New developments in treating diseases, alleviating pain and healing injuries with stem cells and related therapies will be highlighted Wednesday, Nov. 4, during an open house hosted by the Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

The free, public event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Gladys Valley Hall. It will feature researchers at several booths, discussing various kinds of regenerative-medicine projects underway at the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Regenerative medicine, which includes stem cell therapy, is a pioneering field of both veterinary and human medicine. It focuses on the delivery of specific cells and cell products to restore tissue and organs damaged by disease or injury.

In recent years, UC Davis has become a national leader for veterinary regenerative medicine. Recent research developments, many resulting from partnerships between the School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Engineering and School of Medicine, include repair of damaged joints and bones, therapies for spinal cord injuries, and imaging technologies to monitor stem cells.

More information about the Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures is available online at: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/virc .

Members of the public planning to attend the Nov. 4 event are asked to RSVP to Pilar Rivera in the School of Veterinary Medicine at (530) 752-0713 or perivera@vetmed.ucdavis.edu.

Gladys Valley Hall is located just northwest of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital; see campus map at http://campusmap.ucdavis.edu/?b=178 .

Parking permits, costing $9 per vehicle, can be purchased from the machines in parking lots 50 and 55.