What do stem cells do?

Why store my baby’s
umbilical cord stem cells?

What are umbilical cord
blood stem cells used for?

Cord Blood stem cells
fight illness and disease

How can cord tissue stem
cells help your child?

How do stem cells work?

Our collection process

Why should you invest in stem cell storage?

Smart Cells provide a secure, reliable means of storing stem cells found in umbilical cord blood and tissue for future therapeutic use.

The wondrous capabilities of stem cells make them a truly extraordinary resource. Brimming with potential, these powerful and versatile building blocks can repair, replace, and regenerate virtually any type of cell in the body.

What is the purpose of stem cells?

Stem cells can transform into various cell types, including blood, bone, tissue, and organ cells – all contingent on receiving the correct biochemical and genetic instructions. An umbilical cord stem cell transplant provides the opportunity to replace diseased cells with healthy, newly generated ones.

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What are the advantages of banking my baby's umbilical cord stem cells?

At some point in your life, you or a family member may be diagnosed with an ailment that can potentially be treated using stem cells. To prepare for such an eventuality, consider banking umbilical cord blood and tissues; these contain various stem cells, which provide options to treat multiple medical conditions.

A single chance

Don’t miss this one-time opportunity to collect your baby’s stem cells at birth – a valuable asset that may be used years later in the fight against serious medical conditions. By preserving your baby’s stem cells at birth, you are essentially preserving them in their most robust and active state. This allows for these powerful cells to be possibly utilized by other family members if the need arises.

A rich source

In the past, we exclusively relied on bone marrow for stem cells. However, ongoing research has uncovered umbilical cord blood and tissue as an abundant source of stem cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells, which are particularly potent.

Proven success

In 1988, a momentous medical breakthrough was achieved with the successful stem cell transplant utilizing umbilical cord blood stem cells. A young boy was afflicted with a severe blood illness known as Fanconi’s Anaemia, and his newborn sister donated the cord blood for the transplant. Since then, numerous other successful transplants to treat various ailments have been performed.

Treatment possibilities

The prospect of stem cells replacing damaged cells and tissue is a fascinating concept. In fact, an astonishing 80+ diseases now have stem cell transplants as their conventional treatment option. Clinical trials are actively exploring a multitude of treatments, including for viruses such as COVID-19. Research into the application of stem cells from umbilical cord tissue is showing particularly positive results.

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first transplant

cord blood units stored
globally

cord blood units
released for
transplantation

What are the potential therapeutic uses of stem cells present in umbilical cord blood?

Transplant

By using cord blood stem cells to replace unhealthy or diseased cells, it's possible to reconstruct an individual's circulation and immune system. In recent years, scientists have also discovered that these resources can form other types of tissues like nerve and bone cells!

Potential

With their expansive regenerative capabilities, cord blood stem cells have been thoroughly researched and demonstrated to be capable of developing into a variety of cell types like nerve, bone, skin, heart, and liver cells. Not only do they enable such great potential in the medical field, but their ability to energize our body's own repair mechanisms is awe-inspiring!

Future

The remarkable evolution of technology has already enabled the early clinical treatment of ischemic heart disease and neurological conditions. As regenerative medicine continues to advance, the potential for cord blood to revolutionize our ability to treat human disease is immense. The future holds great promise in this regard!

Viable CD34+

Read more about cord blood stem cells, the way we count them and why numbers are important.

Cord blood stem cells are a powerful defense against illness and disease

By banking your baby’s umbilical cord stem cells, you create the potential to treat over 80 different medical conditions. Additionally, clinical trials are currently underway to test its efficacy in treating novel conditions such as COVID-19.

How are cord blood and tissue obtained and stored for future treatments?

Cryopreservation of umbilical cord blood following birth is the process of collecting and freezing it for potential future use. Cord tissue banking is the process of collecting, preserving, and storing small sections of the umbilical cord for future use.

