Posted on 05/10/2007 6:27:32 PM PDT by Coleus
Successful adult germ line reprogramming research conducted by PrimeCell(TM) Therapeutics LLC (http://www.primecelltherapeutics.com) was acknowledged by three Members of Congress during the recent Capitol Hill debate over stem cell research. On April 10, Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., a practicing physician who has used stem cell therapies in his medical practice, alluded to PrimeCell's work when he said, "We now produce almost every cell type that man has from germ cells, research done in this country..." He emphasized the promise of the germ cell, "...which I happen to believe is going to be another great option in terms of multipotent and pluripotent stem cells."
Quoted in the Congressional Record on Jan. 11, Rep. Jack Kingston of Georgia noted: "PrimeCell Therapeutics has created the first non-embryonic, adult-derived stem cell showing the ability to transform into any cell type found in the body.... They have taken stem cells from one part of the body and turned them into cells from another part of the body, including into beating heart cells as well as brain, bone and cartilage cells." He added: "(These autologous cells) ...come from you and are transplanted back into you for treatment. Therefore, there is a reduced chance of infection following transplantation and there is no risk of rejection - meaning there will no longer be the worries involved with immunosuppressant drugs...."
Concluded Rep. Kingston: "... researchers need the incentive to pursue the already proven research of adult stem cells...." His assessment was supported by Rep. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, who suggested that Congress focus stem cell research funding "...on the proven cures and accomplishments from adult stem cells given the great potential of germ cells, cord blood cells and amniotic stem cell research...." The statements echoed comments last July about adult cell reprogramming research from President Bush, as well as an acknowledgement of regenerative medicine research like that undertaken by PrimeCell Therapeutics by Rep. Ron Paul, M.D. (TX); Sen. Sam Brownback (KS); and Rep. Dave Weldon, M.D. (FL) during an earlier phase of the current debate.
"We're extremely pleased to be recognized for our research and our development of PrimeCell(TM), an adult stem cell derived from the germ line and reprogrammed to exhibit a greater plasticity," said Thomas C.K. Yuen, PrimeCell Therapeutics' chairman and CEO. "We're excited by the promise of germ line stem cell research because it offers what we believe is a real and powerful solution that will move us in the direction of therapies as quickly as possible." PrimeCell Therapeutics' researchers have taken adult stem cells from mouse testes, the germ line, and reprogrammed them to exhibit pluripotentiality - the ability to transform into any other cell type in the body. Using human cells, PrimeCell Therapeutics has already therapeutically reprogrammed adult germ cells into human heart, brain, bone and cartilage cells.
The germ line is the most protected and genetically pure cell line in the body and, as such, provides the best chance for successful and highly effective therapies. For therapy, the cells would be derived from the same individual receiving the therapeutic treatment, eliminating risk of rejection, infection and the introduction of foreign pathogens - and possibly reducing the time to regulatory approval for clinical trials. For more information, visit http://www.primecelltherapeutics.com.
About PrimeCell(TM) Therapeutics LLC PrimeCell(TM) Therapeutics LLC, a PrimeGen Biotech company, is devoted exclusively to germ line stem cell reprogramming. Its next-generation stem cell - PrimeCell(TM) - is an adult stem cell derived from the germ line and reprogrammed to exhibit pluripotency. Its innovative science and unique approach qualify PrimeCell Therapeutics as one of the preeminent biotechnology firms within the emerging field of regenerative medicine.
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