LifeCell International Pvt.Ltd, the pioneer in stem cell banking, technology research & therapy in India, takes another step closer to gain global leadership in stem cell research with the launch of an exclusive R&D centre in Chennai for the development of various stem cell technologies. The R&D unit has a clean room facility for the harvesting and storage of human somatic stem cells. The new R&D facility is in Chennai spread over 3000 sq ft also includes state-of-the-art equipment for molecular biological analysis of stem cells and their derivatives. Dr.Ajit Kumar, Chief Scientific Officer, LifeCell International will spearhead the operation with a team of 15 scientific and medical professionals.

The R&D facility would be LifeCell’s proprietary technology platform for the in-house development of novel processes like large-scale manufacture of stem cell based therapeutics, which would include expansion of mesenchymal stem cells from menstrual blood and cord tissue in the first phase followed by expansion of hematopoetic stem cells from the umbilical cord. Niche areas of stem cell research including directed differentiation down specific lineages and selection of pure populations of cells for transplantation would also be carried out. The facility would also focus on increasing the gamut of stem cell banking of developing process for isolation, processing & preservation of other stem cell rich tissues in the body such as adipose.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Mayur Abhaya, Executive Director, LifeCell International Pvt.Ltd said, “LifeCell envisions becoming the first company to provide comprehensive and affordable stem cell services in India. The R&D facility set up by lifeCell is a first of its kind research centre in India devoted exclusively for stem cells. We have invested about Rs 5 Crores to develop a facility that would undertake advanced research activities by renowned stem cell therapists. We are committed to rapidly advance our internal programs towards clinical development and gradually expand our portfolio of offerings”.

On the occasion, Dr.Ajit Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, LifeCell International says “Globally stem cells are being thought of as a cure for diseases for which there are no other treatment options available. More than 600 clinical trials are ongoing worldwide to bring stem cell based therapeutics to the marketplace. India has also come a long way and people are now buying into the advantages of this new age therapy. With an in house R&D center we expect to launch many novel and exclusive stem cell banking services in the industry that is sure to elevate India’s standing on the Global arena with regards to stem cell research”.

Given that stem cell technology has applications over such a wide range of diseases, it would potentially lead to therapies that could treat degenerative diseases afflicting millions in our country. Industry analysts forecast that the stem cell therapy market has the potential to grow to over USD 10 billion by 2013.

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 largest and oldest stem cell bank with more than 16 years of expertise in stem cell banking.

LifeCell in the past 4 years has positioned itself as leaders in the Industry and was recently accredited by AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) for adopting their international standards and today LifeCell is the “First & only AABB Accredited Stem Cell Bank in India” and recognized by DSIR, Govt. of India for R&D.

Today LifeCell has over 16,000 members who have preserved their baby’s cord blood stem cells and has over 35 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 addition of this service LifeCell will become the first & only comprehensive stem cells solutions provider in the world to offer a complete spectrum of services in stem cells through multi-service banking, R&D, Clinical Trials and Stem Cell Therapy.

For Further details please contact:

Neha/ Meera
Hanmer MS&L
09840246513/ 09789017110.