae of vertebral arch using bone marrow-derived osteoblasts transplanted in a collagen sponge on a rabbit model. The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from the bone marrow in the femur of two-week -old rabbits were obtained by centrifugation and adhesion. The BMSCs were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, which were transplanted into collagen sponge to construct the tissue-engineering bone. A total of 48 rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. The artificial laminae of the vertebral arch successfully formed four weeks after the operation in Group C; CT examination at four weeks showed that the new laminae of vertebral arch was formed, and that the vertebral canal was intact.Conclusion. The artificial laminae of the vertebral arch can be successfully constructed using tissue engineering of transplanted BMSCs.
Potential benefits of allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for wound healing.
It is becoming increasingly evident that select adult stem cells have the capacity to participate in repair and regeneration of damaged and/or diseased tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells have been among the most studied adult stem cells for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including wound healing. Areas covered: Mesenchymal stem cell features potentially beneficial to cutaneous wound healing applications are reviewed. Expert opinion: Given their potential for in vitro expansion and immune modulatory effects, both autologous and allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells appear to be well suited as wound healing therapies. Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells derived from young healthy donors could have particular advantage over autologous sources where age and systemic disease can be significant factors
VEGF expression in mesenchymal stem cells promotes bone formation of tissue-engineered bones.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo vascularization and bone formation activity of tissue-engineered bone constructed using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transfected with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Based on our results, expression of the VEGF165 gene was detected using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry following transfection and 4 weeks of selection. The co-cultured NHAC- and VEGF-transfected MSCs had significantly higher alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity compared to the controls (P<0.05). In the mice that received the tissue-engineered bone xenografts, clumps of cartilage cells, irregular bone-like tissue and microvessels were observed. The growth of these structures progressed with time. In the control mice, however, only small amounts of bone-like and fibrotic tissue were observed. The differences between the control and experimental groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). In conclusion, VEGF165‑transfected bone marrow MSCs promotes vascularization of tissue-engineered bone and ectopic osteogenesis.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for systemic sclerosis: history and current status.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains one of the last severe autoimmune disease with a poor prognosis and modest response to immunosuppressive therapy. Mortality in severe diffuse disease with internal organ involvement is elevated. Autologous hematopoietic transplantation (HSCT) has emerged in the last decade as a promising disease-modifying treatment. Two out of three randomized trials of autologous HSCT for SSc have been concluded: the nonmyeloablative American Systemic Sclerosis Immune Suppression versus Transplant, and Autologous Stem cell Transplantation International Scleroderma. The myeloablative Scleroderma Cyclophosphamide versus Transplant instead is still recruiting patients. The soon expected results from these trials should clarify the role of autologous HSCT in the challenging management of severe SSc.
Autologous bone marrow stem cell intralesional transplantation repairing bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Bisphosphonate - related osteonecrosis of the JAW (BRONJ) is a well known side effect of bisphosphonate therapies in oncologic and non oncologic patients. Since to date no definitive consensus has been reached on the treatment of BRONJ, novel strategies for the prevention, risk reduction and treatment need to be developed. We report a 75 year old woman with stage 3 BRONJ secondary to alendronate and pamidronate treatment of osteoporosis who was unresponsive to recommended treatment of the disease. The authors performed autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation into the BRONJ lesion of the patient. A week later the residual spongostan was removed and two weeks later resolution of symptoms was obtained. Then the lesion improved with progressive superficialization of the mucosal layer and CT scan performed 15 months later shows improvement also of bone via concentric ossification: so complete healing of BRONJ (stage 0) was obtained in our patient, and 30 months later the patient is well and without signs of BRONJ.
Enhanced skin wound healing by a sustained release of growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma.
Platelet-rich plasma(PRP) contains growth factors that promote tissue regeneration. The release of fibroblast growth factor 2, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and vascular endothelial growth factor contained in PRP from HCF was sustained for a longer period than those from PRP, calcium-activated PRP (C-PRP), or a mixture of fibrin and PRP (F-PRP). Treatment of full-thickness skin wounds in mice with HCF-PRP resulted in much faster wound closure as well as dermal and epidermal regeneration at day 12 compared to treatment with either C-PRP or F-PRP. Enhanced skin regeneration observed in HCF-PRP group may have been at least partially due to enhanced angiogenesis in the wound beds. Therefore, this method could be useful for skin wound treatment.
Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Enhanced Bone Regeneration in Grafted Sinus.
