Stephen Hawking met with Mr. Deven Patel the CEO of San Diego based Global Institute of Stem Cell Therapy and Research (GIOSTAR) on Saturday to learn more about how soon stem cell research can help in his neurological disorder ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) that has left the famed British physicist completely paralyzed.
He was visiting San Diego to attend the private tree planting ceremony in memory of one of his oldest friends, the late San Diego philanthropist Dennis Avery.
Giostar CEO Mr. Deven Patel with Mr. Stephen Hawking
Dr. Hawking spent more than hour with Mr. Patel in private meeting to learn the recent development in the field of stem cells, specially related to ALS, the condition British Physicist was diagnosed for almost five decades ago. “Even after his long afternoon event, he was very attentive to my stem cell presentation,” said Mr. Patel.
He had so many questions in his mind and he was very encouraged with the progress of the stem cell science in the field of neurology. Mr. Patel has requested his staff for his medical history to be studied by GIOSTAR team of scientists and clinicians.
With the advancement of stem cell science, our range of interests at GIOSTAR is expanding every single day. While our therapeutic programs are focused exclusively on the transplantation of tissue-derived (adult) stem cells and progenitor cells for several degenerative diseases of different organs, we believe there is a utility in all types of stem cells and their progeny.
Today GIOSTAR scientists study all three types of stem cells: tissue-derived stem cells, embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, as well as progenitor cells. Molecular biology, genetic engineering and protein chemistry are core technologies for conducting this research. We consider all of these cell types as viable options both as cell-based therapies and as tools and technologies for drug discovery and development.
To speed up the transition from research to treatment, GIOSTAR has collaborated with the government of India to bring its treatment for sickle cell anemia to three states in the country serving some 150 million people in the world’s largest stem cell treatment hospital setting of its kind! In 2011 GIOSTAR has also inaugurated one of the world’s first dedicated stem cell treatment hospital in Ahmedabad, India. The company is developing plans for similar facilities in California as well as China, Thailand, Philippines, Dubai, Brazil, Sweden, Bahamas and few more worldwide locations.
The Chairman of GIOSTAR Dr. Anand Srivastava said, with the rapid progress in the field of stem cell science, we are not that far from the cures for many devastating diseases that are considered incurable today. “And If we can cure great human being like Dr. Stephen Hawking, this world certainly will be a better place to live,” he said.
