Dear Clients, Friends and Colleagues:
I want to take this opportunity and thank everyone who wished me well by e-mail or posted messages on our website. I’m feeling much better and I’m recuperating. I’m working on a part time basis but hope to be back to work fulltime. I have been receiving “follow-up” reports and I review them diligently.
Thanks again for all your well-wishes and I hope to speak with all of you soon.
All the best,
Dr. Nabavi
Dear clients, colleagues and friends:
On Tuesday August 11, 2009 I suffered a heart attack. Fortunately, at the time of the attack, I was at the IBC clinic. I was hospitalized and my wonderful friends Dr. Rodriguez and staff went out of their way to help me.
Although untimely, this episode wasn’t a complete surprise. All the male members of my family have a genetic disposition to heart disease. My father died from Myocardial Infarction (MI) at the age of 57. His father died of MI at the age of 56. They both lived a very healthy lifestyle. They watched their diet, didn’t drink, didn’t smoke and exercised.
I have been conscious of these facts for years. Now 52, I keep ideal weight. I exercise regularly and watch my diet. I’m tested regularly for high cholesterol and triglycerides and I take “Crestor” to keep them in the normal range. Despite all this, in January of 2008, I suffered my first attack. I was rushed to “West Hills Hospital” in California and my wonderful colleague and a very prominent heart surgeon, “Dr. Jamali”, determined that I had two “partial blockages”. Entering through my femoral artery he placed two “stents” at the areas that were blocked.
Following my procedure in January of 2008, I recuperated quickly and until last Tuesday, aside from occasional chest discomforts, everything seemed to be fine. However, with this recent attack, my doctors are considering “bypass” surgery instead of stent. I’m still being evaluated and a decision is expected soon. Interestingly enough, I have asked my doctors to entertain the possibility of performing “Apheresis”. For my perspective, an Apheresis procedure is essential. One question is whether to perform the Apheresis before or after the bypass. The other question, and the most interesting, is whether we can be allowed to perform the Apheresis here at a California hospital.
I’ll keep you posted.
Casey Nabavi
During a visit to Europe Dr. Nabavi was interviewed by one of the European Health Magazines. The interview, conducted in December of 2008, was so thorough and comprehensive that we’ve decided to publish it; in it’s entirely, in this forum. Here is the transcript of Dr. Nabavi’s interview:
Magazine: Dr. Nabavi welcome to Europe.
Dr. Nabavi: Thank you. It is nice to be here.
Magazine: Tell us about your venture in Europe?
Dr. Nabavi: This is part of our overall initiative to establish a global network of stem cell clinics. We’ve always had Europe particularly, Western Europe, in our sight as one of the areas that we’d like to break grounds and establish a center. At the same time we are in negotiations in Eastern Europe and Asia. So, these are preliminary steps in developing a global network of stem cell clinics where pioneering procedures can be performed.
Magazine: What are some of the latest technologies that you can share with us?
Dr. Nabavi: Recently, there have been tremendous advancements made in the area of adult stem cells, also known as Autologous stem cells. These advancements point to the potential therapeutic value of these remarkable cells. We are focusing in this area because we believe that, not only is it the safest and the most effective form of stem cell treatment today, it is the most attainable from the practical stand point.
Magazine: What are some of the illnesses that can be treated using stem cells today?
Dr. Nabavi: Today, we are able to treat many diseases and conditions by employing stem cells. We have filed for patents in eleven specific areas of medicine. Disease ranging from diabetes, arthritis, lung and heart conditions to neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis can be treated by using these remarkable cells.
Magazine: In light of the fact that these procedures are not yet approved by the FDA, how are you able to arrange for these treatments to take place?
Dr. Nabavi: With great difficulty, especially when you are trying to do quality work. But before I discuss the logistics, let’s talk about the role that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays. The FDA is the government agency that regulates and oversees how medical products and procedure are developed and ultimately delivered to the public. But FDA’s authority is limited to the US and it stops at our borders. So, many procedures, including stem cell therapies, that are performed in many countries around the world, including Western European countries, are not FDA approved. In fact, when it comes to stem cell therapies, the Europeans are far more advanced than we are in the United States.