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on new bone formation and remodeling after grafting of the maxillary sinus with an algae-derived hydroxyapatite AlgOss/C Graft/Algipore on fourteen consecutive patients with severely atrophic. After an average healing period of 7.1 months bone samples were retrieved. Patients from a former consecutive series treated without PRP served as control group. In the coronal specimen portions, mean values for newly formed bone area, biomaterial area and marrow space of 32.2% ± 10.4%, 20.1% ± 13.0%, and 47.7% ± 8.5% were found with PRP, respectively. In the control group the corresponding values were 27.6% ± 13.4%, 20.3% ± 12.9%, and 52.1% ± 9.3%. In the apical specimen portions in the PRP group, the newly formed bone area, biomaterial area, and marrow space was 25.7% ± 15.0%, 23.4% ± 14.9%, and 50.9% ± 12.5%, respectively. Statistical evaluation of the samples proved significantly better overall resorption of algae-derived hydroxyapatite AlgOss/C Graft/Algipore and increased new bone formation when PRP was used, especially in the apical region.
The ICMS is a physician guided international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to patient safety and the protection of the practice of medicine and physician education through the production of global guidelines for the practice of cell based medicine. Membership in the ICMS is available to physicians, scientists and other healthcare professionals who are dedicated to the advancement of the field of adult stem cell medicine. Lend your voice and support. Join Now.
Currents in Stem Cell Medicine is a bi-monthly publication of the ICMS.
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Thursday, August 11, 2011
International Cell Medicine Society Issues Statement in Support of Patient’s Rights
The International Cellular Medicine Society, a professional medical association dedicated to the advancement of autologous, adult stem cells through physician education and patient safety, supports the decision of Texas Governor Rick Perry to receive an adult stem cell treatment. While the ICMS cannot comment on the safety or the efficacy of the specific therapy, we believe that an informed patient has a right to access medical treatments. It is our position that the use of autologous, adult stem cells by a trained, licensed physician is the definition of the practice of medicine. The ICMS asserts that the right of Governor Perry and all informed patients to access medical treatment must be protected.
The question of who determines access to medical therapies is a significant issue for all patients. Critics of patient rights have called for expanded governmental regulation. The goal of these patient right’s opponents is to deny access to these promising therapies. If successful, the result would be a world where doctors are told how to treat patients, and where individuals are forced to surrender their right to choose healthcare.
The appropriate response to the emergence of stem cell medicine is not, as the opponents of patients' rights claim, to deny a patient the access to healthcare. The ICMS believes that healthcare decisions are best addressed by a patient in consultation with her or his physician. It is the duty of physicians to educate the patient to make an informed healthcare decision. Furthermore, it is the obligation of physicians and professional medical societies to insure transparency for patient treatment methods while protecting patients' right to privacy.
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About the INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR MEDICINE SOCIETY
The ICMS is a physician guided international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to patient safety and the protection of the practice of medicine and physician education through the production of global guidelines for the practice of cell based medicine and the collection and evaluation of outcome data through a comprehensive stem cell patient treatment registry. Additional information is available at the Society’s website, www.cellmedicinesociety.org
 Cell Medicine Society Supports Patient Rights | [ ] | 395 Kb |
Currents in Stem Cell Medicine
August 8, 2011. Volume 1, Number 1.
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Currents in Stem Cell Medicine. This is a bi-weekly bulletin from the International Cellular Medicine Society to keep you informed of the latest research and trends in stem cells. If there are areas of special interest that you would like the ICMS to include, please do not hesitate to contact us, and let us know. If you value this kind of independent, unbiased information, I urge you to join the ICMS, and to take a leadership role in defining the future of stem cell medicine.
Multipotent stem/progenitor cells in human biliary tree give rise to hepatocytes, cholangiocytes and pancreatic islets.
Cardinale et al. HEPATOLOGY (2011).
Multipotent stem/progenitors are present in peribiliary glands of extrahepatic biliary trees from humans of all ages and in high numbers in hepato-pancreatic common duct, cystic duct and hilum. The phenotypes and availability from all age donors suggest that these stem/progenitors have considerable potential for regenerative therapies of liver, bile duct and pancreatic diseases including diabetes.
Gene Expression Profiling Suggests a Pathological Role of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Aging-Related Skeletal Diseases.
Jiang et al. Aging (2011 Jul 28).
Aging is associated with bone loss and degenerative joint diseases, in which the aging of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (bmMSC) may play an important role. Collectively, the results suggest a pathological role of bmMSC in aging-related skeletal diseases, and suggest the possibility that alteration in the immunology of bmMSC might also play an important role in the etiology of adult-onset osteoarthritis.
