In an exclusive interview with Mediworld Middle East, Alia Abdel-Razeq, COO of CellSave Arabia, discusses the company’s expansion into adult stem cell banking, building on its trusted legacy in newborn stem cell preservation.
She highlights the significance of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine, their role in combating aging, and ongoing advancements in stem cell therapies.
Alia also emphasizes the company’s commitment to affordability, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring safe and accessible stem cell banking for long-term health benefits.
Speaking with Alia, we uncover how CellSave Arabia is pioneering stem cell banking advancements and ensuring accessibility for individuals seeking long-term health solutions.
CellSave Arabia has been a trusted leader in newborn stem cell banking since 2005. What motivated the company to expand into adult stem cell banking, and how does this align with your long-term vision?
CellSave Arabia is the leading pioneer in stem cell preservation and storage in the Middle East, trusted by thousands of families since its establishment in 2005. Specializing in the collection, processing, and preservation of newborn stem cells, CellSave Arabia is committed to delivering the highest standards of safety, quality, and care.
Building on our trusted reputation in newborn stem cell preservation and storage, CellSave Arabia is now expanding its services to include adult stem cell preservation and storage. This strategic expansion is driven by the growing potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine and personalized healthcare. By broadening our service portfolio, we aim to empower individuals at every stage of life with advanced therapeutic solutions.
Our long-term vision is to be at the forefront of regenerative medicine, driving innovation and improving health outcomes. This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to staying ahead of the industry development, investing in research, and providing our clients with access to the latest advancements in stem cell science.
Your new service focuses on preserving hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Could you elaborate on the medical significance of these cells and how they contribute to regenerative medicine?
CellSave Arabia is playing a pivotal role in advancing medical treatments by providing innovative stem cell processing and cryopreservation services. Adult stem cells, which include Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), can future proof people’s overall health and well-being while also gaining access to emerging advancements in regenerative medicine.
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are vital in regenerative medicine due to their unique properties and therapeutic potential. HSCs, found in peripheral blood, as well as bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, produce all blood cells and are used to treat hematological disorders like leukemia and anemia, as well as to restore the immune system after chemotherapy. MSCs, capable of differentiating into bone, cartilage, and muscle cells, have immunomodulatory properties, making them useful for tissue regeneration, autoimmune disease treatment, and organ repair. The ability to store MSCs from adipose tissue, provides individuals with a ready solution for regenerative therapies. MSCs play a crucial role in joint regeneration, reducing osteoarthritis symptoms, improving cardiac function post-heart attack, and enhancing skin and tissue repair.
Furthermore, ongoing research highlights their potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Preserving HSCs and MSCs supports innovative medical therapies, enhancing recovery and healing across various conditions.
Alia, you mentioned that aging and lifestyle factors accelerate tissue deterioration. How does CellSave Arabia’s adult stem cell banking specifically help in combating these effects?
Aging and lifestyle factors such as stress, pollution, and poor nutrition can accelerate tissue deterioration, leading to a decline in overall health and an increased risk of chronic diseases. At CellSave Arabia, our adult stem cell preservation and storage service is designed to help combat these effects by preserving the body’s natural regenerative potential.
Adult stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have powerful regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. They can repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing by differentiating into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, and muscle cells. By preserving these cells at their healthiest state, individuals can access personalized regenerative therapies in the future, which can be used to treat age-related conditions like osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and degenerative disorders.
For blood disorders, having a personal reserve of stem cells enables precise, personalized treatments with a perfect genetic match, eliminating the risk of rejection and complications. Meanwhile, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) do not require HLA matching, making them a versatile and powerful treatment option for any family member.
Our focus is on empowering individuals to proactively manage their health and enhance their quality of life as they age. This approach not only helps in combating tissue deterioration but also supports overall wellness and longevity.
Stem cell therapies can be used for over 200 types of cancers, as well as autoimmune and degenerative conditions. What are some of the most promising treatments currently in development that utilize stored stem cells?
Stem cell therapies are making significant progress in treating a wide range of conditions, including cancers, autoimmune diseases, and degenerative disorders. At CellSave Arabia, we closely monitor the most promising treatments currently in development using preserved stem cells to ensure our clients have access to cutting-edge solutions.
Research is exploring stem cell treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism, aiming to regenerate neurons, repair neural connections, and improve cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis and sports injuries also benefit from stem cell therapies, which help regenerate cartilage, bone tissue, and reduce inflammation to restore mobility.
Breakthroughs in Type 1 diabetes include a recent case in China, where a 25-year-old woman’s stem cell transplant enabled her to produce insulin naturally, eliminating the need for injections. Similarly, stem cell therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) show promise in repairing nerve damage and restoring mobility by regenerating myelin.
These treatments highlight the transformative potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine. By storing stem cells now, individuals could have access to personalized treatments in the future, giving them the opportunity to take advantage of the latest advancements in medical science. At CellSave Arabia, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of these developments, providing our clients with the best possible options for their long-term health and well-being.
One key advantage of early stem cell banking is reducing future financial burdens. How does CellSave Arabia ensure affordability and accessibility for individuals interested in preserving their stem cells?
We are committed to making stem cell preservation and storage affordable and accessible. With flexible pricing options and easy interest-free payment plans for up to 12 months, we offer families the opportunity to select the best solution for their budget.
Storing stem cells early in life is a practical and cost-effective way to ensure access to healthy, viable cells when needed. By preserving your own stem cells, you can reduce future financial burdens by avoiding the high costs of sourcing cells from external sources later in life.
