There are several non-controversial sources of stem cells such as bone marrow and umbilical cord blood. Within each source there are different types of stems cells; each potentially offering researchers different treatment abilities.  

Cord Blood has several types of stem cells. Our researchers are investigating the use of Hematopoietic Stem Cells to potentially treat certain types of cancers and blood disorders. These unique stem cells have the ability to differentiate (or develop) into white blood cells, red blood cells and blood platelets; offering potentially regenerative treatment options for cancer patients.

However, in order to use these stem cells to treat even more cancer patients, scientists must first determine a safe and effective means of increasing (or expanding) the total number of cells available from a single cord blood unit. This is because today the quantity of stem cell available from a single umbilical cord unit is generally only enough to treat one patient one time. 

Therefore as our scientists look to stem cells like Hematopoietic Stem Cells to treat even more cancer patients they must first develop cell expansion technologies.

ViaCord is currently investigating cell expansion technologies such as a co-culture product and Selective Amplification, a  proprietary technology designed to expand the overall cell count in a cord blood unit. Each of these expansion technologies is in pre-clinical testing.

Drug development is a lengthy process and involves a high degree of risk. Success in pre-clinical testing or early stage clinical trials does not guarantee success in later stage development. While there is no assurance that cell expansion technologies will be approved by the FDA, using them to develop new therapeutics could potentially increase the importance of cord blood stem cells in the future.