Now let’s look at our role. We operate as an administrative entity. In that capacity, we identify physicians, multi-specialty physician groups, clinics and hospitals where unique and pioneering procedures can be performed. We work with these groups to develop their programs based on public’s demand. We evaluate their capabilities and how suitable they are to properly deliver the level of care that our clients expect. We arrange for accommodations like lodging and transportation. We assign local representatives to accompany our clients during their stay. Then, we take on the task of following up with the participants to determine how well they have responded to their treatments. This last step, in my view, is very unique because not only are we interested in gathering this information the participants and the physicians are very interested in this information. And ultimately, I hope that someday we can share this information with the FDA.
Magazine: These procedures are not some sort of magic shots. Are they?
Dr. Nabavi: I’m glad you asked me this question. No they are not magic shots, as you put it. For this reason we go through an extensive process of selecting the right candidates to become participants in our program. We receive literarily hundreds of inquires every month. We interview on the average about a hundred candidates. Yet we perform only 20 to 30 treatments each month.
Magazine: What criteria do you use to choose the candidates?
Dr. Nabavi: The most important factor for us is “chance for success”. We must be convinced that the participant has a reasonable chance to get better. We determine that by factors such as participant’s age, age of the injury or condition, whether we are dealing with one condition or multiple conditions. And so on.
Magazine: What can the participants expect in terms of improvements?
Dr. Nabavi: Improvements vary from one individual to another and from one condition to another. Generally, younger participants and those who’ve been diagnosed more recently tend to show more improvements. But just like all other medical treatments there are no definitive rules.
Magazine: Is it possible that a participant may show very little improvements?
Dr. Nabavi: Absolutely. It is absolutely possible that one may show very little improvements. This treatment is no different than any other medical procedure.
Magazine: How do you determine the extent of improvements?
Dr. Nabavi: We are probably the only program of this kind that offers a formidable follow up program. For that, initially, we use diagnostic modalities to establish baseline values. Then regular and periodic follow up is performed by a professional agency that we’ve hired. We also work with participants’ primary care physicians, when possible. These steps allow us to receive updates on the participants’ overall conditions and properly monitor their improvements.
Magazine: You’ve been open about everything so I would like to ask you about a subject that is not related to medicine.
Dr. Nabavi: Please go ahead.
Magazine: There are some reports in the media about your relationship with a former colleague. Would you be able to give us an idea about what has transpired?
Dr. Nabavi: You are referring to a former associate that I mistakenly allowed into my company. Not only is this an unpleasant chapter, it is a legal matter that is still ongoing. For that reason I’m limited in what I can disclose but here is what I can share with you.
I’m very trusting, by nature. About two years ago, unknowingly and without checking backgrounds, I allowed a very dishonest man into our company. I worked with this man for about a year and I learned a lot of unsettling things about him. I then severed my relationship with him and asked him to leave. Since that time, he, sometime directly and sometimes through proxies, have been placing derogatory material, about me and the company, in the media. These episodes have affected my health and they have caused a lot of damage to me personally and professionally.
Magazine: Are you taking legal action?
Dr. Nabavi: Of course, to the extent that is possible. We are pursuing the ones that we can access. Remember, these things are very hard to pursue. In this internet age, someone can sit in front of a computer anywhere in the world, post a derogatory comment about you and within minutes everyone in the world has access to it. Some of these are literarily extortion attempts. Now, to confront the culprits, first you must find them. If you are successful in finding them, then you have to launch a legal challenge, often by incurring tremendous costs. After all that, you still may not be able to force a retraction because of lack of jurisdiction. So, it isn’t as easy as you may think.
At the same time, we have to be careful not to allow these things to become distractions. We have a lot of important initiatives. We are up against the mighty Pharmaceutical industry with its unlimited resources. Our resources are very limited and we have to use them wisely. Ultimately, we have to let our record speak for itself and I believe that we have the best record in this field. My colleagues tell me that negative comments are a sign of success. So, by that account, I guess we have succeeded.
Magazine: How do you see the future of stem cell treatment?
Dr. Nabavi: Stem cell therapy is here to stay. In the US, in the next five years, we’ll see some form of stem cell treatment being performed at major metropolitan medical facilities. Shortly after that, many diseases, that are now considered incurable, will be successfully treated by stem cells. So, the future is bright.
Magazine: Thank you
Dr. Nabavi: Thank you
What is Apheresis?
