LifeCell brings Revolutionary Stem Cell technology to Panipat (Panipat, November 5, 2009)

Panipat, November 5, 2009:
LifeCell International, India’s first & the largest stem cell banking services provider and a pioneer in stem cell research, technology & therapy, announced the launch of their new center at Panipat. With this launch they will add to their existing base of over 50 centers across Asia to meet the growing demand for stem cell banking in the Indian market.

Stem cells are the primal cells of the body. Characteristically, stem cells have a high capacity for self-renewal. These cells can be derived from various sources such as the bone marrow, embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. Umbilical Cord blood is the remaining blood in the newborn's umbilical cord and the placenta (the tissue, which during pregnancy nourishes the fetus) and is a rich source of stem cells. Previously after the delivery of the child the umbilical cord blood and cord tissue were normally discarded as biological waste. Both of these Cord blood and the solid tissue are a rich of hematopoietic and Mesenchymal stem cells. These are the master cells responsible for the production of all other cells in our body.

LifeCell over these five successful years have moved from securing Life to Saving Life, a recent successful case study where an 8 year old girl was cured of Thalassemia, validates the potential of these miraculous cells. This new age therapy will soon become a ray of hope for many others who are suffering from major life threatening diseases.

Cord blood stem cells have been used for reconstitution of the blood and immune system and accordingly has been used widely be hemato-oncologists for treating diseases such as leukaemia and anemia amongst 75 other blood-related disorders. While the cord tissue cells are at the forefront of therapeutic strategies for a number of hitherto incurable diseases like treating Heart Disease, Type I Diabetes, Crohn’s Disease, GVHD, Osteoarthritis and Stroke. However, the MSCs from Cord tissue show additional therapeutic potential in animal models to treat Parkinsonism, Skeletal muscle injury, Limb ischemia, Retinal nerve degeneration.

Commenting on the launch of their new center in Panipat, Mr. Mayur Abhaya, Executive Director & President, LifeCell International Pvt. Ltd said, “LifeCell was incepted with a vision to take the revolutionary concept of stem cell banking into the heart of this country. We have consciously worked towards to transpire the concept cross the country and in the process maintaining a high level of servicing standards for ourselves. Today umbilical cord blood and cord tissue stem cell banking has gained popularity and acceptance in most part of the country. Panipat is one of the rapidly growing Tier II city in the country and we see a huge potential in this market.“

Couples can now bank their baby’s cord blood stem cells for rupees 36,000 for the first year with an annual storage fee of mere rupees 2000 for 20 years. If the couple chooses to make a onetime payment they can save Rs. 19,000 as the current fee is reduced to Rs. 59,900. If the couple chooses to bank the cord tissue too, they can choose from three plans available i.e the Babycord Duo plan where the cord tissue is stored as it is without processing, for Rs. 42,000 initial payment and rupees 2500 annual fee. In Babycord Duo 1m and Babycord duo 50 m plans, the stem cells are harvested from the cord tissue, multiplied to 1m or 50 m cells and then cyro-preserved.

LifeCell also offers various EMI options which make cord blood and tissue stem cell banking easily accessible to everyone. These two options are available for Rs. 48,000 and 72,000 initial payment and rupees 3000 to 5000 annual fee. LifeCell have also recently introduced their two new specialized value added services for cord tissue banking - Baby Cord Duo 1m and 50m.

When a couple decides to bank their child’s stem cells, they should plan a few weeks in advance before the expected delivery date. The process is simple and LifeCell executives will assist you through the process of enrolment. Post the formalities the company provides a cord blood & cord tissue collection kit which should be taken to the hospital. On your way to the hospital, inform your bank that you are about to deliver. Most, if not all banks can be reached by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your stem cell bank will then arrange for a medical courier (who should be available 24 hours a day) to pick up the sample and deliver it to the lab within 48 hours. The stem cells are preserved cryogenically (at -196oC for potential medical use in the future. Whenever the stem cells are required for therapy they can approach the bank.

The collection kit must be kept handy and it is important to ensure that your doctor is aware of your decision to bank your baby's cord blood and is willing to carry out the procedure. For more information, one can reach LifeCell on the Toll free no. 1800–425–5323 (BSNL) or sms ‘LIFECELL’ to 53456 or mail contactus@lifecellindia.com or logon to www.lifecellindia.com

About LifeCell International Pvt. Ltd:
LifeCell is India’s first & largest umbilical cord blood stem cell bank to bring the revolutionary concept of banking a baby’s umbilical cord blood stem to the country. LifeCell facilitates the cryogenic preservation of stem cells in technological collaboration with Cryo-Cell International Inc, USA - the world’s first stem cell bank with more than 16 years of expertise in stem cell banking.

LifeCell in the past 5 years has positioned itself as leaders in the Industry and was the first stem cell bank in India to be accredited by AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) for adopting their international standards and today LifeCell is the “First AABB Accredited Stem Cell Bank in India” and recognized by DSIR, Govt. of India for R&D. Today LifeCell has close to twenty thousands members who have preserved their baby’s cord blood and cord tissue stem cells and has over 50 centers across India and abroad. The company will soon be launching another revolutionary service of Menstrual Blood Stem Cell Banking for every woman to preserve her stem cells and potentially secure her future from life-threatening diseases. With this additional service LifeCell is now the first & only comprehensive stem cells solutions provider to offer a complete spectrum of services in stem cells through multi-service banking, R&D, Clinical Trials and Stem Cell Therapy.