Anterogen, a Korean biotechnology venture, announced Wednesday that it signed a $4 million contract with Japan’s Nippon Zoki Pharmaceutical to export its stem cell treatment technology for anal fistula in Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease causes chronic inflammation of intestines along with ulcers. Severe ulcers can create a fistula or tiny channel between intestines and adjacent organs, which punctures holes in the skin around the anus, causing drainage of body secretions.

There is no known pharmaceutical or surgical cure for the disease yet.

Anterogen’s AdipoPlus bases on stem cells extracted from adipose tissues. When injected into patients, it prompts tissue regeneration to close the fistula, the firm said.

Under the deal, the life-science venture will transfer technologies to produce the remedy to the Japanese company for $4 million plus a 15 percent royalty.

“The contract came to realize after Nippon Zoki’s drug development officers, clinical experts and good manufacturing practices professionals visited our office for systematic and meticulous evaluations,” said Anterogen President Lee Sung-koo.

“This technology export is the fruits of our persistent investment in research and development over the past 10 years.”

Nippon Zoki is a medium-sized pharmaceutical company specialized in blood plasma-related treatments.

There are reportedly about 30,000 Crohn’s patients in Japan. Anterogen estimates the market size there at 90 billion won ($78.6 million).

The drug developer is running second-phase clinical trials for AdipoPlus at Seoul National University Hospital and Samsung Medical Center.

Sixteen patients out of 20 in its second-phase clinical trial saw holes in their skin completely disappear while the remainder’s conditions significantly improved, it said.

The Korea Food and Drug Administration designated it as an orphan drug, which would help the trial process progress faster. The company seeks to commercialize the candidate in the first half of next year.

It considers further exports of its stem cell technology to China in the coming years.

Anterogen set out in 2000 with an aim to develop tissue regeneration treatments using adult stem cells.

Its AdipoCell is the first commercialized product that uses stem cells extracted from adipose tissues to regenerate damaged skin.

Holding scores of patents at home and abroad, the R&D-oriented firm first exported its stem cell technology to Belgium in 2004.

Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma, a major Japanese drug maker, invested $1 million in the firm’s technology for heart disease treatment in 2001.

Nearly all patients with a diabetic foot may be subjected to amputation. Well thanks to this piece of tidbit that amputation can now be avoided. A latest study suggests that diabetes with complications of gangrene and foot ulcer can be treated by stem cell therapy. The introduced therapy apparently treats ulcers and enhances tingling sensation on feet.

Patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus sometimes register swelling in the toes and change of color. Then large areas of pus and deep wounds appear on the feet. Such patients are seemingly made to undergo leg amputation. However, preservation of stem cells and infusions of 300 million stem cells on each foot possibly avoids the need for amputation. Stem cell injection supposedly results in 70-80 percent improvement in pus and wounds.

After 20 years Dr. Jeong Chan Ra, Chairman of RNL Bio and colleagues witnessed an overall improvement of 90 percent in wounds along with no presence of pain or tingling. It was concluded that stem cell therapy is extremely helpful for preventing leg from amputation. The study findings seem to have a great significance in the health-space.

The study was presented at the Annual International Congress on Regenerative and Cell Based Medicine Conference on November 12, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Taylor Binns was nearly blind by the time he met Allan Slomovic this fall at Toronto Western Hospital. A rare, extremely painful disorder that damages stem cells in the cornea had blurred his vision. Sometimes it felt as if he was being stabbed in the eyes with a knife.

But the fourth-year commerce student at Queen’s University in Kingston is celebrating the gift of sight this holiday season thanks to his kid sister, Tori, and a new stem cell transplant program started by Dr. Slomovic and his colleagues.

Tori, 19, donated stem cells from her left eye for the operation, which took place Nov. 30. Before the surgery, Mr. Binns couldn’t see the big “E” on the top of the eye chart. Now, his vision is good enough to drive a vehicle, read street signs and, for the first time, see his girlfriend. As well, his pain has been greatly reduced.

