'Stem Cell Transplant Centre' to be operational in Nov

Chennai, Oct 20 (UNI) India's first exclusive 'Stem Cell Transplant Centre' set up in the city will become operational from next month.

The centre has been jointly set up by Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute and LifeCell, leading player in the field of stem cell banking, research and applications.

The centre will be involved in stem cell therapy for blood-related diseases such as leukaemia, anaemia and blood cancer.

LifeCell Vice Chairman S Abhaya Kumar told reporters here that internationally-acclaimed cardiothoracic surgeon and a pioneer in stem cell research Dr Amit N Patel had joined the Scientific Advisory Board for LifeCell.

The LifeCell would utilise his experience and expertise for the operations of the transplant centre, he added.

Dr Patel, who was certified by the US FDA for clinical trials using adult stem cells to treat heart patients, and had performed over 100 adult stem cell surgeries worldwide, said the transplant centre had shaped up well, conforming to international standards.

Speaking on the utilisation of stem cell therapy to treat cardiac disorders, he said remarkable technological advancements were being made to help patients suffering from coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure.

Expressing concern that thousands of children were born every year with congenital heart disease in India, he said the country could become a ''super star'' in stem cell therapy with its highly educated and skilled pool of manpower.

The use of stem cells and tissue engineering had the potential to help India create a very effective and efficient health care system for the future, he added.

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