Clinical & Surgical Translation of Adult Stem Cells Agenda

Conference Registration, Coffee, and Breakfast Pastries

Coffee Break and Networking

Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Human Adipose Tissue: A New Perspective on Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy
Gregorio Chazenbalk, Research Associate, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles, United States of America

In 2010, Multilineage Differentiating Stress Enduring (Muse) cells were introduced to the scientific community, offering potential resolution to the issue of teratoma formation that plagues both embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent (iPS) stem cells. Human Muse cells can be isolated from bone marrow, adipose tissue, dermal fibroblasts and commercially available adipose stem cells (ASCs). Furthermore, Muse cells express classic pluripotency markers and differentiate into cells from the three embryonic germ layers both spontaneously and under media-specific induction. Muse cells self-renew in a controlled manner and do not form teratomas when injected into immune-deficient mice. When transplanted in vivo, Muse cells contribute to tissue generation and repair. Muse cells are inherently resistant to cellular stress, and genetically resilient to DNA damage, supporting their application for the investigation of age-related and degenerative diseases. Moreover, because Muse cells possess a pre-perturbation and an intrinsic propensity for quiescence, they may have the potential to elucidate new avenues of cancer research, specifically with regards to the mechanism behind quiescence, and malignancy.  Finally, and perhaps most thrillingly, Muse cells could be harvested for the purposes of creating autologous stem cell banks. Because of their differentiation capacity, Muse cells could be utilized to regenerate any type of tissue and thus treat neurological and immune disorders, and injuries to critical organs such as the heart and brain. Muse cells can be isolated from adipose tissue (Muse-AT cells), for example from lipoaspirate material which is easily accessible, abundant, and, non-invasively extracted from the human body for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Hundreds of millions of adipose cells can be extracted from a mere 1-2 liters of tissue, enhancing the number of extractable Muse-AT cells.

The Role of Nitric Oxide in Regenerative Medicine
Nathan Bryan, Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, United States of America

Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous cell signaling molecule responsible for a host of physiological events, including regulation of blood pressure, neurotransmission and host defense.  Most recently NO has been identified as the requisite signal for stem cell mobilization and differentiation.  The presentation will discuss how NO is regulated and produced in the body and what leads to endothelial dysfunction and insufficient NO production.  New safe and effective therapeutics will be discussed that have been clinically proven to restore and replete NO production in humans.  These strategies will enhance stem cell therapies and lead to better outcomes in patients.

Bio-engineering Strategies to Augment the Clinical Efficacy of Cell-based Therapies
Oren Levy, Instructor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women’s Hospital, United States of America

This talk will focus on novel bioengineering strategies aimed at maximizing the impact of stem cell therapies by enhancing the control over cell fate following transplantation. Specifically, approaches to control cell targeting to sites of disease to maximize therapeutic impact will be discussed. These include mRNA cell engineering to enable cell-based delivery of biologics to sites of inflammation, a multi-step screening platform to identify compounds that improve homing of systemically infused cells and a biomaterials-based platform to facilitate active cell-based targeting of therapeutics to sites of cancer. Overall, this talk will highlight the potential of harnessing cutting-edge bioengineering strategies to advance cell-based therapies.

Networking Lunch and Discussions with Exhibitors

Technology Spotlight:
Lipogems: A Compliant Regenerative Option
Barbara Krutchkoff, Director of Scientific Affairs, Lipogems; CEO, A3Cell

Lipogems is a novel methodology that optimizes the regenerative qualities of adipose tissue. With a 510k cleared device, more than 5,000 clinical cases, 50+ published papers, a stellar scientific board, and strong validations of its benefits compared to SVF, Lipogems provides a significant advancement in the field of autologous regenerative therapies.

