Stem Cell Blog

Употребата на матичните клетки од папочна врвца рапидно се зголемува. Пред 10 години крвта од папочна врвца можеше да лекува околу 40 состојби, но денес таа бројка е над 80. Со нетрпение очекуваме нови терапии за болести и нарушувања како што се дијабет, аутизам и мозочен удар, можете да бидете во тек со најновите случувања во регенеративната медицина на нашиот блог за матични клетки.



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Today marks World Cord Blood Day—a day dedicated to highlighting the medical breakthrough that began 36 years ago, in 1988, with a single transplant. That cord blood transplant opened the door to a new era in medicine. Since then, stem cells from cord blood have transformed countless lives, offering hope to those battling over 80 serious diseases including leukaemia, sickle cell anaemia, lymphoma, and more.

Once dismissed as medical waste, cord blood’s potential to heal is becoming more and more recognised, with over 60,000 transplants since 1988. Today, stem cells are the key players in regenerative medicine, studied in thousands of labs and clinical trials around the world. Scientists are exploring their potential to treat conditions as varied as bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, arthritis, and even Crohn’s disease.

Yet, despite this remarkable potential, too often cord blood is still discarded after birth, lost forever. This is why World Cord Blood Day was created: to shine a light on the therapeutic power of cord blood and to encourage more families to preserve this incredible resource for the future.

As research has continued though, it is no longer just cord blood that holds such promise, but also the cord tissue and placental stem cells which hold immense potential in regenerative medicine.

Cord blood news 

A lot has happened in the cord blood field since last year. Here are some news you may want to catch up on if you’ve missed them…

How can I bank my baby’s cord blood?

If you want to save this precious resource rather than having it thrown away, both public and private banking are available options.

Public banking means the cord blood stem cells are stored in a cord bank that makes them accessible to anyone who might need them. The NHS public cord bank accepts donations if you are giving birth at one of three hospitals; the Anthony Nolan charity public cord bank accepts donations from a further five hospitals.

Alternatively, you can choose to bank your baby’s cord blood privately, storing the stem cells solely for your family’s own use. They will be ready and waiting should your baby ever need them for treatment, and could be useful for family members, too – there is a 25% chance they would be an exact match for a sibling, or 75% chance of a partial match. They are also a guaranteed partial match for parents.

Everything about our services has been tailored to provide the maximum potential benefit to parents who store their baby’s stem cells with us, such as our advanced processing technology that retains up to three times more stem cells than industry-standard processing methods, meaning full compatibility with delayed and optimal cord clamping. We are also the only UK cord blood bank to offer placenta and amnion storage.

To learn more about cord blood banking and why most UK parents choose to store with us, simply fill in the form below for a free welcome pack.


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A recent story published by The New York Times has highlighted the life-changing potential placenta holds for the treatment of severe burns and wounds.

The story follows Marcella Townsend, who was left unrecognisable by second and third degree burns she suffered after a propane explosion at her mother’s house in Georgia.

With few treatment options available, Marcella underwent a radical, cutting-edge procedure: a human placenta graft.

Incredibly, Marcella’s face now looks nearly identical to how it did before the explosion. [1]

What is a human placenta graft?

A placenta graft involves the application of amniotic membrane – the thin, translucent inner part of the placenta surrounding the foetus in the womb – to an area affected by burns, wounds, or injuries.

Unlike skin grafts using animals or cadavers, placental tissue doesn’t trigger the immune system, meaning it isn’t rejected by the body – a byproduct of the immunological privilege it has between mother and child during pregnancy.

It also stimulates rapid cell regrowth, which can help the body heal with minimal scarring. [2]

What makes the placenta so special?

The placenta provides crucial nutrients and protection to babies during pregnancy, and is filled with proteins and growth factors that make it extremely useful for healing injuries. [3]

Since the early 20th century, the amniotic membrane from placentas has been used in topical treatments for burns, wounds, and ulcers. It’s even been used to treat eye conditions. [4]

And yet, despite their potential, most placentas are discarded as medical waste.

Today in the U.S. only publicly stored donated placentas from elective C-sections are used. [1]

There are also limitations on how they can be used. For instance, amniotic membrane grafts are only sanctioned so long as there is minimal manipulation, meaning that their application is contained to internal and external bandages, along with cases of chronic wounds that take longer than usual to heal, or don’t heal at all.

In the latter context, a placenta graft again proved to be life-changing.

As cited by The New York Times, an 83 year old woman had an infected, chronic wound on her leg that wouldn’t heal after surgery. Having exhausted treatment options – including the use of larvae to eat the infected areas – doctors turned to placenta-derived skin grafts to close the wound.

The woman’s leg healed completely.

While the medical potential of the placenta seems boundless – they have been found to heal burns, wounds, and even restore vision in some cases – their lack of availability, along with the cost of associated procedures, means they remain vastly underused in the medical field. [1]

Why aren’t placentas more widely used?

While it’s clear that placentas have huge potential in a wide range of medical contexts, current therapeutic applications don’t come cheap. It is estimated that the cost of a placental graft ranges between $200 and $3,000 per square centimetre of amniotic membrane in the U.S. [1]

In the UK, amniotic membrane grafts are similarly pricey, with a document from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) showing a 2cm x 3cm graft costing around £1,000 for a single use. [5]

With the street worth of placentas estimated to be around $50,000 – a figure that’s expected to double or even triple over the course of the next decade [6] – it’s no wonder some mothers are looking to privately store their own placentas.

What is private placenta storage?

Private placenta storage is the process by which mothers can choose to store their placenta so that it’s available for their child to use in future therapies, should they need it.

There are hundreds of clinical trials ongoing that are exploring the uses of placenta in treatments for conditions ranging from stroke to diabetes, Crohn’s and osteoarthritis. By saving the placenta, the powerful cells and growth hormones it contains are preserved for future use. [7] [8] [9] [10]

Private placenta storage can be considered to be part of what’s known as cord blood banking – the process by which the perinatal cells and tissues that naturally occur in the umbilical cord and placenta are cryogenically frozen.

Some of these perinatal cells are otherwise known as stem cells, and have many therapeutic benefits. Some are even being used today in over 80 approved treatments.

Saving the umbilical cord and placenta for your baby gives them the best chance to access future therapies using stem cells and other perinatal cells and tissues.

This is because cells from the umbilical cord and placenta are baby’s own perfect match, meaning the risk of rejection in a procedure like a transplant is minimal.

