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2010 Summit Recap

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Conference Overview:

The 2010 World Stem Cell Summit took place in Detroit, Michigan on October 4-6, 2010 at the Detroit Marriott at the iconic Renaissance Center. Presenting the largest and most comprehensive multi-track stem cell conference, featuring more 170 expert speakers and 50 hours of in-depth science, business and society presentations.

The Summit was presented by the nonprofit Genetics Policy Institute (GPI)  and hosted by the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, University Research Corridor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Oakland University and The Taubman Foundation joined the event as Science & Education partners.

Providing key support were the Platinum sponsor group including Beckman Coulter, Wayne County Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) and the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine.

With nearly 1,000 attendees, from 25 countries and more than 200 total sponsors, supporting organizations and media partners, the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit once again united the diverse regenerative community with the aim of accelerating the cutting edge research into effective treatments and cures.

Public Education Day:

World Stem Cell Summit kicked off with a fabulous free "Public Education Day" on October 3 at the Detroit Science Center. The Public Education Day was sponsored by The Taubman Foundation.

More than a thousand adults and children attended. Together they learned about the latest science breakthroughs, engaged with leading experts, experienced hands-on lab activities, watched award-winning documentaries, attended educational workshops, accessed classroom resources, heard inspiring advocacy stories and learned about the risks of unsafe stem cell treatments. Speakers and Summit guests enjoyed a reception that followed, sponsored by Quicken Loans.

The Program

The main sessions of the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit commenced on October 4. Over three days, the attendees participated in 3 conference tracks: industry, science, and society, 4 concurrent sessions and in 8 focus sessions. Bernard Siegel and the presidents of University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University provided welcoming remarks to the Summit.

Selected Keynote Presentations

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm [video] explained Michigan’s support for stem cell research as evidenced by the passage of Proposal 2 protecting research under the state constitution. She described strategy of the state to diversify its economy via a $2 billion investment in 6 new sectors comprising life sciences, using a variety of instruments such as tax incentives. For example, local tax incentives are provided for university industry parks. She reported that 96 new life sciences companies have been created.

United State Senator Carl Levin (MI) [video], explained that world is made healthier thanks to the dedication and work of stem cell researchers and supporters. Michigan’s sustainable commitment to research progress and innovation has been important to transform Michigan into an efficient and growing hub of bioscience innovation. Emphasis on stem cell research for humanitarian ends is exemplified by the ALS clinical trials conducted in Michigan, which are the first of the kind in the world.

Dr. Sean Morrison of the University of Michigan presented the Science keynote address. He reported on research on the cancer stem cells hypothesis and its application to better understand tumorigenesis, using melanoma as a model. This research provides the possibility to segregate patients in clinical trials for developing better novel therapeutics.

Thomas Okarma, President and CEO Geron Corp.[video], provided highlights of the Investigational New Drug application that underscores the safety of Geron’s human embryonic stem cell trial. He explained the promise of the clinical impact of GRNOPC1 for spinal cord injury. His address was covered by C-Span and seen here.

A. Alfred Taubman [video], the noted philanthropist and chair of the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute reported on the foundation of the institute to pursue research and development on stem cells, a modern pharmaceutical miracle and the most exciting scientific frontier of our lifetime. He described his hope that ethical the use of human embryonic stem cells becoming a most valuable tool to find treatments for previously incurable medical conditions.

Dr Eva Feldman [video], Director of the Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, subsequently described ongoing clinical trials on Lou Gehrig’s disease

Robert Klein [video],California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), described the creation of the CIRM as a financial mechanism to sustain the stem cell revolution by using long term bonds to spread the costs over 35 years. He explained the long term investment necessary to bring to market a totally new treatment modality such as therapeutic stem cells. Mr. Klein discussed that CIRM has numerous active global collaborations including in the UK, Germany, Spain, China, Japan, Australia (Victoria), Canada, the states of NY, MD, CA, and with the foundation JDRF; and active discussions with Israel, Holland, France, India, South Korea, and the state of MA.

William Haseltine [video], William A. Haseltine Foundation for Medical Science and the Arts, provided a historical overview of the field of regenerative medicine, providing a societal context for the entire research and advocacy community to understand the importance of the field and the collective challenges.

Louis M. Guenin, Harvard Medical School, presented the moral philosophic framework for human embryonic stem cell research to advance and the path forward to enact effective legislation.

Dan Gilbert [video], Quicken Loans, Inc., and Cleveland Cavaliers, presented a persuasive perspective on how the stem cell community could better communicate its message to the public.

