Adult Stem Cells Could Be Used To Treat Diabetes

Courtesy of:  http://www.LifeSiteNews.com

LONDON, March 17, 2003- Diabetes is the latest in a growing list of diseases that may be on the threshold of being treated with cures derived from adult stem cells, according to a new study. The other diseases include brain damage, multiple sclerosis and sickle cell anaemia.

Researchers at the New York University School of Medicine suggest that adult bone marrow may be converted into insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas to replace those damaged when someone has diabetes. So far, they have found that the cells developed properties associated with the crucial beta cells in mice.

Mehboob Hussain, assistant professor of medicine and pharmacology, says, "I am absolutely excited by the potential applications of our findings. In our body, there is an additional, easily accessible source of cells that are capable of becoming insulin-producing pancreatic endocrine cells. Transplantation of bone marrow stem cells already is a routine procedure for treating cancer and other diseases, and we could build on that experience."

For BBC News coverage:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2849667.stm

Second Article ....

Stem Cells Could be Used to Treat Diabetes
REGENETECH Pending Patents at the Core of Latest Biotechnology Developments

HOUSTON, March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston-based REGENETECH, a biotech company, today announced a major advance in adult stem cell research.  This discovery could lead to treatment of type-1 diabetes by converting stem cellsinto the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas to replace those damaged by diabetes.

The hormone insulin is needed by the body to control blood sugar levels. Patients with type-1 diabetes lose the ability to make insulin because beta
cells found in the islets of Langerhand in the pancreas have been destroyed. Scientists have transplanted stem cells into the pancreas which are producing insulin in response to glucose.  Transplantation of adult stem cells is a routine procedure for treating cancer and other diseases and REGENETECH plans to build on that experience.

REGENETECH is a biotech company whose sole research involves the extraction, expansion and reintroduction of adult stem cells from and into the same patient's body.  The key to the company's strategy is its proprietary method (patent applied for) for expansion of stem cells.  The company has applied for three additional patents for the expansion of blood cells to be used in tissue repair, tissue regeneration and reduction of chemotherapy side effects.

If there was to be a vote on what is the holy grail of biomedical research, the human stem cell would certainly be a front runner.  They are
sometimes called primordial cells because they are the stuff from which we are all made.

REGENETECH is currently a private company and is in discussions with international drug companies, venture capital firms and financial advisors to maximize the value of the company.

For further information contact: Bob Young for REGENETECH at 832-414-9106.