OCTANe@ UCI Presents “Stem Cells: A State of the Industry Snapshot”
Milestones in Stem Cell Research and Future Projections Surrounding Prop.71 Explored
IRVINE, Calif. – April 8, 2005 – OCTANe@UCI will present “Stem Cells: A State of the Industry Snapshot” as part of its “Innovation Series.” Scientists from UC Irvine’s School of Biological Science and PrimeGen Biotech will explore the different therapies that exist from both adult and embryonic stem cells. The event will take place Wednesday, April 27 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the University Club. OCTANe@UCI is the program delivery arm for the Orange County Technology Action Network (OCTANe).
Stem cell therapies hold great promise for repairing and restoring damaged systems within the body. The extent to which cells can replicate, differentiate and restore organ systems is believed to be dependent on whether these regenerative cells are derived from adult, fetal or embryonic sources. Join experts from PrimeGen Biotech and UC Irvine to learn more about the different cells and potential therapies developing from both adult and embryonic stem cell research. Discover the opportunities and challenges and what the future holds for stem cell research under Proposition 71. Faculty from UC Irvine will be available to discuss breakthroughs in current stem cell research.
“OCTANe@UCI’s ‘Innovation Series’ provides industry leaders such as scientists, researchers, and bio-tech companies with a forum to explore important advances in science and technology,” said Gary Matkin, dean of continuing education at UC Irvine Extension. “The creation of the series reinforces UCI’s commitment to working with the biomedical research industry to deliver scientific advances that will improve or even save people’s lives.”
Scientists speaking at the April 27th event include:
- Susan V. Bryant – Dean, School of Biological Sciences; Professor, Developmental & Cell Biology, UC Irvine; Representative, Proposition 71 -- Independent Citizens Oversight Committee (ICOC)
- Francisco Silva – Vice President of R&D, PrimeGen Biotech, LLC
- Hans Keirstead – Associate Professor, Reeve-Irvine Research Center Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology , UC Irvine
- Doug Wallace – Professor, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Director, MAMMAG, UC Irvine
- Steve Gershick – CFO/COO, PrimeGen Biotech, LLC
The event will be moderated by Peter Gluck, Of Counsel, Intellectual Property Practice, with the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig. Gluck has co-produced more than 400 U.S. patents for clients across the technical spectrum, with a strong focus in the medical device industry. The event will be sponsored by PrimeGen Biotech, and collaborative sponsors include LINC, BIOCOM, Device Lab, BIOBREW and OCRA.
“Intellectual Property Rights are an important aspect of Proposition 71, and understanding how they work is of parallel importance to realizing how many paradigm shifting discoveries in the life sciences have come to pass through serendipity,” said Gluck. “What Proposition 71 does is enable funding for a broad range research approaches into important disease states, de-limiting the potential for new discoveries. Those of us in the legal community are excited to support creation of quality patents, intellectual property agreements and the novel corporate structures that will bring UCI to the forefront of the stem cell space.”
On May 12, 2005, the OCTANe@UCI “Innovation Series” will examine optical medical devices and their emerging market opportunities. Key executives and researchers from Advanced Medical Optics, IntraLase, and scientists within the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Henry Samueli School of Engineering will present emerging trends in the refractive surgical business of both laser and lens approaches. Global investments in the ophthalmic market and how entrepreneurs can take advantage of these opportunities will be analyzed.
OCTANe is a non-profit corporation comprised of information and biomedical technology business executives, venture capitalists, service providers, private investors and leaders from UC Irvine as well as other universities, all working together to drive innovation and accelerate the growth of technology business in Orange County.
As the continuing education arm of the prestigious university, UC Irvine Extension is dedicated to providing a transforming learning experience for students, offering thousands of exciting courses and programs to local, regional, and global constituencies. UC Irvine Extension offers a rich array of academic and community programs to support a diverse audience from a wide selection of academic programs to numerous campus activities. UC Irvine Extension continues to provide a university-level learning experience to all students. For more information about UC Irvine Extension visit www.extension.uci.edu.
For more information or to register for the event, please contact Debbie Nielsen at (949) 824-3425, via e-mail at dfnielse@uci.edu, or visit the Web at www.octane.uci.edu.
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