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell trafficking.Tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and rejuvenation in 2010: the role of adipose-derived stem cells.
Beeson et al. Facial Plast Surg. (2011 Aug;27(4):378-88).
Facial rejuvenation is rapidly evolving sector in the field of facial aesthetics. This article reviews the history of soft tissue augmentation using adipose tissue grafting and the advent of using adipose-derived stem cells. The state-of-the-art stem cell isolation technique as well as anticipated future therapeutic indications are also addressed.
Dedifferentiated fat cells: an alternative source of adult multipotent cells from the adipose tissues.
Shen JF et al. Int J Oral Sci. (2011 Jul;3(3):117-24).
When adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are retrieved from the stromal vascular portion of adipose tissue, a large amount of mature adipocytes are often discarded. However, by modified ceiling culture technique based on their buoyancy, mature adipocytes can be easily isolated from the adipose cell suspension and dedifferentiated into lipid-free fibroblast-like cells, named dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. Current research on DFAT cells indicated that this alternative source of adult multipotent cells has great potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells: How Do They Contribute to Tissue Repair and Are They Really Stem Cells?
Kuroda et al. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). (2011 Jul 26).
Adult stem cellstypically generate the cell types of the tissue in which they reside, and thus the range of their differentiation is considered limited. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are different from other somatic stem cells in that they differentiate not only into the same mesodermal-lineage such as bone, cartilage, and adipocytes but also into other lineages of ectodermal and endodermal cells. This review summarizes recent advances in the clarification of MSC properties and discusses future perspectives.
Perinatal sources of mesenchymal stem cells: Wharton's jelly, amnion and chorion.
Witkowska-Zimny et al. Cell Mol Biol Lett. (2011 Sep;16(3):493-514).
Recently, stem cell biology has become an interesting topic, especially in the context of treating diseases and injuries using transplantation therapy. This review highlights the characteristics and therapeutic potential of three human mesenchymal stem cell types obtained from perinatal sources: Wharton's jelly, the amnion, and the chorion.
The simplest method for in vitro β-cell production from human adult stem cells.
Colin et al. Differentiation. (2011 Jul 20).
Diabetes mellitus is a challenging autoimmune disease. Biomedical researchers are currently exploring efficient and effective ways to solve this challenge. The methods investigated in this study can be considered an effective and efficient means of obtaining insulin-producing cells from adult stem cells within a week.
Autologous Transplantation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Markedly Reduced Acute Ischemia-Reperfusion Lung Injury in a Rodent Model.
Sun et al. J Transl Med. (2011 Jul 22;9(1):118).
This study tested the hypothesis that autologous transplantation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) can effectively attenuate acute pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. ADMSC therapy minimized lung damage after IR injury in a rodent model through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction.
Very Small Embryonic- like Stem Cells with Maximum Regenerative Potential get Discarded during Cord Blood Banking and Bone Marrow Processing for Autologous Stem Cell Therapy.
Bhartiya et al. Stem Cells Dev. (2011 Jul 22).
Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are possibly lost during cord blood banking and bone marrow processing for autologus stem cell therapy mainly because of their small size. The results of the study presented may help explain low efficacy reported during adult autologous stem cell trials wherein unknowingly progenitor stem cells are injected rather than the pluripotent stem cells with maximum regenerative potential.
Transplantation of adipose stromal cells promotes neovascularization of random skin flaps.
Sheng et al. Tohoku J Exp Med. (2011;224(3):229-34).
The delivery of bone marrow-derived mononulear cells (BM-MNCs) has been proved to be effective at promoting neovascularization of ischemic skin flaps. However, the limited source of BM-MNCs restricts their clinical application. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) contains a group of heterogeneous cells in the adipose tissue, including adipose tissue-derived stem cells, and it has abundant reserve in human body. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of SVF to promote neovascularization of random skin flaps. The results indicate that SVF could promote vascularization and increase flap survival probably by secreting VEGF and bFGF. The effect of transplantation of SVF on therapeutic angiogenesis of skin flaps is equivalent to that of BM-MNCs.
Adipose-derived stromal cells: Their identity and uses in clinical trials, an update.
Casteilla et al. World J Stem Cells. (2011 Apr 26;3(4):25-33).
