In the last decade, there has been much progress in the history of stem cell banking. Until a few years ago, stem cell banking was a foreign concept, but the rising cases of leukemia, anemia, thalassemia, etc., have shown us the importance of stem cell banking. Stem cells are master cells with considerable potential in regenerating and protecting the body from within. These stem cells have the unique ability to save lives by transforming into brain cells, blood cells, bone cells, muscle cells, and so on.
Stem cell banking is a process where stem cells are collected and processed. These stem cells have high potentiality in saving lives for future medical use. Stem cell therapies are mainly used to repair damaged tissue, repair organs & treat diseases. Along with these, over 500 trials are still actively being researched where stem cell therapies have been identified as potential treatment methods.
In This Article
- Types of Stem Cell Banks in India
- List of Top 10 Stem Cell Banks in India
- Tips to Choose Stem Cell Banks In India
- FAQ’s
Types of Stem Cell Banks in India
The different types of stem cell banking services are as follows:
1. Privately-Held Banks
These types of stem cell banks are often known as family banks. During the delivery phase, the parent can store the child’s stem cells for future medical use. This type of practice ensures biological insurance where the child or his family member can use the stored cord blood. In India, pediatrics recommend storing the stem cells only if the child is suffering from any genetic health-related issues that may need future intervention.
[Read : Cord Blood Banking: Private V/S Public Banking]
2. Government-Owned (Public) Banks
These types of stem cell banks work on public donations. Here a parent can donate the child’s cord blood, and those in need can use these cord samples already stored in these government-owned public banks. These stored stem cells are often used for research purposes as well. However, to donate the stem cells, the parents also need to meet some eligibility criteria. In the WMDA Registry, Jeevan is the first public cord blood bank. Since 2018, due to funding issues, it is not accepting any new stem cell donations.
3. Community Stem Cell Bank
This type of stem cell bank has the advantages of both private and public-owned banking services. It is a type of hybrid model where, in need of medical emergencies, community members can access all the stored units within the community pool and benefit from it. This type of unique model is practiced in LifeCell International, and it is one of India’s largest stem cell banks and the third-largest in the world.
[Read : All About Community Stem Cell Banking]
List of Top 10 Stem Cell Banks in India
There has been a gradual rise in the stem cell banks worldwide from less than 25 in 2005 to more than 600 banks globally. LifeCell first brought the concept of umbilical cord stem cell banking in India in 2004 with Cryo-Cell International. Since then, India is now home to over 14 stem cell banks.
Following are the list of Top 10 Stem cells bank in India
1. LifeCell International Pvt Ltd
Lifecell International is one of India’s largest stem cell banks, with over 27 years of global experience. It was established in 2004 and is trusted by over 3,50,000 parents. The collection of stem cells is a relatively simple, non-invasive process, both for the mother and child. The LifeCell Collection Kit uses a 150 ml sterile closed bag to avoid needle pricks and damages during collection. Transportation is made through stainless steel boxes which guarantee temperature control and are contamination proof.
Additionally, LifeCell also provides options for early screening of the child, where tests can quickly identify any form of rare disease. LifeCell comes with a dual-site facility with a storage facility both in Gurugram and Chennai. It has successfully facilitated a total of 61 cord blood stem cell treatments for both transplants and infusions. All LifeCell processes adhere to the highest standards, and they have received accreditations from WHO, FDA, NABL, and many more.
| Established | 2004 |
| Units Stored | 350K+ |
| Serves | International |
| Accreditations | AABA, ISO/IEC 270001 : 2013, ISBT 128, FDA, WHO, NABL, CAP, ISO 9001:2015, DCGI, AATB |
| Price | Rs19,900 Initial cost + Rs. 4000 per year |
| Processing Method | PrepaCyte-CB® |
| Storage Bag | 150ml blood bag |
2. CordLife
Established in May 2001, CordLife is a leading company in cord lining banking services in Asia. It also operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The collection kit of CordLife contains a 250ml closed system blood bag pre-loaded with anticoagulant (CPDA-1). It is carefully designed to ensure that the temperature within the kit box is maintained within an acceptable range to minimize any fluctuation during harsh weather conditions and transportation.
The stem cells are collected after birth, and it is a painless process where the doctor collects the stem cells from the umbilical cord and stores them in the storage bag. The cord blood is processed using the AXP®II System, which is safe, sterile, and an automated cord blood processing technology that ensures higher recovery. Cordlife has successfully collected more than 2,00,000 cord blood units and is AABB, ISO, FACT-Net cord, CAP, WHO, GMP, FDA certified.
| Established | 2001 (2005 on google) |
| Units Stored | 200K+ |
| Serves | Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, The Philippines, Malaysia (as Stemlife), and Thailand (under other brands through investment stake) |
| Accreditations | AABB, ISO, FACT-Netcord, CAP, WHO,GMP, FDA |
| Price | The total cost is Rs. 45750(Includes Longterm fee of 21 years) |
| Processing Method | AXP® II System |
| Storage Bag | 25ml closed system bag |
3. CryoViva Biotech Pvt Ltd
RJ Corporation in 2006 founded Cryoviva Biotech Private Limited. It is a privately held stem cell bank in India. The Headquarters of cryoViva is located in Gurugram, India. So far, more than 2.6 lakh parents have chosen Cryoviva to store their stem cells. Cryoviva operates in Thailand, Singapore, UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh, and East Africa. To reduce the chances of contamination, CryoViva also follows a closed 150 ml bag storage technique.
International quality standards, including AABB, CAP, NABL, WHO, DCGI, etc have accredited Cryoviva. The cord blood collection bag is prefilled with anticoagulant CPD with a needle protector that helps in preventing accidental pricks during cord blood collection. Cryoviva has successfully released 23 cryopreserved cord blood units to treat various diseases like Thalassemia.
| Established | 2006 |
| Units Stored | 260K+ |
| Serves | Thailand, Singapore, UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh, and East Africa |
| Accreditations | AABB, CAP, NABL WHO, ISO, DCGI |
| Price | The total cost is Rs. 50000 (Includes Long term fee of 21 years) |
| Processing Method | Explants cell culture method |
| Storage Bag | 150ml blood bag |
4. Reliance Life Sciences
Reliance Life Sciences began cord blood banking in 2001 and set up the first repository of Reliance Life Sciences in India and South Asia. This stemcell bank offers different types of stem cell banking services through its public cord blood repository.
They have received accreditations from ISO, CAP, AABB, FDA, and NABL. They have already stored over 3,500 cord blood samples at their repository.
| Established | 2001 |
| Units Stored | 35k+ |
| Serves | India |
| Accreditations | ISO, CAP, AABB, FDA, NABL |
| Price | NA |
| Processing Method | NA |
| Storage Bag | NA |
5. Ree Laboratories Pvt. Ltd
Ree Laboratories was founded in the year 2010. Different types of stem cells are collected and preserved using state-of-the-art techniques. Over 1 lakh families have stored their blood samples for future medical usage. Ree Lab is GLP, WHO, ISO, GMP certified.
It can bank stem cells from various biological materials that are thrown away during birthing. The key sources include Cord Blood, Cord tissue, Amniotic Fluid, Amniotic Sac, and Placenta. Cord Blood stored from the amniotic sac and placenta can be used in more treatments.
| Established | 2010 |
| Units Stored | 100k+ |
| Serves | India |
| Accreditations | GLP, WHO, ISO, GMP |
| Price | The total cost is Rs. 75000 (Includes Long term fee of 21 years) |
| Processing Method | NA |
| Storage Bag | NA |
6. Regenerative Medical Services Pvt. Ltd
Regenerative Medical Services was founded in 2009. It provides umbilical cord stem cell banking services in several states of India. They follow a simple yet effective process to complete the whole stem cell banking experience. Once the enrollment process is completed, a kit is delivered to your home.
It would be best if you store it according to the guidelines mentioned. Next, on the day of your delivery, you need to carry the package and call their paramedics team. The sample is then safely collected and stored using the cryopreservation technique. Regenerative is FDA, ISO, BSI certified.
| Established | 2009 |
| Units Stored | NA |
| Serves | India |
| Accreditations | FDA, ISO, BSI |
| Price | The total cost is Rs. 79000 (Includes Long term fee of 21 years) |
| Processing Method | NA |
| Storage Bag | NA |
7. Stemplus
Stemplus was founded in 2012, and it is the first FDA and DCGI approved stem cell bank in the western Maharashtra region. This bank cryopreserves cord tissue, cord blood, menstrual blood, placenta, urine-derived stem cells and provides treatments to the patients. It aims to create awareness in rural areas about stem cell banking and its potential applications.
