Overview
Have you ever imagined a future where chronic diseases are no longer life-threatening?
Stem cell preservation is turning this vision into a possibility. This cutting-edge technology involves extracting and storing cells capable of regenerating into any tissue, offering a potential cure for various diseases.
In India, the stakes are particularly high. With a rising prevalence of genetic disorders and chronic diseases, the demand for advanced treatments is growing. The stem cell preservation market in India is projected to reach approximately $1.3 billion by 2026, driven by an increasing number of preservation facilities and growing public awareness. This burgeoning field promises to revolutionize healthcare and offers hope to millions by harnessing the body's healing capabilities.
But yet many of us don't know about stem cell preservation. Stem cells are preserved for clinical and research purposes. In this article, we will discuss everything related to stem cell preservation in India.
Curious about how stem cell preservation could impact healthcare in India? Read on to explore the transformative potential of this remarkable technology.
What Is Stem Cell Preservation?
Stem cell preservation is a cutting-edge medical practice with transformative potential.
It’s the process of collecting and storing stem cells, which can develop into any cell type in the body, from blood to brain cells.
Types of Stem Cells:
- Cord Blood: Collected from the umbilical cord at birth, rich in stem cells that can regenerate into blood and immune system cells.
- Adult Stem Cells: Extracted from adult tissues like bone marrow, which are useful in treating various diseases.
Preservation Method:
- Cryopreservation: Stem cells are frozen at extremely low temperatures to keep them viable for future therapeutic use.
These preserved cells can potentially repair damaged tissues, treat diseases, and even regenerate new tissues as needed.
Stem Cell Preservation Benefits
Stem cell preservation may sound general, but it has amazing benefits for future applications.
So, let's have a look at the benefits and uses of stem cell preservation in detail.
Did you know that stem cells can be life-saving?
If a little effort can leave a great impact on the future, then why not utilize it?
The stem cells extracted from the umbilical cord can be used later to treat many life-threatening diseases for both mother and baby, such as blood and immune system disorders, cancers, and genetic diseases.
You can also donate stem cells to various government banks in India to help others or donate for research purposes.
Furthermore, stem cells are used to regenerate the immune system after chemotherapy.
- Useful For Clinical Trials And Research Purposes
Novel treatments for diseases are emerging daily. Developing novel therapies requires using stem cells in clinical trials, which plays a vital role in researching the treatment of various diseases.
For example, stem cells help research diseases in which these cells have an essential function, such as blood disorders, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injury, muscle repair, and arthritis.
Additionally, stem cells are used to study and research how diseases occur and why cells develop into cancer cells.
- Stem Cells Can Replace Damaged Cells
Since other cells originate from stem cells and are the building blocks of organs and tissues, stem cells are used to grow new cells in the laboratory and replace damaged cells, organs, or tissues in the body.
Various factors, such as aging, illness, or injury, can damage our body parts. Stem cells can repair these damaged parts by restoring our body functions.
Now, let’s discuss,
Stem Cell Preservation In India
Around 60,000 stem cell transplants are being performed globally every year, while in India, 2000 stem cell transplants are performed yearly.
However, due to the prevalence and progression of the disease, the need for stem transplantation is around 1 lakh. Hence, the process of stem cell preservation in India needs to be increased.
For now, let’s look at some of the popular stem cell banks in India that are already providing stem cell banking services.
Top 10 Stem Cell Banks in India
Stem cell preservation companies or stem cell banking in India perform various functions, such as researching, storing, processing, and donating stem cells.
The top 10 stem cell preservation or stem cell banking companies in India are described below:
Mumbai
1. Reliance Life Sciences Pvt ltd
- Reliance Life Sciences was established in 2002. It was the first preservation company in India and South Asia.
- Reliance Life Sciences is well-recognised for offering various banking services, from preserving cord blood and cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells to umbilical cord preservation.
2. Cryobanks International India Pvt Ltd
Cryobank was established in 1993. It is a private bank in India that preserves stem cells and umbilical cords.