“It is the greatest gift. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I can’t explain how much it means to me, what Tori did,” said the 23-year-old.

Mr. Binns was the first patient in a program that could eventually help several dozen people a year. It means Ontario patients who need stem-cell transplants will no longer have to travel to a specialized clinic in Cincinnati for the procedure.

His eyes became sore and red 3 1/2 years ago during a trip to Haiti to build a school and repair a hospital. His vision became increasingly blurry, the pain more intense However, it took more than three years to get the correct diagnosis – stem-cell deficiency. The stem cells that replenish the corneas and keep them clear had been destroyed or damaged.

“The cornea is the watch glass of the eye. It is what you look through in order to see,” said Dr. Slomovic.

Without stem cells to keep it healthy, the cornea becomes cloudy and can get pockmarked with abrasions and painful ulcers.

In Mr. Binns’s case, the damage to the stem cells was caused by wearing contact lenses, said Dr. Slomovic.

“It can occur but it is very rare,” he said. Normally, stem-cell deficiency results from an industrial accident, from getting acid in the eyes, for example. The condition is debilitating, and can leave patients blind, in pain, and often unable to work. In the case of Mr. Binns, his left eye was far worse than his right one.

It is possible to do the surgery with tissue from the eye bank, but there is a better chance of success if stem cells come from a sibling. Doctors at Toronto Western determined that Ms. Binns was a perfect match. She didn’t hesitate.

“I don’t know how he managed it for this long. We are really happy for him, that he can finally live again. He was on every sports team, the captain of everything. For once, I can help him out,” said Ms. Binns, the youngest of three children.

She recently moved from the family home in Orillia, Ont., to Toronto, where she is working at an upscale hair salon. She said she didn’t feel nervous until two or three seconds before the procedure, which was done once her left eye was frozen with a local anesthetic.

Dr. Slomovic removed stem cells and a small amount of tissue and put them in a Petri dish.

Then he and his colleagues performed surgery on Mr. Binns’s left eye. First, Dr. Slomovic removed scar tissue. It came off like a sheet, a promising sign. Then he used very fine stitches and special glue to attach the new tissue in place. The surgery was done under the microscope.

Now, the new stem cells are helping Mr. Binns’ left eye work properly.

“It was weird getting used to seeing again,” he said.

Dr. Slomovic expected that Mr. Binns would also require a corneal transplant, but it looks like that won’t be the case. But to prevent rejection, he will have to take drugs that suppress his immune system for several years. He may also need a second transplant to fix his right eye, which still causes him pain.

Dr. Slomovic said the new program is a collaborative effort with colleagues on the kidney transplant team, who have the expertise on anti-rejection drugs and can offer presurgical counselling for donors about the risks of the surgery.

Edward Cole, who helped set up the new transplant program, cautions that with only one surgery performed so far, it is too early to call it a success.

“We hope things continue to go well, but it is way too early to declare victory,” said Dr. Cole, who is also Physician-in-Chief of the University Health Network.

But it feels like a victory for Mr. Binns and for his sister, who has recovered from her surgery. The star rugby player can think about playing competitive sports again and has started applying to law schools. He is looking forward to being able to study without using giant-size text on his computer and to being able to focus on a screen for more than 45 minutes without getting a severe headache.

“It is amazing to be able to see again.”

The recent advancements in medical therapies using Adult Stem Cells has shown significant improvements in the quality of life of several cerebral palsy patients treated in China. Neil has been accepted for adult stem cell therapy in China and has desperately seeking financial support.

Neil’s constant prayers and reaching out for help was answered by the Catholic Church. Reverend Thomas Weise splits his time between two Roman Catholic Churches, St. Patrick’s Church and the Mother Mary Parish, both of Phenix City, AL. Reverend Thomas Weise, a theologian with four degrees, is dedicated to helping his community. After meeting Neil and introducing him to the church community Reverend Weise is heading the fund raising for Neil’s adult stem cell therapies in China. Neil’s treatments are scheduled for next month, December 28th, 2010.