Apheresis is the process of extracting blood components from the peripheral blood with the help of an apheresis machine. This machine is a centrifuge that separates blood into its components on the basis of weight. The machine can be used to obtain plasma (the liquid of the blood), platelets, white cells or Stem Cells. For stem cell transplantation, the cells are collected during the apheresis procedures. Stem cells are mother cells from which several different types of cells arise. When stem cells are infused into a patient’s bloodstream, they will travel to various organs and begin producing cells that eventually mature into organ cells.
How is Stem Cell Apheresis Done?
During apheresis, the patient is connected to the apheresis machine. A needle is inserted into a vein in the arm. Blood is withdrawn from one arm and run through the machine to extract the stem cells.
What Are Possible Complications?
The actual apheresis process is painless. Patients may experience some lightheadedness, numbness or tingling of the nose, lips, or fingers, but these symptoms are short-lived and easily treatable. Each apheresis procedure takes three to four hours. Possible complications include bleeding at the needle sites, clotting in blood vessels used for collection (thrombosis), or surgical complications if a temporary apheresis catheter needs to be inserted. Since the procedure involves penetrating the skin, and open access to blood vessels, infection is always a risk.
Why Peripheral Blood Stem Cells?
There are several reasons and advantages for using peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) instead of bone marrow for transplantation. Sometimes PBSC are used to add to the stem cells collected from a bone marrow harvest. Other times, a patient’s bone marrow may be contaminated with cancerous cells; PBSC are then used in the hope that these cells are not similarly contaminated. Prior radiation to the pelvic area, or chemotherapy, can also reduce the number of stem cells available for bone marrow harvest. Also, PBSC can be collected without the use of general anesthesia, and the procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis with little or no discomfort during, or after, the collection. Most importantly, more stem cells can often be collected from the peripheral blood than from the bone marrow. As a result, blood count recovery is faster after PBSC transplant than after bone marrow transplant. This faster recovery translates into lower risk for the patient and fewer complications.
The companies of Cellulogix under the direction of Dr. Casey Nabavi, have some of the most successful stem cell programs in the world. Since January of 2007, we have been providing our services to hundreds of individuals in countries located in North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia. Over 200 participants have been treated in one facility alone. Some of our products are distributed all over the world.
Every month Cellulogix receives over 2000 inquiries. Every application is carefully reviewed. On average, 250 applicants are interviewed by one of our board certified consulting physicians. From this group, each month, we accept 15 to 20 of the most suitable applicants to participate in the stem cell treatment program. Most importantly, 1 out of every 4 participant is treated free of charge and all expenses are paid by Cellulogix.
Cellulogix has the best pre-treatment detoxification program including a specific and comprehensive program for Autistic children. Cellulogix is the only stem cell treatment company that collects post-treatment data from its participants. The data is then analyzed and published.
Upon completion of the treatment, participants are asked to fill out a customer satisfaction questionnaire, rating services they have received from the staff at Cellulogix and the treatment centers. We take pride in the fact that we receive high marks for our services and our method of delivery. Furthermore, participatants go out of their way to make positive remarks about various aspects of our program and to praise specific individuals in our organization. Some of these testimonials are posted on our website.
Dr. Casey Nabavi spent most of the month of December in Europe where he was formally invited by several Western European health authorities to hold discussion regarding the possibility of joint collaborations. Therefore, we believe that a facility, fully licensed and 100% dedicated to providing stem cell treatment, located in Western Europe, can become a reality in a very short period of time. So, we are constantly busy bringing the next effective treatment to our clients.
Of course, the first beneficiaries of such accomplishments and developments will be our former participants. Dr. Casey Nabavi has always maintained his commitment to the participants by indicating that:
“… at Cellulogix, once a participant is accepted into the program a bond is created and we will continue to work with the participant as new and more effective form of treatments become available…”
At Cellulogix we take pride in;
1. being able to provide state of the art and pioneering procedures to our clients
2. bringing the highest quality of products available in the industry
3. using the most sophisticated transport media to maintain viability
4. creating the best and the most convenient system of delivery through our network of facilities
5. the caliber or individuals who work and associate with our company. They are attained of the most caring, most talented, highly educated and the highest levels of dedication and integrity
Cellulogix is the leader in providing access to the therapeutic application of stem cells and we will continue to strive to maintain our leadership role in the industry.
This document has been approved for publication by Dr. Casey Nabavi, President and CEO of Cellulogix.
