Latest news with #MSCs
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
StanChart: OPEC+ Is About To Become Much More Transparent
A week ago, the 39th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting was held via videoconference, chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy. According to a press release, the group pledged to 'develop a mechanism to assess the maximum sustainable production capacity (MSC) of member countries that will be used as reference for 2027 production baselines'. Whereas the long-term nature of the undertaking elicited little response from oil markets, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have noted that this is a highly significant development. According to StanChart, establishing MSCs is likely to involve a series of data-related tasks over the next year, a task that's unlikely to prove too difficult. Indeed, the ongoing unwinding of voluntary cuts suggests that the market has tended to overestimate sustainable capacity of some producers and has, therefore, frequently overestimated spare capacity. StanChart says setting MSC levels will improve the visibility and transparency of member countries, making it much harder for some OPEC+ members to obfuscate the degree of their non-compliance with their pledges by creating opaque data flows and vague (or shifting) definitions. This move will give more accurate production data thus reducing oil price second key OPEC+ decision came on 31 May, with Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman agreeing to continue the accelerated unwinding of the 2023 production cuts by 411kb/d in July 2025. July's accelerated clip was similar to that for the previous two months. Previous media reports had warned that the group might decide to unwind more than 411kb/d if the worst overproducers (Kazakhstan and Iraq) continued to defy calls to stick to their quotas. However, an Algerian government press release revealed that no such discussion took place. And now StanChart says that oil markets are likely to remain relatively well balanced for the remainder of the year--if OPEC+ sticks to its current trajectory. According to the analysts, current balances imply a global stock draw of 0.4 mb/d in the third quarter, which will be offset by a 0.4 mb/d inventory build in the final quarter of the year. Contributing to the balance will be the continuation of significant non-OPEC+ supply underperformance relative to consensus expectations in 2025, coupled with relatively robust demand growth which is expected to clock in at 1.17 mb/d in 2025 and 1.07 mb/d in 2026. Meanwhile, current low prices are likely to create some additional potential demand upside. Looking at natural gas markets, the ongoing seasonal build in EU gas inventories accelerated sharply over the past week. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) data, EU gas inventories clocked in at 56.79 billion cubic metres (bcm) on 1 June, good for a w/w build of 3.057 bcm. This marked the first time the w/w net injection exceeded 3 bcm since August 2022, with last week's build nearly 50% above the previous week's mark and 24% higher than the five-year average. The faster-than-average build has trimmed the y/y deficit to 24.44 bcm, lower than the 30.07 bcm deficit reached in mid-April. Natural gas prices have failed to sustain the momentum they built in the first three weeks of May: Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) gas for July delivery settled at EUR 35.015 per megawatt hour (MWh) on 2 June, good for a w/w fall of EUR 2.354/MWh. Europe's gas prices have underperformed other energy prices in the year-to-date, by a significant margin. The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekly release was bullish, with the deficit in combined crude oil and oil product inventories relative to the five-year average widening by 7.04 mb w/w to 47.76 mb--the largest since December 2022. Crude oil inventories fell 2.8 mb w/w to 440.36 mb, with inventories now 30.22mb below the five-year average. Meanwhile, U.S. crude exports fell 794 kb/d w/w, tempered by a counter-seasonal 162 kb/d fall in crude oil refinery runs as well as a 262 kb/d increase in imports. However, demand indicators for the month of May were weak, with gasoline demand down 4.8% y/y, jet fuel demand down 0.4% and distillate demand down 1.4%. The U.S. oil rig count declined by four w/w to a 42-month low of 461, marking a fifth consecutive weekly decline according to the latest Baker-Hughes survey. The Permian Basin rig count fell by one to a 42-month low of 278; the Midland Basin rig count fell by one to 98, Delaware Basin activity remained unchanged at 157 rigs, and other Permian drilling was unchanged at 23 rigs. In contrast, the U.S. gas rig count climbed by a single rig w/w to 99. By Alex Kimani for More Top Reads From this article on Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics to Announce First Quarter Results and Provide a Corporate Update on May 15, 2025
NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that it will hold a conference call to update shareholders on financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provide a corporate update, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 15, 2025. BrainStorm Logo BrainStorm's President & Chief Executive Officer, Chaim Lebovits, will present a corporate update to be followed by Q&A. Joining Mr. Lebovits to answer investment community questions will be Bob Dagher, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, and Alla Patlis, CPA, MBA, Interim Chief Financial Officer. Participants are encouraged to submit their questions in advance of the call by sending them to: q@ Questions should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, May 12, 2025. Investors may access the conference call by dialing the following numbers: Participant Numbers: Toll Free 888-506-0062 International 973-528-0011 Participant Access Code 621608 Webcast The replay of the conference call can be accessed by dialing the numbers below and will be available for 14 days. Replay Numbers: Toll Free 877-481-4010 International 919-882-2331 Reply Passcode 52457 About Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BCLI) is a leading developer of autologous adult stem cell therapies for debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. The company's proprietary NurOwn® platform uses autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to produce neurotrophic factor-secreting cells (MSC-NTF cells), designed to deliver targeted biological signals that modulate neuroinflammation and promote neuroprotection. NurOwn® is BrainStorm's lead investigational therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and has received Orphan Drug designation from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A Phase 3 trial in ALS (NCT03280056) has been completed, and a confirmatory Phase 3b trial is set to launch under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with the FDA. The NurOwn clinical program has generated valuable insights into ALS disease biology, including pharmacogenomic response associated with the UNC13A genotype, biomarker data collected at seven longitudinal time points, and a comprehensive analysis of the "Floor Effect" — a critical challenge in measuring clinical outcomes in advanced ALS. BrainStorm has published its findings in multiple peer-reviewed journals. In addition to ALS, BrainStorm has completed a Phase 2 open-label multicenter trial (NCT03799718) of MSC-NTF cells in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), supported by a grant from the National MS Society. BrainStorm is also advancing a proprietary, allogeneic exosome-based platform designed to deliver therapeutic proteins and nucleic acids. The company recently received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a foundational patent covering its exosome technology, further strengthening BrainStorm's growing IP portfolio in this emerging area of regenerative learn more, visit
Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
UKM makes history with Malaysia's first successful stem cell trials for knee osteoarthritis
KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) created history when it became the first institution in the country to successfully carry out clinical trials of stem cell treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis, thus marking a new chapter in the field of regenerative medicine. KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd (KL Orthosports) chief executive officer Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham said the treatment, which uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from umbilical cords, began in 2016 involving six patients and all have recovered and returned to normal life. 'Alhamdulillah, from 2016 until today, I have seen positive progress and I'm confident this treatment can be highlighted officially so that it benefits society and patients. 'As a national university, we are the only institution with proven and approved clinical trials on stem cell treatment, and we are committed to championing this cause,' he said. He told Bernama this after the exchange of agreement documents between KL Orthosport Sdn Bhd and Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd and the launch of the Malaysian Stem Cell Awareness Network here today. Also present were the Dean of UKM Faculty of Medicine Prof Dr Marina Mat Baki, Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd director Sasha Omar Firdaus Amir Nordin and two former knee osteoarthritis patients who received the stem cell treatment — Khairul Ikram Kamarul Bahrin and Mohammad Faizul Abdul Gaffar. KL Orthosports is a UKM start-up company that has obtained the licensing rights to UKM's innovation, allowing it to be commercialised and widely utilised, while Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd is a biopharmaceutical company that has expertise in stem cell production and therapy. Elaborating, Dr Badrul Akmal said the procedure begins with medical consultation, followed by X-ray tests and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans before the treatment is planned, including the preparation of cell stems in certified laboratories. 'After surgery has been performed, usually stem cells will be injected into the knee after two weeks and the recovery period depends on the severity of the injury,' he said. He added that the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) have identified the initiative for expansion and enhancement through grants provided under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). 'InsyaAllah, eight public universities, including medical universities and the Public University Hospital Consortium (KHUAM), will combine to conduct multi-centre trials and we will focus on about 500 patients. 'From there we will see, if it produces positive results, perhaps in two or three years these universities of KHUAM will become a place for patients to seek stem cell treatment,' he said. Meanwhile, Sasha Omar emphasised that collaboration is essential to drug development in both the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors as it helps translate scientific research into practical clinical applications. He also referenced a recent study conducted in the region called the Asia-Pacific Osteoarthritis Registry, which found that 70 per cent of patients treated for osteoarthritis were dissatisfied with conventional treatments such as painkillers, steroids, surgery and physiotherapy. He noted that none of these conventional treatments modify the disease in any way; they only help alleviate its symptoms. 'This is what drives us. We are here today with a mission to create better and more lasting treatments through regenerative medicine, offering a long-term solution that helps the patient's body repair damaged cartilage in their joints,' he said. — Bernama
