StemTech

About

StemTech International Sdn Bhd. is a subsidiary of CryoCord Holdings Sdn. Bhd; specializing in collection, processing and storage of baby’s cord blood stem cells.

Business Experience

STORY
Established in 2002, CryoCord has progressively grown to become the largest and most comprehensive stem cell bank in Southeast Asia. CryoCord is a fully licensed stem cell bank under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (PHFS) Act 1998 by Ministry of Health Malaysia. CryoCord has been the first to introduce automated processing technology (AXP) for cord blood in Malaysia. CryoCord has continued to lead in technology by harvesting and culturing Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) from cord tissue, bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, and tooth pulp.

CryoCord's state-of-the-laboratory is certified to cGMP in accordance PIC/s standard, awarded by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), a division of Ministry of Health Malaysia. It houses 8 Grade B (ISO Class 5) clean rooms for processing and long term cryopreservation.

With a wealth of expert experience in stem cell banking and research, CryoCord received Best Stem Cell Bank Award 8 years in a row by Baby Talk Magazine. To date, more than 60,000 families have trusted CryoCord’s uncompromising expertise, professionalism and integrity to store their valuable stem cells.

TIMELINE

2002
Dr. K.Y. Then and Prof. Emeritus S.K. Cheong envisioned the concept of the establishment of a stem cell cryopreservation bank in Malaysia. CryoCord was created on the talents, skills, experience and vision of a dedicated group of visionary medical and investment professionals. Multimedia Development Corporation awarded MSC status to CryoCord.
2003
Operations commenced with a staff of 12. CryoCord was awarded ISO 14644 Class 5 (Class 100) Cleanroom with HEPA filter, and certified to NASA and US Federal Standard 209E for processing samples.
2004
CryoCord branches in Brunei, Philippines and Thailand are established. MoU for collaboration on stem cell cryopreservation and research is signed with Intan Medical Centre, Pantai Group of Hospitals and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
2006
The first successful dual transplant using cord blood stem cells stored by CryoCord and bone marrow stem cells from sibling one of to another at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Staff count reaches 50. To enhance customer access, CryoCord is headquartered in Petaling Jaya. Laboratory remains in Cyberjaya.
2007
AXP® AutoXpress, the preferred cord blood stem cell processing platform designed and proven to maximize harvest quality, is made available to customers. A strategic partnership is forged with Cytopeutics, Malaysia’s pioneering stem cell treatment and research group.
2008
CryoCord was awarded umbilical cord blood stem cell banking license, under PHFS Act 1998 by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Sole distributorship of AmnioPlas+ is awarded by USM.
2009
A range of Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSCs) storage services is launched. CryoCord was also awarded ISO 15189 certification by Laboratory Accreditation Scheme of Malaysia (SAMM).
2010
Cytopeutics was absorbed to become part of the CryoCord Group of Companies.
2011
Jakarta office was established at Mega Kuningan, Indonesia.
2012
10th Anniversary is celebrated with a host of exciting and engaging nationwide activities. Acquisition of a BioNexus company, StemTech International Sdn Bhd, which was once a subsidiary of the Bursa listed TMC group. Baby Talk Magazine awarded CryoCord its Inaugural Best Stem Cell Bank.
2013
CryoCord takes pride of place in its new Group Corporate Headquarters at Bio-X Centre, Cyberjaya. This architecturally stunning and purpose designed building is the new integrated seat of group management, administration, and laboratories. For the second year running CryoCord garners Baby Talk Magazine’s Best Stem Cell Bank Award. State of the art laboratory certified to cGMP (PIC/S) requisites was awarded by NPCB (BPFK), a division of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
2014
For the third year in a row CryoCord is awarded  Best Stem Cell Bank award by BabyTalk Magazine. CryoCord has extended its serviced by offering Contract GMP-Manufacturing and Research. Collaboration with UKM Ophthalmology Medical Centre (PPUKM) advances stem cells research in retina regeneration.
2015
CryoCord is awarded Best Stem Cell Bank for four consecutive years.
2016
CryoCord has been awarded Best Stem Cell Bank award by BabyTalk Magazine for the fifth time.
CryoCord has garnered The BrandLaurete’s Best Brands in Sciences – Stem Cell Laboratory.
2017
CryoCord awarded as the Best Stem Cell Bank for the sixth consecutive time.
2018

• For the 7th time, CryoCord bagged the Best Stem Cell Bank Award by Baby Talk Magazine.
• CryoCord has been awarded Best Stem Cell Bank by Parenthood Magazine.
• International Natal Care Awards 2018 awarded CryoCord the Most Trusted Stem Cell Bank – Favourite Natal Care Service.

2019

• CryoCord honoured with the 2019 Malaysia Stem Cell Banking Company of the Year award by Frost & Sullivan at the Asia-Pacific Best Practices Awards.
• CryoCord retains Best Stem Cell Bank Award by Baby Talk Magazine, for the 8th consecutive year.
• CryoCord has been Best Stem Cell Bank for the 2nd consecutive year by Parenthood Magazine.
• Motherhood Choice 2019 Stem Cell Bank Award was awarded to CryoCord.

2020
CryoCord has been awarded accreditation by AABB

Collection Kit

• CryoCord uses specially designed sterile cord blood collection bag (FDA approved) to maximize the volume of the cord blood upon collection.
• CryoCord uses specially designed container for Cord MSCs (umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells)

Transportation Container

CryoCord uses a thermal insulation bag equipped with temperature logger to monitor the sample throughout the transportation period.

Shipping Info

CryoCord’s logistic team picks up cord blood sample from the hospital. The logistic team will be available 24 hours 7 days a week. Shipping will be handled by CryoCord’s logistic team and also by courier service provider that specialized in handling biological sample. Shipping from outside Malaysia, extra cost will be imposed.

Processing Method

Two options provided:

1. Fully Automated system: AXP AutoXpress Platform, which is FDA approved.
2. Manual cell separation

Components Stored

Parents are provided with a certificate describing test results (e.g. volume, cell count, viability, sterility)

Storage Method

Options for the Final Storage Methods:

1. Cryobags
2. Cryovials

Licensing & Accreditation

• Accredited by AABB, Cord Blood Banking International Standards
• Fully licensed by National Ministry of Health (Malaysia) under PHFS Act 1998
• State-of-the-art laboratory laboratory in Malaysia certified to cGMP according to PIC/S standards by National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), a division of Ministry of Health Malaysia
• CryoCord ISO 9001:2000 award certified by UKAS and ANAB
• ISO 15189 certified by SAMM (Laboratory Accreditation Scheme of Malaysia)

Guarantees

OAC Insurance, the general arm of Great Eastern, offer an insurance plan that covers the cost of cord blood stem cell transplantation (inclusive of Celebral Palsy) exclusively of CryoCord clients.

Community Service

CryoCord Community Transplantation Program offers enrollment for cord blood stem cells storage at no cost to expecting mothers whose immediate family members are suffering from blood disorders such as leukaemia, thalassemia or any other disease that can be treated using cord blood stem cells. It is one of the many ways we keep in touch with the things that make our community a caring one. Eligible applicants will be given a free collection, processing and storage for the first year.

Additional Services

CryoCord also offers storage, processing and isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) derived from below sources:
- Umbilical Cord derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
- Bone Marrow derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
- Peripheral Blood derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
- Adipose derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
- Tooth Pulp derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells