Stem Cell Research Evolves from the Laboratory to a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Stem cell research and regenerative medicine has long held the potential to treat serious medical conditions, but only recently has the industry as a whole begun to take shape. What was once confined within the realm of research and academia is now attracting the interest of corporations and philanthropists who are investing large amounts of money into this promising science.

The 7^th annual World Stem Cell Summit in Pasadena, CA is bringing together all segments of this growing sector to uncover how a once-controversial science can translate into a multi-billion dollar industry. The Summit gives a platform to all perspectives through keynote addresses and panel discussions to address:

• The Science: what can actually be accomplished through stem cell research and regenerative medicine?
• The Patient Benefit: is this really the cure for what ails us?
• The Commitment: who is driving this industry?
• The Business Case: how will a promising science evolve into a sustainable industry?

Speakers at the Summit will hail from around the world and will include some of the most prestigious leaders in this field. They will include recent National Medal of Science winner Dr. Rudolf Jaenisch, former Intel CEO Andy Grove, and Dr. Norio Nakatsuji, Director of the Institute for Integrated Cell Material Sciences at the Kyoto University, along with over 150 other world-renowned industry representatives. A full list of speakers and topic areas can be found at www.worldstemcellsummit.com.

“The World Stem Cell Summit is a gathering of world leaders who are dedicated to the mission of understanding the root causes of disease, translating research into effective treatments and finding cures,” said Bernard Siegel, Executive Director of Genetics Policy Institute (GPI), and organizer of the World Stem Summit. “The announcement that one of our most esteemed keynote speakers, Dr. Rudolf Jaenisch, will receive the National Medal of Science award from President Obama underscores the importance of the World Stem Cell Summit as a showcase of the pathfinders of this exciting and important field of research.”

The meeting will also feature a Stem Cell Awareness Day Town Hall Meeting on October 5 where stakeholder communities can rally in support of advancement of stem cell research. The Annual Genetics Policy Institute's “Stem Cell Action” awards dinner will take place on October 4 honoring: Sherry Lansing, Research!America, Let's Talk Science, University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute, and Grant Albrecht, and advocate based in Pasadena. “Conversations with Experts Luncheons” where attendees can dine with top experts from the science, medicine, industry, government and advocacy worlds will be an opportunity for learning and networking.

The 2011 World Stem Cell Summit will host over 1000 participants, 235+ supporting organizations and media partners, 150 world-class speakers and over 50 countries represented from universities, scientific societies, patient groups, medical philanthropies and industry organizations from around the world.

About the 2011 World Stem Cell Summit

Presented by the Genetics Policy Institute, the World Stem Cell Summit brings together leaders in research, business, advocacy, finance, law and ethics to chart the future of regenerative medicine. This year's summit, which will run from October 3 through 5, is co-organized by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, City of Hope, Cedars-Sinai Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles.

The 2011 program will feature more than 170 speakers with themes covering a wide range of topics including stem cell tourism, advances in wound care, stem cell politics, the billion dollar business potential, treatment progress in major disease areas, and the impact regenerative medicine on improving healthy lifespan. For more information on the 2011 World Stem Cell Summit, please visit: www.worldstemcellsummit.com.