Stem Cell Clinical Trials Use Stem Cells Banked With CBR®

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In addition to current, FDA-regulated clinical trials, the same types of stem cells that are found in cord blood and cord tissue are being used in early-stage research. Although researchers can't say what these studies will yield, newborn stem cells are demonstrating a growing range of potential uses across a variety of therapeutic areas.

Stroke Mesenchymal stem cells found in cord tissue are being evaluated in animal studies for their ability to treat ishemic stroke, a condition that occurs when an artery to the brain is blocked. Animals treated with cord tissue stem cells experienced a decrease in the size of injury, with increased blood flow to the affected area. Treated animals also experienced increased motor control, likely due to the stem cells' ability to secrete factors that promote blood flow and encourage the brain's natural healing process.16

Parkinson's DiseaseEarly laboratory studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cells from cord tissue can help improve motor function in animals afflicted with Parkinson's disease, a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. The study indicated that the stem cells reduced some functional effects of the disease, making stem cell treatment a potential therapeutic strategy.17

Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by insoluble protein deposits in the brain called beta amyloids. A study evaluating the effect of human cord blood mesenchymal stem cells on Alzheimer's disease in mice showed a marked reduction in beta amyloids, as the stem cells actively migrated to the affected parts of the brain. These results have led to human clinical trials.18

Heart Disease Mounting evidence shows that mesenchymal stem cells derived from cord tissue may provide a valuable tool for fighting heart disease. Early laboratory studies demonstrate that, under specific conditions, these stem cells could be induced to become heart muscle cells. Based on these results, researchers propose moving forward with animal studies to better understand their potential as therapy for heart disease in humans.19

Peripheral Artery Occlusive Disease Peripheral artery occlusive disease, a hardening and narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs, can result in decreased blood flow to the limbs, which could result in pain, wounds that don't heal properly, and a noticeable change in skin color. Animal studies using stem cells from cord blood show promising results in the creation of new blood vessels and restoring blood flow. In animals, limbs injected with cord blood stem cells experienced an increase in the number and density of blood vessels over the limbs that weren't injected.20

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Stem Cell Clinical Trials Use Stem Cells Banked With CBR®