Cryo-Cell International – Innovative Stem Cell Solutions

I welcome you to Cryo-Cell’s CEO Blog. I hope this blog will provide a candid and meaningful forum to share ideas and debate opinions about stem cells. As a stem cell industry insider since 2000, I’ve observed unprecedented growth and transformation of stem cells and regenerative medicine in the context of public awareness and opinion. Cryo-Cell is a pioneer in non-controversial stem cells; however, much of the intense controversy and debate about stem cell research is focused on the embryonic stem cell (ESC).

Opponents of ESC research argue that a human embryo is a human life and is therefore entitled to protection. They also believe that ESC technology may potentially lead to reproductive cloning that stands to devalue human life. Advocates of ESC research on the other hand argue that this research should be supported because it may possibly lead to development of therapies that may treat conditions and diseases for which there are currently no cures. Citing an estimated inventory of more than 500,000 frozen embryos created in the U.S. alone for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) since the late 1980s as IVF became mainstream, ESC research advocates suggest that with appropriate consent and ethical oversight, donated embryos may provide a viable source of stem cells for stem cell research and potential future therapeutic applications.

During the first three months of 2009 alone, there are three major developments that will likely have profound influence on public policy and opinion regarding the future of stem cell research. President Obama signed an Executive Order on March 9th reversing the 2001 Executive Order banning federal funds for embryonic stem cell research. Geron Corporation announced on January 29th that FDA granted clearance of the world’s first study of human ESC-based therapy to treat patients with spinal cord injury; and on January 26th Nadia Suleman gave birth to octuplets through assisted reproductive technology-- influenced in part by the view that her frozen embryos should not be destroyed. Current events related to the intense ESC debate will continue to unfold and shape public opinion, policy and practice.

Whatever your personal view may be about the stem cell debate, there is indisputable evidence that stem cells save lives. Since the first cord blood stem cell transplant in 1988, an estimated 10,000 cord blood transplants have occurred worldwide. In 1992, Cryo-Cell International became the pioneer in private family cord blood banking and we believe that our non-controversial signature U-Cord® service offers superior quality and the best value in the industry. Cryo-Cell has served over 175,000 clients worldwide and many of our early clients are now nearly young adults. In November 2007, Cryo-Cell introduced a revolutionary and proprietary new service, C’elle, empowering women to collect and cryopreserve their own menstrual stem cells for future potential therapies. In an upcoming blog, I will share the Cryo-Cell story of our fascinating discovery of C’elle and discuss some inspiring insights on how stem cell innovation may serve to impact your life and the lives of those you love in the future.