Adipose Stem Cells in Vasculogenesis and Angiogenesis
Kristin Comella, Chief Scientific Officer, Bioheart, Inc., United States of America

The ready accessibility of adipose stem cells (ASC) make them a feasible and attractive form of autologous cell therapy requiring either no ex vivo expansion or relatively limited expansion.  Our team has been working with ASCs for approximately 8 years.  We have studied the effects of these cells in multiple indications in both animals and humans. ASCs are known to secrete angiogenic and anti-apoptotic factors which can increase tissue perfusion and limit ischemic tissue damage in several circumstances, including skeletal muscle, myocardial, and cerebral ischemia, as well as in cutaneous wound healing.  ASCs may also be effective in orthopedic indications as they possess the potential to differentiate into bone and cartilage.  This lecture will present the data that has been collected from thousands of patient treatments and discuss the potential of the cells in future applications.

A Urological Perspective on SVF Utility
Elliot Lander, Medical Director, California Stem Cell Treatment Center, United States of America

Stromal Vascular Fraction SVF containing adult mesenchymal cells and vital growth factors may have excellent utility as a tool in the hands of the clinical urologist. The effective cellular treatment of human erectile dysfunction remains elusive and this lecture will highlight some of the reasons why. Also there will be a discussion of the relevant use of SVF in Peyronies disease and interstitial cystitis. Both of these conditions are well known to have few treatments better than placebo. We will show early data that shows efficacy of SVF in these and other urologic conditions. Data relevant for many other surgical sub-specialties will be discussed especially in terms of the impact of activating cell, using repeat treatments and modifying the numbers of stem cells provided for degenerative conditions.

Culturing and Storage of Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Hee Young Lee, Surgeon, Baroyl Plastic Surgery, Medikan Co., South Korea, Korea South

The only one result from aging mechanisms is decrease of stem cell density. Expansion of cell number would be the most important thing for the success of human anti-aging. I.V. anti-aging stem cell therapy needs astronomic numbers of cells because they would go every location having problem. So, rapid and continuous cell number expansion with low expense is necessary. In conventional culture, whole cost of enough stem cell number therapy over 1x10^8 cells every week that conventionally need 100 thousands USD would down to 100 USD. We have been used mechanical scraping culture in water proof vessels with aseptic manners. Trypsin-less processes make us to success automatic culture system with costs only several percent of conventional culture. Now our cell culture method is easier than car driving so it could be handled in every home. It is possible with easy monitoring. We expanded the ASCs number 2,000 times much within 18 weeks. It would really make to extend human life span over several decades with low costs. We believe stem cell culture and storing could be possible in patients home within 10 years in several countries, because stem cell culture is now easier than car driving with a small incubator. Our methods would help to reduce whole health care costs that rapidly increasing.

Adipose Derived Stem Cells (SVF) Versus Bone Marrow. Controversy, Myths and Facts
Steven Gitt, Medical Director, North Valley Plastic Surgery & Phoenix Stem Cell Treatment Center, United States of America

There are many impassioned advocates of Lipid and of Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cell deployment. There are many claims made, some of which are fact based, and some of which are not. I will compare and contrast the two techniques and address the strengths and weaknesses of each in a fact based fashion.

Autologous Bone Marrow Concentrate Injection Significantly Reduces Lumbar Discogenic Pain with Correlations to Progenitor Cell Concentrations: Two Year Minimum Follow-up
Ken Pettine, Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon, Premier Stem Cell Institute, United States of America

Review of prospective non-randomized studies of spine, hip, and knee. Impact of BMC Concentration injections to the site.

Coffee Break and Networking

The First United States Experience with Autologous Intraventricular SVF for Neurodegenerative Disorders: First Year Results of a Phase 1 trial in 18 Patients
Chris Duma, Brain Surgeon Specialist, Hoag Neurosciences Institute, United States of America

Prior to this work, there has been no experience in the United States injecting autologous SVF directly into the human brain. Potential risks and benefits have been unknown. We present our first year results in 18 patients treated with intraventricular  SVF.

While double-blind studies are the hallmark of true scientific proof, empirical data should not be ignored as it sets up the basis for further studies.  Our patients had no complications from injection, and a phase 3 study for efficacy is pending. The best results were seen in AD and MS, and in patients with multiple injections.