3. Regenerative Medical Sciences Pvt Ltd
- Another top stem cell preservation organization in India is Regenerative Medical Services Pvt. Ltd. Created in 2009, the bank is operated in Maharashtra and several other parts of India.
- It works to provide umbilical cord stem cell preservation and banking services. The bank is also known as BioCell.
4. Ree Laboratories Pvt Ltd
Ree Laboratories, also known as ReeLabs, is a private blood bank in Mumbai that collects and preserves stem cells from various sources, including umbilical cord blood, adipose tissues, placenta, menstrual blood, and Amniotic fluid, cord and amniotic sac
Bangalore
1. CryoSave India Pvt Ltd
- CryoSave India is a renowned bank in Bangalore, offering two primary services:
- Umbilical cord stem cell preservation
- Cord tissue MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) preservation.
2. Narayana Hrudayalaya Tissue Bank & Stem Cells Research Centre
- Narayana Hrudayalaya Tissue Bank & Stem Cells Research Centre is one of the top stem cell banks whose major goal is to provide affordable cord blood to the country.
- Moreover, they educate people and medical experts about the benefits of stem cell banking.
Chennai
LifeCell International Pvt Ltd
- LifeCell International Pvt Ltd is one of the largest stem cell banks in Chennai, India.
- It works on multiple aspects, including proper and sterile stem cell extraction, storage, collection, and transportation.
- Their process of collecting umbilical cord stem cells is simple, safe, and noninvasive for both the mother and child. Transportation is assisted through temperature-controlled stainless steel boxes.
- LifeCell International Pvt Ltd opts for high-standard processes that are FDA, WHO, and NABL certified.
Ahmedabad
Stemcyte India Therapeutics Pvt Ltd
- Stemcyte India Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd. is located in Ahmedabad, India.
- The bank uses high-standard technologies to process and collect stem cells.
- It utilizes plasma depletion technology to process the stem cells and a closed-bag collection method to avoid damaging them.
- Moreover, it uses a fire-resistant cello-insulated kit box offering high-temperature maintenance to stem cells
Hyderabad
Path Care Labs Pvt Ltd
Path Care Labs is a private stem cell preservation lab located in Hyderabad, India, functioning since 2008.
Delhi
Unistem Biosciences Pvt. Ltd
- Apart from preservation, stem cell research is crucial for identifying various disease treatments.
- Unistem Biosciences Pvt. Ltd. is an organization in Delhi that not only works on cord blood cell preservation but also serves in stem cell research.
Government Stem Cell Banking In India
Government stem cell banking is also known as public stem cell banks or public cord blood banks.
Government stem cell banking in India utilizes stem cells for donation or uses the donated samples for stem cell research.
However, some eligibility criteria exist to meet when donating stem cells to government banks.
The criteria include:
- Your age should be between 18-50 years old.
- You should be in good health and free from any chronic diseases.
- You should undergo a cheek swab test.
What is Stem Cell Preservation Cost in India?
If you are planning to preserve your stem cells in India, you may surely have this question, right?
Well, stem cell preservation costs in India vary from Rs. 50,000-80,000.
But different factors can affect stem cell banking costs in India, which include:
Are you looking for the city-wise cost of stem cell preservation?
The approximate cost of stem cell preservation in different cities of India is given below:
| Cities In India | Stem Cell Preservation Cost |
| Mumbai | 75,000 INR |
| Bangalore | 25,000 INR |
| Chennai | 19,990 INR |
| Delhi | 49,990 INR |
| Pune | 27,000 INR |
| Kolkata | 45,750 INR |
| Hyderabad | 65,000 INR |
Did you know that stem cell storage cost in India is way more affordable compared to other countries like the USA or Australia?
Let's have a look at the cost comparison chart given below:
| Countries | Stem Cell Preservation Cost Comparison |
| India | $632.29 - $885.21 (50,000 INR to 70,000 INR) |
| USA | $1000-$3000 |
| Australia | $3000-$4000 |
Stem Cell Preservation Uses And Benefits In India
Stem Cell Preservation, is it worth it or why should I choose India for stem cell preservation?