Our sincere thanks to Reverend Thomas Weise and the church community of Phenix City, Alabama.

God Bless!

Carol Peterson

A DESPERATE young mum needs to raise £30,000 to fund pioneering stem cell treatment for her baby daughter.

One-year-old Taylor Johnson has septo optic dysplasia which causes underdeveloped nerves from the eye to the brain.

As a result she is blind and also has hormonal problems that cause seizures and diabetes.

Taylor has the same condition as glamour model Katie Price’s son Harvey which is caused by a defect when the embryo is developing.

Mum Tia Aitken and dad Lloyd Johnson said they were devastated when Taylor was diagnosed at four months.

They started researching straight away to see if there was anything that could be done to help.

Tia found information online about the Beike Biotech in Shenzhen, China which offers stem cell treatment – but the total cost amounts to £30,000.

She has now launched a massive fundraising bid in the hope she will be able to send her daughter to China before Christmas next year.

So far she has organised a number of events to raise over £900 and has other events in the pipeline.

Tia (21) from Hardhill Road in Bathgate, told the Courier: “We were obviously devastated when Taylor was diagnosed and afterwards spent a lot of time researching what could be done online.

“We found out about Beike Biotech and followed a lot of the stories as they all have the same condition as Taylor and everybody came back and had some improvement. Many will never have perfect 20/20 vision but they are better.”

Beike Biotech specialises in stem cell technology, with umbilical cord, cord blood and bone marrow stem cells. There website says doctors provide treatment for various conditions including cerebral palsy, lower limb ischemia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury and optic nerve damage.

Tia said while the treatment in China may not cure her daughter’s condition entirely, the family are hopeful it will improve her life.

“This has given us a bit of hope,” said Tia. “People have been taking their children there for miracles and we want to take Taylor there for her own miracle.”

LATON HILL, Ala. — On a porch swing at the back of her country home, Gail Williams held close her 3-year old granddaughter, Emma Lathan, rocking gently to soothe her.

“I love all my grandchildren to death,” said Williams, “I’d do anything for them. Emma” — she looked down at the child, with a zebra-print dress and pink bow in her curly brown hair — “that one grabs my heart.”

Born with cerebral palsy and a chromosome disorder that affects growth, Emma is clearly loved.

Emma’s mother, Shea Lathan, works as a medical assistant in a doctor’s office in nearby Chatom, so she depends on Nanny — grandmother Williams’ nickname — to help with Emma’s care. Grandfather “Poppa” Williams, plus aunts, uncles, cousins and townfolk, are deeply supportive, too.“Everybody knows Emma,” said Williams.

A fundraiser is scheduled tomorrow — a motorcycle ride from Mobile to Chatom, then a picnic, complete with band, at the destination for anyone who wants to join in. The hope is to raise the approximately $10,000 needed for Emma to attend a five-week session at Ability Camp, a camp for physical therapy, utilizing hyperbaric oxygen treatment, in Picton, Ontario, Canada.

Williams’ sister, Nina Johnson, who works in the Harley-Davidson store in Mobile, is helping to arrange it.

Charles Singleton, Washington County’s probate judge, is in charge of cooking the meat for the pulled pork sandwiches.

A website for Ability Camp proposes “an intensive training and rehabilitation program” for patients dealing with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other challenges. The training “goes well beyond traditional therapies.”

Williams first learned about the camp from a man whose son has cerebral palsy. He told her that the son had visited the camp twice, to positive effect.

A deeply religious woman — her church, True Vine Baptist Church in Springbank is involved in the fundraiser — Williams believes that “God has a blessing waiting for Emma.”

Williams plans to accompany Emma there, as does Emma’s mom. Her prayer is that Emma comes home being able to hold her head up on her own, stand up and move “with the help of walking sticks,” and be able to eat without a feeding tube.

