Cryo StemCell Karnataka Pvt. Ltd., a stem cell bank for storage of umbilical cord, has inked a pact with Malaysia-based StemLife to sustain research and knowledge sharing in the field of stem cell research and development. The agreement will open up facilities for stem cell transplants at locations across South East Asia.

StemLife will also have access to Cryo Stem Cell's highly specialised service of stem cell expansion and trans-differentiation into several specialised cell types like cardiomyocytes, neuron cells and beta cells of the of the pancreas.

"This tie-up with StemLife is important and will strengthen our endeavour in fighting diseases that do not have a cure and these include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes and myocardial infraction," Dr. SGA Rao, chairman & managing director, Cyro StemCell Karnataka said at a press conclave.

"We have been on the look out for a partner in the Stem Cell domain for some time now and have finalised on Cyro StemCell as they have a state of the art research facility and we are looking forward to a rewarding association," stated Amu Tar Choon, CEO, StemLife, Malaysia.

There is ample therapeutic potential in cord stem cells. Hence, storing umbilical cord blood stem cells is a vital for treating diseases that could come about in later stages of life. At any time if the child is afflicted by some incurable disease like thalassemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, stroke and spinal chord injuries, the stored umbilical chord stem cells can come to the rescue as these have at least one in four chances of being exact cell match.

The concept of cord blood banking was initiated in 1993. Around 1,00,000 cord blood units have been collected and typed and stored cord blood for clinical use. Umbilical cord blood, which is discarded after birth, is rich source of stem cells, added Dr. Rao.

Cyro StemCell Karnataka is India's first cord blood stem cell bank approved by the Drugs Control General of India in 2002. It has an advanced sterility centre with cGMP standards. The company has a nationwide network, which covers Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Madurai, Mumbai, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim and Tirunelveli. The tie-up for Cyro StemCell is the second initiative after its agreement with the International Centre for Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Diseases, Dr. KM Cherian Heart Foundation of Frontier Life Line Pvt. Ltd. in Chennai.

StemLife, Malaysia was set up in 2001 and focuses on stem cell regenerative medicine. It provides stem cell banking services in addition to conducting research on molecular diagnostics and stem cell processing, testing and storage.