In response to the Osiris press release
I received this from Larry who is one of the Pioneer founding members. Larry does a lot of reading and researching and I found what he wrote to be pause for thought and discussion. I think what he sent makes a lot of sense. Anyone else wish to add to this? Thanks Larry.
Barbara,
The definition of a mesenchymal stem cell -from Wikipedia - Mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs are multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types. Cell types that MSCs have been shown to differentiate into in vitro or in vivo include osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myocytes, adipocytes, and, as described lately, beta-pancreatic islets cells[1]. It has been shown that they can also transdifferentiate into neuronal cells in vitro [2]. However, in vivo results are now thought to be a misinterpretation of spontaneous cell fusion between a damaged neuron and a mesenchymal stem cell placed in the brain Epithelial cells are more involved in the structure of the lungs.
For mesenchymal cells that means the osteblasts forms bone, the chondrocytes form cartilage and the myocytes form heart muscle and the adipocytes form fat cells. So by this clear definition there isn't much to do with the lungs. That is why I don't put much stock in this trial. I am appreciative in that we finally are getting off our duffs to at least do some trials for COPD.
