Firms From Across U.S. Expected at Sutro Conference Here
A molecular “all-terrain vehicle” to treat spinal cord injuries?
Researchers at the Reeve-Irvine Research Center at UCI’s College of Medicine believe they are heading in a new direction of spinal cord research. They have discovered that finger-like protrusions in nerve cells called “growth cones” contain tiny molecular factories that produce molecules enabling nerve cells to grow.
“These factories give nerves the equivalent of four-wheel drive to grow through damaged areas,” said Oswald Steward, director of the research center. “If we can install this machinery in damaged nerves, they may be able to grow through the disrupted terrain of the injured spinal cord and reverse paralysis.”
Steward said scientists may be able to use various signaling molecules that they already know affect neurite growth.
Paralysis is caused by a disruption of the flow of nerve impulses that control movement. The disrupted pathways also keep new nerve cells from growing and making connections that could restore function.
The College of Medicine also has received a $2.2 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Chevy Chase, Md., to further genetic studies into the causes of cancer, heart disease and autism. The money will be used to upgrade laboratories with powerful computers, a robotic device and a virtual-reality laboratory, as well as help young faculty launch genetic research. Up to five new scientists will be hired. The labs will be housed at the university’s Biomedical Research Center.
Biomed Conference Set for OC
Some 63 healthcare and biomedical companies from all over the country will meet at a Health Care Conference hosted by Sutro & Co. at the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach, April 4 through 6. Those expected to attend include institutional investors, venture capitalists and analysts.
Orange County companies such as InSight Health Services, Beckman Coulter, Endocare, ICN Pharmaceuticals, Sicor Inc. and Interpore Cross International are expected to attend. Each company will be allowed 20 minutes to make a presentation, followed by a 10-minute Q & A; session.
Bits and Pieces
St. Joseph Hospital Heart Center is asking the public for help to successfully complete its $3.5 million capital campaign. The heart center has raised $2 million through private gifts, but will still need $1.5 million to finish the campaign by November. Funds will be used to support a new Cardiac Catheterization Lab. The campaign started in November 1998. For more information: (714) 771-8211 … GenSci OrthoBiologics Inc., Irvine, (a subsidiary of GenSci Regeneration Sciences Inc. of Toronto) withdrew its patent-infringement lawsuit against Osteotech and has filed an antitrust lawsuit in Los Angeles against the company instead. GenSci alleged that Osteotech was attempting to “stifle competitors” in the industry by filing patent-infringement litigation against GenSci and through false advertising. Osteotech, based in Eatontown, N.J, makes products for the orthopedic, neurological and dental and general surgery markets Baxter International Inc. announced a dividend of common stock of Edwards Lifesciences Corp. to holders of Baxter common stock. Baxter is spinning off Edwards, its Irvine-based cardiovascular unit. The company will give one share of Edwards stock for each five shares of Baxter to shareholders of record on March 29. Baxter will not retain any shares of Edward Lifesciences, which will begin trading on the NYSE April 3 The Huntington Beach Community Clinic has received funding from several sources. The Sisters of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation awarded the clinic $10,000 to support the teen Stop In Center at two local high schools as well as Ocean View School District’s middle and elementary counseling programs. The United Way of Orange County gave the clinic $87,000 to expand services in the Oak View Collaborative. The clinic received $10,000 through the Orange County Community Foundation’s XOXO Fund for its Medigap program, which helps people ages 55 to 64, who are too young to qualify for Medicare but have serious health problems. And the California Endowment, the state’s largest health foundation, has given the clinic a $50,000 grant to expand its healthcare offerings VillageCare Assisted Living Corp. of Anaheim announced the acquisition of Eden Roc Retirement Center, also in Anaheim. The facility will offer 107 remodeled resident apartments for senior. Eden Roc’s name will be changed to Anaheim Village Interpore Cross International has filed for a public offering of 4 million shares of its common stock, 3.5 million of which will be newly issued and 500,000 from selling shareholders.
