BREA, Calif., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Stem Cell stocks got a boost Friday with the news that philanthropist Eli Broad has donated $25 million USC to build a stem cell center. U.S. BioDefense (BULLETIN BOARD: UBDE) led the field up 31% to $3.95 on the heels of its announcement that it has successfully completed the evaluation and validation of its human neural crest stem cells as a part of its agreement with the University of British Columbia. The company is considering investigating the stem cells applications in combating ALS and Parkinson's disease. Geron rose $1.25 to $9.15 up 15% for the day, while Viacell rose 3.5%, Stem Cells Inc. rose over 8%.
David Chin, CEO of U.S. BioDefense stated "Its all about getting new treatments to patients. This is finally tangible action toward a California Stem Cell research initiative and a huge confidence booster for the Stem Cell Industry in the United States at large. I urge Stem Cell research supporters to Tune into '60 MINUTES' AT UCI at 7 p.m. Sunday by turning to the CBS news program "60 Minutes," which will focus on stem cell research in Orange County.
According to the Orange County Register, correspondent Ed Bradley visited UCI neurobiologist Hans Keirstead last month to discuss how the scientist used human embryonic stem cells to restore limited movement in paralyzed rats during an experiment. The show also will feature Suzanne Short of Laguna Beach, who has been paralyzed since an auto accident 24 years ago, and Daniel Kerner of Rancho Santa Margarita, a 6-year-old boy who has a severe neurological disorder. Both might eventually benefit from stem cell research.
The Bradley piece also will talk about stem cell studies elsewhere in California. Keirstead, 38, said the gift "is a symbol of faith that the lawsuits facing CIRM (California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, which is charged with carrying out Proposition 71) will fall by the wayside."
Global Communications, Inc. was paid $5000 for reporting and distributing information on Stem Cell industry news and does not currently have a stock position in the companies mentioned herein. For more information on our services and how we can advocate news coverage in your company's area of expertise, please contact us.
Contact:
Heriberto Cruz
Global Communications
© 2006 PR Newswire
