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S.BIOMEDICS Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease Shows Positive Data from Its Phase 1/2a Clinical Trial

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Seoul, South Korea 21/07/2025 – (SeaPRwire) – S.BIOMEDICS announced encouraging one-year post-transplant results from Phase 1/2a clinical trial evaluating A9-DPC cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease. The data demonstrate a favorable safety and efficacy profile of A9-DPC in 12 participants at 12 months compared to baseline. Participants were divided equally into a low-dose group (3.15 million cells) and a high-dose group (6.30 million cells).

  • A9-DPC (TED-A9) consists of high-purity ventral midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) under rigorous GMP conditions.
  • A total of 12 participants received bilateral putamen transplantation with either a low-dose (3.15 million cells; n = 6) or a high-dose (6.30 million cells; n = 6) of A9-DPC, with the last participant receiving treatment in February 2024.
  • At 12 months, the safety profile was favorable, with no tumorigenesis, overgrowth of transplanted cells, ectopic cell migration, or immune-mediated inflammation observed.
  • Clinical improvements were observed, along with evidence of cell survival and engraftment at the 12-month follow-up.
  • Increased dopamine transporter (DAT) signals in putamen, measured by [18F]FP-CIT PET, correlated with the observed improvements of motor function.

The MDS-UPDRS Part III (off) score, a standard scale for assessing motor symptom severity in Parkinson’s disease, showed a mean decrease (improvement) of 12.7 points in the low-dose group and 15.5 points in the high-dose group at 12 months compared to baseline. There were also improvements in MDS-UPDRS Part I, II and IV scores. The MDS-UPDRS Total (off) score showed mean improvements of 29.0 points and 34.7 points in the low- and high-dose groups, respectively.

Clinical improvements were further supported by changes in the Hoehn and Yahr stage, an ordinal scale categorizing disease severity based on motor function. On average, low-dose recipients improved (decreased) from stage 3.7 to 2.7, while high-dose recipients demonstrated a greater improvement from stage 3.8 to 2.2.

A9-DPC also demonstrated favorable outcomes in other assessments, including the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS), the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) and the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale (SEADL). NMSS score improved by 31.7 points in the low-dose group and by 35.8 points in the high-dose group.

[18F]FP-CIT PET imaging showed an overall increase in putamen DAT signals, with greater increases observed in the high-dose group, providing additional evidence for the underlying mechanism of action. Notably, there was a statistically significant correlation between improvements in MDS-UPDRS Part III (off) scores and increased DAT signal in the posterior dorsal putamen, supporting the hypothesis of synaptic restoration through engrafted cells.

In terms of safety, the safety profile remained favorable. No treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) related to the transplanted cells were reported. Tumorigenesis, cell overgrowth, or ectopic cell migration was not observed. Most of TEAEs were mild to moderate. One participant experienced an asymptomatic mild hemorrhage, but no neurological abnormalities or other serious side effects were observed.

“Our data show a consistent positive trend throughout the study period, demonstrating the favorable safety and efficacy profiles. Importantly, increased DAT signals on PET imaging correlated with the observed behavioral recovery, which is very promising in terms of the mechanism of A9-DPC through neuroimaging. said Prof. Dong-Wook Kim of Yonsei University College of Medicine and CTO of S.BIOMEDICS. “We will continue to present additional data through our ongoing study.”

About A9-DPC and Phase 1/2a clinical trial

A9-DPC (also called TED-A9) is an investigational cell therapy designed to replace ventral midbrain-specific dopaminergic neurons lost in patients with Parkinson’s disease. These ventral midbrain-specific dopaminergic cells are derived from hESCs (human embryonic stem cells) by exclusively utilizing small molecules under strict GMP conditions. A9-DPC represents a significant advancement in the field, offering highly purified dopaminergic cells derived from hESCs. Through a stereotactic surgical procedure, these hESC-derived dopaminergic progenitor (precursor) cells are transplanted into three segments of the putamen: the anterior, middle, and posterior sections, with three tracks per each putamen. Bilateral putamina were treated in a single surgical procedure, with cells injected at three points within each track. After transplantation, the progenitor cells are expected to mature into dopaminergic neurons, enhancing neural connectivity and restoring motor function in patients.

The Phase 1/2a clinical trial enrolled 12 participants diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease for more than 5 years who exhibited motor complications such as wearing off, freezing of gait, or dyskinesia. Participants ranged from 50 to 75 years old. An initial low-dose cohort (3.15 million cells) of three patients was first enrolled to assess initial safety including dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) over three months. After confirming safety, an additional three patients received the high dose (6.30 million cells) for similar evaluation. With continued safety confirmation, three more patients were enrolled in each dose group, totaling 12 participants. The final participant received A9-DPC in February 2024.

The primary objective of the Phase 1/2a trial is to evaluate the safety and exploratory efficacy for up to two years post-transplantation, with safety follow-up continuing for an additional three years.