For people like Marcella Townsend, the life-changing potential of the placenta is clear. By storing for your baby, you could ensure that they too have access to future therapies utilising the power of the placenta.

References

[1] Morgan, K. (2024, October 8). Her Face Was Unrecognizable After an Explosion. A Placenta Restored It. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/08/well/placenta-donations-burns-wounds.html

[2] Glat, Paul MD et al. Placental Membrane Provides Improved Healing Efficacy and Lower Cost Versus a Tissue-Engineered Human Skin in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcerations. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open 7(8):p e2371, August 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002371 

[3] Protzman NM, Mao Y, Long D, Sivalenka R, Gosiewska A, Hariri RJ, Brigido SA. Placental-Derived Biomaterials and Their Application to Wound Healing: A Review. Bioengineering. 2023; 10(7):829. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10070829

[4] Schmiedova I, Dembickaja A, Kiselakova L, Nowakova B, Slama P. Using of Amniotic Membrane Derivatives for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds. Membranes (Basel). 2021 Nov 29;11(12):941. doi: 10.3390/membranes11120941. PMID: 34940442; PMCID: PMC8706466.

[5] (2018, January 30). EpiFix for chronic wounds. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/mib139

[6] Schweizer, R. (2019, March). What is your Placenta Worth? Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Banking Foundation. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/what-is-your-placenta-worth

[7] Mansoureh Barzegar et al. Human Placenta Mesenchymal Stem Cell Protection in Ischemic Stroke is Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 and Masr Receptor-Dependent, Stem Cells, Volume 39, Issue 10, October 2021, Pages 1335–1348, https://doi.org/10.1002/stem.3426

[8] Kadam, S., Muthyala, S., Nair, P., & Bhonde, R. (2010). Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells and islet-like cell clusters generated from these cells as a novel source for stem cell therapy in diabetes. The review of diabetic studies : RDS, 7(2), 168–182. https://doi.org/10.1900/RDS.2010.7.168

[9] Mayer L, et al. Safety and tolerability of human placenta-derived cells (PDA001) in treatment-resistant crohn’s disease: a phase 1 study. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013 Mar-Apr;19(4):754-60. doi: 10.1097/MIB.0b013e31827f27df. PMID: 23429460; PMCID: PMC4272923.

[10] Gwam C, Ohanele C, Hamby J, Chughtai N, Mufti Z, Ma X. Human placental extract: a potential therapeutic in treating osteoarthritis. Ann Transl Med. 2023 Jun 30;11(9):322. doi: 10.21037/atm.2019.10.20. Epub 2019 Oct 16. PMID: 37404996; PMCID: PMC10316113.


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One of the questions we get asked most by expectant parents is whether or not cord blood banking is ‘worth it’.

You may have heard about it online, or through a friend, but don’t necessarily know what it entails, or what the benefits are.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know—what cord blood banking is, why it matters, the benefits, costs, and whether it’s the right choice for your family.

What is cord blood banking?

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the precious blood from your baby’s umbilical cord, along with other vital perinatal tissues like the placenta, cord tissue, and amnion.

These tissues are rich sources of two powerful types of stem cell: haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which both have huge therapeutic potential.

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)

HSCs are found in cord blood, and have the ability to differentiate (transform) into all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This ability makes HSCs well positioned for the treatment of blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia and leukaemia.

HSCs from cord blood are already being used primarily in donor treatments for more than 80 different conditions, including blood cancers like lymphoma, immune disorders like SCID, and blood disorders like aplastic anaemia.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

MSCs are found in cord blood, cord tissue and placenta and have the ability to differentiate into many different types of cell, including cartilage, nerve, muscle, fat, and bone cells.

This plasticity makes them ideal for use in an emergent field of medical research called regenerative medicine. Excitingly, there are currently hundreds of clinical trials investigating the application of MSCs in therapies for diseases that are currently incurable, like strokeheart failure, and Parkinson’s disease.

Why is having your baby’s own stem cells available important?

Stem cell therapy depends on the body’s immune system not rejecting the transplanted cells. When using publicly donated stem cells from a donor this means finding an HLA match (human leukocyte antigens, which are gene complexes that encode cell-surface proteins that help the immune system determine what does and doesn’t belong to the body) and using immuno-suppressive drugs to minimise the chances of rejection.

However, cord blood banking enables your baby to have their own perfectly matched stem cells ready and waiting in storage, meaning they can access therapies without the risk of rejection.

Is cord blood banking safe?

The cord blood collection process is completely safe, non-invasive, and takes place in a separate room after birth, handled by a licensed phlebotomist.

What are the benefits of cord blood banking?

Life Saving Treatments

Cord blood stem cells are a proven treatment option for over 80 life-threatening conditions. They have been used in more than 40,000 transplants worldwide, providing a vital alternative to bone marrow transplants for conditions like leukaemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anaemia.

Protection for the Whole Family

By preserving your baby’s stem cells, you’re not only protecting your child’s future health but also potentially safeguarding the entire family. These stem cells are a perfect match for your baby, with a 1 in 4 chance of being a perfect match, and a 50% chance of being a partial match, for a sibling. Additionally, there’s always a 50% chance they could be a partial match for a parent as well.

Future Potential in Medical Research 

Researchers are exploring the use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of diseases like stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Although these therapies are still in clinical trials, the potential for future applications is vast. By banking your baby’s umbilical cord and placenta now, you could unlock access to cutting-edge treatments in the future.

Why bank cord blood with Cells4Life?

Industry Leading Innovation

Our CellsPlus service uses our industry leading processing technology TotiCyte to retain 3 times the number of stem cells compared to other cord blood processing methods.

More cells in storage means more opportunities for treatments, and could make the difference between treating a child and an adult. Our CellsPlus service also means that cord blood banking is 100% compatible with delayed cord clamping for the first time.

Comprehensive Services

We’re the only UK cord blood bank offering the most comprehensive range of stem cell banking services, including cord blood, tissue, amnion and placenta banking. Saving a diverse range of cells for your baby maximises the range of treatment opportunities they’ll be able to access.

Dual location storage

We can store samples in multiple portions across two locations with SecurePlus. This means that your baby can use their samples multiple times, only using what they need and saving the rest. Dual location storage also provides the peace of mind of knowing that should anything happen at one location, their stem cells are still protected at the other.

Proven Track Record

We are the first choice for UK parents, with more UK families storing with us and over 150,000 samples in storage across our two Sussex sites.

Is cord blood banking worth it?