In adults, adipose tissue is abundant and can be easily sampled using liposuction. Largely involved in obesity and associated metabolic disorders, it is now described as a reservoir of immature stromal cells. These cells, called adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) must be distinguished from the crude stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained after digestion of adipose tissue. ADSCs share many features with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, including paracrine activity, but they also display some specific features, including a greater angiogenic potential. Their angiogenic properties as well as their paracrine activity suggest a putative tumor-promoting role for ADSCs although contradictory data have been published on this issue. Both SVF cells and ADSCs are currently being investigated in clinical trials in several fields (chronic inflammation, ischemic diseases, etc.). Apart from a phase III trial on the treatment of fistula, most of these are in phase I and use autologous cells. In the near future, the end results of these trials should provide a great deal of data on the safety of ADSC use.
Engineering of large osteogenic grafts with rapid engraftment capacity using mesenchymal and endothelial progenitors from human adipose tissue.
Güven et al. Biomaterials. (2011 Sep;32(25):5801-9. Epub 2011 May 24).
This study investigated whether the maintenance in culture of endothelial and mesenchymal progenitors from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of human adipose tissue supports the formation of vascular structures in vitro and thereby improves the efficiency and uniformity of bone tissue formation in vivo within critically sized scaffolds. As compared to BMSC and ASC, SVF-derived cells promoted faster tissue ingrowth, more abundant and uniform bone tissue formation, with ossicles reaching a 3.5 mm depth from the scaffold periphery after 8 weeks. Our findings demonstrate that maintenance of endothelial/mesenchymal SVF cell fractions is crucial to generate osteogenic constructs with enhanced engraftment capacity. The single, easily accessible cell source and streamlined, bioreactor-based process makes the approach attractive towards manufacturing of clinically relevant sized bone substitute grafts.
Clinical trial of autologous differentiated adipocytes from stem cells derived from human adipose tissue.
Kim et al. Dermatol Surg. (2011 Jun;37(6):750-9).
Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) are considered to be a reliable cell source for the generation of adipose tissue because they can be differentiated into adipocytes. Previous data have indicated that adipogenic differentiation of ASCs before transplantation can enhance the regeneration of adipose tissue. This study was intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of autologous differentiated adipocytes for the treatment of depressed scars. The conclusion of the study is that the use of autologous differentiated adipocytes can be a safe and effective treatment for soft tissue defects, with relatively long-term maintenance of volume. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Safety of autologous bone marrow aspiration concentrate transplantation: initial experiences in 101 patients.
Hendrich et al. Orthop Rev (Pavia). (2009 Oct 10;1(2):e32).
The clinical application of cellular based therapies with ex vivo cultivation for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system has until now been limited. In particular, the advanced laboratory and technical effort necessary, regulatory issues as well as high costs are major obstacles. On the other hand, newly developed cell therapy systems permit intra-operative enrichment and application of mesenchymal and progenitor stem cells from bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in one single operative session. The objective of the present clinical surveillance study was to evaluate new bone formation after the application of BMAC as well as to record any possible therapy-specific complications. In the authors' opinion, the on-site preparation of the bone marrow cells within the operating theater eliminates the specific risk of ex vivo cell proliferation and has a safety advantage in the use of autologous cell therapy for bone regeneration.
Hypoxia promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potentials of human mesenchymal stem cells.
Hung et al. J Orthop Res. (2011 Aug 1).
Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs), which can be isolated from bone marrow and other somatic tissues, are residing in an environment with relative low oxygen tension. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of hypoxia on MSCs. The authors hypothesize that oxygen concentration regulates the intricate balance between cellular proliferation and commitment towards differentiation. The conclusion of this study is that hypoxia provides a favorable culture condition to promote proliferation as well as osteogenesis of MSCs through differential growth factor production.
Mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton jelly of the human umbilical cord ameliorate damage to human endometrial stromal cells.
Yang et al. Fertil Steril. (2011 Jul 29).
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton jelly of umbilical cord (WJ-MSCs) on ameliorating damaged human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs).Sixteen endometrial tissues were obtained from women undergoing hysterectomy. Eight umbilical cords were obtained from full-term deliveries.
After exposure to mifepristone, the proliferation of ESCs decreased and the apoptosis percentage increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. At a certain dose and duration, this damage continued even after the withdrawl of mifepristone at 48 hours. When the damaged ESCs were cocultured with WJ-MSCs, the proliferation of these damaged cells was significantly increased and apoptosis percentage decreased. In addition, the level of VEGF mRNA and protein decreased and that of caspases 3, 8, and 9 increased. WJ-MSCs may serve as a promising treatment approach to ameliorate endometrial damage.
