Journal of Cell Science & Therapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7013
ISSN: 2157-7013
Mahendra S Rao
Q Therapeutics, Inc, USA
Keynote: J Cell Sci Ther
Mesenchymal stem cells have been approved for therapy in multiple geographies and for multiple indications. However, manufacturing from an adult source has been a challenge for allogeneic use. We have proposed that MSC derived from IPSC may solve this sourcing issue and offer several advantages such as the ability to prospectively identify the right allelic phenotype and the possibility of genetically modifying the cells to enhance their utility.
Dr. Mahendra S. Rao, M.D., Ph.D., serves as the Vice President of Strategic Affairs at Q Therapeutics and the Vice President of Regenerative Medicine at the New York Stem Cell Foundation. Dr. Rao is a Scientific Co-Founder of Q Therapeutics, Inc. He has been Chairman of Scientific & Medical Advisory Board and Chief Clinical & Regulatory Advisor at CBR Systems, Inc. since February 2015. Dr. Rao serves as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board and Chief Strategy Officer at Q Therapeutics, Inc. Dr. Rao was a Scientific Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Consultant of Q Therapeutics, Inc. He heads stem cell research and development program at Invitrogen Corp. He is an expert in glial stem cell biology and for the last 20 years has acted as a Scientific Consultant for a broad range of constituencies in academia, government, regulatory affairs and industry. He is involved in stem cell research for more than a decade. Dr. Rao served as the Chief of the Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology at the NIH. Before joining the NIH, Dr. Rao led the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine division at Life Technologies. He serves as a Member of Scientific Advisory Board for IPSC Banking and CGMP Production at Allele Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, Inc. He serves as Member of the Scientific Advisory Board at ReNeuron Group plc. He has been an Independent Director of Cesca Therapeutics Inc. since April 1, 2014. Dr. Rao has served as the Chairman of the FDA's Cell and Gene Therapy Advisory Committee. He served as chair of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) Advisory committee. Dr. Rao serves as Vice President for Regenerative Medicine at The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute.
Email: mahendrarao1@verizon.net