News

May 2019   The Stem Cell Institute in Panama provides therapies using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) sourced from donated umbilical cord (UC) tissue. Their autism treatment consists of four daily intravenous infusions of UC-MSC. Depending on the child’s weight, the total dose is 40 to 80 million UC-MSC and the therapy program costs $13K to $18K.

May 2019   This overview tries to clearly explain the answers to questions often asked in parent support groups. Section headings: How did stem cell therapy for brain disorders start? Where does autism fit in? What stem cell research exists for autism? Why treat autism with Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSC)? What are the differences between stem cell therapy with CB-MNC versus UC-MSC? Where can parents get autism therapy now? Questions parents should ask of clinics offering stem cell therapy for autism: Cautionary remarks

May 2019   Macopharma has now launched their dual needle, FDA NDA approved cord blood collection bag in the United States. Macopharma hopes that the features of the collection kit will assist banks in the common goal of improving the number of bankable cord blood units collected in the United States. 

Apr 2019   Ashton had a normal birth, but developed cerebral palsy due to a serious illness at age 6 weeks. His parents decided to try giving Ashton his own stem cells from cord blood they had banked with ViaCord. A few months later Ashton’s balance and communication were noticeably improved. Ashton has been able to give up his wheelchair and now walks with a walker.

Apr 2019   Families who are expecting a baby have many concerns when it comes to preparing for their newborn. One daunting decision is how to choose the right cord blood bank?  Here are 7 criteria to make it easier for soon-to-be parents to identify quality cord blood banks: [1] Experience [2] Stability [3] Inventory [4] Insurance [5] Shipment [6] Accreditation [7] Pricing.

Mar 2019   Nerea is an eight year old girl who lives in the Spanish town of Burriana and has suffered cerebral palsy since a few days after birth. Nerea's cord blood was banked with IVIDA Banco de Cordón and her mother sought a stem cell therapy to help her develop motor skills. The cord blood therapy was performed at Duke University in July 2017.

Mar 2019   Based on today's marketed products, we estimate a street value of the placenta at around $50,000, and that could double or triple in five to ten years.

Feb 2019   Zhao Jiaxin was the first child in China to receive a cord blood transplant as a cure for very early onset irritable bowel disease that is often lethal to newborns. Children’s Hospital of Fudan University has the most successful transplants for VEO-IBS to date. While still rare, the incidence of this genetic disorder is increasing in China and the only effective therapy is a stem cell transplant.

Feb 2019   Certified genetic counselors (CGC) are healthcare professionals who have advanced training in medical genetics and in counseling. Using these skills, they are able to guide and support patients and their families through the process of making healthcare decisions. Families who are navigating their clinical trial opportunities may benefit from working with a specialized CGC who can provide education and information about treatment options, participate in eligibility screening, and discuss potential risks and benefits of participating in research studies.

Jan 2019   When Asia experienced developmental delays her parents took her to Duke University for reinfusion of her own cord blood stem cells. Today Asia can keep up with other children her age.