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VetStem Biopharma CEO and Founder, Dr. Bob Harman, Interviewed in New Book "Stem Cell Therapy: A Rising Tide"

Dr. Bob Harman, CEO of VetStem Biopharma, was interviewed by scientist and author Dr. Neil H. Riordan, in Dr. Riordan’s new book entitled "Stem Cell Therapy: A Rising Tide". The interview with Dr. Harman covers a brief overview of VetStem and a discussion

2017-09-19 --

VetStem Biopharma’s CEO and founder, Dr. Bob Harman DVM, MPVM, is featured in an interview with Dr. Neil H. Riordan PA, PhD in Riordan’s new book "Stem Cell Therapy: A Rising Tide". Dr. Harman and Dr. Riordan met in 2003 and have remained in contact over the past 14 years. They bonded over an interest in the potential of stem cell therapy and a fast friendship was formed.

Dr. Harman has been a leader in this area for over a decade and has presented at dozens of human regenerative medicine conferences. He pulls from his biotechnology and veterinary experience to perfect the clinical application of stem cell therapy for various types of injuries, illnesses, and other healing-promoting applications. VetStem is leading in the development of regenerative medicine in the veterinary field, with over 13,000 animals treated in the last 13 years. Dr. Harman has also authored 13 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

The book, its full title, "Stem Cell Therapy: A Rising Tide, How Stem Cells Are Disrupting Medicine and Transforming Lives", is an easy-to-read guide to all things stem cells. Dr. Riordan summarizes the science behind stem cell therapy in a language that is easy for anyone to understand. The science is combined with a collection of stories from actual patients treated with stem cells, making this book enjoyable for everyone.

On pages 120-133, Dr. Riordan interviews longtime friend and fellow stem cell enthusiast, Dr. Bob Harman. Though Dr. Riordan works in human medicine, these friends find many commonalities between human and veterinary medicine and the use of regenerative stem cell therapy. Dr. Harman gives a brief history of how VetStem Biopharma has evolved stating, “When we first looked at the technology, I thought that using these kinds of cells therapeutically would change everything about the dogma surrounding treatment of chronic and acute disease.” He went on to say, “From day one, we determined that we eventually needed an off-the-shelf product in order for the treatment to be affordable.” The two discuss VetStem’s continued contact with the FDA, intent to release an off-the-shelf allogeneic (donor-derived) stem cell product, and the potential of this product in both veterinary and human medicine.

The two go on to discuss the various current and potential uses for stem cell therapy. Dr. Harman states, “In both the dog and horse, by far the primary use is in orthopedics- osteoarthritis; tendon, ligament injury, and joint therapy." Including that, “The first allogeneic dog product will be for osteoarthritis in the dog,” with an expected FDA approval date of 2018. It is clear there are many potential uses for stem cell therapy being studied around the world, both Dr. Riordan and Dr. Harman lament over the difficulty of choosing the correct opportunities to explore, confirming the importance of clinical studies and scientific data to support new claims.

Dr. Harman and Dr. Riordan emphasize the value of data driven research leading both to operate under strict quality standards. Dr. Harman states, “As you know, from the beginning we decided to be data driven, trying to get peer reviewed trials before we make recommendations.” While Dr. Harman points out that he trusts Dr. Riordan’s standard of care due to his level of quality controls, he also discusses VetStem’s standards saying, “We met with the FDA in 2003 before providing treatments for any veterinarians.” VetStem adheres to good tissue practice (GTP) guidelines and remains in contact with the FDA regularly. Stem cells are processed under sterile hoods and cell counts are performed on all incoming and outgoing stem cell samples. Also, in early 2017, VetStem opened what they believe to be the first GMP-compliant, veterinary-specific cell therapy facility in the United States.

To purchase Dr. Riordan’s book, click here.

As described by the Riordan-McKenna Institute:
Neil Riordan, PhD is the Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the Riordan-McKenna Institute. Dr. Riordan is one of the early pioneers and leading experts in cell therapy. Dr. Riordan is an accomplished inventor and scientist. He has published over 60 scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals, authored 3 book chapters on stem cells, and has given more than 100 lectures on stem cells nationally and internationally. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Medistem Panama, Inc., (MPI) a leading stem cell laboratory and research facility located in the Technology Park at the prestigious City of Knowledge in Panama City, Panama as well as the Stem Cell Institute (SCI) in Panama City, Panama.