LifeSource Cryobank Only Company in U.S. To Extract and Store Stem Cells Directly From Bone Marrow
Posted on: Tuesday, 7 October 2008, 09:00 CDT
Using an advanced medical technique, doctors at LifeSource Cryobank, LLC can extract, purify, expand and store a type of stem cells directly from bone marrow. Because these stem cells give rise to or participate in the formation of bone, muscle, cartilage, blood vessels and other tissues and organs, they are far superior to hematopoietic stem cells that can only regenerate new blood cells.
This summer, Michael Drury became the first person in the United States to have his stem cells banked via the new extraction method. Developed by LifeSource Scientific Director Jose Minguell, Ph.D., and overseen by its Medical Director, Gabriel Lasala, M.D., Drury had stem cells aspirated directly from bone marrow in his hip. The stem cells were then isolated and multiplied before being stored in the cryopreservation facility.
The researchers are also using these procedures to execute three Federal Drug Administration reviewed clinical trials to treat lower limb ischemia (blockage to the vessels of the legs), coronary ischemia (blockage to the vessels of the heart) and damage to heart muscle from heart attack. Over the last nine months, more than twenty people have undergone the patent-pending procedure as part of the trials.
A paraplegic since a ladder accident in 2004, Drury chose to bank his stem cells in the hope that modern medicine will soon be able to use these cells to treat his injury.
Drury added that he decided to have the procedure with LifeSource because of the safety and integrity it offers.
"Based on the current research, I think a scientific breakthrough is just around the corner. It may take another five, or even ten, years before stem cells can be used to help me walk again," Drury said. "Storing my cells while I am still young and healthy gives me the best chance of being ready when the time comes."
"The future of regenerative medicine is now," said Lasala. "LifeSource exists to allow adults like Mike, who may not be treated in today's medical environment, have the opportunity to be treated in the not-so-distant future."
About LifeSource:
LifeSource Cryobank, LLC is a privately-owned, FDA registered, state of the art laboratory committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of the stem cells we store in a totally secure environment. Located in Covington, LifeSource opened its doors in September 2007. It is the only storage facility for UCB along the Gulf Coast and the only facility in the country to bank stem cells taken directly from bone marrow.
Source: Business Wire
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