It’s been predicted that 1 in 3 of us will require some sort of regenerative therapy within our lifetimes. [1] Your baby might be part of the first generation to live beyond 100. Imagine the range of stem cell therapies that could become available to them within their lifetime. Saving their stem cells gives them the best chance of accessing these new and emerging therapies.

Cord blood banking is probably also worth doing if you have a history of illness in your family. Your baby’s stem cells may even end up being the key to safeguarding them, or a close family member, against life-altering conditions that remain all too prevalent; conditions like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Your baby’s stem cells could change their life one day.

References

[1] Regenerative Medicine. Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies. https://www.aabb.org/news-resources/resources/cellular-therapies/facts-about-cellular-therapies/regenerative-medicine#:~:text=Regenerative%20medicine%20also%20may%20enable,potentially%20benefit%20from%20regenerative%20medicine.


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A new clinical trial investigating the use of umbilical cord stem cells to treat chronic heart failure is currently underway.

The Phase II trial, which is the first of its kind in the U.S., is being carried out by researchers at the University of Louisville. It’s also the first time intravenous (IV) delivery will be trialled for the delivery of cell therapy for heart failure. [1]

It’s hoped that this pioneering approach could change the way that heart failure patients are treated.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure arises when the heart can’t pump blood around the body properly. This results in the body being unable to receive the oxygen it needs to function normally.

Heart failure can arise from various causes, with some of the most common being:

  • Cardiomyopathy: A condition where the heart’s muscular wall thickens, making it difficult for the heart to effectively pump blood throughout the body.

  • Heart Attack: A heart attack can cause lasting damage to the heart, impairing its ability to circulate blood efficiently.

  • High Blood Pressure: Chronic high blood pressure puts strain on the heart, gradually reducing its pumping efficiency.

  • Abnormal Heart Rhythms: An irregular, too slow, or too fast heartbeat can disrupt the heart’s normal pumping function. [2]

It’s estimated that heart failure affects more than a million people in the U.K. and at least 64 million people worldwide. [3]

Heart failure usually gets worse over time. However, while there is no cure, there are steps that can be taken to treat and manage symptoms, including surgery, having a pacemaker fitted, medication, and lifestyle changes. [4]

What is the new stem cell trial for heart disease?

The trial, which has been dubbed ‘CATO’, will enrol 60 participants across 3 locations, all of whom would have suffered from ischemic cardiomyopathy – heart failure arising from the damage caused by heart attack.

Conducted on a randomised, double blind and placebo controlled basis to ensure rigorous scientific standards, participants will be split into three groups: a control group, a single dose group and a multiple dose group.

All participants will receive four infusions delivered via IV over the course of 2 months.

The control group will receive four doses of placebo, the single dose group will receive one dose of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) and three doses of placebo, and the multiple dose group will receive four doses of UC-MSCs.

The first trial to test the delivery of cell therapy for heart failure in multiple doses, CATO will not only investigate the effectiveness of using UC-MSCs for treating heart failure, but also the effectiveness of their delivery in multiple infusions.

Participants will be monitored at intervals of 2 hours, 1 week, and 2 months after each infusion and then followed for 6 months after all four infusions to monitor the safety and efficacy of the therapy. [5]

Why are umbilical cord stem cells being used in the heart failure trial?

Previous studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord have abilities that make them ideal in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

These include the ability to differentiate into cardiovascular progenitor cells, to modulate immune responses, and promote growth factors. [6] [7]

These cells, harvested from donated umbilical cords, have shown promise in treating a range of conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and even COVID-19. [8] [9] [10]

Now, for the first time in the United States, they are being tested in heart failure patients.

UC-MSCs offer several advantages in this area over other types of stem cells.

Most notably, UC-MSCs can be isolated, stored frozen and then expanded into large quantities, making them readily available “off the shelf” when needed.

This reduces both the cost and the time required to initiate treatment, making it more accessible to a broader range of patients. [11]

Researchers leading the trial hope that umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells will provide a new and much needed therapeutic alternative in the treatment of heart failure.

Should I save my baby’s umbilical cord stem cells?

This trial demonstrates the growing interest and potential of umbilical cord stem cells to combat conditions, like heart failure, that are currently incurable.

If you have a history of heart disease in your family, it’s probably worth saving the stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord.

While the stem cells used in this trial will be sourced from donated umbilical cords, privately storing the stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord rules out the risk of rejection by ensuring that they always have access to stem cells from their own perfect match: themselves.

It also gives them the best chance of accessing future stem cell therapies currently being developed in clinical trials not just for heart failure but also for diseases and conditions like cancer, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.

If you or a family member are expecting and want to know more about private stem cell storage, fill out the form below to receive your free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] UofL News (2024, August 6). UofL cardiologist leading clinical trial for high potential new therapy for heart failure. University of Louisville School of Medicine. https://louisville.edu/medicine/news/uofl-cardiologist-leading-clinical-trial-for-high-potential-new-therapy-for-heart-failure

[2] Heart failure. British Heart Foundation. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/heart-failure?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5u2BhDeARIsALBuLnP2GAM0j5TBp0pX-OL9l3Vgzt8yZWBcKKk8j5T0m_JI8pHKPqZKiY8aAi02EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[3] Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Wen Zhong, Jingxian Shu, Arsalan Abu Much, Dor Lotan, Avishay Grupper, Arwa Younis, Haijiang Dai, (2021) Burden of heart failure and underlying causes in 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Volume 28, Issue 15, December 2021, Pages 1682–1690, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaa147

[4] (2022, May 19). Overview: Heart failure. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-failure/

[5] (2024, June 13). Single or Repeated Intravenous Administration of umbiliCAl Cord Mesenchymal sTrOmal Cells in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (CATO). ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06145035

[6] Abouzid, M. R., Ali, K., Kamel, I., Esteghamati, S., Saleh, A., & Ghanim, M. (2023). The Safety and Efficacy of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients With Heart Failure and Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Cureus, 15(11), e49645. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.49645

[7] Bartolucci, J., Verdugo, F. J., González, P. L., Larrea, R. E., Abarzua, E., Goset, C., Rojo, P., Palma, I., Lamich, R., Pedreros, P. A., Valdivia, G., Lopez, V. M., Nazzal, C., Alcayaga-Miranda, F., Cuenca, J., Brobeck, M. J., Patel, A. N., Figueroa, F. E., & Khoury, M. (2017). Safety and Efficacy of the Intravenous Infusion of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients With Heart Failure: A Phase 1/2 Randomized Controlled Trial (RIMECARD Trial [Randomized Clinical Trial of Intravenous Infusion Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Cardiopathy]). Circulation research, 121(10), 1192–1204. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.310712

