Stem cell research has seen significant interest from both, the scientific and investor community. However, stem cell research has also been a controversial area.
Writing in the GEN magazine, Lisa A. Haile, Phd, noted a few years ago that the stem cell field had made significant progress, which can be noticed from daily news reports on the research in the area globally.
Haile, however, noted that technical innovations, legal positions and regulatory challenges in one country or region could have implications for the regenerative medicine industry globally.
Stem cell industry is also highly controversial. Haile noted in her article that the Bush administration had placed restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. These restrictions were eventually lifted by the Obama administration. Indeed, under the Obama administration more funding is available for stem cell research.
The increased funding has enabled several biotech companies to focus on stem cell research.
This morning, one such company reported positive results for patients who have suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Based in Sunrise, Florida, U.S. Stem Cell Inc. (OTCQB:USRM) is an emerging enterprise in the regenerative medicine/cellular therapy industry. The company is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of cell-based therapeutics that prevent, treat or cure disease by repairing and replacing damaged or aged tissue, cells and organs and restoring their normal function.
Earlier today, USRM announced that it has successfully completed five physician based treatments of TBI patients. The company said that the five patients, who received stromal vascular fraction from adipose tissue delivered intrathecally, have been treated over the past 12 months at the U.S. Stem Cell Clinic, which is located in Sunrise, Florida.
The first patient treated by USRM has completed the 12-month folllowup and has far exceeded both the company’s and the patient’s own expectations. In addition, early progress is being tracked in four other patients. The company expects to provide detailed reports on them in the coming months.
Kristin Comella, Chief Scientific Officer at U.S. Stem Cell, said that the company is extremely encouraged by the positive patient results it is seeing from its physician-based treatments of TBI patients.
Comella further said that currently there are limited treatment options for patients who have suffered from TBI. Comella added that USRM’s hope is that stem cell therapy will provide relief and improved quality of life for TBI patients.