Selected Plenary Panel Discussions

  • “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”- Lessons for Stem Cell Researchers and Patients
  • The California Model for Funding, Regulation and Successful Collaborations
  • Current and Future Clinical Trials and Stem cell Therapies
  • Toward Global Harmonization- Perspectives from International Network Leaders
  • Empowering the Stem Cell Advocacy Community
  • Stem Cell Awareness Day Town Hall Meeting
  • Selected Sessions Industry
  • Devices and Tools for research and Industry
  • Financing pathways for Cell based Therapies
  • The Outlook for the Cord Blood, Cell Therapy and Bio Banking Industries
  • Michigan’s Role in Stem Cell Research and as a Center for Regenerative Medicine Commercialization
  • Stem Cell Standardization Issues
  • Reimbursement and Insurance Solutions for Cell Therapies and Related Industries
  • Regenerative Medicine Under the Microscope-VC and Investor Perspectives
  • Pathways to Commercializing Stem Cell Therapies-Tech Transfer Perspectives
  • Pharma’s Growing Investment in Regenerative Medicine
  • Forging Relationships Between Industry and Regulators
  • Selected Sessions Society
  • Hospital Perspectives on StemCcells and Regenerative Medicine
  • Finding Common Ground- the Emerging Alliance Between Advocates and Industry
  • Sustaining the Mandate for Cures-Critical Lessons from battleground States
  • Economic Development- Stem Cells and regenerative medicine as an Engine of Economic Growth
  • Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee Workshop
  • The NIH Guidelines and Sherley v. Sebelius- Implications for the Future of Stem Cell Research
  • Global Clinical Trials Update
  • Healing Our Wounded Warriors-Armed Forces Investment in Regenerative Medicine
  • The Shifting Landscape of Intellectual Property Law and Its Impact on the Future of Regenerative Medicine
  • Stem Cell Education- Innovative Tools for Teachers and Students- Funding Opportunities
  • Countries having the Competitive Edge I &II- featuring reports from the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain (Andalusia), Germany, India, Brazil

Selected Science Sessions and Multidisciplinary Discussions

  • Presentations on Tissue Engineering
  • Presentations on Pluripotency
  • Tissue Specific Stem Cell Research and Application I&II
  • Presentations on Disease Modeling
  • Presentations on Cellular Reprogramming
  • Stem Cell Progress Report- ALS , Parkinson’s and other Neurological Diseases
  • Regenerative Medicine Against Aging-Technological, Political and Commercial Obstacles and Opportunities
  • Stem Cell Progress Report- Diabetes
  • Stem Cell Progress Report –Cancer
  • Stem Cell Progress Report- Blindness
  • Stem Cell Progress Report- Spinal Cord Injury, Paralysis and MS

Representative Conference Speakers

  • Leading Scientists: Sean Morrison, University of Michigan; Sally Temple, Neural Stem Cell Foundation; Chris Mason, University of London; Evan Snyder, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
  • Key Policy and Regulatory Leaders: Governor Jennifer Granholm, Senator Carl Levin, Bob Klein, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine; Kimberly Benton, Food and Drug Administration
  • Business Leaders: Alain Vertes, Roche; Thomas Okarma, Geron; Gil Van Bokkelen, Athersys, Inc, Robin Smith, Neostem Inc; Michael West, BioTime, Inc
  • Medical Philanthropy and Non-Profit: Andrew McKee, JDRF-Canada; Stephen Rose, Foundation Fighting Blindness; Mary Woolley, Research!America
  • International Network Leaders: Drew Lyall, Stem Cell Network, Canada; Megan Munsie, Australian Stem Cell Centre, Australia; Ben Sykes, UK National Stem Cell Network, United Kingdom; Surapol Issaragrisil, Mahidol University, Thailand

2010 Stem Cell Action Awards Dinner:

Through the Stem Cell Action Awards, the Genetics Policy Institute recognizes organizations and individuals who have most positively impacted the stem cell community. Presented at the World Stem Cell Summit, the 2010 honorees were Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm; philanthropist A. Alfred Taubman; Canadian Stem Cell Network; Laura Jackson; and Stephen and Barbara Byers and the organization they founded, ALS Worldwide.

2010 World Stem Cell Report:

Each conference attendee received a copy of the annual World Stem Cell Report published by the Genetics Policy Institute.
Lunch with Experts: The Expert Luncheons provided a unique opportunity to build strategic relationships and have questions answered by experts in the field. Summit attendees were invited to join two days of informal roundtable discussions focusing on business, economic, political and therapeutic strategies with other Summit colleagues and international stem cell thought-leaders.

Poster Forum:

The Poster Forum provided a opportunity to gain insight from experts research, industry, policy, law, ethics and government Posters displayed the most innovative science, leading edge technologies, industry updates and regulatory solutions.