Over at Health in the Global Village, Leigh Turner yesterday published an excellent piece updating us all on the latest news on Korean stem cell company RNL BIo (알앤엘바이오) and its leader, Dr. Jeong Chan Ra (라정찬 ). Addition: The story was reported in several Korean news outlets including Hani here. A video here by MBC News of Korea, one …
Jeong Chan Ra Arrest: Can RNL Bio (알앤엘바이오) Survive? Read More »
I’m doing a series of posts on my recent conversation with BioTime CEO and pioneer of the stem cell field, Dr. Mike West. You can read Part 1 and Part 2 on Geron, ACT, and the history of the pluripotent stem cell field, particularly embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Today in Part 3, I am focusing on …
Mike West Interview Part 3: key flaw in stem cell field Read More »
Texas Governor Rick Perry just announced that he will not run again for governor. This political development has important impact in the stem cell field, particularly in the state of Texas. Perry is one of the biggest advocates of certain types of adult stem cell commercialization. When he is no longer governor there will be impact …
Celltex advocate Rick Perry will not run again for Texas governor: stem cell impact Read More »
In response to a FOIA request, the FDA informed me that they are continuing to investigate Texas stem cell clinic, Celltex. The firm has been flying somewhat under the radar lately. They have not responded to multiple requests for comments on various issues. The FDA indicated to me that what they can release in terms …
I predict that cosmetics firm Olay will announce an anti-aging cosmetic product specifically based on stem cells in some way soon. But can stem cell technology now really make you younger? No, according to the best science; maybe at some point in the future. Yes, according to a hypeful HuffPost piece, which discussed work by a …
Rip Van Wrinkle: Olay-funded stem cell research on supposed ‘fountain of youth’ Read More »
When you want to both know the real history of the pluripotent stem cell-based biotech industry and perspectives on its future, there are only a handful of people to turn to and one of them is definitely Dr. Michael West, CEO of BioTime. I’m doing a several part series of blog posts on a lengthy …
BioTime CEO Mike West Interview Part 2: Geron & hESC Read More »
About a year ago, I heard from multiple credible sources that there were ongoing federal probes into potential criminal activities related to bogus or dangerously noncompliant stem cell medical interventions, which could lead to prison time. Since then it has been relatively quiet….that is until the last couple months when again I am hearing from …
What would federal prison be like for a non-compliant stem cell doc? Read More »
What the heck is going on with stem cells in the Philippines lately? It seems like a wild, stormy mixture of supposed good and very bad news streaming out of that country all at once. Many questions remain both on the alleged upside and the down side. Do the reported deaths of 3 politicians really have …
It was my pleasure recently to talk at length with Dr. Michael West, CEO of the Stem Cell Biotech, BioTime (BTX). West has been at the helm of BioTime since 2007 and is a true pioneer in the stem cell field. He founded Geron (GERN) and was a top leader at Advanced Cell Technology (ACT; stock …
Interview with BioTime CEO Michael West Part 1: a little stem cell history Read More »
What really happened at XCell-Center in Germany, formerly the largest stem cell clinic in Europe? A baby died after receiving treatment there. Why? Was the death in any way connected to stem cells? (update: note that since post originally went up, quite a few more patient deaths both a clinics and in clinical trials have …
Commenter Claims XCell-Center Stem Cell Clinic Got a Bad Rap, Provides New Details Read More »