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Family Bank: THAI StemLife

About

THAI StemLife is the first (established 2005) and largest stem cell bank that serves Thailand and stores family stem cells in Thailand. Over 25,000 families have stored their family stem cells in Thailand. Together with their affiliate Cordlife, they are part of the largest cord blood bank network in Asia. THAI StemLife was the first Thai cord blood bank to release cells for pediatric treatments, they have the most releases (105 releases so far including cord blood and peripheral blood) and have published peer-reviewed research (by 2023, over 40 academic papers). To date THAI StemLife has released 25 autologous cord blood samples, all collected and stored in-house. THAI StemLife has Asia’s first and largest PGT-HLA cohort with 15 successful thalassemia transplants from siblings after preimplantation genetic diagnosis. The two latest thalassemia patients were treated in 2022. Further details are available at the website thaistemlife.com

Labs and Locations

THAI StemLife uses their OWN laboratory located: 566/3 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39 (Thepleela 1), Prachaouthit Rd., Wangthonglang, Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310. 

Our laboratory is privately owned and staffed 24 hour, operating in Thailand since 2005, and is the Kingdom’s first and largest stem cell laboratory. Apart from cord blood, THAI StemLife also harvests and stores peripheral blood stem cells and offers CLIA accredited HLA and genetic testing.  The StemLife Group, together with Cordlife, has more than 600,000 customers as of 2022.

Features of the THAI StemLife laboratory:

  • Zero percent (0%!) in-laboratory contamination, lowest industry reported 0.62% external contamination (2005 to 2021).
  • Real time control of storage tank temperature, O2 in storage area, Pressure, Temperature and Humidity in all laboratory areas.
  • CCTV surveillance in ALL areas.
  • Own security detail deployed in building 24/7/365

Business Experience

THAI StemLife is the first and largest stem cell bank (over 18 years in service) that serves Thailand and stores stem cells in Thailand.  THAI StemLife was founded in June 2005 with the vision to be the leading stem cell bank in Thailand and SE Asia by striving to achieve excellent industry standards and to provide state-of-the-art comprehensive banking stem cell services. THAI StemLife conducts operations in more than 300 Hospitals all over Thailand and cooperates with over 300 Thai obstetricians!

The Medical and Laboratory staff of THAI StemLife are at the PhD level in specialties such as Hematology, Hemato-oncology, Molecular biology, Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity.  The head of THAI StemLife is Dr. Kostas I. Papadopoulos, with MD & PhD in Endocrinology/ Immunology (Sweden), as well as technical education: Lecturer in Endocrinology and Diabetes (Greece), Specialist in Endocrinology and Diabetes (Sweden-EU), Clinical Tutor in Medicine (Australia). 

Collection Kit

JMS blood bag with CPD, sterile both inside and outside for ALL conditions and uses. 

Transportation container

Transportation container has gel packs and thermal insulation, validated and guaranteed to maintain room temperature under test conditions and includes a temperature logger.

Shipping Info

THAI StemLife arranges and organizes OWN shipping with OWN logistics department. Shipping is available 24/7/365. Shipping outside Thailand is available in all Asian countries. Shipping is included in the base price within Thailand, costs extra from outside.

Processing Method

THAI StemLife uses both Sepax automated processing as well as manual laboratory processing. 

Components Stored

  • THAI StemLife provides parents with a certificate describing test results (cell counts, viability, infectious markers as required by AABB, plus HTLV I/II)
  • The final storage component is the "buffy coat" of the blood that holds white cells and stem cells.
  • THAI StemLife also stores a sample of maternal blood plus 2 testing portions.
  • THAI StemLife stores all types of perinatal tissues and offers in house MSC cultures from all.

Storage Method

  • Final storage is in Thermogenesis bags.
  • Storage container is encased in over wrap.
  • Temporary storage in quarantine freezer, then move to long term freezer.
  • Freezer uses vapor phase of cryogenic nitrogen.
  • In house liquid nitrogen reserves.

Licensing & Accreditation

THAI StemLife is licensed by the National Ministry of Health, holds accreditations ISO 9001 and ISO 15189, and is in the process of obtaining AABB accreditation. The only family stem cell bank in Thailand with IT ISO 27001 accreditation. 