This is a question that must be running in most minds right now!
Is it even running in your mind?
Then do not miss reading on the uses and benefits of stem cell preservation in India given below.
- Stem cells in India can be used to treat many diseases like spinal cord damage, Alzheimer's disease, heart failure, diabetes, and others.
- It is also very likely that saving and storing a child's stem cells at birth can be used to fight diseases in the future.
- Later, stem cells can develop into any blood cell. Hence, they are widely used for transplants to cure blood disorders, metabolic diseases, and some blood cancers.
Stem Cell Preservation Methods In India
Stem cell preservation methods include a collection of stem cells from a source. These sources can be:
- Umbilical cord blood tissue
- Bone marrow
- Adipose tissue
- Peripheral stem cells
Are you wondering if Stem Cell Preservation is Necessary in India?
The simple answer is No.
Stem cell preservation is not necessary in India. However, stem cells are worth preserving because of their clinical and research applications and future use to treat a wide range of diseases. Researchers say that stem cells can be used to save a life.
How Effective Is Stem Cell Preservation In India?
Success rates of stem cell therapy in India vary. It can depend on the patient's condition, the disease being treated, and the speciality of the professional performing the preservation or therapy.
The success rate of stem cell preservation and stem cell therapy in India is about 60-80%.
Isn’t that a huge number?
Now, let’s discuss,
Law To Regulate Stem Cell Banking In India
India has initiated to promote the business of stem cell banking in their country. The laws to regulate stem cell storage in India are being processed. The first step they have endured is the preparation of draft rules for umbilical cord blood banking in the country. With that, the rules have been sent for public consultation.
Cord blood is an essential source of stem cells, and the rules currently followed are the same as those for blood banks. But the official health ministry declares that it is significant to make separate rules for cord stem cell banking.
These new rules will be a modified and extended version of the current blood banking rules pursued in India. Moreover, the rules for cord cell banking cover both umbilical cord blood and cord blood banks.
The new rules will include the stem cell banking requirements for:
- Collection
- Processing
- Testing
- Storage
- Banking
- Release of stem cells
- Requirements for release
- Transportation of stem cells.
Conclusion
Stem cell preservation is an innovative technology whose research is increasing rapidly. Studies reveal that stem cell storage can be widely beneficial in the future for various purposes, such as treating diseases, replacing damaged cells, saving lives, or conducting research.
Umbilical cord blood is one of the most enriched sources of stem cells. Extracting and preserving stem cells from the umbilical cord during childbirth is extremely beneficial in treating future diseases.
Various renowned stem cell preservation banks in India work on stem cell research, donation, processing, storage, and transportation. Moreover, stem cell preservation in India is much more affordable than in other countries.
So, what are you thinking?
It is time to reap the benefits of stem cell preservation in India!
FAQs
1. How long can stem cells be preserved?
Stem cells can be cryogenically preserved for decades. When stored correctly, they can remain viable for over 20 years.
2. What diseases can be treated with preserved stem cells?
Preserved stem cells are used to treat various conditions, including leukaemia, various other cancers, anaemia, and metabolic disorders. They are also being researched for potential applications in treating degenerative diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes.
3. Is stem cell preservation safe?
Yes, the collection and preservation process is safe. Cord blood collection is non-invasive and painless for both mother and baby, and adult stem cell extraction follows standard medical safety protocols.
4. How is the quality of preserved stem cells maintained?
Quality control involves maintaining stem cells at very low temperatures, typically below -150°C, in liquid nitrogen tanks, ensuring they are not exposed to temperature fluctuations, and regularly monitoring them for viability.
5. Can stem cells be used for more than one family member?
Yes, stem cells, especially those from umbilical cord blood, are highly likely to be compatible with family members and can potentially be used to treat siblings or parents if needed.
References:
https://www.lifecell.in/blog/stem-cells/top-stem-cell-banks-in-india
https://www.beingtheparent.com/top-10-stem-cell-banks-in-india/
