Successful Transplant of Trachea Grown From Patient’s Own Cells

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Boston, MA, July 13, 2011 — Prominent Wall St. Journal science reporter Gautam Naik recently reported on a remarkable breakthrough procedure in the field of regenerative medicine. Naik writes about a cancer patient in Sweden who had his windpipe replaced by an organ made in the lab using his own stem cells, resulting in the patient’s terminal cancer diagnosis changing to ‘cancer free’.

According to Naik’s article, the implant on June 9, 2011 replaced an obstructed windpipe with a lab made one, and the 36-year-old patient ultimately received the remarkable news of his changed medical status. According to the story, he was discharged a few days after the procedure.

Naik reports that the transplantation of an entirely synthetic and permanent trachea (or windpipe) had never been successfully done before.

The patient’s speedy recovery marks another milestone in the quest to grow new organs for transplantation or to treat disease, Naik writes. More immediately, he says, it offers a possible treatment option for thousands of patients who suffer from tracheal cancer or other dangerous conditions affecting the windpipe.

“It’s yet another demonstration that what was once considered hype [in the field of tissue engineering] is becoming a life-changing moment for patients,” said Alan Russell, director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Pittsburgh in the Wall St. Journal story.

The Wall St. Journal story underscores the importance and impact of innovative companies like Biocell Center, the leader in amniotic fluid preservation.

Amniotic fluid has emerged as one of the most attractive sources of mesenchymal stem cells with broad utility for cell therapy development. The stem cells contained in amniotic fluid are multifunctional and can grow into many different organs and tissues. Biocell Center offers an opportunity to expecting parents to preserve just a teaspoon of their baby’s amniotic fluid during some prenatal tests throughout pregnancy.

“Amniotic fluid banking is the latest advance in stem cell preservation. Research with these stem cells is leading to significant medical discoveries, and the only way to take advantage is to plan ahead and preserve now,” says Dr. Kate Torchilin, PhD, CEO of Biocell Center.

Amniotic fluid preservation has been widely available in Europe for years, and is rapidly gaining traction in the US. Families are banking amniotic fluid now, from Hawaii to Massachusetts in order to give their child as a many options as possible for the future.

For the full story, go to the Wall St. Journal

Other press releases from Biocell Center Corporation

• Grant Will Study Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells’ Potential to Treat Alport Syndrome - June 14th, 2011
• Scientists create kidneys from amniotic fluid stem cells - April 18th, 2011
• Biocell Center Attends American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine Annual Convention - April 16th, 2011
• Boston Children’s Hospitals’ Dr. Dario Fauza Addresses Congress of Perinatal Medicine in Italy - April 13th, 2011
• Study Confirms Third Trimester Amniotic Fluid As Reliable Stem Cell Source for Use in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Banking - February 16th, 2011