Stem Cells The medicine of tomorrow

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Stem Cells The medicine of tomorrow?

• Liza Ackermann
• Netcells

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What are Stem Cells?

• Stem cells are the bodys founding cells, the
  original building blocks of life
• First few cells that form after conception (sperm
  and egg)
• From here, they specialise into everything that
  makes up the human body (skin, blood cells,
  muscle, bones, nerves etc)
• After birth, stem cells remain in your body for
  the rest of your life, where they maintain and
  repair all your organs.

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What are Stem Cells?

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Where do Stem Cells come from?

• Embryo (ethical concerns)
• Umbilical cord (no ethical concerns)
• Controversy surrounding stem cells- involves
  embryonic stem cell harvesting and potential
  destruction of human life.
• Netcells does NOT engage of in any form of
  embryonic stem cell research.

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What can they be used for?

• Current medical uses
• To date more than 80 diseases can be treated
  with stem cells, most notably blood cancers,
  lymphoma, genetic and metabolic disorders.
• Future medical potential
• Future applications include Parkinsons,
  Alzheimers, stroke, heart diseases, diabetes etc.
  These are still in clinical trial however!
• Match with siblings (1 in 4)and parents (1in 8)

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Match with siblings
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Match with parents
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How do we process it?

• Collection takes 5 to 10 minutes, no risk to
  mother and baby
• (Demonstration of blood collection bag)
• Receipt at laboratory (medical courier and bar
  coded)
• Flow Cytometry testing
• Stem cells extracted (SEPAX machine and no human
  handling in processing)
• Stem cells stored at -196 C
• Retrieved if needed, and sent anywhere in the
  world, at no additional cost.

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Why is it a good idea to store stem cells?

• Siblings with diseases treatable with stem cells
• Family history of certain diseases
• People of African descent and mixed race
  marriages
• Form of medical insurance- chances of needing
  stem cell therapy

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What to look for in a stem cell bank

• Reputable company
• Personalised Service
• FACT Accreditation
• Flow cytometry testing
• Storage in bags

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What is the cost?

• You can store your babys stem cells from as
  little as R360 pm over 60 months.
• R12 500 total cost, R500 settlement discount
• We offer an interest free payment plan over six
  months, other options also available
• Our payment plans also include R200 000 that pays
  out immediately, should your child be diagnosed
  with one of more than 40 diseases, including
  accidental HIV.

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Contact details

• 0861 NETCELLS
• www.netcells.co.za
• Dr Yvonne Holt (Medical Director)
  
• [phone]
• Kim Hulett (Managing Director)
• [phone]