MacroPore Biosurgery (San Diego) said it has changed its name to Cytori Therapeutics to better reflect the company’s focus and significant progress in the development of regenerative therapeutics. The company will continue to trade its shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol XMP.

“Over the past year, our adipose stem cell development efforts have resulted in numerous scientific, intellectual property, regulatory and financial milestones, which are representative of our transition to a biotechnology company,” according to CEO Christopher Calhoun. “We look forward to building upon our recent success and advancing our adipose stem cell treatments into clinical trials in 2006.”

As part of this reorganization, MacroPore Biosurgery will become a division of Cytori. MacroPore Biosurgery will continue to manufacture the Hydrosorb family of FDA-cleared bioresorbable implants as well as continue the development of Thin Film bioresorbable implants for Senko Medical Trading Co. in Japan.

Cytori will report financials for MacroPore Biosurgery as a distinct business segment that will operate the bioresorbable implants business.

Cytori Therapeutics develops cell-based therapeutics using adult stem cells derived from adipose.

FTC and HHS hold workshop on childhood obesity

The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS; Washington) will co-sponsor a two-day workshop today from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to explore marketing, self-regulation, and childhood obesity issues.

The workshop brings together representatives from food and beverage companies, medical and nutrition organizations, media and entertainment companies, consumer groups, advertising organizations, and other key experts for an open discussion on industry self-regulation concerning the marketing of food and beverages to children, as well as initiatives to educate children and parents about nutrition.