More than 260 research scientists, veterinarians, and physicians from around the globe attended the first North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference, held in California's Santa Ynez Valley March 5-6. The meeting included formal presentations by 25 regenerative medical researchers from throughout the United States and Canada, and was presented by the University of California, Davis, Center for Equine Health; the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center, and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.
In addition to multiple formal presentations, several open forum roundtable discussions were held between researchers and practicing clinicians, covering a range of topics including Clinical Trial Development, Basic Research and Stem Cell Biology, Regulatory Affairs, and In-practice Solutions. The event combined the latest in "cutting edge" research with innovative clinical applications, featuring several practitioners discussing results of stem cell therapy seen in their animal patients.
Attendees were enthusiastic in their appreciation for both the material presented and the interchange of ideas between scientists and the audience.
Dr. Doug Herthel welcomes attendees to the North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference.
"The collaborative setting provided by gatherings such as this will facilitate growth in the field of regenerative medicine," said Dr. Doug Herthel, conference speaker and practicing veterinarian.
"Regenerative medicine has our industry excited because it holds so much potential for treating conditions that were formerly thought to be untreatable," said Dr. John Peroni of the University of Georgia.
The conference, which was moderated by Dr. Gregory L. Ferraro of the UC Davis, Center for Equine Health included presentations of the research work of Dr. Arnold Caplan of Case Western University, Dr. Dori Borjesson of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Thomas Koch of the University of Guelph, and Dr. Alan Nixon from Cornell University, among others. Subjects related to the clinical application of veterinary regenerative medicine were made by several practicing clinicians including Dr. Doug Herthel from the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center, Dr. Larry Galuppo from UC Davis, and Dr. Laurie McDuffie from the University of Price Edward Island. Many mainstream medical specialists presented the effects of regenerative medicine and cell therapy seen in their human patients, holding significant expectations for its role in the advancement of human medicine.
The conference also marks the establishment of the "North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association" (NAVRMA). The association will be dedicated to advancing the science and clinical application of non-embryo derived stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine techniques. The group hopes to facilitate scientific investigations with stem cells acquired from fat, bone marrow, and umbilical cord sources and to combine that knowledge with other regenerative medicine technologies designed to improve the health care of animals and humans alike. The NAVRMA is open to membership for all regenerative medical researchers, stem cell biologists, bio-medical engineers, clinicians, and health technicians. Interested parties can receive information regarding membership by contacting Dr. Sean Owens at sdowens@ucdavis.edu, or Dr. Gregory L. Ferraro at glferraro@ucdavis.edu.
Keep an eye on TheHorse.com for further coverage of this conference.
Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.