Once the agreement is signed for preserving the child’s cord blood, a collection kit is provided, which needs to be carried at the time of delivery. After delivery, the cord blood is collected using a sterile blood bag needle and then stored in ice packs. The company personnel then collect the kit and transfer it to the laboratory. The stem cells are then processed in the lab and stored at -196°C in liquid nitrogen.
| Established | 2012 |
| Units Stored | NA |
| Serves | India |
| Accreditations | FDA, DCGI, CGLP, ISO |
| Price | The total cost is Rs. 79000 (Includes Long term fee of 21 years) |
| Processing Method | Plasma Depletion Technology |
| Storage Bag | NA |
8. Stemcyte India Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd
Stemcyte was founded in the year 1997, and since 2010, it is operational in India. It is based in Ahmedabad and is a type of community cell banking. StemCyte India provides a cello insulated collection kit box that is fire resistant and comes with excellent temperature maintenance.
This bank uses a unique plasma depletion technology to process the stem cells. Stemcyte also follows the closed bag collection method and has additional measures to avoid any damage. Stemcyte is FACT, AABB, ISO-9001, NABL, and FDA certified.
| Established | 1997 (found) 2010 (operational in India) |
| Units Stored | 2K+ |
| Serves | International (India, the USA, Taiwan) |
| Accreditations | FACT, AABB, ISO-9001, NABL, and FDA, Member of CBA |
| Price | The total cost is Rs. 75000 including tissue cost and 21 years longterm fee. |
| Processing Method | Plasma Depletion Technology |
| Storage Bag | NA |
9. Indu Stem Cell Bank
Best Wellcare Management Services Pvt Ltd Cord operates Indu Stem Cell Bank. It works extensively with people aware of the importance of stem cell banking and operates from Gujarat. Simple steps need to be followed to get enrolled in their stem cell banking process.
After enrollment, they provide the collection kit, which is collected by them safely through the personal logistics chain after the delivery. The stem cells are then processed and preserved in a secure environment for future use.
| Established | 2014 |
| Units Stored | NA/span> |
| Serves | India |
| Accreditations | DCGI |
| Price | NA |
| Processing Method | NA |
| Storage Bag | NA |
10. Cryo Stemcell
In the field of regenerative medicines, Cryo Stemcell has been consistently working since 2003. It primarily derives blood from the umbilical cord and uses cryopreservation techniques to store the stem cells for future treatment purposes.
It is the first family cell bank in India and offers multiple retrievals of stem cells without hampering the quality. Multiple vials are used to store the stem cells as it ensures cell viability. It is DCGI Accredited.
| Established | 2003 |
| Units Stored | NA/span> |
| Serves | India |
| Accreditations | NA |
| Price | Rs 25000 Initial cost + Rs. 3000 per year |
| Processing Method | NA |
| Storage Bag | NA |
Tips to Choose Stem Cell Banks in India
Choosing the best stem cell banking in India is often a tough decision. It is a long-term decision that must not be taken randomly. Check out the most important factors below-
- The bank should have proper accreditations and technical experience to store the stem cell for a long time.
- The transporting, storage, and process should be the best in the market.
- The stem cell bank itself should entirely own the laboratory and the storage premises.
- To avoid any contamination, proper measures need to be taken.
- The storage facility should have adequate power backup and equipment for protection in case of fire.
- Also, the contract between you and the bank must be made clear. Additionally, also ask what would happen to the sample in case of contract expiry.
- Also, check out the list of hospitals that have collaborated with the stem cell bank.
- Look for stem cell banks that have already had successful transplants and have processed the cord blood successfully.
FAQ’s
1. How Long Can You Store Stem Cells?
You can store your stem cells for years and even decades until you have a necessity. Once your stem cells are collected, the technicians freeze them thus avoiding any further damage.
2. Should I Store My Baby’s Stem Cells?
You should consider storing your baby’s stem cells because stem cells are capable of treating lethal diseases and even cancer. It possibly is the best gift that you can give your baby and the family because it becomes difficult to find a match when in need. These days, most hospitals provide you with cord blood banking services, by collaborating with stem cell banks. You can list out those hospitals and find out the procedure for storing your baby’s stem cells.
3. What is the Average Cost of Stem Cell Banking in India?
The average cost of stem cell banking in India may range between 55000-80000 per year, and the cost of renewal may vary. It may also vary based on the type of organization you choose. Govt organizations are economical.
Read Also: Stem Cell Banking: Pros and Cons