About S.BIOMEDICS

Established in 2005, S.BIOMEDICS Co., Ltd. is a leading innovator in stem cell therapy, specializing in regenerative medicine powered by data-driven biology. Leveraging two core platform technologies, S.BIOMEDICS is currently advancing seven cell therapy programs targeting intractable diseases. Several of its lead candidates are now in clinical development, demonstrating the company’s leadership in advancing cell-based medicine:

  • A9-DPC (TED-A9): Ventral midbrain-specific dopaminergic progenitor cells derived from hESCs for Parkinson’s disease (Phase 1/2a)
  • TED-N: PSA-NCAM-positive neural progenitor cells derived from hESCs for spinal cord injury (Phase 1/2a)
  • FECS-Ad: 3D MSC spheroids for critical limb ischemia (completed Phase 1/2a)

As the foremost authority and trailblazer in Parkinson’s disease treatment in South Korea, S.BIOMEDICS is setting the national standard for cell therapy innovation.

More Information about the Phase 1/2a clinical trial for Parkinson’s disease is available at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05887466).

For more information about S.BIOMEDICS, visit https://www.sbiomedics.com/. S.BIOMEDICS is listed on the Korea Exchange and is also the founder and controller of S.THEPHARM (www.sthepharm.com), a corporation specializing in anti-aging products such as HA-Filler.

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Brand: S.BIOMEDICS

Contact: Sarang Kim

Email: ksr7744@sbiomedics.com

Website: https://www.sbiomedics.com

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr. Advocates for Better Mental Health in the Legal Profession

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Miami attorney and Bar leader urges lawyers to look out for each other, before it’s too late

Florida, US, 21st July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Attorney and civic leader Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr., a founding partner at SMGQ Law, is calling for a renewed focus on mental health and wellness across the legal profession. Drawing from personal experience and decades of legal work, Sanchez-Medina is raising awareness about the silent challenges many attorneys face, and what can be done to change the culture from within.

“The legal profession is emotionally and mentally demanding,” Sanchez-Medina said. “We need to support lawyers before things fall apart, not after.”

Recent national studies show:

  • 28% of lawyers suffer from depression

  • 19% report anxiety

  • Over 11% have considered suicide at some point in their careers

Source: ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs

Despite these staggering numbers, stigma and fear of professional judgment keep many attorneys from seeking help.

“A Softer, Kinder, Gentler Profession”

Sanchez-Medina, who has practiced law for over 30 years, says the problem isn’t just personal, it’s cultural.

“Too many lawyers only hear from their professional circles when something goes wrong,” he said.
“We need to build a legal community where connection, not just correction, is the norm.”

He stresses that mental health should not be treated as a side issue. “This can affect careers, families, and lives,” he said. “If attorneys lose their ability to make a living, everything else can unravel.”

Mentorship and Human Connection

Sanchez-Medina believes part of the solution lies in peer support. He has mentored dozens of young lawyers and students over the years, including a former teenage Haitian immigrant and a young associate who became a partner at his firm.

“Mentorship changes lives,” he said. “Someone did it for me. Now I try to do it for others.”

In 2018, he arranged a Harvard tour for low-income Miami high school students during his daughter’s time as a student there. “Those little things matter,” he said. “Sometimes people just need a door opened, or someone to say, ‘I see you.’”

What You Can Do

Sanchez-Medina’s message isn’t about launching a foundation or starting a campaign. It’s simpler: each person can do something.

“Check in on a colleague. Offer time to a law student. Use the resources that are already out there,” he said.
“And don’t be afraid to talk about mental health like we talk about deadlines or cases.”

A Personal Mission

The son of Cuban immigrants, Sanchez-Medina understands the pressure to push through silently. But he says the time has come to rethink that mindset.

“We’re trained to solve other people’s problems. But we rarely stop to check on ourselves,” he said.
“That needs to change. And it starts with us.”

He isn’t representing any organization in this effort, just himself, a lawyer who has seen the highs and lows of the profession.

“This is personal,” he added. “We can build a healthier profession together. But only if we decide to.”

Lawyers, legal staff, and law students are encouraged to:

  • Reach out to someone they haven’t spoken to in a while

  • Ask how colleagues are really doing

  • Recommend confidential support services when needed

  • Speak openly about stress, burnout, and wellness in their circles

“If you see someone struggling, don’t wait. Say something. Be the reason someone feels less alone.”

About Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr.
Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr. is a corporate and tax attorney based in Miami, Florida. He is a founding partner at SMGQ Law and has held leadership roles in legal and civic organizations across the state. His work focuses on mentorship, inclusion, and building a more human-centered legal profession.

Media Contact

Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr.

https://www.rolandsanchezmedinajrlaw.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandsanchezmedinajr/

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Kavya Travel Calls for a Return to Human Connection in a Tech-Obsessed World

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Why One Travel Company Is Making Phones Ring and Making Us Rethink How We Travel

Indiana, US, 21st July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, In a digital world filled with chatbots, wait times, and endless online forms, Kavya Travel is sounding the alarm—and offering a simple alternative: talk to a human.

Founded in August 2022, Kavya Travel has quietly grown into a movement. Without raising outside funding, the company has already helped over 10,000 travelers by doing something that feels almost revolutionary in 2025: answering the phone.

