Credentialed reporters can register and attend the 2018 annual meeting in Melbourne, Australia. They will have access to the many stem cell researchers and clinicians from around the world who will be discussing recent findings and progress that is driving development of stem cell treatments and cures for disease.

The ISSCR has selected Christopher Barry, PhD, and Julie Perlin, PhD, to be Science Communications & Education Managers, beginning 3 January, 2018.

The ISSCR is saddened by the passing of Hiromitsu “Hiro” Ogawa, a generous and thoughtful man who was a great supporter of stem cell science and the ISSCR.

The ISSCR commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for reaffirming its regulatory authority over stem cell biologics and clarifying the criteria that determine which cell-based products fall under its oversight. These guidance documents will provide greater transparency for patients, medical professionals, and law enforcement authorities, about the legal status of stem cell treatments in the U.S.

A measure signed into law 3 October in the state of California, U.S., requires clinics to inform patients if they are using stem cell interventions that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ISSCR president Hans Clevers expresses support for the measure.

The ISSCR commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its policy direction and enforcement efforts, to provide “bright lines and appropriate oversight” for regulating stem cell treatments and regenerative medicine.

A study on the first use of CRISPR technology in the U.S. to correct a disease-causing genetic defect in early stage human embryos.

The ISSCR wrote to members of the Texas House of Representatives, U.S., to oppose House Bill 661, House Bill 810, and House Bill 3236, which would allow investigational agents to be sold to patients without first providing rigorous evidence of safety and efficacy. The ISSCR believes the legislation would put patients at serious risk of harm from unproven treatments.

The FY2018 Discretionary Budget Plan put forward by the U.S. Administration includes dramatic cuts in funding for science and research programs that would threaten biomedical research and its translation into new therapies for millions of people worldwide.

The ISSCR issued a statement opposing a U.S. executive order on immigration.

The ISSCR awards recognize outstanding scientists in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Award recipients are selected by their peers, and receive the honor at the ISSCR annual meeting, where they are invited to present their science.

The ISSCR supports the increase in biomedical research funding in the 21st Century Cures Act in the U.S. It also underscores concern that the bill's streamlined process for FDA review and approval of regenerative therapies include a rigorous review of scientific and clinical evidence to ensure safety and efficacy.

In comments to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the ISSCR supported regulation of autologous products that involve more than minimal manipulation of a patient’s cells and place strict limitations on the direct advertisement of cell-based therapies. The comments were in response to the TGA's call for input from interested parties about the regulation of autologous cell and tissue products.

The European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT) & ISSCR host an International Symposium to Present the Latest in Stem Cell Research, Gene Editing and Gene Therapy. Latest news and developments in research will be part of the scientific programming.

The ISSCR opposes the REGROW Act, which would allow certain cell and tissue-based therapeutics to be marketed without first providing rigorous evidence of safety and efficacy. If passed, this legislation could negatively impact the development of stem cell therapies, the integrity of the emerging regenerative medicine market, and the health and safety of people using stem cell products approved under this Act.