Family Bank: Smart Cells Middle East

About

Smart Cells Middle East has been serving families across the Middle East with trusted stem cell banking services since 2003. Today, we operate a state-of-the-art stem cell processing and storage laboratory in Dubai, providing the collection, processing, testing, and long-term cryogenic storage of newborn stem cells. As part of the FamiCord Group—the 3rd largest cord blood bank in the world and the largest in Europe we combine over two decades of regional experience with world-class scientific expertise. Our laboratory operates according to the highest international quality standards, including AABB accreditation, cGMP compliance, and ISO-certified quality management systems.

Smart Cells International ME FZ LLC (SCIME) is wholly owned by Smart Cells International Limited, London, United Kingdom, a company founded in 2001 and recognized as one of the pioneers of private stem cell banking in the UK. In 2021, Smart Cells International Limited became part of the FamiCord Group, the largest cord blood banking network in Europe and the third largest worldwide, significantly strengthening its international scientific expertise, operational capabilities, and research network.

Today, Smart Cells International ME combines more than two decades of regional experience with a state-of-the-art stem cell processing and storage laboratory located in Dubai Healthcare City. The laboratory operates under licenses issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and follows internationally recognized quality standards, including AABB accreditation, cGMP-compliant processing, and ISO-certified quality management systems.

Through its integration with the FamiCord Group, SCIME provides families in the Middle East with access to one of the world's largest stem cell banking networks, which stores approximately 1.5 million biological samples, operates 13 processing laboratories, 2 cryogenic storage facilities, and 3 GMP/CDMO centers, while supporting the advancement of regenerative medicine, cellular therapies, and clinical research across Europe and beyond.

Labs and Locations

Stem cells collected in the Middle East are processed and stored at our state-of-the-art laboratory located in the heart of Dubai Healthcare City.
Address: Smart Cells International ME FZ LLC Bldg 40, Office G01 Dubai Health Care City, UAE

Business Experience

FamiCord Group (operating under the name FamiCord AG since 2025, following the merger of PBKM and Vita 34 in 2021) is the European market leader and the third-largest stem cell bank worldwide. The Group has secured over 1.5 million biological material samples (mostly cord blood, cord tissue, placental blood, placenta). FamiCord has a robust operational infrastructure: 13 processing and storage laboratories, 2 storage only laboratories, and 3 cell & gene GMP centers for CDMO activity, controlling approximately 55-60% of the European cord blood banking market.

Supplying stem cells for medical use remains at the core of the Group's focus. FamiCord actively supports the use of stem cells in treatments, with a history of over 8,500 patients treated with 16,500 stem cell preparations including 278 cord blood applications (as of June 2026). The Group has been involved in several clinical trials in the area of: cardiology, neurology, dermatology, orthopedics and others in the role of sole sponsor, co-sponsor or supplier of cell-based ATMP. FamiCord also actively participates in cerebral palsy treatment programs for children [Expanded Access Program conducted in Lublin, Poland].

The CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) activity, primarily under the Bramble Bio brand, remains an advanced technological pillar. Through 3 specialized CDMO centers located in Germany, Poland and Portugal, the Group provides comprehensive manufacturing services for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) in compliance with cGMP standards, strengthening its position as a trusted contract manufacturer for the biotechnology industry.

Regarding the development of CAR-T cell therapies (oncology), the Group has revised its strategy. FamiCordTx, initially developed as an internal venture, is now an independent entity with which FamiCord Group is affiliated (holding an approximately 20% stake). This allows the Group to focus its resources on its core business and commercial B2B services.

The scale of medical operations is built on solid financial foundations. In 2025, FamiCord Group generated sales revenues of EUR 88.17 million (a 7.3% year-over-year increase) with significant proportion of recurrent revenue. The Group achieved an EBITDA of EUR 10.6 million (a 12.3% y/y increase). FamiCord AG is listed at Deutsche Boerse in Franfurt and is backed mostly by financial shareholders (AOC – private equity, SVF – investment fund, Nationale Netherlanden – pension fund and others). This guarantees absolute stability and security for the long-term storage of materials entrusted by patients.