Clinical Experience

  • THAI StemLife’s seminal publication in combining G-CSF with autologous cord blood has been cited almost 50 times: Papadopoulos KI, et al. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2011 Jan 1;29(1):17-22. Safety and feasibility of autologous umbilical cord blood transfusion in 2 toddlers with cerebral palsy and the role of low dose granulocyte-colony stimulating factor injections.
  • Through 2021, the total number of THAI StemLife cord blood collections released for therapy: 23
  • Number of StemLife cord blood collections released for self-therapy: 10
  • Number of StemLife cord blood collections released for sibling transplants: 13
  • In addition to cord blood releases, THAI StemLife has released 82 peripheral blood collections for autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplants as well as cell therapy for osteoarthritis and diabetic ulcers.
  • THAI StemLife leads the world at releasing sibling transplants for thalassemia from babies that were conceived with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) to be "savior siblings". Read our story here
  • Caveat Emptor: Contrary to what is claimed, there are to date NO other Private Cord Blood Banks in Thailand with releases for stem cell transplants in children or adults.

Academic Activity: THAI StemLife is the only Thai cord blood bank that has released cells for pediatric treatments and published peer-reviewed research. THAI StemLife is one of the very few cord blood banks worldwide with continuous academic production and boasts over 30 unique peer-reviewed research publications in several fields. THAI StemLife’s medical council approved six research studies in knee osteoarthritis with the Police General Hospital that have been cited internationally over 108 times. THAI StemLife received in 2006 the National Innovation Agency (NIA) award for its seminal use of autologous peripheral blood stem cells in diabetic ulcers and critical limb insufficiency.

Medical publications from THAI StemLife: A search of PubMed yields over 14 full papers authored by scientists affiliated with THAI StemLife, and there are over 30 publications including abstracts and congress presentations.

The seminal publication from THAI StemLife’s has been cited almost 50 times: In this paper, two children with cerebral palsy were treated with both their own cord blood and low dose injections of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF):
Papadopoulos KI, Low SS, Aw TC, Chantarojanasiri T. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2011 Jan 1;29(1):17-22.
Safety and feasibility of autologous umbilical cord blood transfusion in 2 toddlers with cerebral palsy and the role of low dose granulocyte-colony stimulating factor injections.

Insurance

  • Collection and Storage fees paid in advance.
  • Family will receive a monetary amount in the event of loss of cell viability or will be offered peripheral blood stem cells from a compatible donor for free.
  • Family will receive a monetary amount of 5 million THB in the event of a transplant.

Community Service

  • Free banking is given to families where an immediate relative has a diagnosis for which transplantation is standard therapy.
  • Thalassemia sibling programme.
  • Discounts for military personnel.
  • Discounts to medical doctors and other health related professionals.

Prices

Different promotions exist. Ask us for what suits you and we will make sure you will be able to store with us!

Additional Services

  • Peripheral Blood Stem Cell collection (COBE automated Leukaphaeresis system) and banking for adults (family members that are adults, father/mother/elder siblings)
  • NK-Cell isolation and Culture
  • NIPT and Advanced Genetic Testing for over 300 carrier conditions, over 147 cancer and heart diseases.
  • NutriFir/FertiFit/SportFit: Lifestyle genetic testing for diet, nutrition, exercise, and metabolic syndrome/obesity risks.
  • PharmaFit: pharmacogenetics for SAFE drug treatments
  • Cancer CANCEL test: circulating Tumor Cells (CTC): FDA approved follow up for metastatic breast, colon, prostate cancer
  • HLA tissue typing
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing: PGD and IVF services are offered together with affiliated Superior ART. THAI StemLife leads the world as the only cord blood bank with savior sibling transplants! Any monogenic disease known can be avoided.

Prices with Additional Services

Available upon enquiry. Phone office +66 2-022-7000 or Hotline (24 hrs): 081 340 7676. 

Email:  info@thaistemlife.co.th  URL: https://www.thaistemlife.com/

Phone:
Address: 566/3 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39 (Thepleela 1), Prachaouthit Rd., Wangthonglang, Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand