Cryo-Save Begins Long-Term Relationship With Catholic University of Holy Heart

ZUTPHEN, The Netherlands, June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

A new collaboration has begun between the largest European family adult stem cell bank, Cryo-Save, and Europe's most important Catholic university, "Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore" (UCSC). Policlinico "Gemelli" University Hospital based in Rome, Italy, is part of the UCSC Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and is owned by the Vatican. The partnership aims at promoting and improving knowledge on the cryopreservation of mesenchymal stem cells from the umbilical cord tissue. Both parties strongly believe in the potential of their use.

Cryo-Save has also obtained funding from the Italian Molise region (630.000 euro). The 'Go!!!' initiative subsidies the start-up of innovative companies in this region and Cryo-Save has obtained funding for the development of cryopreservation techniques of cord tissue, in Campobasso, at the 'Giovanni Paolo II' Centre for Research and Training on High Technology.

Professor Giovanni Scambia, Head of the University's Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and Scientific Manager for the UCSC, says "The number of pathologies in which mesenchymal stem cells could play a role is growing exponentially: there are over 2,400 studies on humans involving stem cells. It represents a significant clinical opportunity for applications in regenerative medicine."

Active in the collection, processing and cryopreservation of adult stem cells, Cryo-Save is the leading international family adult stem cell bank. The company's dedication to educating the public on the use of stem cells has led to collaboration with the UCSC aimed at increasing the influence of this new and exciting medical field.  

Arnoud van Tulder, CEO of Cryo-Save, says "The collaboration with UCSC and the Italian hospitals linked to it is a win-win association between private and public entities that supports our company's efforts to widely improve the knowledge of stem cell storage. It will increase public awareness and further strengthen our leading position and business in addition to helping to further develop therapeutic applications."

Cryo-Save:http://www.cryo-save.com/group