Dr. Lox Discusses Stem Cell Treatments
Australia may be down under, but when it comes to stem cells they are front and center. Dennis M. Lox, MD, an expert in stem cell therapy in athletes and for osteoarthritis treatment, moderated an expert panel on Sports Medicine and Stem Cells.
Among the attendees and lecturers were Professor Richard Boyd of Monash University and C. Randall Mills P.h.D. the President and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and Rocky S. Tuan P.h.D. of the University of Pittsburgh.
C. Randall Mills P.h.D. the President and CEO of CIRM has been “described as a visionary and highly regarded scientific and business leader” Dr. Mills was the former President and CEO of Osiris Therapeutics. During Mills’ leadership Osiris became the first company to commercialize a stem cell drug. Prochymal, an allogeneic stem cell product was used to treat graft- versus-host disease in children. Mills states, ” it is a tremendous honor to be selected to lead the worlds largest stem cell institute during such an exciting and pivotal time for the technology.
Professor Richard Boyd is a Professor of Monash University, and Director of Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories (110 scientists), where he is also head of the Immune Regeneration Laboratory of approximately 25 people. He is also the Chief Scientific Officer of biotechnology company Norwood Immunology, and the newly formed Magellan who have supported the translation of his research to clinical trials in Australia and the United States.
Director of Monash Immunological and Stem Cell Laboratories (110 scientists), where he also Heads the Immune Regeneration Laboratory of approximately 25 people. He is also the Chief Scientific Officer of Biotechnology company Norwood Immunology, and the newly formed Magellan who have supported the translation of his research to clinical trials in Australia and the United States.
Dr. Rocky S. Tuan is the director for of the Cellular and Molecular Engineering lab, located in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, within the school of medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Tuan is also a professor and the executive Vice Chairman for Orthopedic Research, and serves as the Arthur J. Rooney, Sr. Chair Professor in Sports Medicine, within the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.
Dr. Lox spoke at length with Professor Boyd about the regulatory differences between the United States and Australia. Currently, Australia is permitted to do several things not allowed in the United States. Also, Australia offers government support whereas the United States does not. This severely hinders most physicians from realizing research opportunities. However, Dr. Lox noted that excellence in care can also be obtained in the United States in the area of orthopedic, sports medicine and osteoarthritis treatment by experience and adopting a personalized approach to each patient. There is a need for individualized medicine that adapts to each patient’s needs. A one size fits all approach may not be appropriate for some patients, as no two patients are alike.
Dr. Lox, Tampa Bay, Florida (727) 462-5582 or at Beverly Hills, California (310) 975-7033.
