One of the main aims of SmartCells International is to create awareness and remove all the myths and urban legends surrounding stem cells,” said Dr Cherie Daly.
Dr Daly is Medical Director with Smart Cells International – a UK based cord stem cell storage company that opened in Malta almost a year ago.
She came to Malta last week to give a talk on cord blood stem cells organised by Smart Cells Malta run by Sylvana Brannon.
Today, more and more people have a general idea of what stem cells are but there is still a lot of misinformation on the subject, and some still associate stem cells with cloning or genetic research, she explained.
The present Smart Cells CEO, Shamshad Ahmed, set up SmartCells in 2001 in the UK.
Although the mother company is in the UK, the collection kits are sent all over the world.
“We preferred opening satellite offices in various parts of the world. In this way, the service is more personalised and if the parents have any worries or queries they can turn to a familiar face who can help them.”
The first satellite office was opened in Dubai by Dr Daly and more have been opened in Middle East and Asian countries such as Singapore, Qatar, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
It has become very popular in the Middle East as there is a high incidence of blood related diseases such as thalassemia, Dr Daly explained.
“For this reason, stem cell banks are extremely popular. In fact, in Dubai there is a close collaboration between one of the world’s top thalassemia clinics and SmartCell International.”
In these countries, it is actually recommended that parents use stem cell storage and if the need is immediate, the government or thalassemia clinic funds the procedure.
In April 2005, the first transplant using stored stem cells at Smart Cells was carried out in Singapore.
The cord cells used in the transplant were given to the three-year-old sibling and so far the operation has been a success.
“When doctors were studying medicine there wasn’t much focus on stem cell research. SmartCell organises information seminars for doctors, helps create awareness for parents and offers support for parents.
However, both Dr Daly and Ms Brannon emphasised that in no way is the information meant to push parents to take up stem cell storage or feel guilty for not doing it.
“We want to give parents all the information necessary to make an educated choice,” said Dr Daly.
Ms Brannon is the point of reference for Maltese parents and doctors who have any queries or worries.
“I always make it a point to meet the client and her family,” explained Ms Brannon. “I don’t simply hand over the collection kit and leave them to it. We meet frequently throughout the pregnancy and I am often present at the birth.”
The labs are in Plymouth, UK and comply with the highest standards possible, explained Dr Daly.
“We make the extra effort to maintain the highest standards and it has paid off so far,” said Dr Daly. “
One of the most common concerns that parents have is that the stored stem cells will be used for private research. But Dr Daly emphasised that SmartCell is a private storage bank and does not carry out any form of research.
Another worry she dispelled is the fate of the stem cells if the company fails. “Smart Cells works closely with another company and if, in the future, it closes down, the stored stem cells will be transferred to this company,” explained Dr Daly. “The parents will still have the stem cells stored for 25 years – the cells will simply be transferred to the other banking company.”
Every extra precaution is taken to reassure the clients. “In case there is a general blackout and the primary back-up fails, Smart Cells have another secondary back-up that will generate enough electricity to store the cells for 10 whole days.”
Smart Cells also has a second storage facility in Belgium which can be utilised if needed.
All these steps are taken because Smart Cells are liable for the storage of the cord stem cells and will do anything to protect them, Dr Daly added.
A mix-up between the stem cells is another concern that many parents have. However, Dr Daly explained that as soon as each sample arrives in the UK lab, it is given individual attention and not put in a batch. Each sample is carefully given an identification number, which is placed everywhere and on the metal case it is stored in.
“There is zero risk of contamination and each sample is carefully handled to reduce any possible mistake or risk,” said Dr Daly.
The wonder of stem cells is that they have a three out of six match with siblings, she explained. “It is very difficult to find a 50 per cent match with cells for siblings.”
Another important service offered to SmartCell clients is advice. “We keep up to date with what is going on in the field of research, clinical trials, diseases and new cures,” she said.
Smart Cells has a medical-scientific advisory board that offers advice to clients on the latest technologies and which treatments are suitable for a particular disease or condition.
For more information visit www.Smart Cellsmalta.com.