James A. Thomson, VMD, PhD, founder of human pluripotent stem cells, to give opening lecture

Newswise — LOS ANGELES — Sept. 17, 2012 – Leading scientists and clinicians from across the nation will discuss the latest findings on potential stem cell treatments for diabetes and eye diseases at the second Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Scientific Symposium.

WHO:Stem cell scientists, clinicians and industry leaders.

The symposium is being hosted by the Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute, led by Clive Svendsen, PhD. The institute brings together basic scientists with specialist clinicians, physician scientists and translational scientists across multiple medical specialties to convert fundamental stem cell studies to therapeutic regenerative medicine. FEATURED RESEARCH:The symposium’s morning session will feature an overview of the current state of stem cells and diabetes, including efforts to start the first clinical trials with stem cells for the treatment of diabetes. Other research to be presented includes an update on regenerative medicine approaches to treating macular degeneration, a progressive deterioration of the eye that causes gradual loss of vision. This will include an update from Gad Heilweil, MD, on a key, stem-cell clinical trial on macular degeneration at the University of California Los Angeles.

WHEN:Sept. 21, 20128:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.Thomson’s lecture begins at 8:40 a.m.

WHERE:Harvey Morse AuditoriumCedars-Sinai Medical Center8700 Beverly BoulevardLos Angeles, CA 90048

How to register: http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/RMI

Media Contact: Members of news media interested in attending or learning more about the presentations should contact Media Specialist Nicole White at [email protected] or 310-423-5215.