[8] Lin, Y., Lin, L., Wang, Q., Jin, Y., Zhang, Y., Cao, Y. and Zheng, C. (2015), Transplantation of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol, 42: 76-86. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1681.12321

[9] Zhang, J., Lv, S., Liu, X., Song, B., & Shi, L. (2018). Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment for Crohn’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Gut and liver, 12(1), 73–78. https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl17035

[10] Guo, B. C., Wu, K. H., Chen, C. Y., Lin, W. Y., Chang, Y. J., Lee, T. A., Lin, M. J., & Wu, H. P. (2023). Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of COVID-19. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(19), 14800. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914800

[11] UofL News (2024, August 6). UofL cardiologist leading clinical trial for high potential new therapy for heart failure. University of Louisville School of Medicine. https://louisville.edu/medicine/news/uofl-cardiologist-leading-clinical-trial-for-high-potential-new-therapy-for-heart-failure


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Last week it was announced that a new gene editing stem cell therapy for beta thalassemia would start to be made available on the NHS.

The therapy, called Casgevy, is developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics and received approval from the UK regulator in November of last year. You can read about that announcement here.

It’s estimated that there are approximately 460 patients aged 12 or older with transfusion dependent beta thalassemia in England who are currently eligible for the treatment.

According to the NHS, the therapy will be offered across seven specialist centres and manufactured in the UK. [1]

What is beta thalassemia?

Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder which affects the production of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells used to carry oxygen around the body.

Those affected by beta thalassemia produce little to no haemoglobin and as a result require frequent blood transfusions to supply red blood cells that can carry oxygen to tissues in the body.

Symptoms of beta thalassemia are associated with anaemia and range from mild – fatigue, weakness, headaches – to severe: heart palpitations, abdominal swelling, and jaundice.

Beta thalassemia has a debilitating impact on sufferers’ quality of life and it can also dramatically reduce life expectancy. [2]

What is Casgevy and how does it work?

The new therapy utilises a combination of the patient’s own stem cells and gene editing technology to reprogramme cells so that they produce healthy red blood cells.

Once the stem cells are harvested from the patient’s bone marrow they are then sent to a lab to undergo modification using the gene-editing tool CRISPR.

CRISPR effectively works like a pair of highly-targeted scissors, seeking out a specific section of DNA and editing a specific gene within it. In this instance, CRISPR targets the gene BCL11A.

During foetal development the body produces a unique form of haemoglobin in order to extract oxygen from the mother’s bloodstream. Once we’re born, BCL11A is responsible for silencing the production of foetal haemoglobin so that beta, or adult, haemoglobin can begin to be produced.

By targeting the BCL11A gene, the CRISPR tool is able to reverse the silencing process and re-encourage the production of foetal haemoglobin which, crucially, is left unaffected by beta thalassemia.

Once the stem cells have been edited to turn off BCL11A, they are then returned to patients via infusion and take residence in the bone marrow. The new, edited stem cells then begin to produce healthy red blood cells. [3]

In clinical trials, the new therapy removed the need for blood transfusions for at least a year in 39 of the 42 beta thalassemia sufferers treated. [4]

What’s next for the new therapy?

While the cost to the NHS of the new therapy is hefty – an estimated £1.6 million per patient – the treatment is being heralded as a cure, with the added benefit of eradicating the need for frequent blood transfusions, thereby reducing strain on healthcare services and improving patients’ quality of life outcomes.

With the new therapy expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks, attention now turns to whether the Casgevy treatment for sickle cell anaemia – another blood disorder affecting haemoglobin – will also be offered on the NHS, after its approval in November last year. [5]

What does this mean if I want to store my baby’s stem cells?

If it’s likely your baby could have beta thalassemia, it’s probably worth considering banking their umbilical cord blood.

Umbilical cord blood is rich in haematopoietic stem cells which are already being used in over 80 approved treatments, including for blood disorders.

Giving your baby the gift of stem cell storage may mean that they’ll one day be able to use their cord blood stem cells for the Casgevy therapy instead of the more intrusively procured bone marrow stem cells.

While not currently an approved version of the procedure, using the stem cells from banked umbilical cord blood rather than bone marrow could make for a less invasive procedure overall for your child, should they ever need it.

To find out more about how banking your baby’s stem cells could give them access to future medical advancements, request your free Welcome Pack below.

References

[1] (2024, August 8). Gene-editing therapy that could cure blood disorder thalassaemia for NHS patients. NHS England. https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/08/gene-editing-therapy-that-could-cure-blood-disorder-thalassaemia-for-nhs-patients/#:~:text=The%20one%2Doff%20gene%20therapy,a%20severe%20form%20of%20thalassaemia.

[2] (2022, July 20). Beta Thalassemia. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23574-beta-thalassemia

[3] Gallagher, J. (2024, August 8). First gene-editing therapy may cure blood disorder. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gzldll44lo

[4] (2024, June 14). Vertex Presents Positive Long-Term Data On CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel) at the 2024 Annual European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress. Vertex. https://news.vrtx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vertex-presents-positive-long-term-data-casgevytm-exagamglogene

[5] (2024, August 8). World’s first gene editing therapy for blood disorder to be available to hundreds of patients in England. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/worlds-first-gene-editing-therapy-for-blood-disorder-to-be-available-to-hundreds-of-patients-in-england


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Emerging research suggests that stem cell-based therapies could offer a new approach to treating influenza-related lung damage.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in particular have been shown to repair lung tissue and modulate the immune response, providing hope for quicker and more complete recoveries from severe flu infections.

What is Influenza?

Influenza, otherwise commonly referred to as flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can lead to complications like pneumonia.

Among the most common symptoms are a high temperature, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and sickness. [1]

Current approaches to influenza, like vaccines and antiviral medications, remain preventative, focusing primarily on prevention and symptom management rather than virus-related damage.

With excess deaths from flu reaching approximately 14,500 in the UK alone last year – higher on average than the five years before the pandemic – severe influenza episodes continue to be a cause for concern. [2]

Who is Most Affected by Influenza?

Influenza can affect anyone, but certain demographics are at higher risk of severe illness and complications:

– Elderly individuals: People aged 65 and older are more susceptible to severe influenza due to a naturally weakened immune system and the higher chance of suffering from chronic health conditions.

– Young children: Infants and young children under the age of 5, especially those under 2 years old, are at a higher risk because their immune systems are still developing.

– Pregnant women: Pregnancy can alter the immune system, making expectant mothers more vulnerable to severe influenza and its complications.

– Individuals with chronic health conditions: People with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weakened immune systems (e.g., due to cancer treatment or HIV) are at increased risk. [3]

How Can Stem Cells Help?

Stem cells, in particular MSCs, have shown promise in treating a variety of conditions due to their unique properties.

MSCs are found in various tissues, including umbilical cord blood, cord tissue, bone marrow, and fat or adipose tissue.

These cells have the ability to transform into different cell types and aid in tissue repair and regeneration.

They can also modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation, making them ideal candidates for treating diseases like influenza that cause significant damage to lung tissue. [4]

Repairing Lung Damage

MSCs can promote the regeneration of lung tissue by differentiating into various cell types needed for repair, including lung epithelial cells – the cells which contribute to the microbial immune response in the lungs. [5]

They can also reduce the number of inflammatory cells in the lungs, aiding in faster recovery in addition to releasing cytokines and growth factors that stimulate the proliferation of lung cells, helping restore lung function. [6]

Immune Modulation

One of the critical benefits of MSCs is their ability to modulate the immune response.

During an influenza infection, the immune system’s response can sometimes be overwhelming, leading to excessive inflammation and further lung damage.

MSCs help balance this response by reducing harmful inflammation and inhibiting the proliferation of T cells, which are often involved in excessive immune responses. This modulation contributes to a more controlled and effective immune response, preventing extra damage. [7]

Current Research

Recent studies and clinical trials have shown promising results using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat lung damage caused by influenza.

Promising Animal Studies

In animal studies, MSC therapy has shown significant potential in treating lung injuries. For instance, in mouse models of a condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which causes high blood pressure in the lungs, MSCs were able to reduce lung damage. They achieved this by modulating the immune response and decreasing inflammation. [8]

Research suggests that human placenta mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) also have the ability to regulate immune responses by inhibiting the proliferation of T-cells, thereby reducing inflammation deriving from excessive immune response.

Another study looked at lung injury caused by a toxic gas called phosgene. The researchers found that MSCs helped the lung’s own stem cells to proliferate and repair the damaged tissue. [9]

Increasing Human Trials

Interest in using MSCs to treat virus-induced lung injury is growing, and the number of clinical trials is on the rise. One notable trial from 2020 found that MSCs significantly reduced mortality in patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the H7N9 subtype of influenza A. [10]

Another trial for ARDS sought to investigate whether MSCs derived from the placenta and umbilical cord could be used to treat severely ill COVID-19 patients. They were found to be effective in rapidly reducing respiratory distress and inflammation. [11]

These trials indicate that MSCs are safe to use and hold great potential for treating lung damage from influenza, though proving their effectiveness is still a work in progress.

The Future of MSC Therapy for Influenza

Stem cells, particularly MSCs, offer a promising new frontier in treating influenza-related lung damage.

As research progresses, we may soon see MSC-based therapies becoming a standard part of influenza treatment, providing hope for quicker and more complete recoveries from severe flu infections.

Saving the stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord blood, cord tissue, and placenta is the perfect way to ensure they have access to future treatments for conditions like influenza.

To find out more about how cord blood banking could safeguard your baby’s health, download our free Welcome Pack by filling out the form below.

References

[1] (2023, August 9). Flu. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

[2] UK Health Security Agency (2023, June 22). Excess deaths associated with flu highest in 5 years. Gov.uk. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/excess-deaths-associated-with-flu-highest-in-5-years

[3] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024, March 22). Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm

[4] Jiang, W., & Xu, J. (2020). Immune modulation by mesenchymal stem cells. Cell proliferation, 53(1), e12712. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpr.12712

[5] Mendez, J. J., Ghaedi, M., Steinbacher, D., & Niklason, L. E. (2014). Epithelial cell differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells in decellularized lung scaffolds. Tissue engineering. Part A, 20(11-12), 1735–1746. https://doi.org/10.1089/ten.TEA.2013.0647

[6] Neelabh Datta. (2024) Stem Cell Therapy for SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Virus InfectionsBIOI. Vol. 5(1). DOI: 10.15212/bioi-2024-0016

[7] Weiss Andreas Robert Rudolf , Dahlke Marc Hendrik. (2019) Immunomodulation by Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Mechanisms of Action of Living, Apoptotic, and Dead MSCs. Frontiers in Immunology. Vol.10. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2019.01191

[8] Du Jun, et al. (2011) The Pathology of Bleomycin-Induced Fibrosis Is Associated with Loss of Resident Lung Mesenchymal Stem Cells That Regulate Effector T-cell Proliferation, Stem Cells, Volume 29, Issue 4, April 2011, Pages 725–735, https://doi.org/10.1002/stem.604

[9] Leeman, K.T., Pessina, P., Lee, JH. et al. (2019) Mesenchymal Stem Cells Increase Alveolar Differentiation in Lung Progenitor Organoid Cultures. Sci Rep 9, 6479. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42819-1

[10] Chen, J., Hu, C., Chen, L., Tang, L., Zhu, Y., Xu, X., Chen, L., Gao, H., Lu, X., Yu, L., Dai, X., Xiang, C., & Li, L. (2020). Clinical Study of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Induced by Epidemic Influenza A (H7N9) Infection: A Hint for COVID-19 Treatment. Engineering (Beijing, China), 6(10), 1153–1161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2020.02.006

[11] Hashemian, S. R., Aliannejad, R., Zarrabi, M., Soleimani, M., Vosough, M., Hosseini, S. E., Hossieni, H., Keshel, S. H., Naderpour, Z., Hajizadeh-Saffar, E., Shajareh, E., Jamaati, H., Soufi-Zomorrod, M., Khavandgar, N., Alemi, H., Karimi, A., Pak, N., Rouzbahani, N. H., Nouri, M., Sorouri, M., … Baharvand, H. (2021). Mesenchymal stem cells derived from perinatal tissues for treatment of critically ill COVID-19-induced ARDS patients: a case series. Stem cell research & therapy, 12(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02165-4


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The results from a Phase I/II clinical trial suggests a new stem cell-based therapy has the power to treat osteoarthritis (OA).

The trial, which was conducted by Australian biotechnology company Magellan Stem Cells, demonstrated that their ‘off-the-shelf’ stem cell therapy MAG200 significantly improved joint function and reduced pain for sufferers, with sustained benefits observed over longer periods.