“If I don’t see Emma walk on this earth,” Williams said, “I know when I get to heaven I’ll see her running.”

Lathan gave birth to Emma on Feb. 5, 2007, at Mobile’s Providence Hospital. In addition to cerebral palsy, the baby had a heart condition known as coarctation of the aorta — a potentially deadly narrowing of the main artery leading from her heart.

They went to Birmingham for heart surgery. Emma then spent a month at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, with her mom daily driving the 90 minutes from Chatom to be with her.

Williams, who worked as a cook at Washington County High School cafeteria for 15 years, quit her job to be available for Emma full-time.

“She’s a huge part of Emma’s life,” said Lathan.

On a bright, fall day, with cows grazing just beyond the porch, Emma’s 2-year-old cousin, Tessa, held up a toy computer for Emma that played children’s nursery rhymes.

Emma was fascinated.

The little girl loves music, said Williams, and swimming — grownups holding her hands up as Emma dances in the water.

Lathan just took Emma horseback riding last week, putting Emma in front of her in the saddle.

“She laughed her head off,” said Lathan.

“She’s a beautiful little girl,” said Williams, gazing at her granddaughter’s curly brown hair. “She just happened to be born with cerebral palsy.”

BLIND great grandmother Dorothy Leach couldn’t see a thing when she lost her eyesight overnight.

But now Dorothy of Hardwicke, can make out faces, shapes and colours for the first time in more than a year after pioneering stem-cell treatment.

The 76-year-old jetted off to China in September to have the treatment which was paid for after a successful £16,000 fundraising campaign.

When she arrived back in the UK on Wednesday, she could see again.

Dorothy said: “When I got back to Heathrow Airport I could see such a lot. It was unbelievable. The other day I could see a crow on the fence and had to check with people that I could actually see it but I did see it. It is amazing.

“The doctors said it could take another six months to a year before my sight gets as good as it will be, but it is much better already. It was definitely worth it”

Dorothy’s plight began when she woke up one morning in February last year to discover she had gone blind.

She was diagnosed with giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory disease of blood vessels.

Doctors in the UK said they could not restore her sight, but the Chinese hospital said it offered pioneering stem cell treatment that could restore her vision.

She went through a course of daily wave therapy and acupuncture for 43 days before arriving back home to her husband Percival in Springfield.

Dorothy’s main aim is to see her great grandson Chris. He is now two years old but she has never seen him, but for the first time her dream may now come true.

The mum-of-four, grandmother-of-seven and great-grandmother of two, said: “I am still hoping to see Chris.

“As soon as his parents can get here I am hoping to see him. They live on the army camp in Wimbledon so it might be a little while, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

Since we first told Dorothy’s story last November, hundreds of readers have been doing their bit to help raise money.

They have organised parachute jumps, bingo evenings and fun days to raise the money to send Dorothy on her trip.

Dorothy added: “I am so pleased that everyone helped to raise this money. It is so wonderful that everybody did it for me. I really couldn’t have done it without them.”

Dorothy’s daughter Vicky, who went China with her mum for moral support, also wanted to thank fundraisers in Gloucestershire.

She said: “I just want to say a big thank you to all the people who have helped with jumble sales, sponsored events and things like that for us.

“Mum sight is so much better than it was. We are really pleased with it so far and hope it will get better over the next few months as the stem cells start to work.”

At the age of 2 years Neil had a difficult time crawling and he wasn’t gaining weight.  He was diagnosed with mixed cerebral palsy and was the size of the average 10 month baby.  At 5 years, Neil was struggling to walk as his grandparents walked behind him and kept him from falling.  For nine consecutive months, doctors had a series of casts on Neil’s legs to straighten them. When the final cast was removed, Neil never walked again.

Neil was not accepted in the public school’s kindergarten program in Alabama, so his grandmother enrolled him in the Calvary Christian School’s kindergarten program in Phenix City.  Neil’s grandmother took him to school everyday in a stroller, as he looked more like a 3 year old than a 6 year old.

