Hosts
NeoStem
NeoStem, Inc. is engaged in the development and manufacturing of cell-based therapies in the U.S. Its January 2011 acquisition of Progenitor Cell Therapy, LLC (“PCT”) is central to the Company’s strategic mission of capturing the paradigm shift to cell therapy. The acquisition of PCT gives NeoStem not only access to a world class contract manufacturing cell therapy company but provides a platform and expertise around the evaluation, development and regulatory requirements to develop autologous, allogeneic, immunomodulatory and vaccine-based therapeutics. NeoStem also holds the worldwide exclusive license to VSEL(TM) Technology, which uses very small embryonic-like stem cells, shown to have several physical characteristics that are generally found in embryonic stem cells, and is pursuing the licensing of other technologies for therapeutic use. NeoStem owns 80% of Athelos Corporation, a company developing a T-cell therapeutic with potential in a range of auto-immune conditions such as graft versus host disease, asthma and diabetes. Furthermore, NeoStem is building its Chinese presence by establishing an operations lab for cell-based manufacturing in Beijing as well as commercializing cellular therapies in China through the establishment of a network of hospitals. NeoStem also owns a majority-interest in Suzhou Erye Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a world class manufacturing and distribution operation of generic antibiotics in China.
Pontifical Council for Culture
John Paul II founded the Pontifical Council for Culture in 1982, building on the riches inherited from Pope Paul VI, the Second Vatican Council and the Synod of Bishops.
The Pontifical Council for Culture is that department (Dicastery) of the Roman Curia which assists the Pontiff in the exercise of his supreme pastoral office for the benefit and service of the universal Church and of particular Churches concerning the encounter between the Gospel and cultures. In particular it promotes dialogue with contemporary cultures, so that human civilisation may become increasingly open to the Gospel, and so that men and women of science, letters and the arts may know that the Church acknowledges their work as a service to truth, goodness and beauty.
Stem For Life Foundation
The non-partisan Stem For Life Foundation (SFLF), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, was established to increase public education in all areas of Adult Stem Cell research and application. Its goals are to encourage and support the field of research involving Adult Stem Cells and to provide medicine’s most vulnerable populations with access to key technologies. SFLF’s key activities are education, clinical research support, and bio-insurance for first responders and military.
Through working with STOQ International, SFLF will direct an educational campaign designed to increase understanding of the cultural applicability of emerging technologies and establish new theological, philosophical, and bioethical education programs.
SFLF is dedicated to helping advance the science of Adult Stem Cell research. Through fundraising activities, SFLF will provide financial support to vital clinical trials on the brink of groundbreaking discoveries.
SFLF believes that banking cells for autologous use is a vital form of bio-insurance that must be provided to first responders and the military. SFLF is developing community-based programs to raise the funds needed for local first responders and military to have their Adult Stem Cells extracted and stored for a ten-year period. By doing so, we will be “protecting those who protect us.”
To learn more about SFLF please visit: stemforlife.org.
STOQ International
Science, Theology and Ontological Quest – STOQ International is non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization operating in the US for the purpose of creating important dialogue between the Church and contemporary culture which is strongly shaped by scientific advancements.
We change the debate in the arena of ideas related to Theology, Philosophy and present-day Science. We support and encourage scientific research, educational programs and cultural initiatives. The alliance of experts from the disciplines of science, theology and philosophy that form the STOQ Project provokes a renewal of thinking about God and man, creation and providence. We challenge the public perception of the relationship between the Church tradition and science, and prove the compatibility of faith and reason in the pursuit of knowledge.
The purpose of STOQ is to endorse and conduct an interdisciplinary dialogue in order to build a culture that promotes the full dignity of humanity. Our mission is to build a bridge between science and theology and provide for their positive impact on contemporary society.
We conduct studies through joint research projects, conferences, educational and cultural enterprises. We continually inform the public, through the leaders, opinion makers, publications, public relations and media resources of the STOQ Network that embraces many institutions worldwide that are receptive to such ideas.