Collection Kit

The Smart Cells Middle East collection kit complies with international shipping guidelines and can be used to collect cord blood from a C-section delivery.  The collection bag and all sample-contact components supplied within the kit are sterile and intended for single use. The outer transport kit itself is not sterile, as it is not introduced into the sterile surgical field. During Caesarean section deliveries, only the sterile collection components are transferred to the sterile field by the clinical team in accordance with hospital infection control procedures.

Contents of the Collection Kit

• The collection kit complies with applicable international transport (IATA) regulations and includes:
• Macopharma cord blood collection bag pre-filled with CPD anticoagulant and equipped with sterile collection needles and needle protection.
• Sterile containers and transport media for cord tissue and/or placenta (where applicable).
• Maternal blood collection tubes (EDTA and other required tubes for infectious disease and quality testing).
• Sterile collection accessories, including gloves, surgical masks, and disinfectant swabs.
• NanoCool temperature stabilization system to protect the sample from temperature fluctuations during transportation.
• Temperature data logger for continuous temperature monitoring throughout transport (used outside the UAE).
• Packaging materials compliant with biological specimen transport requirements.

Transportation container

• The transportation container incorporates a NanoCool temperature stabilization system, which is activated immediately after sample collection.
• The container has been validated to maintain an internal temperature between 2°C and 26°C under validated transport conditions.
• The NanoCool system is designed to maintain the required temperature range for up to 72 hours, ensuring sample integrity during transportation.
• For samples transported from outside the UAE, each shipment includes a temperature data logger to provide continuous temperature monitoring throughout transit.
• The transport container complies with applicable IATA regulations for the transport of biological specimens.

Shipping Info

• Smart Cells Middle East arranges sample collection from all hospitals across the UAE through trained logistics personnel and validated medical transport procedures.
• Shipping and transportation are included as part of the Smart Cells Middle East service package.
• The laboratory operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays, to ensure timely receipt and processing of all samples.
• Samples are transported using validated temperature-controlled transport containers incorporating the NanoCool temperature stabilization system.
• International shipments are managed through DHL Medical Express (WMX) & Healthcare Logistics and other validated specialist medical courier networks, in compliance with IATA regulations for the transport of biological substances.
• Smart Cells Middle East provides all required shipping documentation, including laboratory declarations and customs documentation where applicable. Shipments from outside the UAE are accompanied by a temperature data logger to ensure continuous temperature monitoring throughout transit.

Processing Method

• Cord Blood

Cord blood is processed using the SmartMax advanced processing methodology, a validated volume reduction technique combining sedimentation and centrifugation to isolate a stem cell-rich buffy coat while maintaining a fully closed, sterile processing system. This method is designed to maximise stem cell recovery and post-thaw viability. Each cord blood sample undergoes comprehensive quality testing before and after processing, including:

• Total nucleated cell (TNC) count
• CD34+ stem cell count and viability by flow cytometry
• Microbiological sterility testing
• Maternal blood infectious disease screening

• Additional Stem Cell Products (Cord Tissue, Placenta & Amnion)

Cord tissue, placenta, and amnion are processed under aseptic conditions. Following inspection, the tissues are washed using sterile saline and antibiotic solution, cut into small sections, and cryopreserved in four 4 cryovials containing validated cryoprotective medium with DMSO. Sterility and quality control testing are performed according to Smart Cells Middle East's validated laboratory procedures prior to long-term cryogenic storage.

Components Stored

Cord Blood Storage:

Smart Cells Middle East stores the whole buffy coat, the component of blood that contains white cells and stem cells, as well as smaller samples of whole blood taken before processing.

Cord Tissue Storage:

Cord tissue serves as a rich source of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells (MSC), crucial for tissue repair or replacement. Smart Cells Middle East offers the storage of portions of the umbilical cord itself, complementing cord blood storage by preserving more diverse cell types, including MSC.

Placental Cells Storage:

Smart Cells ME offers the option to bank the chorionic villi cells from the placenta. Storing these cells opens up more opportunities for regenerative therapies in the future.

Amnion Storage:

The amniotic membrane of the placenta possesses potent healing properties and is already utilized in the treatment of burns and wounds. Smart Cells Middle East enables parents-to-be to selectively bank this tissue from the placenta, providing access to its therapeutic potential.