Intra-Articular Injection of Allogeneic Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Osteoarthritis Progression in a Sheep Model
Wen Wang, Director of Medical Research, Cellular Biomedicine Group Ltd., China

The current study demonstrated that intra-articular injection of allogeneic AD-MSCs could not only block OA progression but also promote eroded cartilage recovery. The main mechanisms were closely related to anti-inflammatory effects and secreting chondrogenic factors of AD-MSCs.

Adipose Derived Regenerative Medicine: An Examination into the Point of Care Model Today
David Angeloni, Chief Science Officer, Millennium Medical Technologies Inc, United States of America

Since the published discovery of adult pluripotent stem cells in adipose in 2002, scientists and physicians alike have been researching new methods of harvesting, isolating, identifying, expanding, and applying these cells in a clinical setting. As such, we have seen an explosion over the past five years with in-clinic use of these cells in an autologous, point of care model with many different companies offering a device or process, and claiming their final product superior. This makes the responsibilities of the physician in the clinic not only as chief medical but science and procurement officer a daunting process to uphold. In this talk, we take an objective stance; informing the listener the background behind the discovery of adipose derived stem cells, relevant publications and information concerning their isolation and characterization, and closing with tangible, science based concepts that should be considered when deploying these cells during a surgical procedure.

Cutting-edge Use of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and Stem Cell Injections for Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions in an Office Setting
Joseph Purita, Medical Director of Stem Cell Centers of America, Institute Of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopedics, United States of America

The presentation concerns the cutting edge use of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and Stem cell injections for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in an office setting.  We have now expanded our horizons to also include the use of very small embryonic like stem cells (V cells) for both musculoskeletal and anti-aging purposes.  These cells secrete telomerase and are considered to be SAFE pluripotent autogenous stem cells which is one of the holy grails of stem cell therapy.

Superior Proangiogenic Characteristics of Human Neonatal Thymus Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Ming-Sing Si, Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, United States of America

Newborns with congenital heart disease who undergo cardiac surgery already have or are at risk of developing conditions related to inadequate myocardial perfusion. We have recently discovered that MSCs isolated from discarded thymus tissue from neonates undergoing cardiac surgery are proangiogenic. The objective here was to assess the therapeutic potential of thymus MSCs (tMSCs) by comparing their proangiogenic characteristics to those of bone derived MSCs. In an initial comparison to adult bone marrow MSCs, we found that tMSCs were superior in promoting EC migration and spheroid sprouting. We then demonstrated that tMSCs were superior in promoting the formation of human neovessels in a subcutaneous implant model in immunodeficient mice. To account for age, we performed a patient-matched in vitro comparison using sternal bone derived MSCs. We found that tMSCs were superior to matched bone MSCs in promoting angiogenesis in vitro. A genome-wide, patient-matched comparison demonstrated a significant increase in SLIT3 expression in tMSCs. The proangiogenic properties of tMSCs were blocked in vitro by soluble ROBO4 and SLIT3 siRNA. These data indicate that discarded thymus tissue is a relevant source of proangiogenic SLIT3 expressing MSCs. Evaluation of tMSCs in cardiovascular disease models is ongoing. We have discovered that MSCs isolated from discarded thymus tissue obtained during neonatal open heart surgery possess potent therapeutic properties, thus making them a candidate for use as cell therapy in these young patients with limited treatment options.

Adipose-Tissue Cryobanking
John Arnone, Chairman & CEO, American CryoStem , United States of America

One of the greatest challenges facing the stem cell industry is the standardization of cellular processing for therapeutic applications. The current regulatory framework concerns regarding the transmission of communicable disease, cellular potency, sterility and identification of cellular samples are key factors. American CryoStem has developed a clinical end to end method to address these issues, within the current regulatory framework, and to process clinical grade mesenchymal stem cell samples from harvested adipose tissue in a laboratory environment. This clinical method ensures that all adipose tissue samples submitted for processing and storage are properly tested (sterility, viability and quantity). Samples are processed, cultured and stored to a physician’s specification to fit each patient’s needs (fat, SVF, cultured cells, and quantity) providing the greatest flexibility for cosmetic or regenerative medicine needs in the future.

