Cryopreserved Stem Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood

A study has shown that hematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood can be successfully multiplied and cryopreserved for future use in cellular therapy products. Data from the study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Philadelphia (PA, USA.)

The study was conducted by scientists at ViaCell, Inc. (Boston, MA, USA), which is involved in ongoing research in stem cell expansion and purification using the company's proprietary Selective Amplification technology. In a mouse model, cryopreserved cells were shown to engraft successfully in transplant procedures at a rate that is comparable to that achieved by selectively amplified cells that were not frozen.
Scientists have also reported the ability to control various expression patterns while reproducing a targeted population of umbilical cord blood stem cells using Selective Amplification. The ability to monitor specific cell receptors and ligands offers the potential to engineer specific, homogeneous and high-potency pools of hematopoietic stem cell candidates in large quantities, says ViaCell. Data show that the presence of the growth factor thrombopoietin (TPO) in combination with other agents significantly increases the generation of both long- and short-term repopulating stem cells.

"The progress reported here contributes significantly to the rapidly evolving field of cellular medicine and therapeutic development,” said Marc Beer, president and CEO of ViaCell.




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