Stephen Epstein, MD To Head Scientific & Medical Advisory Board For Stemedica’s Cardiology Division

Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc., a leader in adult allogeneic stem cell manufacturing, research and development, announced today that cardiologist Stephen E. Epstein, MD, Director of Translational Research of the MedStar Heart Institute, Washington Hospital Center, has accepted the position of Chairman of Stemedicas Scientific and Medical Advisory Board for the Companys Cardiology Division. Dr. Epstein served for over 30 years as Chief of the Cardiology Branch of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in Bethesda, Maryland.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) March 04, 2013

With more than 500 publications in peer-reviewed medical journals, Dr. Epstein is a recognized international authority on angiogenesis and the role of infection in atherosclerosis. He and his colleagues recently developed stem cell strategies for enhancing collateral development (new blood vessel growth) and are currently focused on understanding and treating cardiovascular disease at the molecular level by identifying the molecular mechanisms responsible for development of vulnerable plaques. These efforts have included examining possible genetic polymorphisms and of circulating biomarkers as indicators that a given patient is at risk of plaque rupture. Dr. Epstein has also explored how aging leads to collateral dysfunction and the related molecular mechanisms. One of Dr. Epsteins current primary areas of interest is the role of stress in predisposing to myocardial infarction, and the contributing epigenetic mechanisms.

His research in gene therapy and the use of stem cells in cardiovascular disease has led to two important NHLBI committee appointments. Dr. Epstein is currently Vice-Chairman of the Data Safety Management Board (DSMB) for Programs of Excellence in Gene and Cell Therapy for the NHLBI, and had served as Chairman of the DSMB for Specialized Centers for Clinically Oriented Research in Cardiac Dysfunction and Disease until the completion of that NHLBI effort.

In addition to his research and leadership responsibilities, Dr. Epstein serves as Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Heart Association, a member of the Association of American Physicians and an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. Dr. Epstein is the recipient of the Distinguished WELCOME Lecturer award, was selected for the prestigious Pfizer Visiting Professor Program and is a frequent invited lecturer and keynote speaker at national and international medical conferences.

Sergey Sikora, PhD, President of Stemedicas Cardiovascular Division noted, I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Epstein for four years. In his role as head of our Cardiovascular Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Epstein will help guide our research, pre-clinical and clinical efforts. The relationship between stem cells and the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease is one of the rapidly emerging stories in health care. We are honored to have Dr. Epstein guide Stemedica in this journey.

Maynard Howe, PhD, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stemedica commented, As Stemedica moves forward with its United States-based clinical trials in acute myocardial infarct (AMI) and global trials in both AMI and chronic heart failure, we will look to Dr. Epstein to bring the highest level of scientific rigor to these efforts. We are delighted to have a physician of Dr. Epsteins stature join our team. We look forward to working closely with him.

Stemedica currently has three FDA-approved clinical trials underway in ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction and cutaneous photoaging. Under Dr. Epsteins leadership, Stemedica will be expanding the Cardiovascular Divisions Medical and Scientific Advisory Board.

About Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. http://www.stemedica.com

Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. is a specialty bio-pharmaceutical company that is committed to the manufacturing and development of best-in-class allogeneic adult stem cells and stem cell factors for use by approved research institutions and hospitals for pre-clinical and clinical (human) trials. The company is a government licensed manufacturer of clinical grade stem cells and is approved by the FDA for clinical trials in ischemic stroke, cutaneous photoaging and acute myocardial infarction. Stemedica is currently developing regulatory pathways for a number of other medical indications using adult allogeneic stem cells. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

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Stephen Epstein, MD To Head Scientific & Medical Advisory Board For Stemedica’s Cardiology Division