The month of December was a busy one for Dr. Casey Nabavi and his associates. Dr. Nabavi traveled across Europe, Asia and Middle East to meet with new contacts in order to engage them in new ventures. We look forward to the continuous growth of Cellulogix International on the global level to include treatment centers in Central and South America as well as Europe, Asia and Africa. Dr. Nabavi’s vision is to create a global network of medical professionals to assist patients all over the world. There are many advances on the horizon in the field of stem cell therapies and Cellulogix International plans to make accessible to as many people as possible worldwide.
Preventive Aging and Regenerative Medicine
Over the past five years, Preventive Aging and Regenerative Medicine have been benefiting from research and new technology. Procedures that once seemed like science fiction are now every-day realities, thanks to recent medical advances.
As the medical field continues its research on stem cells and the vital role they play maintaining and repairing organs, advances are being made to use procedures like apheresis to fix and heal internal lesions, and regenerate new tissues and organs.
What is apheresis?
Apheresis is the medical procedure in which blood is passed through an apparatus that separates a particular constituent and returns the rest to circulation. This procedure offers the body a chance to heal by collecting blood stem cells and re-injecting them in large amounts over a short period of time directly in to the body.
Stem Cells, Preventive Aging and Regenerative Medicine
When we’re young, our body produces stem cells that heal internal lesions in their early stages and regenerates injured tissues and organs. As we age, the “stress” that we put on our body accumulates and our ability to defend and heal our body lessens. After the age of 40, production of certain hormones that are essential for stem cell multiplication and growth decreases.
Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine are becoming recognized as standard approaches to disease and illness prevention. Regenerative Medicine speeds up natural healing processes to work faster, re-grow missing or damaged tissues, and help heal injuries that cannot heal on their own.
Studies on animals have already demonstrated the potential for human stem cells to help repair numerous tissue lesions including:
• Bone fractures,
• Skin burns
• Eye diseases
• Heart damage
• Neurological diseases,
• Autoimmune diseases
• Many other medical conditions
Procedure
The entire process takes five to eight days and includes stem cell collection and re-injection. The treatment includes a comprehensive detoxification and nutrition support program. Procedures are followed up with lifestyle, health and nutritional guidance recommendations, making the rejuvenating/regenerating effects last longer.
Phase One – Mobilization of the stem cells
Stem cells are found in bone marrow and the peripheral blood (called PBSCs: Peripheral Blood Stem Cells). Due to the small number of stem cells produced in our blood, they need to be mobilized from the bone marrow prior to being collected. This is accomplished by injecting growth factors several days in a row. Blood tests are performed regularly to decide when the collection of stem cells will begin.
Phase Two – Stem Cell Collection
A catheter is placed in a peripheral vein (usually at the elbow) and two tubes are connected to the apheresis machine. As the blood travels through the machine, stem cells are separated from the other blood cells and collected in a separate bag. The remaining blood is circulated back to the patient. The entire procedure only takes a few hours.
Phase Three – Re-injection of the stem cells
At the end of apheresis, the processed PBSCs are injected back into the vein. The high dose of stem cells injected in a short period of time initiates the repairing process known as engraftment. Visible results are normally observed after one to three weeks and most individuals feel more energetic and report that they sleep better. Significant repairing of damaged organs and tissues usually takes place in about two months. The peak effect is often attained in six months after the initial process.
Safety and side effects of procedure
Apheresis is painless and causes few side effects. However, it is possible to experience mild symptoms that usually stop after the injections. Calcium is often given to prevent some of these conditions.
• Mild bone pain
• Slight redness at injection site
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Chills
• Numbness around lips
• Cramping in hands
Frank O.
Age: 69
Diagnosis: Primary Lateral Sclerosis
Treatment Date: June 2008 (2nd treatment)
Type of Treatment: Lumbar Puncture
Dear Dr. Nabavi:
Over the last year Frank has made remarkable gains in nearly all areas measured. However, he has yet to see any gains in ankle movement. Most notable progress continued for up to 6 months after receiving his stem cell treatment in January. Since the 6th month mark he has been able to maintain in the majority of gains. Even though many areas saw a plateau at 6 months, his gross lower extremity strength and functional mobility have continued to improve. As noted by the measurement grid, he is now able to ambulate for 300 feet using a straight cane. His functional mobility continues to be limited by low back pain but trunk stability has also shown improvement over the year, which has helped with increased ambulation.
It has been exciting to watch Frank’s progress over the years. Despite continual therapy there was a documented decline over the last few years. Now I see a man reclaiming his independence through function gained by your stem cell therapy.
