Americord Advances Method Of Obtaining Mesenchymal Stem Cells From The Placenta

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Private umbilical cord blood and tissue banking leader, Americord, announced today that it has validated a revised process for the preservation of mesenchymal stem cells ("MSCs") from placenta tissue. The new method greatly improves the success rate for preserving viable MSCs from Placenta Tissue, a service first developed in 2012.

MSCs are particularly valuable because of their ability to differentiate into a broad range of other cells found in the human body. Unlike the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood, MSCs are not presently used in medical therapies. Research has indicated that MSCs hold the promise of being able to someday treat debilitating conditions such as heart disease, type 1 diabetes, lung cancer and Parkinson's disease. There are currently over 40 clinical trials investigating the use of MSCs in medicine.

Developed in cooperation with Americord's Executive Medical Director, Dr. Robert Dracker, the new process has been shown to result in more effective harvesting of mesenchymal stem cells from placenta tissue. It greatly simplifies the collection process for delivery room medical personnel. Testing showed that 99% of the mesenchymal stem cells collected using Americord's new process were viable.

"We believe this is the first time that anyone has successfully validated a commercially viable method of collecting, isolating and preserving mesenchymal stem cells from placenta tissue," said Americord CEO Martin Smithmyer. "This exciting development directly supports our mission to provide the highest quality services at the lowest possible cost, while we pursue unique and innovative ways to improve the therapeutic utility of stem cells."  

About Americord
Americord is a leader in the advancement of umbilical cord blood, cord tissue and placenta tissue banking. Americord collects, processes, and stores newborn stem cells from umbilical cord blood for future medical or therapeutic use, including the treatment of more than 80 blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia and leukemia. Founded in 2008, Americord is registered with the FDA and operates in all 50 states. The company's laboratory is CLIA Certified, accredited by the AABB and complies with all federal and state guidelines and applicable licenses. Americord is headquartered in New York, NY. You may visit Americord's website at cordadvantage.com for more information. You may also find Americord on Facebook and follow the company on Twitter.

Contact: Andrew Flook
Americord Registry
866-503-6005
[email protected]

SOURCE Americord