“Most websites are built for people aged 10 to 30,” says a founding team member. “But once you get above 30, people start preferring a human touch. Above 50? It’s even more true.”

The numbers support this shift. A 2024 AARP survey found that 68% of people over age 45 prefer speaking to a live agent when booking travel. In the same survey, only 12% of respondents over age 60 trusted online-only travel platforms to solve issues quickly.

Fighting the Quiet Isolation of Digital Convenience

Kavya Travel isn’t just booking trips—they’re advocating for connection in customer service. “We found there is no alternative to the comfort a customer gets by having someone on the phone,” the team explains.

While tech companies continue automating away voice support, Kavya did the opposite. They built their own call center. They launched Google ads. Within months, they were receiving over 500 calls a day—mostly from travelers seeking help from someone who would just listen.

“Everything today—your gym trainer, your food delivery, even your doctor—is through a screen,” the company states. “We want to change that.”

This Is Bigger Than Travel

For Kavya, this is about more than vacations. It’s about bringing back a type of service that feels real—one where people aren’t just numbers in a queue.

They hear daily from seniors who feel shut out by self-service platforms. Parents overwhelmed by logistics. Students looking for deals. Solo travelers just wanting to talk things through.

And people are listening. Their cruise booking platform now features over 700 ships, 50+ cruise lines, and custom itineraries that span from $170 Caribbean getaways to luxury Alaskan cruises.

But the goal has never been to just sell more cruises.

“Success,” the founders say, “is when a customer completes the journey, returns home safe, and knows we were there the whole way.”

Why This Matters

The decline of voice-based support isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier. Studies show that nearly 1 in 4 Americans over age 60 have abandoned an online purchase due to difficulty navigating automated systems (Pew Research, 2023).

For many, frustration leads to exclusion. People opt out of services they want or need because they can’t get past the software.

Kavya Travel is calling attention to that problem. And they’re not asking for money. They’re asking for awareness.

What You Can Do

Kavya isn’t telling people to throw out their phones or delete their apps. They’re just asking you to pause and reflect:

  • Do you know someone who avoids booking online because they don’t trust it?
  • Have you ever been stuck in an endless loop of “press 1 to continue”?
  • Have you ever wished you could just talk to someone?

“You don’t need to wait for the world to change,” says the team. “Just pick up the phone. Talk to someone. Help others do the same.”

About Kavya Travel

Kavya Travel Company LLC, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a fully self-funded, CLIA-certified online travel agency with a mission to restore human-first customer service. They specialize in cruise bookings, flights, hotels, and car rentals—serving travelers across the U.S. and Canada. As of 2025, they are developing their new cruise-focused brand, TheTripTime.com.

Call a loved one to help them book a trip. Support services that listen. And remember—travel should feel human. Kavya Travel is proving that it still can.

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TravelMyKashmir Recognized as 2025 Travelers’ Choice by TripAdvisor

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19+ Years of Excellence, Innovation, and Unmatched Guest Satisfaction in Kashmir & Ladakh

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 21st July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, TravelMyKashmir, the region’s most trusted name in tourism, proudly announces its latest milestone, earning the prestigious TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2025, solidifying its position as the highest-rated and most loved travel company in Kashmir and Ladakh.

Established in 2008, TravelMyKashmir has redefined the travel experience across the Himalayas with a commitment to 24×7 guest support — 365 days a year, even during national or religious holidays — a rare dedication in the industry

With a fleet of over 133+ vehicles, ranging from economical sedans to luxury SUVs, offroaders, and full-size tourist buses, the company ensures premium comfort and safety. Every vehicle is a 2023 model or newer, backed by highly trained drivers who double as knowledgeable travel guides, each with 10+ years of ground experience.

Catering to a wide audience — including honeymooners, families, domestic and international travelers, and adventure seekers — the company also offers premium services such as: 

  • Real-time weather alerts and road updates from a ground-control team
  • Partnerships with 50+ trusted hotels across Kashmir and Ladakh
  • Full-service travel packages, treks, and offbeat experiences

With over 1500+ Google reviews, 500+ TripAdvisor ratings, and 1300+ reviews on JustDial, TravelMyKashmir is not just reviewed — it’s revered. The brand holds multiple badges of trust, including: –

  • Tourism J&K recognition
  • Verified Meta accounts on Instagram & Facebook –
  • Certified by Google for service quality –
  • A growing YouTube channel (@travelmykashmir) showcasing real feedback from travelers every week

Further solidifying its leadership in the tourism ecosystem, TravelMyKashmir is also the goto DMC (Destination Management Company) for Kashmir and Ladakh in the B2B space, proudly partnering with agents and agencies across India and abroad for more than 19 years.

“This award isn’t just for us — it’s for every guest who trusted us with their journey. We promise to continue setting benchmarks in hospitality, safety, and transparency,” said Abbas, General Manager of TravelMyKashmir.

For bookings and collaboration inquiries,

Press Contact:

Abbas – General Manager

TravelMyKashmir

+91 97964660

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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