Evening Cocktail and Light Dinner Reception

Close of Day 1 of the Conference

Morning Coffee, Breakfast Pastries, and Networking

Breakfast Briefing: Exosomes and their Clinical Applications
Jyothi Devakumar, Principal Consultant, Evolvis Consulting, Singapore, Singapore

Exosomes are membrane bound vesicles that are known to participate in intercellular communication. With the vital cargo exosomes are able to influence cellular functions including repair and regeneration making them attractive candidates for use in cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomes are extensively studied. An introduction to this emerging field is provided along with some data on the immunotherapy modulatory effect of exosomes will be provided.

Microfat Grafting for Cosmetic and Reconstructive Application: Native SVF Graft Enrichment as a Viable Therapeutic Option in North America
Allan Wu, Clinical Adjunct Professor, University of California-Riverside Stem Cell Research Center; Director of Cosmetic, Reconstructive and Regenerative Surgery, Revive Wellness Centers, United States of America

Microfat grafting is a process whereby routine lipoaspirate is processed by simple saline wash and “re-sizing” by passage through progressively smaller filters using the Lipogems® device, an FDA approved 510-K device.  This unique method allows for an extremely fine fat graft with a proportionately higher content of SVF macrostructure versus adipose cells.  This tremendously versatile graft may be used in aesthetic and/or reconstructive procedures and will be explained in a series of case studies detailing preliminary procedural protocols.  SVF derived from Lipogems® have been shown to induce Yamanaka factors and neovascularization, which opens the possibility of additional regenerative therapy options within the U.S. in a regulatory-compliant manner.

Surgical Scaffolds, 3D Imaging and 3D Printing with Expanded SVF
Lewis J. Obi, Medical Director, Cell Surgical Network of Florida; Medical Director of Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic, United States of America

As a veteran and active plastic surgeon of 45 years, the integration of stem cells into my practice more than five years ago was truly a paradigm shift. To date I have treated more than 200 patients  not only for plastic surgery procedures but also with regenerative medicine patients. The novel idea of 3D imaging and printing tissues and body parts with stem cells has already been accomplished in several research centers. My goal is to hasten the applications of this fascinating new science in a safe and advanced private setting.

3D Bioprinting – Enabling Technology for Stem Cell Delivery and Plastic Surgery
Paul Gatenholm, Professor, Director of 3D Bioprinting Center, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden; CEO, CELLHEAL AS, Norway, Sweden

3D Bioprinting is enabling processing of several cell types embedded in natural hydrogel biomaterials or in autologous extra cellular matrix with high reproducibility and accuracy of 10 microns. This disruptive technology uses 3D images of organ or tissue and, together with 3D Bioprinters, can reproduce the macro and micro-architecture of tissue and manufacture cell laden hydrogels ready for implantation. It is ideal for stem cell delivery and a revolutionary tool for tissue and organ reconstruction. This lecture will provide an overview of where this technology stands today and it will be combined with a demonstration of a desktop 3D Bioprinter used for tissue reconstruction, which we hope to see soon in every operating room.

Coffee Break and Networking

Veterinary Regenerative Medicine – Clinical Experience with 11,000 Patients
Robert Harman, CEO, CSO, VetStem Biopharma, Inc, United States of America

VetStem Biopharma has been providing autologous adipose stem cell laboratory services and training since 2003.  Our clinical experiences in 1000’s of veterinary clinics across the US and Canada can provide insights in efficacy, safety, and medical acceptance in human medical field.  This presentation will cover clinical experiences and study data from orthopedics and internal medicine.

Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center: A Model of Success
Andrew Pope, Co-Medical Director , Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center, United States of America

The presentation will highlight the clinical application and use of stem cell therapy to create a successful stand alone stem cell center.