It’s hoped that the new therapy will revolutionise OA treatment, helping to improve quality of life outcomes for millions of OA sufferers around the world. [1]

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joints to become stiff and painful.

Normally, the everyday wear and tear that joints undergo is repaired by the body itself. For those who suffer from osteoarthritis, however, the protective cartilage on the ends of bones breaks down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the small joints in the hands, hips, knees, and neck. [2]

An estimated 10 million people in the UK alone have osteoarthritis, with the majority suffering from knee OA. [3]

A leading cause of disability, knee OA is associated with significant economic and healthcare burdens, often leading to total knee replacement surgery. A study by NICE in 2020 found that 100,000 knee replacements were carried out every year, with 89% of these being total knee replacements. [4]

It’s hoped that the new MAG200 stem cell therapy will not only improve outcomes for knee OA sufferers, but also alleviate some of the resource strain caused by currently limited treatment options.

What is the new MAG200 stem cell therapy and how does it work? 

The MAG200 therapy involves the localised injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from adipose tissue into the area of the knee.

MSCs have emerged in recent times as a promising approach to addressing the unmet clinical needs of OA, namely pain caused by inflammation and the absence of protective cartilage tissue.

Previous research has shown that MSCs not only have the ability to reduce proinflammatory cytokines, thereby suppressing the pain associated with knee OA, but also to secrete transforming growth factor (TGFβ1) which helps with local tissue repair. [5]

These abilities make mesenchymal stem cells ideal for application in the treatment of knee OA and, therefore, in the MAG200 therapy.

What were the findings of the trial?

40 patients participated in the double-blind randomised control trial, all of whom had a documented diagnosis of moderate knee OA.

A double blind trial is one in which neither the researchers, nor the participants, know who has been administered what until after the trial has finished. This is done to reduce the chance of biases.

The participants were split into four cohorts of 10, wherein 8 were given MAG200, and 2 were given a placebo.

Following the application of MAG200, participants who had experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in either the pain or functionality associated with their OA were invited to respond using a variety of rating scales at months 1,3,6,9, and 12. [6]

A subsequent statistical analysis of responses, in addition to analysis of MRI data to measure improvements in tissue repair, demonstrated substantial benefits of MAG200, including:

  • Sustained pain improvement of 58% at 12 months of follow-up.

  • Doubling of quality of life scores for patients who received the stem cell treatment.

  • Potential to halt the progression of osteoarthritis, with improvements in cartilage volume observed in treated patients.

Long-term follow-up demonstrated that the improvements from a single injection of donor stem cells were maintained beyond four years, highlighting the therapy’s durability and efficacy. [7]

What are the next steps for the MAG200 therapy?

According to a press release, Magellan Stem Cells hopes that future research will show the reproducibility of their results and validate their findings, paving the way for the rollout of MAG200 in Australia, beyond clinical trials.

Considered an ‘off-the-shelf’ therapy, it’s hoped that MAG200 will also have a considerable impact in the treatment of knee and other forms of OA, alleviating significant socioeconomic burdens associated with current OA treatments in the process. [8]

What does this mean for cord blood banking?

Although the mesenchymal stem cells used for the MAG200 therapy were derived from adipose donor tissue, mesenchymal stem cells are also found in umbilical cord blood and cord tissue, and could theoretically be used in autologous OA treatments (treatments using a patient’s own stem cells).

In fact, a 2021 study published in Nature’s open-access Scientific Reports Journal showed that an implantation of umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells was more effective in treating knee OA than a high tibial osteotomy, a surgical procedure to realign the knee. [9]

Another study from 2023 found that mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood could enhance cartilage regeneration and reduce inflammation for sufferers of OA and were stipulated as being better equipped to both proliferate and differentiate than other sources of stem cells. [10]

While the MAG200 therapy is an allogeneic therapy, using donor stem cells, there is research to suggest that autologous mesenchymal stem cell treatments for OA using a patient’s own stem cells display clinically significant improvements across numerous parameters. [11]

This is good news if you’re considering saving your baby’s stem cells as it means that access to future treatments for conditions like OA could depend on whether a patient has their own stem cells available for use or not.

Saving your baby’s own stem cells also eliminates the risk of rejection in treatment, as your baby will always be a perfect match for their own stem cells.

To find out more about how cord blood banking could safeguard the health of your baby, sign up using the form below for a free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] Julien Freitag, et al., Safety and efficacy of an allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell preparation in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A Phase I/IIa randomised controlled trial, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, Volume 6, Issue 3, 2024, 100500, ISSN 2665-9131, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2024.100500. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665913124000670)

[2] (2023, March 20). Overview: Osteoarthritis. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/

[3] (2024). The State of Musculoskeletal Health. Versus Arthritis. https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/data-and-statistics/the-state-of-musculoskeletal-health/#:~:text=10%20million%20people%20in%20the%20UK%20have%20Osteoarthritis%20(OA)%2C,estimated%20to%20have%20Psoriatic%20Arthritis.

[4] (2020). Resource impact report: Joint replacement (primary): Hip, knee and shoulder (NG157). NICE (National Institute for Healthcare and Excellence). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng157/resources/resource-impact-report-pdf-8708810221#:~:text=2%20Currently%20over%20100%2C000%20knee,1%25%20were%20patellofemoral%20knee%20replacements.

[5] Freitag, J., Bates, D., Boyd, R. et al. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis: reparative pathways, safety and efficacy – a review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 17, 230 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-016-1085-9

[6] Julien Freitag, et al., Safety and efficacy of an allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell preparation in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A Phase I/IIa randomised controlled trial, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, Volume 6, Issue 3, 2024, 100500, ISSN 2665-9131, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2024.100500. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665913124000670)

[7] (2024, July 28). Australian researchers develop a donor stem cell therapy for the successful treatment of osteoarthritis – Magellan Stem Cells. Medianet. https://journalists.medianet.com.au/Release/1008949/8103088

[8] (2024, July 28). Australian researchers develop a donor stem cell therapy for the successful treatment of osteoarthritis – Magellan Stem Cells. Medianet. https://journalists.medianet.com.au/Release/1008949/8103088

[9] Jung, SH., Nam, BJ., Choi, CH. et al. Allogeneic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell implantation versus microdrilling combined with high tibial osteotomy for cartilage regeneration. Sci Rep 14, 3333 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53598-9

[10] Zhang, Pengwei et al. “Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promoting knee joint chondrogenesis for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.” Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research vol. 18,1 639. 29 Aug. 2023, doi:10.1186/s13018-023-04131-7

[11] Prodromos, Chadwick et al. “Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment is Consistently Effective for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: The Results of a Systematic Review of Treatment and Comparison to a Placebo Group.” Medicines (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 7,8 42. 24 Jul. 2020, doi:10.3390/medicines7080042


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Five-year-old Gunner Lewis-Vale from Shropshire is finally able to step outside and enjoy the summer for the first time in six months, thanks to a successful stem cell transplant from umbilical cord blood donated 15 years ago. [1] [2] [3]

Gunner’s Story

At just 17 months old, Gunner was diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis type I Hurler syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting the body’s ability to break down sugars. His family were told that without a transplant he would have only a year or two to live.

