In the Roundup we usually focus on studies that highlight advances in stem cell research but today we’re going to do something a little different. Instead of relying on print for our stories, we’re turning to video. We begin with a piece about Jake Javier. Regular readers of our blog will remember that Jake is … Continue reading Stem Cell Roundup: Jake Javier’s amazing spirit; TV report highlights clinic offering unproven stem cell therapies
Stem cell tourism
CIRM applauds FDA crackdown on stem cell clinics that “peddle unapproved treatments.”
CIRM is commending the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its action against two stem cell clinics offering unapproved therapies. On Wednesday, the FDA filed two complaints in federal court seeking a permanent injunction against California Stem Cell Treatment Center Inc. and US Stem Cell Clinic LLC. of Sunrise, Florida. The FDA says the … Continue reading CIRM applauds FDA crackdown on stem cell clinics that “peddle unapproved treatments.”
A road trip to the Inland Empire highlights a hot bed of stem cell research
It took us longer than it should have to pay a visit to California’s Inland Empire, but it was definitely worth the wait. Yesterday CIRM’s Roadshow went to the University of California at Riverside (UCR) to talk to the community there – both scientific and public – about the work we are funding and the … Continue reading A road trip to the Inland Empire highlights a hot bed of stem cell research
Using the courts to protect patients from unapproved stem cell therapies
A recent article in Nature looked at using lawsuits to help rein in the activities of clinics offering "unapproved" therapies. CIRM's Geoff Lomax explains. When public health officials wanted to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking they filed lawsuits against the tobacco companies. They accused Big Tobacco of deceptive marketing and hiding the negative … Continue reading Using the courts to protect patients from unapproved stem cell therapies
Three people left blind by Florida clinic’s unproven stem cell therapy
The report makes for chilling reading. Three women, all suffering from macular degeneration – the leading cause of vision loss in the US – went to a Florida clinic hoping that a stem cell therapy would save their eyesight. Instead, it caused all three to go blind. The study, in the latest issue of the … Continue reading Three people left blind by Florida clinic’s unproven stem cell therapy
TV’s Dr. Oz takes on clinics offering dubious stem cell treatments
At first glance motor car racing legend A. J. Foyt and TV celebrity heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz would seem to have little in common. But this week they both made news for being at opposite ends of an all too familiar story: for-profit medical clinics offering unproven stem cell therapies. Foyt, who is now … Continue reading TV’s Dr. Oz takes on clinics offering dubious stem cell treatments
Patients beware: warnings about shady clinics and suspect treatments
Every day we get a call from someone seeking help. Some are battling a life-threatening or life-changing disease. Others call on behalf of a friend or loved one. All are looking for the same thing; a treatment, better still a cure, to ease their suffering. Almost every day we have to tell them the same … Continue reading Patients beware: warnings about shady clinics and suspect treatments
Policy Matters: Stem Cells and the Public Interest
Guest Author Geoff Lomax is CIRM’s Senior Officer for Medical and Ethical Standards. In the spirit of Stem Cell Awareness Day, Cell Stem Cell has compiled a “Public Interest” collection of articles covering ethical, legal, and social implications of stem cell research and made it freely available. The collection may be found here. The collection … Continue reading Policy Matters: Stem Cells and the Public Interest
Stem Cell Stories that Caught our Eye: A Zebrafish’s Stripes, Stem Cell Sound Waves and the Dangers of Stem Cell Tourism
Here are some stem cell stories that caught our eye this past week. Some are groundbreaking science, others are of personal interest to us, and still others are just fun. How the Zebrafish Got its Stripes. Scientists in Germany have identified the different pigment cells that emerge during embryonic development and that determine the signature-striped … Continue reading Stem Cell Stories that Caught our Eye: A Zebrafish’s Stripes, Stem Cell Sound Waves and the Dangers of Stem Cell Tourism
When Hope Runs up against Reality: Balancing Patient Optimism with Medical Evidence
One of the big concerns among scientists - including many at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) conference in Vancouver, Canada – is that patient expectations about stem cells are often greater than researchers are able to deliver today. That can result in patients in search of a cure heading to overseas clinics … Continue reading When Hope Runs up against Reality: Balancing Patient Optimism with Medical Evidence
The Stem Cellar 