MaterCell: First Cord Blood Bank in Argentina Stays True to Founding Mission

In times of economic volatility, companies that remain true to their mission and values not only survive— they thrive. Argentina is a nation accustomed to economic fluctuations and presents a challenging environment for entrepreneurs, especially for those guided not simply by profit but by a sense of service and purpose.

MaterCell was the first cord blood bank in Argentina and in Latin America. Founded in 2003, it has successfully overcome external challenges driven by its altruistic and innovative vision to improve the quality of life for Argentine families through the advancement of regenerative medicine. With over two decades of experience, it has established itself as a regional leader in scientific excellence and social commitment.

A Personal Catalyst for Change

founder Dr. Claudio Chillik, father
of current CEO Dr. Ivan Chillik

In 2003, Dr. Claudio Chillik attended an obstetrics conference in the United States where he first encountered a groundbreaking idea: the potential of cord blood stem cells, which could replace bone marrow cells. At the time, his father-in-law was battling leukemia and faced challenges in finding a compatible donor, which severely limited his treatment options.

This personal experience inspired Dr. Chillik to provide Argentine families with a secure and accessible alternative, eliminating the need to find a compatible donor. In 2003, he founded MaterCell, a pioneering cord blood bank in Argentina that opened the doors to regenerative medicine for the Latin American population, with the resolute aim of providing direct access to life-saving treatments.

Overcoming Economic Challenges

Beyond its clear mission, MaterCell had to confront and adapt to the changing circumstances of that period. Back in the 2000’s, factors such as inflation, devaluation, and financial crises had decisive impacts on the growing biotech sector.

Now, during the past decade 2015 to 2025, Argentina has faced rising inflation, stricter import restrictions, and growing economic uncertainty, particularly regarding medium-term forecasts. These challenges, compounded by a shortage of foreign exchange and pressure on the country’s reserves, have contributed to instability, impacting various productive sectors.

This economic environment has significantly affected private companies, particularly highly specialized sectors, as the lack of foreign currency and rising operational costs led many to reconsider expenditures on services perceived as non-essential or luxurious.

As a result, many cord blood banks in Argentina were forced to cut costs and lower prices, triggering fierce competition in the sector. However, amid this crisis, MaterCell maintained its sales levels by staying true to its founder's mission: rather than engaging in the price war, the company focused on providing high-quality services to families and remained determined to enhance the quality of life for their children by preserving their stem cells in a bank that guarantees safety, innovation, and professionalism at a fair price.

Currently, Argentina is in a phase of adaptation and stability that, although still presenting specific challenges, also offers new opportunities for growth and innovation.

The Real Impact of Regenerative Medicine

MaterCell is Argentina’s leading cord blood bank, holding over 50% of the country’s cord blood banking market. MaterCell is also Argentina’s largest cord blood bank: more than 40,000 families have placed their trust in MatercCell, and cumulatively MaterCell stores over 80,000 samples under optimal conditions. MaterCell also reports a rate of release for therapy that is better than 1:1825, surpassing the global rate by more than 20%¹.

Since its inception, the company has committed to offering cutting-edge solutions in the preservation and expansion of stem cells with the aim of transforming lives. In 2004, despite the uncertain inflationary environment, MaterCell launched a specialized laboratory for processing cord tissue—an essential step in enhancing the quantity, quality, and therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC).

MaterCell’s mission extends beyond merely storing stem cells; it aims to support Argentine families at every stage of their lives. Through its MaterCare program, the company fosters a community of families through workshops and courses led by healthcare professionals, providing accurate and detailed information to ensure they can access stem cell treatments at globally recognized institutions.

The MaterCare program reflects MaterCell’s commitment to the well-being of those who have trusted the company from the beginning, offering a responsible and secure path to regenerative therapies for conditions - blood diseases, sports injuries, hearing loss, cerebral and facial palsy, autism, cleft palate, etc. – that are backed by professionals and reference centers ².

