Sistemic highlights the need for better cell characterisation in regenerative medicine

03 October 2011: Sistemic, UK:  Sistemic, the cell characterisation problem-solving service provider that uses miRNA, is a strong advocate for the potential of regenerative medicine. Dr Verna McErlane, Sistemic’s Director of Commercial Operations, recently took part in a round-table discussion with leading stem cell researchers http://www.sistemic.co.uk/publications. The scientific, ethical and moral debate about the use of stem cells continues and will soon be taken up in earnest at the World Stem Cell Summit, taking place from 3-5 October in Pasadena, California, where Dr McErlane is a key participant.

 “The future for regenerative medicine is huge, but there are issues to be faced on this road to success,” said Dr McErlane. “Firstly we need to establish reliable cell standards, and secondly these standards should inform the development of a validated and dependable toolbox for monitoring and characterising stem cells during research and manufacturing. Only through characterisation can this technology enter the mainstream clinical practice and provide the patient benefits we are all hoping for.”

 Sistemic has developed a stem cell focused miRNA-based approach called SistemQC™ which molecularly characterises cells and monitors their quality. Not only does it give a succinct read out on the status of the cells but also provides an insight into the underlying biological effects associated with any change observed. SistemQC™ is being used by the stem cell community to optimise and guide the differentiation process, benchmark differentiated cells and, from a manufacturing perspective, provide identity markers, purity and potency control. Innovative developments such as this, as well as other new tools and a consensus on the standardisation of the process, are that will really drive this industry forward to reach its full potential.

 Dr McErlane went on to say, “Without adequate control, this unique opportunity to positively impact on the treatment of many untreatable conditions will be lost. Standardisation is key and Sistemic are at the forefront of assisting in making Regenerative Medicine a reality for clinical practice.”

 Initiated in 2009, the World Stem Cell Summit (http://www.worldstemcellsummit.com/) has quickly become one of the largest interdisciplinary, networking meetings of stem cell stakeholders, which unites the regenerative medicine industry and biomedical research. For 2011, one of the industry key note addresses, given by Dr Gil Van Bokkelen co-founder and CEO of Athersys and Chairman of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, of which Sistemic is a key member , will be; ‘The transformational potential of regenerative medicine, and how it will change healthcare as we know it’.

 Sistemic looks forward to meeting old colleagues, new faces and learning about the most recent developments in the field at the upcoming World Stem Cell Summit. Visitors can meet the team at the Scottish Development International Booth in the exhibit hall. In the meantime, anyone interested in Sistemic and its products should visit: www.sistemic.co.uk

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How to progress safe and effective cell therapies for clinical use!

Sistemic to present miRNA-led cell characterisation at Stem Cell Europe

18^th July 2011: Sistemic, UK:  Sistemic believe cell characterisation is an essential element in progressing safe and effective cell therapies for mainstream clinical use.  They offer unique miRNA analytical services that provide reliable and cost-effective, characterisation and QC tools that are applicable to all cell systems. Toward this end, Dr Vincent O’Brien (Chief Scientific Officer) and Dr Verna McErlane (Director of Commercial Operations, International) will present data supporting the utility of miRNA in the provision of superior cell characterisation and QC methods at the forthcoming Stem Cells Europe conference (20-21 July 2011, Edinburgh). 

Dr. Vincent O’Brien will present a poster entitled; ‘A novel microRNA-based stem cell characterisation and monitoring tool’,and Verna McErlane will join: Marilyn Robertson, SSCN; Aidan Courtney, Roslin Cells; Dr. David Hay, Fibromed; and, Michael Leek, Immunosolv, at the Scottish Stem Cell Network (SSCN) Panel showcase, “Progress to Therapy and Market” on Wednesday 20 July at 5pm.

 Sistemic Ltd are a global company offering unique miRNA-based products and services such as SistemQC^TM, designed for the sophisticated molecular characterisation of cells, which combines robust miRNA profiling, statistical analysis and contextual analysis. Further information on all Sistemic’s proprietary services, including; SistemRNA^TM, SistemQC^TM, SistemTOX^TM and SistemKB^TM, can be found at: www.sistemic.co.uk

Please Contact:

Dr Verna McErlane, Director of Commercial Operations,  +44 7855376358

Sistemic presented at the ISSCR 2011, Technology Showcase Session

Sistemic presented their miRNA based stem cell characterisation & QC work (SistemQC) at the ISSCR in Toronto on June 16th to a large crowd that where interested to learn more about all the exciting developments that are on-going in Scotland in the stem cell field.

Dr. Jo Mountford from the University of Glasgow spoke about her transforming work on the industrialisation of stem cell derived red blood cells. Dr. Dave Hay, Fibromed, told us more about his exciting work on stem cell derived hepatocytes and their applications for drug discovery & development toxicity screening.

The event was kindly sponsored by Scottish Development International (SDI) and the Scottish Stem Cell Network (SSCN). Sistemic would like to thank SDI and SSCN for the opportunity to present their work which focuses on the sophisticated molecular characterisation of stem cells using miRNA fingerprinting including profiling, identity markers & markers to follow differentiation staging.

Sistemic are happy to talk to anyone interested in discussing their characterisation needs, please give us a call or drop us an email.