Cordlife Philippines raised awareness for World Cord Blood Day 

PHILIPPINES: Every year on November 15, the global medical community celebrates World Cord Blood Day to honor the first umbilical cord blood transfusion in 1988. Globally, doctors have performed over 85,000 cord blood transplants to date.¹ Cord blood stem cells are currently used in the treatment of more than 80 life-threatening disorders, including conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia. Additionally, ongoing research indicates that cord blood stem cells hold promise in new fields of regenerative medicine, with the potential to treat spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, autism, type 1 diabetes, and various other disorders.

Cordlife Philippines commemorated the seventh World Cord Blood Day throughout November 2023 with an interactive video campaign across all of their social media platforms, aimed at raising awareness of the life-saving potential of cord blood stem cells.

The educational videos highlighted the possibilities of using this non-controversial source of stem cells. The campaign aimed to dispel the misconception that cord blood is a medical waste, emphasizing its importance as a precious biological resource that can be preserved and benefited from.

Cordlife Philippines CEO Michael Arnonobal and Medical Director Dr. Arvin C. Faundo discussed how cord blood banking may give parents an added layer of security, assuring that if they ever need stem cells for their children, they would always have access to them.

Ms. Vanessa Matsunaga-Sunga, a Cordlife mother of three, shared her personal experience of storing her children's cord blood with Cordlife and the considerations that influenced her decision.

Throughout the entire month, Cordlife Philippines also organised activities for expectant parents and expressed gratitude to healthcare partners who have supported them and made significant contributions to the cord blood collection process.

1. News page. Parent's Guide to Cord Blood Foundation website. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/cord-blood-utilization-booming-china. Accessed January 22, 2024.

Cordlife Hong Kong and HealthBaby Hong Kong support “Dress Red for Thalassaemia”

HONG KONG: Cordlife Hong Kong and HealthBaby Hong Kong organised a fundraising event and wore red on October 27 2023 in support of the "Dress Red for Thalassaemia" initiative.

The "Dress Red for Thalassaemia" campaign by the Children's Thalassaemia Foundation aims to raise public awareness of thalassemia, a genetic blood disease, and improve the health and quality of life for patients. The campaign encourages the general public to make regular blood donations to assist those in need.

The colour red symbolises blood, which is critical for individuals with thalassaemia major, as they suffer from severe anaemia due to a genetic deficiency in haemoglobin production. They need regular blood transfusions and medical treatment to survive.

Thalassaemia affects one out of every eight people in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). If both parents are carriers, there is a one in four chance that their offspring will have thalassemia major. If you know someone who is expecting or trying to conceive, remind them about Cordlife Carrier Screening and the importance of storing their child's cord blood.

CORDLIFE IN SPOTLIGHT

Cordlife India launched new diagnostic laboratory in Kolkata

INDIA: Cordlife India opened a diagnostic laboratory in the heart of Kolkata, India, in October 2023. This facility will serve as a testing hub for Cordlife India, catering to the healthcare needs of the company's existing stem cell banking clients and their families, as well as nearby patients, healthcare partners, and physicians.

Adopting a patient-centric approach, Cordlife India will offer value-added services that offer patients a 360-degree view of their health status. These services include customised diet charts, free doctor consultations, and personalised smart reports identifying potential risk factors. This approach aims to provide consumers with a holistic understanding of their health by offering preventive packages as well as routine and specialty tests.

The company envisions a future where early disease diagnosis becomes a routine aspect of healthcare, leading to improved quality of life and lower healthcare costs. Cordlife India celebrated its opening by offering free blood testing for underprivileged children at a neighbouring orphanage.

“Cordlife India is committed to enhancing the well-being of our existing clients, their families, and the broader community in India by providing convenient access to advanced diagnostic testing and health screenings,” said Mr. Amit Srivastava, CEO of Cordlife India. “Through our patient-centric approach, we aspire to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards their health and wellness.”

UPDATES AROUND THE WORLD

Patient with aplastic anaemia cured by his own cord blood cryopreserved for 19 years

CHINA: Back in 2003, the concept of cord blood banking was still relatively new in China. With a desire to be prepared for the unknown and for peace of mind, an expectant couple chose to bank their child's cord blood, a decision that would prove life-changing 19 years later.

In December 2021, shortly after turning 18, Xiao An began experiencing concerning symptoms, such as ulcers and blood spots. After a series of medical tests, he was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a condition in which the immune system attacks the bone marrow. Xiao An had “PNH clones” in his blood, a distinctive feature of severe aplastic anaemia. This aggressive attack can lead to complete bone marrow failure and even death.

During their search for treatment at various local hospitals, Xiao An’s parents discovered a glimmer of hope when they learned about the high success rate of using the patient's own cord blood for transplantation as part of the treatment. Their hope was ignited because, back in 2003, when Xiao An was born, his parents had the foresight to store his cord blood in a private cord blood bank. This decision, made nearly two decades ago, is now proving to be a potentially lifesaving source of treatment.

After deciding to proceed with the autologous^ cord blood transplant, they quickly contacted the cord blood bank where Xiao An's cord blood had been stored. Expert technicians confirmed the cord blood’s excellent condition even after 19 years of cryopreservation.

On December 25, 2022, Xiao An received a cord blood reinfusion at Beijing Lu Daopei Hospital. His remarkable recovery allowed him to leave intensive care about a month later, and by February 2023, he was enjoying a normal, healthy life.

When discussing their child's illness and the treatment experience, Xiao An's parents expressed profound gratitude for having stored their child's cord blood. Cord blood, collected from the umbilical cord following a baby's birth, is rich in blood-forming haematopoietic stem cells, offering significant support in treating various conditions. With ongoing medical advancements, cord blood has the potential to treat over 80 diseases, including certain cancers and blood disorders, making it a valuable resource for families.

^ Autologous use refers to the practice of using a person's own biological materials, such as their own tissues or cells, for therapeutic or medical purposes. This approach minimises the risk of rejection or complications associated with the use of donor cells because the cells are derived from the patient's own body.