Barnama
24-04-2025
- Health
- Barnama
UKM First Institution To Successfully Conduct Stem Cell Treatment For Knee Osteoarthritis
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) created history when it became the first institution in the country to successfully carry out clinical trials of stem cell treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis, thus marking a new chapter in the field of regenerative medicine. KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd (KL Orthosports) chief executive officer Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham said the treatment, which uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from umbilical cords, began in 2016 involving six patients and all have recovered and returned to normal life. "Alhamdulillah, from 2016 until today, I have seen positive progress and I'm confident this treatment can be highlighted officially so that it benefits society and patients. 'As a national university, we are the only institution with proven and approved clinical trials on stem cell treatment, and we are committed to championing this cause,' he said. He told Bernama this after the exchange of agreement documents between KL Orthosport Sdn Bhd and Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd and the launch of the Malaysian Stem Cell Awareness Network here today. Also present were the Dean of UKM Faculty of Medicine Prof Dr Marina Mat Baki, Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd director Sasha Omar Firdaus Amir Nordin and two former knee osteoarthritis patients who received the stem cell treatment - Khairul Ikram Kamarul Bahrin and Mohammad Faizul Abdul Gaffar. KL Orthosports is a UKM start-up company that has obtained the licensing rights to UKM's innovation, allowing it to be commercialised and widely utilised, while Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd is a biopharmaceutical company that has expertise in stem cell production and therapy. Elaborating, Dr Badrul Akmal said the procedure begins with medical consultation, followed by X-ray tests and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans before the treatment is planned, including the preparation of cell stems in certified laboratories. "After surgery has been performed, usually stem cells will be injected into the knee after two weeks and the recovery period depends on the severity of the injury,' he said.
Gulf Today
13-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Groundbreaking stem cell trial for knee osteoarthritis
The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), has successfully completed a groundbreaking clinical trial in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Cellcolabs and Burjeel Holdings. Developed by Swedish biotech company Cellcolabs, StromaForte has shown a favourable safety profile and significant therapeutic potential for knee osteoarthritis, marking a significant step in evaluating cell-based therapies for degenerative joint diseases. The study evaluated the regenerative properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), a type of stem cell known for its ability to reduce inflammation and repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Found naturally in the body, MSCs function as biological mediators by detecting areas of stress or injury and signalling the body to initiate its own healing process, rather than simply replacing damaged cells. In this clinical trial, patients received MSC injections derived from carefully screened healthy donors aged 18-30, directly into their affected knee joints. The goal was to confirm safety, ease pain, reduce inflammation and potentially repair cartilage damage, offering a potential alternative to surgery for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The clinical trial was led by Dr. Oussama Chaar, consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Dr. Veerabahu Muthusamy, specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, and conducted at Burjeel Medical City and Burjeel Hospital from November 2023 to October 2024, where patients received a single dose of 50 million MSCs via ultrasound-guided injections. The results of the first phase (Phase I/II) of the trial have been encouraging, meeting its primary endpoint of safety confirmed by an independent safety monitoring board. Patients reported a significant reduction in pain levels, as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and an overall improvement in their quality of life, enabling them to move more comfortably and engage in daily activities with greater ease. Importantly, the treatment was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. To further evaluate the therapy's efficacy, provide deeper insights into the therapy's impact, MRI scans have been conducted with detailed findings set to be presented at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week in April 2025. Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, highlighted, 'The successful completion of this clinical trial is a testament to Abu Dhabi's robust regulatory oversight and its growing appeal as a hub for cutting-edge medical research. WAM
