WSCS14 agenda

Written by Alexandra Thompson

Keep up to date with the WSCS14 agenda

The agenda for the exciting WSCS14 can be found here, where it is frequently being updated with even more talks. As you can see from the agenda, the Summit talks are divided into six key tracks that encompass key topics within the stem cell field. These tracks are described below.

Concurrent Tracks at the 2014 World Stem Cell Summit

DiscoveryDiscovery

The Summit Discovery track presents the latest scientific discoveries and trends coming from laboratories around the world. What are the long-term clinical implications? Some of the subject matter will include presentations relating to pluripotency, disease models, perinatal cells, adult stem cells, cancer cells, cord blood, genomics, screening and bioengineering. Consideration will be given to clinical product thinking at early discovery stages, with a focus on the initial product, manufacturing, standardization, safety and regulatory concerns. It is not simply bench to bedside…but bench to industry to bedside.

Translation and Clinical Trials Translation and Clinical Trials

The Translation and Clinical Trials track showcases significant clinical trials from around the world, analyzing the pathways to the clinic and prospects for delivering treatments. The track will include discussions on overcoming regulatory obstacles and the role of patients. Some panels will be grouped around specific medical conditions. Other relevant issues include cell standardization, reimbursements, ethical issues, tech transfer and legal solutions. Additional focus on defining teams; transitioning from discovery to manufacturing to clinical testing; differences in regulations in various countries; defining safety, labeling, marketing, shipping and logistics planning; challenges in and managing shared data.

Innovation Showcase (Organized with Bioscience Technology) Innovation Showcase (Organized with Bioscience Technology)

The Innovation Showcase track presents the latest trends in innovative technologies, products and services advancing regenerative medicine. Topics will include building the core laboratory, storage technology trends, cell manufacturing, CRO’s, CMO’s, cell culture, imaging, genomic analysis, robotics, data analysis and scientific computing. Additional focus on qualification, characterization and dose of products; defining quality systems to meet manufacturing, regulatory, clinical trial needs, specialized expertise, training and sharing data.

Regenerative ServicesRegenerative Services

The Regenerative Services track focuses on the emerging role of regenerative medicine in clinical practice. Presenting the “here and now”, panels will include discussions on reconstructive surgery, wound healing, neurological, orthopedic treatments, sports medicine and regenerative surgeries. Sessions will also be aimed at preparing clinicians and hospital administrators transitioning regenerative medicine into day-to-day medical practice. Patients are key stakeholders and panels will be focused on providing patients, and their families, with the tools to make informed decisions about future treatments. How the military is utilizing regenerative medicine in caring for wounded warriors and veterans care will also be highlighted.

Capital Markets ConferenceCapital Markets Conference

The RegMed Capital Conference is a co-located meeting included in the World Stem Cell Summit. The track features discussions related to funding sources, company case studies, reimbursement strategies, intellectual property issues, start-up advice and critical information before taking your company public. Also included are sessions presenting industry forecasts, investor advice, non-dilutive funding solutions, sovereign funds, economic development incentives and other government funding opportunities. The track also includes company presentations to the investment community.

Hot Topics & Future TrendsHot Topics & Future Trends

The Hot Topics & Future Trends track presents the “Future of a Biomedical Revolution” focusing on bold and innovative solutions and showcasing guru-visionaries and inspiring advocacy leaders. The track highlights headline-grabbing research and controversies. Also showcased will be emerging role of blood and tissue centers in regenerative medicine, model international collaborations, the development of top-flight academic interdisciplinary stem cell/regenerative medicine institutes, the critical unmet need for cell standardization, integrity of scientific progress and how insurance products will revolutionize the cell therapy and storage industries.

What track are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below.