Cord blood stem cells have been widely accepted for clinical use

Cord Blood, which contains hematopoietic stem cells with the capacity to create blood, has been used for more than 25 years in the treatment of over 80 medical conditions, including leukaemias and anaemias, immune deficiencies, and some genetic disorders

The cord blood from either a child or sibling can regenerate bone marrow, blood cells, and immunity in individuals recovering from chemotherapy. When using sibling cord blood, the donor cells may have the power to fight off any cancerous cells still present in a patient’s body and replenish healthy cells after chemotherapy has caused bone marrow deficiencies. In 1988, the first revolutionary cord blood transplant paved the way for what has become a groundbreaking success story in medical treatments. Matthew Farrow, the beneficiary of this groundbreaking cord blood transplant, granted an exclusive interview that can be found here.

Cord blood stem cells demonstrate remarkable potential for use in regenerative medicine

In recent years, the potential of cord blood in regenerative medicine has become increasingly apparent. Clinical trials are underway to determine whether cord blood can treat conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and stroke. The regenerative potential of cord blood has been attributed to the presence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are non-hematopoietic cells.

The miraculous regenerative power of cord tissue stem cells

MSCs are found in cord blood, but studies have revealed that the Wharton’s jelly layer inside the umbilical tissue is an abundant source of these particular stem cells. Cord tissue banking for potential regenerative cellular therapeutics is highly essential. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are particularly influential in this area, as they have a remarkable ability to repair or regenerate damaged tissues and organs. These cells can differentiate into various cell types, providing a plethora of potential applications. Not only can cord blood/tissue comparison reduce any harmful immune processes, but they also can be anti-inflammatory and generate an array of proteins that aid in repairing damaged tissue at the injury site.

Regenerative power of cord tissue stem cells

Although cord blood contains MSCs, the Wharton’s jelly layer inside cord tissue has been shown to be exceptionally rich in these particular stem cells. This means that cord tissue banking for future regenerative cellular therapeutics is particularly relevant. MSCs are key players in this field as they help to heal or regenerate injured or diseased tissues. They have the ability to differentiate into certain different cell types. However, more importantly, they Cord blood/tissue comparison 11/2021 Dr Ann Smith Smart Cells can damp down harmful immune processes, they possess the anti-inflammatory potential and also produce a range of proteins that can promote healing of damaged tissues at the site of injury.

The prospective applications of MSCs, most significantly those found in cord tissue, have given promising outcomes in clinical trials. Stem cells have been utilized to treat a myriad of conditions, including cardiac disease, spinal cord, and neural injuries, fractures, skin wounds, autoimmune diseases as well as inflammation (3-5).

Clinical trials using cord tissue

By April of 2020, a stunning 155 clinical trials were taking place across the globe that utilized MSCs from cord tissue. Smart Cells proudly partners with Polski Bank Komorek Macierzystych (PBKM), one of the foremost suppliers of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue. By the end of March 2021, PBKM had administered MSCs derived from Wharton’s jelly cord tissue to 1687 patients as part of registered clinical trials. In addition, recent research has conclusively demonstrated that the intravenous transplantation of MSCs sourced from cord tissue is a safe and successful treatment for critically ill patients battling pneumonia caused by COVID-19 (6).

Present and future

Both cord blood and tissue stem cells provide distinct benefits, making them both valuable assets in the medical world. These days, both cord blood and tissue are being applied to multiple treatments that are paving the way for groundbreaking developments in stem cell therapeutics – from traditional practices to revolutionary ones (7, 8). It’s a fantastic time where modern medicine continues to expand its boundaries.

