CARLSBAD ---- Life Technologies has become a ubiquitous brand in stem cell research, selling tools to scientists and attending and sponsoring conferences. Now the company has established its own conference, the Cell Therapy Industry Summit.

Held Wednesday and Thursday, it included not only researchers, but also officials from California's $3 billion stem cell program, and life science companies. The conference covered all areas of the fast-paced science of turning cells into treatments.

Researchers have learned how to coax stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic cells, grow nerve cells to repair spinal cord injuries and produce retinal cells. But it's the life science companies who will actually deliver therapies to patients, said Paul Pickering, general manager of the company's cell therapy division.

Life Technologies also stands to benefit from speeding up product development. The company sells thousands of biotechnology research products used in cell therapy research.

Pickering said the field of cell therapy, which includes all whole cells and not just stem cells, is still "early in its days," and needs help to reach its potential.

"We find that all the people in the companies are very innovative, very driven, very focused, but also aren't necessarily terribly well connected together," Pickering said. "However, these companies face very similar issues in developing their products and getting through the clinical trial process, so they can be approved for sale."

Call staff writer Bradley J. Fikes at 760-739-6641. Read his blogs at bizblogs.nctimes.com.