International Stemcell Services Limited (ISSL) is gearing up to set up a dedicated 10–bed stem cell hospital in Bangalore. The stem cell clinical application and banking services company is now in the process of finalizing land in North Bangalore close to the city’s international airport. It is also toying with the option of acquiring small-medium nursing homes to set-up a full-fledged Department of Regenerative Medicine.

The company which raised Rs. 50 crore early this year through banks and a portion from its internal accruals is going ahead with its project, a first-of its-kind in the country. Therapies using stem cells have been proven to show considerable relief. However, there needs to be a dedicated medical centre to help cater to a larger patient population. The big issue is to create an awareness in asking patients to access for treatment at early stages which is critical for recovery, Dr Gururaj A Rao, managing director, International Stemcell Services Limited told Pharmabiz.

“We will take anywhere between 8 to 16 months to commission the 10-bed facility which will be increased over the years. The therapy which has gained considerable confidence among specialists in the Western world can be provided in India at an affordable cost. We would look at a holistic approach to treat the patient. Therefore therapies like yoga and acupressure will also included”, he added.

ISSL has been working with hospitals in Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. It has managed to rope in doctors to help identify cases for stem cells therapy. These include for conditions like foot ulcer resulting out of diabetes, chronic kidney failure, osteoporosis, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and vascular diseases.

As part of its pan India effort, ISSL has allocated a portion of the Rs. 50 crore to open up centres of excellence in stem cells in addition to assisting in creation of Departments of Regenerative Medicine in existing hospitals.

ISSL already has a gold mine of data on the definitive use of stem cells for certain disease which is backed by solid scientific proof reflected through its clinical trials to further substantiate the success rate of the recovery, said Dr. Jyothsna Rao, research director, ISSL.

There is also profusion of stand cord blood banks in the country, stemming out of hype created so far. Banking stem cells in isolation is futile because no therapies are carried out. There is also the issue of achieving good prognosis for many disease conditions because of its limitations in treating chronic conditions. However false hope is instilled in the public to bank the umbilical cord blood. Currently, India does not require stand-alone cord blood banks but ethically approved therapy centres, she said.

ISSL intends to provide stem cell as the first line of therapy for osteoarthritis, critical leg ischemia, foot ulcers, diabetic neuropathy, non healing wounds, spinal chord injury, ischemic heart disease and cancer among others, said Dr. Rao.