References

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2020.570282/full
https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/interview-matt-farrow-recipientworlds-1st-cord-blood-transplant 3.
https://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13287-020-02011-z
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338896676
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/430847/
https://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13287-020-01725-4
https://www.smartcells.com/can-stem-cell-therapy-help-to-treat-covid-19-patients/
https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/how-many-clinical-trials-use-cordblood-or-cord-tissue
https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/full/10.2217/rme-2017-0066

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Cancer

Acute Leukaemia
Chronic Leukaemia
High-Risk Solid Tumors
Hodgkin & Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Blood disorders

Aplastic Anaemia
Beta Thalassemia
Diamond-Blackfan Anaemia
Fanconi’s Anaemia
Sickle Cell Disease

Neurological disorders

Traumatic Brain Injury
Cerebral Palsy
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HSV Encephalitis & NMDA Receptor
Antibody Encephalitis

Immune disorders

Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Hystiocytic Disorders
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
Wiskott- Aldrich Syndrome

Metabolic disorders

Krabbe Disease
Hurler Syndrome
Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
Sanfilippo Syndrome
Hunter Syndrome

Cord Tissue

The prognosis of cord tissue stem cell therapy is incredibly promising. Moreover, with the capability to generate various kinds of tissues, its healing potential for various illnesses continues to surge.

Recent studies conducted by prominent scientists have discovered that Wharton’s Jelly, the gelatinous tissue within the umbilical cord, contains a great abundance of another type of stem cell.

What unique potentials can cord tissue stem cells unlock for your child?

Unlike umbilical cord blood, cord tissue contains an array of specialized cells that are being evaluated in clinical trials to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. By preserving both tissue and cord blood, your family is granted the fullest spectrum of potential therapeutic options.

Scientists have discovered that cord tissue is abound with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). When exposed to healthy conditions, these precursor cells can differentiate into various cell types, such as bone, cartilage, and nerve. As a result of this groundbreaking discovery, MSCs are now key players in regenerative medicine.

They have demonstrated the capability to generate proteins that can repair damaged tissues and diminish inflammation.

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Present-day studies are actively exploring the potential of cord tissue stem cells to heal various ailments, such as:

Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
Diabetes
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
Artificial valves and capillaries
Gene therapy for delivery of anti-tumour agents for cancer treatments
Treatment of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn’s Disease

What is the mechanism behind stem cell functionality?

Discover the groundbreaking stem-cell research that could revolutionize organ transplant surgery with Liz Bonnin on series 5 of BBC 1's Bang Goes the Theory. Don't miss this incredible clip, and visit our YouTube channel for more captivating content!

Our collection process in five easy steps

STEP 1

Order your stem cell collection kit online or by contacting us

Order your stem cell kit online or call us at +971(04)4298382. Your path to wellness begins with a free consultation, email us at uae@smartcells.com

STEP 2

Inform your doctor

Notify your doctor of your choice to store your baby’s stem cells and remember to bring the kit to the hospital on the day of delivery. Easy steps, lifelong benefits await!

STEP 3

Kit Collection

Contact Smart Cells after gathering your baby’s sample. Our driver will promptly transport it to the Dubai Healthcare City lab, ensuring maximum safety with temperature-controlled containers.

STEP 4

Samples are processed

Your baby’s sample undergoes thorough examination, processing, and secure cryogenic freezing at the Smart Cells laboratory.

STEP 5

Samples are stored for the agreed period of time

Smart Cells will send you a confirmation email, detailing the secure storage of your baby’s sample. Your little one’s future health is in safe hands!

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FAQs

For how long can cord blood be preserved?

While no exact agreement exists on the longevity of preserved cord blood, scientists and medical professionals agree that with well-maintained cryopreservation methods, storage can persist for decades or longer. Smart Cells utilize the most advanced processing, cryopreservation, and 24/7 monitored storage technologies tailored to ensure stem cells remain viable. At nitrogen temperatures below -170 degrees Celsius in its vapor phase, all metabolic activities within cells come to a halt. This ensures that nothing will spoil or become damaged. The majority of banks, both public and private alike, depend on similar tested and proven technologies.