Storage Method

• Each sample is assigned a unique identification number and barcode in accordance with internationally recognized traceability standards.
• Cord blood units are cryopreserved using a computer-controlled step-rate freezer, which gradually reduces the temperature to approximately -160°C before transfer to long-term storage.
• Final storage is in 25 mL cryogenic blood bags secured within a storage cassette (without an overwrap).
• Samples are stored in the vapour phase of cryogenic nitrogen at approximately -196°C, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination while ensuring long-term sample stability.
• Cryogenic storage tanks are equipped with continuous temperature monitoring, alarm systems, and validated control procedures to ensure sample integrity.
• A dedicated high-risk storage tank is maintained for samples associated with positive maternal infectious disease screening results, ensuring complete segregation from standard inventory.

Licensing & Accreditation

Smart Cells Middle East is licensed and regularly inspected by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), and approved by the National Stem Cells Committee in the UAE. Our laboratory is accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) and operates in accordance with cGMP principles and ISO-certified quality management systems. We maintain strict adherence to national and international quality standards, with comprehensive quality control measures ensuring full traceability, safety, and integrity of every processed sample.

Clinical Experience

** Therapy numbers in the UAE and Gulf countries include both cord blood and birth tissues. (Elsewhere in the world these numbers are cord blood only.)

• FamiCord Group has provided more than 8,500 clinical stem cell therapies worldwide, including both standard hematopoietic stem cell transplantations and experimental/regenerative medicine therapies.
• Famicord Group has released 278 cord blood units for therapy as of June 2026.
• The Group has extensive experience in releasing autologous cord blood units for children diagnosed with neurological disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cerebral palsy (CP), under dedicated therapeutic access programs.
• Selected laboratories within the FamiCord network also participate in public cord blood banking programs and collect cord blood donations intended for unrelated donor transplantations.
• FamiCord Group actively participates in clinical trials, observational studies, and compassionate use programs involving cord blood and mesenchymal stem cell therapies in neurological, hematological, immunological, and regenerative medicine indications. More information: https://famicord.com/science-and-clinical-trials/
• Through its GMP-certified manufacturing facilities in Poland and Portugal, FamiCord develops and manufactures advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) based on cord blood, perinatal tissues, and mesenchymal stem cells. The Group is involved in translational medicine projects focused on developing innovative regenerative therapies and cell-based medicinal products.
• FamiCord collaborates with leading hospitals, transplantation centers, and regenerative medicine clinics across Europe and internationally, supporting innovative therapeutic programs using cord blood and perinatal stem cells.

Insurance

Smart Cells Middle East is licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and operates in full compliance with the UAE regulations governing stem cell banking. As a condition of its DHA license, the company maintains a bank guarantee of AED 10 million, as required under the applicable UAE regulatory framework. This financial guarantee provides an additional level of protection and assurance to clients regarding the long-term security and continuity of the stem cell banking service.

Community Service

Smart Cells Middle East is committed to supporting families when stem cell therapy is needed.

• If a stored sample is required for treatment within the first year of storage, the sample is released free of charge, and all storage fees paid by the family are fully refunded.
• If a stored sample is required after the first year of storage, no release or preparation fee is charged for preparing and transporting the sample to the treating transplant centre.
• Through Smart Cells International, free collection and storage services have been provided on a case-by-case basis for families with a pre-existing medical condition in an immediate family member where stem cell transplantation is an established treatment option.
• Smart Cells Middle East also offers special discounts for selected groups and provides flexible payment options to help make stem cell banking more accessible.

Prices

For pricing information, please contact the Smart Cells partner in your country: www.smartcells.ae

Additional Services

In addition to cord blood banking, Smart Cells Middle East offers a comprehensive range of advanced stem cell banking services, including:

• Cord Tissue Banking (Wharton's Jelly) – rich in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs).
• Placenta Banking – preserving placental tissue as an additional source of regenerative cells.
• Amnion Membrane Banking – storing amniotic membrane for its regenerative and therapeutic potential.
• Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) Expansion – available upon request for clients requiring laboratory expansion of stored MSCs for future therapeutic applications.
• Secure+ Program – an exclusive service providing access to a global inventory of approved donor stem cell units through the Smart Cells/FamiCord network. Secure+ offers an additional option when a child's own stored sample is not suitable due to genetic mismatch or insufficient cell dose, enabling rapid matching and release for eligible treatments.