Stem Cell
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New meta-analyses show umbilical cord blood and MSCs safely improve motor function in kids with cerebral palsy—promising cellular therapies for brain repair.

Gamida Cell received FDA approval for its allogeneic cell therapy, Omisirge: a new expanded cord blood cell source for stem cell transplantation.Omisirge may increase access to stem cell transplants, including among patients from diverse backgrounds.

Bone marrow MSCs, adipose tissue MSCs, umbilical cord MSCs and mononuclear cells have long been used in transplantations for a wide array of treatments. Umbilical cord blood and cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) are undergoing several clinical trial phases to test the safety and efficacy for use in infusions for patients with low back pain (LBP), intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD), and spinal cord injury (SCI).

Sibling-directed donation has been implemented in numerous successful cord blood transplantations, and families should be advised of the many benefits associated with preserving each of their children’s umbilical stem cells. In this article, we will highlight five specific benefits.

Stem cells obtained from cord blood and cord tissue are being utilized in regenerative medicine for a varying host of conditions. The most recent research indicates promising results for the treatment of neurological disorders, immune deficiencies, perinatal brain injuries, as well as degenerative diseases, and skin abnormalities.

Stem cells derived from cord tissue are increasingly being utilized in regenerative medicine for a wide range of conditions. The latest research points to the critical importance of storing the cord tissue pieces rather than enzymatic digestion before cryopreservation to maximize the likelihood of use.

As it stands now, available treatments for neurological injuries are limited in scope. Most therapies are aimed at managing the symptoms of the conditions rather than the underlying causes. There is tremendous interest—and strides being made—in developing stem cell therapies as potential treatments. The use of umbilical cord blood as a source of stem cells for such therapies represents a potential sea change in treatments and results.

The most exciting advance in cord blood banking research is the recent discovery of a molecule, UM171, which can dramatically increase the number of stem cells in a cord blood unit. A phase I study is scheduled for December 2014.

Cryo-Cell International is the first private cord blood bank in the U.S. to receive The Foundation for the Accreditation for Cellular Therapy (FACT) accreditation for voluntarily adhering to the most stringent cord blood quality standards set by any internationally recognized, independent accrediting organization.

This November, Cryo-Cell is embracing a processing technology that results in a superior stem cell sample by:

1. Depleting more harmful red blood cells
2. Retaining more desirable stem cells

Red blood cell contamination has been shown to cause serious complications in transplant patients, including renal failure and hemolytic transfusion reactions.