The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine and the International Society for Cellular Therapy Enter Into Memorandum of Understanding

WASHINGTON, DC and VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - Apr 5, 2016) - The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), the international organization representing the gene and cellular therapies and the regenerative medicine sector, and the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT), a global association driving the translation of scientific research to deliver innovative cellular therapies to patients, announced today they have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Signed by ISCT President Massimo Dominici and ARM Managing Director Morrie Ruffin, the MOU describes the first formal collaboration between ARM and ISCT.

"ARM and ISCT are united by a common goal of advancing innovative cell therapies," said Morrie Ruffin, ARM managing director. "Our further collaboration on various projects streamlines efforts to bring potentially life-saving treatments to patients with current unmet medical needs." 

"In recent years, the cell therapy field has expanded exponentially. This is in terms of scientific discovery, clinical results and investment, all of which generate enormous opportunity for patients as well as the industry," said Massimo Dominici, ISCT President. "This potential requires a consensus and collaboration from the top organizations representing the cell therapy community. As a result, it will be critical for ISCT and ARM to work closely together to monitor and drive the cell therapy sector to realize its full potential in delivering life saving and changing treatments to patients."

According to the terms of the MOU, ARM and ISCT will establish an ISCT-ARM joint committee to advance potential projects, such as the formation of and participation in an International Standards Coordinating Body; working group activities related to ISO standards for cell therapy and other regenerative medicines; participation in each organization's conference programs; support for international communication and education initiatives related to cell therapy.

ARM and ISCT have a history of cooperation dating back to the first years of ARM's operations, established in 2009. Various working groups within the two respective organizations have engaged in a regular exchange of information, including the development of white papers detailing cell characterization methodologies. Representatives from ARM member companies currently hold or have previously occupied positions of leadership within ISCT, and vice versa.

For more information about ARM, please visit alliancerm.org. For more information about ISCT, please visit http://www.celltherapysociety.org.

About The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine

The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is an international multi-stakeholder advocacy organization that promotes legislative, regulatory and reimbursement initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine worldwide. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, providing business development and investor outreach services to support the growth of its member companies and research organizations. Prior to the formation of ARM in 2009, there was no advocacy organization operating in Washington, D.C. to specifically represent the interests of the companies, research institutions, investors and patient groups that comprise the entire regenerative medicine community. Today, ARM has more than 240 members and is the leading global advocacy organization in this field. To learn more about ARM or to become a member, visit http://www.alliancerm.org.

About the International Society for Cellular Therapy

Established in 1992, the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) is a global society of clinicians, regulators, researchers, technologists and industry partners with a shared vision to translate cellular therapy into safe and effective therapies to improve patients' lives worldwide.

ISCT is the global leader focused on pre-clinical and translational aspects of developing cell-based therapeutics, thereby advancing scientific research into innovative treatments for patients. ISCT offers a unique collaborative environment that addresses three key areas of translation: Academia, Regulatory and Commercialization. Through strong relationships with global regulatory agencies, academic institutions and industry partners, ISCT drives the advancement of research into standard of care.

Comprised of over 1300 cell therapy experts across five geographic regions and representation from over 50 countries, ISCT members are part of a global community of peers, thought leaders and organizations invested in cell therapy translation. For more information about the society, key initiatives and upcoming meetings, please visit: www.celltherapysociety.org, @ISCTglobal.