A Relatively New Approach To Stem Cells (CCEL, GERN, GE, NBS)
We have been partially fighting the urge to cover a relatively new angle on stem cell research for a while. Part of the resistance was due to the size and OTC-BB listing status of one of the companies we know of in the field, and part has been due to the actual process. Geron Corporation (NASDAQ: GERN) is our go-to stock for companies in the development of human embryonic stem cell based therapeutics, particularly after its recent deal with General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE). Neostem, Inc. (NYSE: NBS) is a company we have covered that has ties to stem cells from adults. The area we have been reluctant to cover is adult stem cell research from menstrual blood.
One company which has been active in the news that has been getting itself back on the map is Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CCEL). The company is small and its May balance sheet shows higher liabilities than assets. But the company is going to be presenting data on the proliferative ability of stem cells found in menstrual blood (MenSCs) and Cryo-Cell does have operations ongoing. It has also been public since the 1990’s and it has actually posted profits in the last three quarters.
This presentation is to be at the Fourth China Medical Biotech Forum taking place August 8-10 in Dalian, China. Data from an in vitro study show that MenSCs proliferate rapidly and have significant potential to develop into multiple cell types. Dr. Julie Allickson, Vice President of Laboratory Operations and Research and Development at Cryo-Cell, will present the data at the Forum as part of a keynote address. The data show that MenSCs have the capability to differentiate rapidly and plentifully into stem cells, such as bone, cartilage, fat, nerve and cardiogenic cells. Using Cryo-Cell’s proprietary C’elle system, the company said MenSCs are currently being studied for potential therapeutic applications for possible future treatments for stroke, diabetes, vascular regeneration, breast cancer, wound management, endometriosis, and female urinary incontinence.
More details on this presentation and the company can be found at its website. While this is not a part of this release, the company helped nearly 185,000 clients worldwide preserve their newborn’s umbilical cord blood for potential use against many diseases.
It is impossible to predict how far these can go nor how well the company will do at this point. Because stem cells have been politicized and been under such restriction for most of this decade, any new angle to stem cell research is at least worth a look. Technically this is not a new angle for adult stem cells, but it is a very under-covered angle and one where the verdict is still far from being known.
JON C. OGG
August 6, 2009