After undergoing a failed transplant using stem cells from a donor in Germany, Gunner and his family desperately sought another solution.

Remarkably, stem cells donated to NHS Blood and Transplant in 2008 were found to be a match for Gunner. Derived from umbilical cord blood, these cells had been cryogenically stored in liquid nitrogen for 15 years, ready and waiting to be used in a life-changing transplant.

In January, Gunner received the stem cell transplant, which aimed to provide him with the ability to produce the enzyme he lacked in order to break down sugars.

When the body is unable to break down sugars, these build up in what’s known as lysosomes, parts of the cell responsible for waste management. [4]

The toxic buildup of waste molecules in lysosomes can have dramatic effects, leading to the cells either dying or not being able to function properly. This in turn causes severe symptoms, including problems with the heart, hearing loss, enlarged organs, respiratory problems and hernias.

Due to the nature of the transplant, Gunner was forced to isolate for six months in order to avoid infection while his new white blood cells (derived from the cord blood stem cell transplant) were given the chance to propagate.

Six months on and Gunner is reportedly enjoying the summer months with his big sister Daisy, going to the park, feeding the ducks, and getting back to being a five-year-old boy.

Gunner’s family are elated to see his new lease of life and are helping to raise awareness of the importance of stem cell donation and the power of cord blood stem cells to change lives.

Cord blood banking and the importance of a match 

Gunner’s story highlights the importance of being able to access a stem cell donor match.

Gunner was fortunate enough to find a match with umbilical cord blood stem cells that had been donated through NHS Blood and Transplant.

Storing your baby’s stem cells privately however, gives them access not only to their own perfectly matched stem cells, but also a 75% chance that they may be usable by a sibling.

As the field of regenerative medicine continues to advance, huge strides are being made in autologous stem cell treatments for genetic disorders. Autologous stem cell treatments are ones where a patient’s own stem cells are used.

Gene editing technologies like CRISPR offer huge potential in the development of autologous stem cell therapies for inherited conditions currently requiring transplants. [5]

In November last year we reported on a new autologous therapy approved by the UK regulator for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia.

Previously only treatable with a stem cell transplant from a donor, these two inherited diseases were found to be curable with stem cells taken from patients which were then edited to have the faulty, disease-causing genes removed. [6]

There are many therapies currently in development to treat inherited diseases with autologous stem cells, diseases ranging from immunodeficiencies to blood disorders and metabolic disorders. [7]

By saving your baby’s own stem cells, you could give them a better chance of accessing these therapies should they ever need one in future.

To find out more about how cord blood banking could safeguard your baby’s health, fill out your details below for a free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] Fofana, A. (2024, July 20). Boy, 5, saved by stem cell transplant. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4ngl620j1lo

[2] (2024, July 20). Family of Shropshire boy, 5, with rare disorder given hope after umbilical cord transplant. ITV News. https://www.itv.com/news/central/2024-07-20/family-of-boy-5-with-rare-disorder-given-hope-after-umbilical-cord-transplant

[3] Lynch, N. (2024, July 20). Boy, 5, diagnosed with deadly rare condition has life transformed after stem cell transplant from umbilical cord blood. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/boy-diagnosed-with-deadly-rare-condition-has-life-transformed-after-stem-cell-transplant-from-umbilical-cord-blood-13181740

[4] (2022, August 17). Hurler Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24000-hurler-syndrome

[5] Qiu, Hou-Yuan et al. “Current advances of CRISPR-Cas technology in cell therapy.” Cell insight vol. 1,6 100067. 26 Oct. 2022, doi:10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100067

[6] NHS England (2023, December 8). Casgevy – how it works. Genomics Education Programme. https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/blog/casgevy-how-it-works/

[7] Staal, Frank J T et al. “Autologous Stem-Cell-Based Gene Therapy for Inherited Disorders: State of the Art and Perspectives.” Frontiers in pediatrics vol. 7 443. 31 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3389/fped.2019.00443


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New research has emerged showing that a stem cell-derived therapy may be able to treat the most common, and deadliest, form of liver cancer.

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have developed a therapy using natural killer (NK) cells derived from stem cells to help combat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) – a highly treatment resistant tumour. [1]

While not yet studied in patients, it’s hoped that the therapy (which was tested both in vitro against HCC cell lines and in vivo in a mouse model) will be influential in future trials for treating HCC, and other solid tumours.

How does the stem cell therapy work?

Like other tumour cells, hepatocellular carcinoma cells inhibit the body’s immune cells from attacking them.

By creating this immunosuppressive environment, the tumour effectively prevents itself from being targeted by the body’s immune system, allowing it to propagate and spread.

This makes developing treatment for solid tumours difficult. Immunotherapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T-cells tend to be rather ineffective in combating solid tumours like HCC, rather than other forms of cancer, like blood cancers, for this reason. [2]

In order to make an effective therapy, the team of researchers realised that they had to prevent the HCC tumour from being able to create the immunosuppressive environment in the first place.

To do this, they engineered NK cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells and disabled their receptor for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a protein that suppresses immune function and is abundant in HCC tumours.

Their findings showed that these modified NK cells had significantly better anti-tumor activity and improved survival rates in preclinical models than NK cells without the genetic modification. [3]

What impact will this liver cancer therapy have?

Being able to derive NK cells from induced pluripotent stem cells means that the new HCC therapy is an ‘off-the-shelf’ therapy, according to the researchers.

Unlike CAR T-cell therapy, which is a highly personalised immunotherapy, the genetically modified NK cell therapy could theoretically be mass produced, say the UCSD team.

This means the therapy could vastly improve not just the effectiveness of treatment outcomes, but could also potentially streamline the treatment process for patients.

Furthermore, the researchers’ findings suggest that the genetic disabling of the TGF-β receptor could be effective in treating other types of solid tumour which, like HCC, create immunosuppressive environments.