This will give you peace of mind knowing you can access affordable treatments using your own cells if you ever need them for life-changing therapies. It’s all about giving you a reliable, cost-effective option without the stress of waiting for a match or dealing with high treatment costs. At CellSave Arabia, we’re focused on empowering people to secure a healthier future, without the financial strain.
What regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines does CellSave Arabia follow to ensure safe and responsible stem cell banking?
We are committed to the highest standards of safety, quality, and ethical responsibility for stem cell processing and preservation. Our laboratory is AABB-accredited, ensuring we meet globally recognized standards for cellular therapy services. Additionally, we are registered with the U.S. FDA, demonstrating our compliance with stringent international regulatory requirements.
For our operations in the UAE and the wider GCC, we strictly adhere to local regulations, including those set by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), to ensure all stem cell collection, processing, and storage procedures meet the highest safety and ethical standards.
With the upcoming launch of our adult stem cell preservation services, we are extending our expertise to help individuals preserve their own hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells (HSCs and MSCs) for future regenerative medicine applications. This expansion underscores our dedication to responsible innovation and providing long-term health solutions backed by world-class regulatory compliance.
What cutting-edge technologies or methodologies does CellSave Arabia use to ensure the long-term viability and effectiveness of stored stem cells?
CellSave Arabia uses cutting-edge technologies to ensure the long-term viability and effectiveness of stored stem cells. Once stem cells arrive at our AABB-accredited and U.S. FDA-registered lab, we complete initial testing and update families via email. Within 6-8 weeks, patients receive a Certificate of Storage with a unique ID number and sample reports.
To maximize stem cell recovery, we use the Swiss-made, FDA-cleared Sepax® system, which achieves up to 99.46% total nucleated cell (TNC) recovery—significantly higher than traditional methods. Our cryopreservation system uses controlled-rate freezing and liquid nitrogen storage at -196°C, with 24/7 monitoring and backup power systems to ensure safety.
With the upcoming launch of our adult stem cell preservation and processing services, we are expanding these advanced technologies to help individuals preserve their own hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells (HSCs and MSCs) for regenerative medicine applications. Our commitment to high recovery rates, rigorous quality control, and next-generation storage solutions ensures long-term stem cell viability for future medical use.
Stem cell banking is still a relatively new concept for many individuals. What steps is CellSave Arabia taking to educate the public and promote awareness about the benefits of adult stem cell preservation?
We recognize that stem cell preservation and storage is still a relatively new concept for many, and educating the public is a key part of our mission. We are committed to promoting awareness and helping individuals understand the significant benefits of adult stem cell preservation.
To achieve this, we offer comprehensive educational resources, including informational materials, webinars, and workshops, to ensure that our clients have access to reliable and accurate information. We also engage with healthcare professionals to increase their understanding about the potential of stem cell preservation and empower them to share its benefits with their patients.
Additionally, we actively participate in community events and collaborate with health organizations and various government entities to further spread awareness. Through our transparent communication and expert guidance, we aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions about preserving their stem cells for potential health benefits.
By providing accessible knowledge and creating open dialogues about stem cell preservation, we are working to clarify the process and demonstrate how it can contribute to long-term health and wellness.
Is CellSave Arabia looking at potential international expansion or collaborations with global research institutions to further enhance the accessibility and application of its stem cell services
CellSave Arabia operates across the GCC, and is actively exploring more opportunities for international expansion and collaborations with leading global research institutions. We recognize the growing demand for stem cell services worldwide and are committed to enhancing the accessibility and application of our stem cell preservation and storage solutions.
We have partnered with Sidra Medicine to expand stem cell processing and storage services in Qatar. Through collaborations with leading research institutions, we strive to remain at the forefront of scientific advancements, contribute to groundbreaking research, and integrate the latest innovations into our services. These partnerships will not only broaden our global presence but also enhance our ability to provide clients with the most advanced and effective stem cell therapies available.
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As part of our long-term vision, we are focused on making stem cell preservation more accessible to people around the world, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from the potential life-changing applications of stem cells in regenerative medicine and personalized healthcare. With the support of our parent company, US-based CSG.Bio Group, we are also working to expand beyond the GCC, bringing these crucial services to new international markets.
With advancements in regenerative medicine accelerating, what future innovations or breakthroughs do you foresee in stem cell therapies, and how is CellSave Arabia preparing to integrate them into its services?
This transformative field is focused on restoring or establishing normal function in areas such as cell, tissue, or organ replacement, repair, and regeneration, offering solutions for age-related issues, diseases, or congenital conditions. Stem cells are set to become the foundation of treatments for chronic diseases, injuries, and age-related problems, bringing fresh hope to millions worldwide. As regenerative medicine advances, it holds the potential to transform healthcare, making it possible to treat—and possibly cure—conditions that were once considered untreatable.
The future of stem cell therapies is undeniably promising, as they are set to play a pivotal role in addressing many previously untreatable diseases, such as Parkinson’s, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, spinal cord injuries, and more. As research continues, stem cell therapies will evolve, becoming more precise, targeted, and effective, offering new treatments for diseases that have been difficult to treat with traditional methods.
We expect major advancements in regenerative medicine, including breakthroughs in orthopedics, bone and cartilage regeneration, ovarian rejuvenation, anti-aging treatments, and the management of conditions like premature ovarian failure. Furthermore, stem cell therapies will likely become more accessible as improvements in collecting, preserving, and administering stem cells increase their efficiency, affordability, and availability.
CellSave Arabia is at the forefront of stem cell processing and storage, dedicated to providing innovative solutions that help create healthier futures for individuals and families, and continue to shape the future of regenerative medicine.
