LifeCell, the Chennai based company, pioneer in the stem cell repository and research firm, is planning to establish a new therapeutic centre at Chennai. The new diagnostic centre will focus mainly on cardiovascular diseases and likely to be operational before Dec 2007. The company has recently set up marketing office at Dubai.

While speaking with Pharmabiz, Prasad Mangipudi, vice president marketing, Life Cell, said, "We are investing around Rs 50 crore for the expansion plan for next 2-3 years. We will also run public cord blood bank, which is expected to start from the Feb 2007."

The company is entering into Dubai Biotech Park, which is expected to commence its operations in the beginning of the March 2008. LifeCell is launching its new product Plureon in the Indian market with in 3 to 4 months.

Research remains a cornerstone of LifeCell's long-term growth strategy. Its major research initiatives are underway; several of which seek to leverage company's core understanding of tissue and cellular engineering technology. This will develop new biologics, which will fulfil unmet clinical needs. Its team of scientists are globally renowned for their expertise with the extra cellular matrix and are currently involved in a wide range of research activities spanning multiple therapeutic areas, including reconstructive surgery, orthopaedics and cardiovascular applications.