Stem Cells From Menstrual Blood Show Therapeutic Potential
Data in Cell Transplantation Demonstrates Capacity of Menstrual Stem
Cells
OLDSMAR, Fla., April 14 /PRNewswire-
International, Inc. today announced results of a study published this
month in Cell Transplantation showing that stem cells found in
menstrual blood proliferate rapidly and have significant potential to
develop into multiple cell types. Menstrual stem cells offer an
easily accessible, non-controversial and renewable stem cell source,
and these findings could mean these cells have the potential to one
day treat a host of diseases.
The study, "Multipotent Menstrual Blood Stromal Stem Cells:
Isolation, Characterization and Differentiation,
researchers at Cryo- Cell International who originally discovered the
stem cells. According to the study, the stem cells in menstrual
blood, known as MenSCs, are stromal stem cells, meaning they have the
capability to differentiate into important cells, such as such as
bone, cartilage, fat, nerve and cardiogenic cells. The study also
found that the cells divided rapidly and plentifully, indicating a
possible therapeutic value.
With additional studies of the cells in a variety of categories, the
use of these cells may lead to treatments for a number of serious
diseases, such as osteoporosis, stroke, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
disease. The cells may even one day be used for customized anti-aging
or sports medicine treatments.
"These findings demonstrate that this novel cell population is
adequately potent to one day be a routinely and safely isolated
source of stem cells," said Julie Allickson, Ph.D., study
investigator and Vice President, Laboratory Operations, Research and
Development at Cryo-Cell International, Inc. "Clinical trials are now
underway to test the safety and efficacy of MenSCs in animal models
for diabetes, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular regenerative
therapies."
"As we research several sources of stem cells for their potential
therapeutic benefits, we look for cells to emulate embryonic stem
cells in that they have the ability to grow rapidly and to become
many different types of cells," said Dr. Camillo Ricordi, director of
the Cell Transplant Center and the Diabetes Research Institute at the
University of Miami. "These menstrual stem cells could have several
of the embryonic stem cell attributes, in addition to being easily
extracted, not controversial and renewable."
During the study, the investigators analyzed shed menstrual blood and
tissue to identify MenSCs. The samples were obtained using a
menstrual cup and transferred to a laboratory for processing. At the
lab, the cells were quality control-tested and grown in culture to
allow for expansion and to assess their growth capabilities. Further
analyses were conducted to assess the cells' ability to differentiate
into new cell lines, in order to determine which diseases the cells
may be used to treat. The average cell collection from a sample of
menstrual blood was approximately five million, of which 75 percent
of the cells were considered viable. Importantly, the cells rapidly
expanded at a doubling rate of 24-36 hours, starting with 50,000
cells on day one and culminating into 48 million cells in less than
one month.
"This promising study is the first of many we are conducting in
collaboration with leading researchers and institutions with the
ultimate goal of using these stem cells to develop groundbreaking
future treatments," said Mercedes Walton, Cryo-Cell's Chairman and
CEO. "These initial findings offer scientific support and validation
for women who are interested in preserving their own menstrual blood
stem cells for potential future benefit."
Based on the results of the study, Cryo-Cell is pursuing further
research into menstrual stem cells. Cryo-Cell is organizing a number
of research and development agreements in efforts to develop
promising regenerative therapies utilizing C'elle technology in
cardiology, diabetes and neurological diseases. Results from these
studies are expected in the next year. The Company is actively
seeking to expand its portfolio of research collaborations with
scientists worldwide interested in studying this novel stem cell
population for regenerative therapeutic development. Cryo-Cell's
C'elle(SM) service, which was introduced in November, 2007, is the
first available product that enables women to collect menstrual flow
containing stem cells, which can then be cryogenically preserved in a
manner similar to stem cells from umbilical cord blood.
About Cryo-Cell International, Inc. OTCBulletinBoard: CCEL.OB
Based in Oldsmar, Florida, with over 150,000 clients worldwide, Cryo-
Cell is one of the largest and most established family cord blood
banks. ISO 9001: 2000 certified and accredited by the AABB, Cryo-Cell
operates in a state-of- the-art Good Manufacturing Practice and Good
Tissue Practice (cGMP/cGTP)- compliant facility. Cryo-Cell is a
publicly traded company. OTC Bulletin Board Symbol: CCEL. For more
information, please call 1-800-STOR-CELL (1-800- 786-7235) or visit
http://www.cryo-
Forward-Looking Statement
Statements wherein the terms "believes", "intends", "projects"
or "expects" as used are intended to reflect "forward-looking
statements" of the Company. The information contained herein is
subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the results
anticipated in such forward-looking statements or paragraphs, many of
which are outside the control of the Company. These uncertainties and
other factors include the uncertainty of market acceptance of any
potential service offerings relating to types of stem cells other
than cord blood stem cells, including the C'elle service, given that
menstrual stem cells and other new stem cells have not yet been used
in human therapies, and treatment applications using such stem cells
are not likely to be developed and commercialized for many years and
are subject to further research and development; the need for
additional development and testing before determining the ultimate
commercial value of the Company's intellectual property relating to
the menstrual stem cells; the need to complete certain developments,
including completion of clinical validation and testing, before any
new process other than C'elle can be commercialized, and the
Company's development of its final business and economic model in
offering any such service; any adverse effect or limitations caused
by recent increases in government regulation of stem cell storage
facilities; any increased competition in our business; any decrease
or slowdown in the number of people seeking to store umbilical cord
blood stem cells or decrease in the number of people paying annual
storage fees; any adverse impacts on our revenue or operating margins
due to the costs associated with increased growth in our business,
including the possibility of unanticipated costs relating to the
operation of our new facility; any technological breakthrough or
medical breakthrough that would render the Company's business of stem
cell preservation obsolete; any material failure or malfunction in
our storage facilities; any natural disaster such as a tornado, other
disaster (fire) or act of terrorism that adversely affects stored
specimens; the costs associated with defending or prosecuting
litigation matters and any material adverse result from such matters;
decreases in asset valuations; any continued negative effect from
adverse publicity in the past year regarding the Company's business
operations; any negative consequences resulting from deriving,
shipping and storing specimens at a second location; and other risks
and uncertainties. The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and the
Company disclaims any obligations to subsequently revise any forward-
looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
of such statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors
described in other documents the Company files from time to time with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB and
any Current Reports on Form 8-K filed by the Company.
Contact:
General Media Inquiries
Kristin O'Neill
312-233-1295
kristin.oneill@
Financial Media Inquiries
Mona Walsh
212-704-4598
mona.walsh@edelman.
Website: http://www.cryo-
http://sev.prnewswi
hospitals/20080414/
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StemCells subscribers may also be interested in these sites:
Children's Neurobiological Solutions
http://www.CNSfoundation.org/
Cord Blood Registry
http://www.CordBlood.com/at.cgi?a=150123
The CNS Healing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CNS_Healing
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