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David Audley
1(503)400-5603
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www.cellmedicinesociety.org
Brazzini Institute Joins ICMS Stem Cell Clinic Accreditation Program
July 14, 2011. PORTLAND, OREGON – The International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS) announced today another participating clinic in its growing Stem Cell Clinic Accreditation Program. The Brazzini Institute of Interventional Radiology from Lima, Peru signed the contracts late last month, finalizing its involvement in the program.
“We are very pleased to welcome the Brazzini Institute into the Accreditation program,” said David Audley, Executive Director of the ICMS. “Dr Brazzini has been a pioneer in cell based medicine, and his participation has opened the door for the ICMS to take an even larger role in one of the fastest emerging areas of this field: South America.”
In signing these agreements with the ICMS, the Brazzini Institute has agreed to provide the utmost level of transparency in regards to its clinical and medical practices. All of the clinic’s treatment processes, patient informed consent protocols, and patient candidacy documentation will be reviewed by the ICMS. Cell collection, processing, and implantation practices will all be examined for compliance with the ICMS Best Practice Guidelines. Additionally, all patients treated with stem cells by the Brazzini Institute will be entered into the ICMS Treatment Registry for outcome and complication tracking. At the end of this rigorous 18 to 24 month program, when the clinic passes all compliance measures, lab audits, and reporting standards, the Brazzini Institute will receive full accreditation from the ICMS.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with the ICMS,” said Dr. Augusto Brazzini. “The accreditation process is a critical step for every serious clinic.”
A full explanation of the ICMS Accreditation program can be found at the ICMS website.
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About the INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR MEDICINE SOCIETY
The ICMS is a physician guided international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to patient safety and the protection of the practice of medicine and physician education through the production of global guidelines for the practice of cell based medicine. The society maintains three websites, www.cellmedicinesociety.org, focused on adult stem cell education and awareness for physicians and researchers; www.stemcellwatch.com, a portal for patient education and the collection of complaints against stem cells clinics; and www.cellregistry.org, a re-implantation registry to track the long term outcomes of adult stem cell based procedures and therapies.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
David Audley
+1(503)884.6590
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.cellmedicinesociety.org
Mexico-Based Stem Cell Clinic Advances in Accreditation Process
July 12, 2011. PORTLAND, OREGON – The International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS), an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of adult cell based medicine, announced today that the Regenerative Medicine Institute (RMI) of Tijuana, Mexico, has successfully undergone and completed the first phase of its formal Stem Cell Clinic Accreditation Process. The program, an 18-month process launched earlier this year, has already seen a tremendous amount of participation from stem cell clinics around the world.
Since joining the program in March, RMI has presented its protocols for review by the ICMS Institution Review Board, entered its first patients into the ICMS Treatment Registry, and undergone its initial site audit successfully, with an additional, follow up site audit planned in six months. The remaining stages of the accreditation process will now shift over to patient safety as the ICMS continuously tracks the treatment outcomes of RMI’s patients to ensure that there are no complications of severe adverse events.
The ICMS anticipates that if the clinic maintains the same level of compliance and adherence to the organization’s program and guidelines, RMI will be able to have its full accreditation status reviewed and voted on by the Medical Advisory Board within the next 12 months. David Audley, Executive Director of the ICMS states that, “While the site is not yet accredited, the progress of the clinic, and the openness of RMI to international oversight, is promising. The ICMS will continue to monitor the safety profile of the procedures and report on the progress of the clinic. We hope the RMI can serve as a model for other Mexico based clinics.”
“RMI welcomes any and all oversight,” said Dr. Javier Lopez, Director of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (RMI), “We see accreditation as an essential step in showing our commitment towards patient safety within the advancement of adult stem therapy translation and research.”
RMI is the first clinic in the ICMS Accreditation Program to have made this much progress. To learn more about the Accreditation Program and its participating clinics, please visit the ICMS website.
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ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR MEDICINE SOCIETY
The ICMS is a physician guided international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to patient safety and the protection of the practice of medicine and physician education through the production of global guidelines for the practice of cell based medicine. The society maintains three websites, www.cellmedicinesociety.org, focused on adult stem cell education and awareness for physicians and researchers; www.stemcellwatch.com, a portal for patient education and the collection of complaints against stem cells clinics; and www.cellregistry.org, a re-implantation registry to track the long term outcomes of adult stem cell based procedures and therapies.
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