Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK (LMRUK) and Smart Cells International, the UK’s first private stem cell storage company, have collaborated to procure, process and preserve cord blood stem cells using LMRUK’s cord blood banking facility.
The Model Cell Biobank, established in 2015 by LMRUK, provides eligible families with the opportunity to preserve their newborn’s umbilical cord blood stem cells through the UK’s first partially and fully funded service.
LMRUK is collaborating with Smart Cells to assist families utilizing the Model Cell Biobank in the secure acquisition and storage of their baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells, ensuring their potential future application, if required.
Dr Joanna Tilley, Operations Director at LMRUK said: “Cord blood stem cells are collected from the umbilical cord and placenta when a baby is born and is often thrown away at birth. However, these vital stem cells can be used in the treatment of blood cancer, which is an area we are deeply passionate about.
“Smart Cells is a perfect partner for LMRUK. We’re both committed to utilising stem cells as a treatment for blood cancer and life-threatening illnesses and want to help protect the next generation through more effective treatments.”
Headquartered in West Drayton, in close proximity to Heathrow Airport, Smart Cells have expertise in cord blood banking, with a track record spanning over two decades. Presently, the company is a proud member of the FamiCord Group, Europe’s largest cord blood bank, and has an impressive worldwide storage of over 700,000 cord blood collections.
On the partnership, Shamshad Ahmed, Founder & CEO of Smart Cells International added: “We are incredibly proud to partner with LMRUK, serving as their trusted biobank partner. Our journey began back in 2000 when we became the first private cord blood storage facility in the UK. Throughout the years, our unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch quality and exceptional service to our clients who entrust us with their child’s cord blood and tissue has remained steadfast.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we can now provide the same level of excellence to all those who choose to store with us through the Model Cell Biobank. Our families are always at the heart of everything we do, and to be able to extend our offering to more families is the most fantastic opportunity. The stem cells collected from cord blood have such huge potential in not only life-transforming treatments today but for crucial research needed to treat blood cancer and other disorders in future.”
Currently, stem cell transplants are employed in the treatment of more than eighty critical illnesses and diseases, encompassing blood cancer. Moreover, they have the potential to aid in the treatment of blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and aplastic anemia.
Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the potential applications of cord blood in treating various conditions, such as autism, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and strokes, and are demonstrating promising results.
