The CooperSurgical owned laboratory where Cells for Life’s samples are stored (CooperSurgical is Cells for Life’s parent company) released their first cord blood sample for experimental regenerative therapy in 2005.¹ This milestone — their first non-transplant release — marked the beginning of an exciting new era for families. By the end of 2024, the number of cord blood samples released by the CooperSurgical laboratory for regenerative medicine outpaced those for transplants by more than five to one.¹
We’re celebrating 20 years of progress with a comprehensive look back at how hundreds of families have turned to their stored cord blood stem cells to explore new medical possibilities. Discover how these families are leading the way in embracing the transformative potential of stem cell therapies.
Cumulative cord blood units released
The CooperSurgical laboratory has released 780 cord blood samples intended for use in transplant and regenerative medicine. This is more than any other family cord blood bank, further solidifying the position as the world’s largest and most experienced family newborn stem cell preservation company.¹
Indications for releases
To date, 50,000 cord blood transplants have been performed worldwide.² Cord blood stem cells can be used in stem cell transplants to treat more than 80 conditions.³ CooperSurgical has released cord blood units for a variety of these conditions with some of the most common being sickle cell disease, acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and beta thalassemia.¹ As in previous years, blood disorders and cancer continue to be the primary transplant-related indications for releases.
While requests for stem cell releases for transplant medicine have remained consistent, we’ve seen the most overall growth over the past 20 years in the number of releases for regenerative therapies. More than 84% of all requested samples were designated for use in regulated experimental regenerative medicine clinical trials.¹ These indications for release include over 30 conditions, such as cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus.¹
Autologous vs. allogeneic use
The decision regarding the use of autologous stem cells (patient’s own) or allogeneic stem cells (donor source) for a stem cell transplant procedure or regenerative medicine treatment depends on several factors. These include the specific condition being treated and the patient’s individual circumstances and medical history.⁴
Sixty-four percent of cord blood sample releases from the laboratory were intended for treatments involving the patient’s own cord blood.¹ Autologous applications are more common in regenerative medicine, while allogeneic applications are typically used for stem cell transplants. Among the allogeneic uses is one syngeneic case, a rare instance where the donor and recipient are identical twins.
Age range of samples
The CooperSurgical laboratory, has released samples ranging from those that had been stored for 11 days to those stored for 17 years. Its state-of-the-art lab features 24/7 monitoring with auto tank fill systems, regular temperature checks, two 9,000-gallon liquid nitrogen tanks for backup supply, and one of the largest industrial diesel emergency generators available.¹ Effective cryostorage techniques help ensure that samples retain their properties for potential future use for many decades.⁵
Family cord banking and the Newborn Possibilities Program®
The Newborn Possibilities Program® offers eligible families with a qualifying medical need complimentary newborn stem cell preservation of cord blood and cord tissue, along with five years of free storage. Twenty-four percent of the samples we’ve released to date were from families who banked their sample under this program.
¹This positions CooperSurgical as a leader in helping to expand access to potentially life-changing stem cell therapies for those who need them most when a clinical trial or treatment for their condition is available.
Is cord blood banking worth it?
For these parents who used their cord blood sample, the answer would be a heartfelt yes. When their family needed the cord blood sample, they were grateful to have this medical resource ready to support their loved one. Expecting a child, or have friends or family who are? How about a grandchild? Enroll with Cells for Life today or refer a friend. When someone you refer preserves with Cells for Life, you’ll receive a cheque or storage credit to fund your storage fees.
*These stories depict the families’ personal experiences and are not necessarily representative of others’ experiences and cannot predict outcomes for others. Cells for Life cannot and does not guarantee specific results. Your physician or other healthcare providers should be consulted about your particular situation.
*Refer-a-Friend Program: See website for referral terms and conditions.
