2009 World Stem Cell Summit Highlights

By Steve Byer

 

2009 World Stem Cell Summit, presented by Genetics Policy Institute launched the Stem Cell Action campaign, a global consumer movement that demands streamlined regulation, seeks removal of unreasonable legal roadblocks and supports critically needed funding for basic research.  Approximately 2500 participated. 

A major highlight for me was the opportunity I had to share the experience with six patient families who were there representing PALS WORLDWIDE, a soon-to-be online forum organized and conducted by PALS brought together through, and supported by, ALS WORLDWIDE. 

Many of you may have already read the presentation I gave last year on the perils and opportunities of non US stem cell clinics and hospitals.  This year, Douglas Sipp of the Rikon Biochemical Institute of Kyoto Japan, presented a far more extensive and soon to be published compendium of stem cell facilities available worldwide.  Among others on the panel with Douglas Sipp was Alex Moffett of Beike Holdings, in Thailand.  Once the formal presentations concluded, I had an opportunity to question both the ethics and validity of the Beike program to the entire group and remain convinced that Beike offers little of value to any patient population, particularly those with ALS.

Careful analysis by me and others indicates very clearly that the Autologous CD133 stem cell transplant program for those with ALS is truly one of the most cutting edge, if not the most cutting edge, protocols worldwide at this time.  Seeing the state of other programs just now being contemplated for clinical test study reinforces our belief in the program at Tec de Monterrey.

I enjoyed the opportunity the summit gave me to both renew some associations and develop new ones with colleagues from a wide range of institutions including Johns Hopkins, University of Rochester, University of Maryland, Harvard, University of Wisconsin, University of Michigan, Australian Stem Cell Centre, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and others. 

Hosting two luncheon round tables on the subject of Global Health Care – Recommendations for Self-Management was very enjoyable as, each day, a group of attendees gathered to learn ways to evaluate emerging programs for themselves.  An outline of the agenda for those round tables can be viewed at Global Health Care

ALS WORLDWIDE is pleased to have been a 2009 supporting organization to the world stem cell summit and will be a bronze sponsor in 2010.

Attendees at the 2009 Stem Cell Summit

From left to right:

Barbara and Mark Redpath, Debbie and Bill Gattoni, Christine and John Roberts, Steve Byer, Hans Koch