Human Growth factors, where are we, NOW?
Ahmed Al-Qahtani, Assistant Professor, UAE University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates

I will be talking about the latest in growth factors and their uses in therapies and what we need to know.

Clinical Case Translation of Sports and Stem Cell Medicine
Dennis Lox, Physician, Florida Spine and Sports Medicine Center, United States of America

As Medicine continues to emerge, Sports and Regenerative Medicine can be more readily seen as intersecting. As more experience is accumulated, the science of Regenerative Medicine becomes increasing clearer in the application towards Sports Medicine. During aging and as time evolves the nature of post-traumatic arthritis and Sports Medicine becomes more intertwined. Moreover preventative and regenerative applications are strategic allies, yet often neglected or unknown. The clinical cases will reinforce these concepts. Case studies from amateur, professional, and retired athletes will highlight treatment and illustrate the need to evaluate each patient and athlete on an individual basis. This will provide more precise and optimal treatment based on the individuals needs, goals, and future desires. The role of stem cells, PRP and other regenerative therapeutic method will be presented and the rationale for treatment, factors influencing outcome will be discussed.

Unique Stem Cell-Related Therapies for Human Phenotypical Aging Mitigation and Physiological Optimization
Ron Shane, Medical and Research Director, Millennia Concepts Biotech, LLC/American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, United States of America

The focus of this lecture is to provide an update as to what is now clinically possible utilizing paracrine factors and exosomes from a variegated array of stem cell sources. There will be a discussion of the latest non-invasive cosmetic facial procedures involving distinctive cytokine therapies with PRP employing some kind of needle device. Currently, there will be a review of a pending study utilizing a high concentration of a peptide configuration derived from nascent stem cell sources to mollify physiological aging. Patients will receive a systemic injection once a week for nine months. This stem cell related therapy does not have any complications, and shows many promising medicinal benefits. The systemic stem cell related therapy does not have any complications; and shows many promising medicinal benefits such as improvement in epidermal/dermal texture increase executive function, enhancement in overall energy and mood, and skin tightening of the face and torso. In addition, there is a reduction in overall bodily inflammation and other problematic parameters of aging.

Networking Lunch and Discussions with Exhibitors

Stem Cell Clinics Abroad: There are Sharks in the Water!
Todd Malan, Medical Director, Center for Regenerative Cell Medicine, United States of America

The current lack of coordination between the FDA guidance documents and their regulatory actions has created tremendous angst among physicians and industry experts seeking to further advance autologous stem cell therapies in the U.S. This has lead many to consider the option of relocating to an off-shore facility. I will discuss the tremendous pitfalls of such an adventure from my own personal experience.

Drug Delivery to Disease Sites and Conversion of Human Tumors to Drug Factories for Immunotherapy of Cancer
Aladar Szalay, Professor, University of Würzburg, Germany

Clinical Application of SVF in Orthopaedic Conditions
Peter Hanson, President, San Diego Stem Cell Treatment Center, United States of America

Orthopaedic surgeons know better than anyone the excellent results we can give patients by replacing worn out joints.  But, we also know the potential for complications.  We need to be up to date on ways to treat our patients and potential delay or even prevent these operations.  Never has there been an opportunity to biologically improve arthritic joints, only ways to suppress the inflammation and pain.  Until now….

A Hands-on Adult Stem Cell Workshop hosted by Dr. Mark Berman -- The Cell Surgical Network Method -- Adipose Stem Cells Made Easy
Mark Berman, Past President, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery; Medical Director, California Stem Cell Treatment Center, United States of America

• Live practical demonstration of mini-liposuction harvest under local anesthesia
• Live demonstration of SVF preparation using the Time Machine^® method
• Discussion of liposuction issues
• Hands-on practicum using Tara Lock syringe liposuction technique
• Certification of mini-liposuction technique

Through the Eyes of the Certified Surgical Technologist
Jessica Valdez, Certified Surgical Technologist, California Stem Cell Treatment Center/Cell Surgical Network, United States of America

Close of Conference