The team anticipate that future clinical trials will build upon their research, taking their findings and applying them in the development of both NK cell and CAR-T cell therapies for a range of solid tumours.

Regenerative medicine and cord blood banking

Research like this highlights the importance of stem cells in driving future medical breakthroughs.

Much like the induced pluripotent stem cells in this study, the stem cells in your baby’s umbilical cord blood are able to differentiate into a range of cell types, including NK cells. [4]

Saving these stem cells for your baby provides them with the best chance of accessing more of the cutting edge therapies of the future.

By saving their stem cells, you can be secure in the knowledge that they’ll always have cells from their own perfect donor match available: themselves.

To find out more about saving stem cells for your baby fill out the form below to request your FREE Welcome Pack.

References

[1] University of California – San Diego. “Stem cell-derived therapy shows promise against treatment-resistant liver cancer.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 9 July 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240709184232.htm>.

[2] Lionel A. Kankeu Fonkoua, Olivia Sirpilla, Reona Sakemura, Elizabeth L. Siegler, Saad S. Kenderian, CAR T cell therapy and the tumor microenvironment: Current challenges and opportunities, Molecular Therapy – Oncolytics, Volume 25, 2022, Pages 69-77, ISSN 2372-7705, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omto.2022.03.009. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2372770522000511)

[3] Jaya Lakshmi Thangaraj, Michael Coffey, Edith Lopez, Dan S. Kaufman, Disruption of TGF-β signaling pathway is required to mediate effective killing of hepatocellular carcinoma by human iPSC-derived NK cells, Cell Stem Cell, 2024, ISSN 1934-5909, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.009. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1934590924002170)

[4] Zhao, Xiaoyan et al. “Cord-Blood Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Cancer.” Frontiers in immunology vol. 11 584099. 22 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.584099


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The results from a new study into treating atopic dermatitis (AD) – the most common form of eczema – suggest that mesenchymal stem cells are effective in combatting AD symptoms.

The phase 1/2 trial, which aimed to treat patients suffering from moderate to severe AD symptoms, utilised human bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells (hcMSCs) which were delivered to patients via infusion.

Researchers believe that this treatment method is highly promising in improving symptoms of the chronic condition, which is estimated to affect approximately 2.6% of the population (204 million people) worldwide. [1]

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, cracked, and itchy.

The most common form of eczema in children, atopic dermatitis is a long term condition which can also arise for the first time during adulthood.

The exact causes of AD remain unknown, though it’s thought that it may run in families.

Environmental factors such as the use of certain soaps and cleaning products, the weather, and stress have been shown to be triggers for AD flare ups, and those who suffer from AD often also suffer from hay-fever and asthma.

Current treatment options for AD are limited, with the majority focusing on the alleviation or management of symptoms. Self-care practices, such as avoiding triggers and trying not to scratch, along with the use of moisturisers (emollients) and topical medicines are most commonly recommended to help combat AD symptoms. [2]

In many cases, AD often improves over time, but the current lack of effective treatment options, in addition to the widespread prevalence of the condition and its impact on sufferers’ quality of life, means that finding new ways to combat AD is imperative.

What did the new study find?

The study was conducted in two phases.

Phase 1

  • This phase saw 20 patients receive high and low doses of hcMSCs via infusions every two weeks.

  • Both high-dose and low-dose application was effective, with 67-70% of both groups displaying a 50% improvement in symptoms.

Phase 2

Phase 2 expanded to 72 patients, half of whom were given the low-dose, and the other half a placebo, with some interesting results:

  • 58% of patients who had the low-dose experienced over 50% improvement in symptoms compared to the placebo group, of which only 32% experienced a similar improvement.

  • Further yet, 24% of patients who had the low-dose even saw improvements of over 90% in their symptoms thanks to the treatment, compared to only 6% from the placebo group.

Overall, the results of the trial suggest that low doses of hcMSCs can dramatically improve symptoms of AD in sufferers whose condition is moderate to severe. [3]

How does the treatment work? 

Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to regulate the immune system. They interact with various immune cells and help reduce inflammation. Previous studies have shown these cells can lower inflammation in conditions like pancreatitis and improve symptoms in animal models of AD. [4] [5] [6] [7]

In this study, researchers hoped to build upon these previous findings by using mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow in order to help with the immunomodulation necessary for improving AD symptoms.

What’s next for the new AD treatment?

While these results are promising, larger studies are needed to confirm the long-term benefits and safety of this treatment. However, this research opens up an exciting new avenue for eczema treatment that could significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

Cord blood banking and mesenchymal stem cells

The mesenchymal stem cells used in this study come from bone marrow, but they can also be found in a baby’s umbilical cord.

In 2017, a trial showed that mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood could effectively treat moderate to severe AD. [8]

These mesenchymal stem cells can become various types of specialised cells, from muscle tissue to nerve cells, making them ideal for regenerative therapies.

By saving these stem cells at birth, you can provide your child with access to future advanced treatments.

To learn more, fill out the form below to receive a free Welcome Pack. This pack will explain how stem cell collection works, the benefits of storing stem cells, and current treatments using stem cells. It only takes a moment, but it could be the best decision you make for your child’s future.

References

[1] A study about how many people around the world have atopic dermatitis, British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 190, Issue 1, January 2024, Page e6, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljad462

[2] (2023, November 11). Overview: Atopic eczema. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/

[3] Hebebrand, M. (2024, July 8). Promising Phase 1/2 Trial Results of Stem Cells for AD. Dermatology Times. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/promising-phase-1-2-trial-results-of-stem-cells-for-ad

[4] Hyun-Min Seo, et al. Phase 1/2 trials of human bone marrow–derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology,2024,ISSN 0091-6749, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2024.06.013. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674924006377)

[5] Il Sang Shin, et al., Human Bone Marrow–derived Clonal Mesenchymal Stem Cells Decrease the Initial C-Reactive Protein Level in Patients With Moderately Severe to Severe Acute Pancreatitis, Gastroenterology, Volume 164, Issue 7, 2023, Pages 1317-1320.e2, ISSN 0016-5085, https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2023.02.009. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016508523001439)

[6] Na, K., Yoo, H., Zhang, Y. et al. Bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells inhibit ovalbumin-induced atopic dermatitis. Cell Death Dis 5, e1345 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/cddis.2014.299

[7] Song, Jy., Kang, H.J., Ju, H.M. et al. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell extracts ameliorate atopic dermatitis in mice by reducing the T cell responses. Sci Rep 9, 6623 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42964-7

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