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.