Professor Hal Broxmeyer, a renowned global pioneer in cord blood therapeutics, has conducted groundbreaking research showcasing the long-term efficacy of cryopreservation. His latest study found cell recovery to be successful even after 23.5 years (1). His experiments have previously demonstrated efficient cell preservation over five-year intervals up to 15 years. For nearly three decades, cord blood storage has been available to the public; however, in its formative years, usage was not widespread. As a result, researchers cannot examine the empirical data beyond that point in time.

Despite this limitation, Professor Broxmeyer's team aims to conduct an extensive 30-year survey on the oldest cord blood specimens (2). Within the past 18 years, cord blood transplantation has become a widely accepted therapeutic option, and leading experts in this field are adamant that banking and utilization of such should continue. (3)

Smart Cells has stored and thawed frozen cord blood cells to transplant successfully for up to six years, with no requests yet made for units older than that. Every patient who has received the treatment reported satisfactory cell recovery and engraftment rates.

As part of Smart Cells' robust Quality Assurance programme, the team periodically undertakes extensive validation studies to guarantee that our cord blood processing and storage are efficient. This ensures optimal total nucleated and viable CD34+ stem cell recoveries after thawing for regulatory compliance.

When the necessary steps to process, store and thaw stem cells are performed efficiently, the eventual success of post-thaw recovery is mainly reliant on how high quality the cord blood sample was upon collection. Those with a low initial cell count and viability may not survive the thawing process as well as a more cellular and resilient product.

It may take some time before we can conclusively prove that cord blood stem cells remain viable after long-term storage for 30 years or more. Although it will take clinical research to conclusively determine the efficacy of cord blood units that have been in storage for years, Smart Cells currently follow current worldwide expert opinion.

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3100689/
(2) https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/how-long-can-cord-blood-be-stored
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5442723/

What are TNC and CD34+?

TNC indicates Total Nucleated Cells, the white blood cells in a cord blood sample. By counting these cells, Smart Cells can accurately assess the overall success of their collection process in terms of cell numbers. The Smart Cells investigate the count of CD34 positive cells within the TNC cell fraction, as this number is a crucial indicator for stem cell presence.

Clinical teams carefully consider both TNC and CD34 levels in cord blood samples to determine whether they contain enough stem cells for treatment.

Is banking stem cells for one child enough to cover additional siblings?

Banking stem cells for your additional children is just as important a decision as it was the first time around. The same reasoning that led to saving these valuable cells in the past applies now and should be considered when making this critical choice.

If you are banking to benefit siblings, then the cord blood from one child can be used for another's medical needs if they possess matching HLA types. When it comes to two full siblings, there is a 25% chance that they will be an exact match, the same odds for not matching at all - and the remaining 50% percent likelihood of being a half match. The odds of success in a cord blood transplant depend on the degree of compatibility between donor and patient, specifically 4 out of 6 HLA types. As such, banking multiple siblings' cord blood increases the probability that their stem cells match for transplants or therapies requiring sibling donations.

How can stem cells be used in the future?

Transplantation using stem cells is becoming an increasingly popular form of treatment for a variety of blood and bone marrow cancers, as well as diseases like Thalassaemia or sickle cell disease. If autologous cells (those taken from the individual for their own use) are used, they can help restore an individual's blood, and immune system post-chemotherapy treatments aimed to fight off their disease. If the transplant is allogeneic (from one sibling to another), not only does it restore the blood and immune systems, but these cells may even be instrumental in eradicating cancer.

Stem cells have the potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine by repairing and replacing damaged or diseased tissues or cells. However, these emerging regenerative applications are relatively recent phenomena and usually involve participating in research or clinical studies.

Do I have to pay a fee for releasing or transporting the sample if it is necessary for transplantation purposes?

No extra costs will be associated with transporting samples for therapeutic purposes at any time. When HLA testing is necessary, the cost of low-resolution testing is already covered. However, an additional fee may apply if clinical teams need high-resolution results.

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