Transforming Lives Through Stem Cells

Over its history, MaterCell has provided financial support to families affected by diseases that could benefit from stem cell treatments, but who lack the resources to access them. This again underscores the company’s social responsibility and commitment to improving people's quality of life.

MaterCell's journey in regenerative medicine has led to significant achievements. The bank has released more than 22 samples for various treatments, seven of which were sent to the prestigious Duke University Medical Center in the United States ³.

Patients who have undergone stem cell treatments for conditions such as autism (both adults and children), cerebral and facial palsy, dementia, and cleft palate have experienced remarkable improvements in their quality of life. In many cases, significant advancements were observed in cognitive, motor, and social development, enabling them to enjoy greater independence and a more integrated life.

Juanito, a child diagnosed with West Syndrome (a form of Cerebral Palsy with seizures) at six months, received stem cells from his sister Amparo. His mother, Mirna, made the decision to store her daughter's stem cells, which significantly improved her son's quality of life. After the transplant, Juanito's vocabulary expanded, and he demonstrated proper cognitive development, eventually joining primary school in an inclusive environment ⁴.

These success stories highlight the potential of stem cells as a therapeutic tool and reinforce MaterCell’s scientific and technical capabilities in advancing treatments for diseases that deeply affect children and their families, ultimately transforming their lives through regenerative medicine in collaboration with international institutions.

Balancing Growth and Mission

Juanito's Cerebral Palsy was
treated with his sister's cord blood

In an increasingly competitive global market, some players in the biobanking sector face the challenge of balancing expansion and growth with their core mission of serving families. This dynamic invites an important reflection within the industry, as the rush toward price wars diminishes the perceived value of stem cell storage services and weakens the foundational purpose of improving people’s lives through authentic and impactful medical practices.

After years of experience providing the highest quality stem cell storage services in the country, MaterCell has confirmed that its clients are not necessarily seeking lower prices or discounts. Instead, they desire a clear understanding of why it is important to preserve stem cells and how doing so can benefit their children, without falling for false promises. Above all, families seeking advice from MaterCell value transparency, security, professional guidance, and comprehensive information throughout the process, from pregnancy to various stages of life.

To achieve this, MaterCell continuously collaborates with top-tier healthcare professionals, offering evidence-based information without reducing service costs or resorting to immediate incentives. This approach fosters the trust necessary to deliver a high-quality service and ensure the peace of mind of Argentine families.

Indeed, companies that successfully balance growth with a steadfast focus on quality and integrity demonstrate that it is possible to advance responsibly, even in difficult times. This not only strengthens family trust but also reinforces regenerative medicine as a transformative and accessible tool for all.

A Future of Innovation and Responsibility

To continue advancing in regenerative medicine, it is essential to prioritize responsibility and commitment to families, ensuring that access to stem cell treatments remains transparent and accessible, thereby ensuring the technology’s trustworthiness and future.

True innovation is not only measured by technological advancements but also by the ability to help people access solutions that genuinely improve their health. The trust that comes from proving that stem cell storage is a valuable resource that truly serves the families who choose to preserve them is the key to this process.

This vision, which originated with the goal of providing families with a safe and valuable option, as conceived by Dr. Chillik, remains the cornerstone for building lasting relationships of trust, regardless of the challenges that may arise. In essence, creating genuine value through medical practice not only preserves the integrity of the service but also represents the most sustainable and prosperous path for this evolving industry.

Today, there is a market of families that are increasingly willing to invest in innovative healthcare services. But ultimately, it will be the companies that successfully balance profitability with a social purpose that will drive meaningful change in the future.

References

1. MaterCell Lab.
2. Diseases that can be Treated with Cord Blood Parent's Guide to Cord Blood Foundation
3. MaterCell Therapeutic Applications Experience
4. Case of Use: Cerebral Palsy. Testimony from a Mother. MaterCell. YouTube.