Two Leading Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Advocacy Groups Announce Merger Plan

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Dec. 3, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Genetics Policy Institute (GPI), producer of the annual World Stem Cell Summit, and the Regenerative Medicine Foundation (RMF) have agreed to merge in order to leverage their resources in the advancement of stem cell research, regenerative medicine and other advanced technologies targeting cures. They made a joint announcement today at the opening session of the 10th Annual World Stem Cell Summit (#wscs14) in San Antonio, Texas.

The merged organization is to be called the Regenerative Medicine Foundation. The Genetics Policy Institute will become the think tank and policy arm of the merged organization.

Bernard Siegel, executive director of GPI, will serve as executive director of the new Regenerative Medicine Foundation. Dr. Anthony Atala, founder and chairman of the board of RMF, will sit on the board of directors of the merged organization.

"The merger of these nonprofit leadership organizations will create the leading comprehensive regenerative medicine support organization in the world," said Siegel. "It ensures that we are in a position to advance the research and innovations that are creating the future of medicine. Dr. Anthony Atala is one of the leading luminaries in the field and one of the most recognized leaders in regenerative medicine. I am honored to partner with him and bring our organizations together. Our combined experience and resources will go a long way toward achieving our shared mission."

Dr. Anthony Atala, also Director of the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) said, "This merger makes sense. We are on the threshold of making hope a reality and transforming the lives of millions of patients. By working together, we can find solutions that none of us alone can achieve. Bernard Siegel and GPI have improved the visibility and public appreciation for the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. Their drive, ingenuity and commitment exemplify the ideals of RMF and I look forward to continuing our relationship to increase public awareness and appreciation of regenerative medicine."

The two organizations partnered in planning the 10th Annual World Stem Cell Summit, which begins today. RMF joined GPI and their organizing partners, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Mayo Clinic, Kyoto University Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Baylor College of Medicine and BioBridge Global. The merged organization will continue to bring the global stem cell community together at this annual event, which assembles the most prominent figures in the field to share research, build collaborations and find solutions to funding and commercialization challenges.

Current projects of the Genetics Policy Institute will continue under the new Regenerative Medicine Foundation, including producing the World Stem Cell Summit, honoring community leaders through the Stem Cell Action Awards, publishing the peer-reviewed World Stem Cell Report with Mary Ann Liebert Publishers, organizing educational initiatives and fostering strategic collaborations. GPI maintains offices in Palm Beach, Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C.

The Regenerative Medicine Foundation (RMF) is currently based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Some of its ongoing projects include production of the annual RegMed conference; publication of the official journal of RMF by AlphaMed Press, "Stem Cell Translational Medicine"; commissioning special art projects integrating science; and hosting medical and educational seminars. William Hinman, RMF Executive Director, will assume an executive position in the merged organization. It is anticipated that they will maintain an office in Winston-Salem.

The newly combined organizations are eager to increase their impact by expanding patient advocacy and public policy initiatives.

For more information about GPI, please visit www.genpol.org. For more information about RMF, visit www.regenerativemedicinefoundation.org. A new website and logo for the Regenerative Medicine Foundation will be launched in 2015.