Cord blood bank Cryo-Cell International Inc. (CCEL, Oldsmar, Fla.) said on January 29 that it will work with Saneron CCEL Therapeutics, Inc., on research involving menstrual stem cell technology in pre-clinical models for three neurological diseases and disorders.
The companies did not specify which neurological diseases would be studied.
According to the companies, C’elle (pronounced “C-L”) menstrual stem cells are derived from menstrual flow, which results from the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) during menstruation
The endometrium contains millions of stem cells that have many properties and characteristics similar to those of both bone marrow and embryonic stem cells, the company said.
“Cryo-Cell is excited to leverage our long relationship with Saneron… to explore utilization of C’elle menstrual stem cells in the development of potential breakthrough therapies for three very devastating disorders,” said Cryo-Cell’s R&D chief Julie Allickson, Ph.D.
Last November, Cryo-Cell announced the discovery of the menstrual stem cell technology and launched the C’elle service, allowing women to cryopreserve their menstrual stem cells.
C’elle menstrual stem cells are adult stem cells, the company said, but they share some of the same features of embryonic stem cells in their ability to multiply rapidly and differentiate into other cell types of the body.
Current research is very preliminary, but given their properties, C’elle stem cells demonstrate compelling promise to transform regenerative medicine in the coming years.
The agreement calls for Cryo-Cell to provide menstrual stem cells and the methodology associated with the technology.
Saneron will provide study materials and develop research methodology for potential therapeutic applications associated with designated pre-clinical applications.
Intellectual property resulting from this research collaboration will be jointly owned by the parties.
Cryo-Cell owns an approximately 38 percent equity interest in Saneron CCEL.
Saneron (Tampa, Fla.) is focused on neurological and cardiac cell therapy for the early intervention and treatment of several devastating or deadly diseases that lack adequate treatments.
Contact: http://www.cryo-cell.com
Contact: http://www.celle.com
Contact: http://www.saneron-ccel.com
