Europe's leading stem cell bank launches innovative service for liposuction market

Cryo-Save today announced the European introduction of Cryo-Lip, a new product that allows the collection, processing and storage of a rich mixture of adult stem cells from liposuction aspirate (fatty tissue that is normally discarded). A novel cryopreservation process for fatty tissue has been developed and submitted as an international patent by Cryo-Save.

Adult Stem Cells

The primary roles of adult stem cells are to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found. There are two main types: Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs), forming all blood cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), able to differentiate into multiple cell types such as bone, fat, muscle and cartilage.

Fat or adipose tissue is an ideal source of adult stem cells: - It is very rich in MSCs, for example a 500 times higher concentration than in bone marrow - It is readily available; the 50ml needed for Cryo-Lip can easily be obtained from a liposuction - It is autologous, adult tissue, and hence no ethical or immunological issues - It is normally discarded anyway

Clinical Applications

The use of Adipose-derived Stem Cells (ASCs) promises much as testified by the exponential increase in both peer-reviewed medical publications and ongoing clinical trials.

Professor Marco Gasparotti, an eminent Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon from Rome and the pioneer of the superficial liposculpture technique , commented: "I am pleased to join the Cryo-Lip Advisory Panel as I believe that adipose-derived stem cells will play an important role in the future of both regenerative medicine and cosmetic surgery. The cryopreservation of such cells from liposuction waste material will further enhance the basis for future therapeutic advances."

The Cryo-Lip service will initially only be available in Europe and will be offered by qualified and trained physicians. "We will focus our communications on plastic surgeons who are experienced in liposuction procedures and have set up a partnership program for physicians under the auspices of our Advisory Panel," said Dr Henk Snyman, General Manager for Cryo-Lip.

Arnoud van Tulder, the Cryo-Save CEO, added: "The addition of the Cryo-Lip service is an important advance for our company and allows us to leverage our market leadership position in the cryopreservation of adult stem cells."