For grades 1 to 3, Neil was back in public school, but now he was in special needs classes which was helpful for his physical difficulties.  Neil maintained an A+ average from grade school through high school.

Neil’s thirst for knowledge and his quest to be the best he could be was an increasing struggle as his body slowly deteriorated. He is a quadriplegic with full body involvement, which means his head and neck are affected. He has limited use of his left hand and the extension of his arm. He has full use of his right hand and right arm. The muscles in his legs are too weak to support his body weight.  If he tries to stand his entire body shakes and he falls to the ground and is unable to get up on his own. He has problems with visual scanning of both eyes, which makes it difficult to read a paragraph of words.

Knowing Neil’s ambitions and thirst for knowledge, his grandparents helped him go to college. Neil received a scholarship to Chattahoochee Valley Community College. The college was not set up for someone with Neil’s disabilities so his grandfather took him to school everyday and stayed in class with him to help him through the day. Neil graduated from junior college Suma Cum Laude with an Associates degree in Art and a 3.8 GPA. He went on to Troy University, with a major in psychology and maintained straight A’S. Near the end of the first year his grandfather died, and Neil has been unable to continue his education.

Neil has continually searched for a treatment or someone to help him improve his quality of life. He has researched to find something to help his deteriorating body, he started reading everything he could find on stem cells, as that seemed promising for the future. The problem being, how far off is the future?. … For Neil, his grandfather had died, his grandmother now the sole person left to care for Neil is 83 years old and Neil’s body is slowly deteriorating.

Neil’s search led him to an article about a toddler in Florida, Cameron Petersen, who received umbilical cord blood stem cells for optic nerve hypoplasia. From all the information Neil gathered he discovered that this little blind boy could now see and his health had improved as a result of the stem cell treatment. Upon further research, while looking for more information on the most qualified facilities in the world he was lead to Don Margolis of the Repair Stem Cell Institute.  After numerous conversations and with the guidance of Mr. Margolis, Neil also discovered that Carol Petersen, Cameron’s grandmother, was now an advocate of adult stem cells because of the improvements her grandson gained from his treatment.

Neil read information on several web sites about patients’ improvements after receiving umbilical stem cell treatments. He also read that many of these patients were getting together to share information about their treatments with the public at various venues around the country as part of a Stem Cell Awareness program.

Now age 29, Neil contacted Carol and asked her to help him!…. As an advocate, she helps people with their needs. The regenerative capabilities of umbilical cord blood stem cells have given patients with cerebral palsy significant improvements and a better quality of life. Neil desperately wants to be one of these as his time is running out…. Neil passed the first big test earlier this year when he was accepted for treatment, scheduled as follows:

*Admission date: December 28, 2010 *Discharge date: August 28, 2011

*Additional notes: Patient will be traveling with his grandmother. The patient will be staying in the hospital with his grandmother for eight months.  He will receive the first round of six injections in the first month. He will receive physical therapies, 6 days per week for the following 6 months. He will receive the second round of six injections in the eighth month.

Note from Don Margolis:

Now that you’ve read Neil’s story, you know how much he needs our help.  Just weeks away is not a lot of time, but I know we can make a significant change in Neil’s life if we join together to help him.

We can give Neil the chance to live his life in a meaningful way.  We can give Neil the same benefits other cerebral palsy patients have enjoyed from this stem cell treatment.

Neil has done everything right, but his latest fight needs our help.  With his treatment just weeks away, there’s no time to spare to raise the funds he needs now.

So much is riding on the outcome of our efforts,

Please donate what you can.  Together we can do this!  Every donation will help in this important cause!  Neil is counting on us to come through for him!

Thank you for your support.

Please Donate now by clicking this link, which will take you to Stem Cells for Hope, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization:

Click here to donate http://www.stemcellsforhope.org/

Thank you for your generosity.