NEWS 06www.biohellenika.gr

Biohellenika's laboratories, in palsy and autism is a promising

collaboration with University and target for autologous stem cell

private sector clinics in Greece and therapy.

neighboring countries are presently In the case of cerebral palsy, it is supporting several stem cell clinical presently widely accepted that trials that are under development. autologous cord blood stem cell

Ischemic brain injury that has been administration may be the only

implicated in ailments, like cerebral hope for cure. n page 04 n page 06

July 2010

Athanasios is the fourth child in the family and his parents decided to store his umbilical

cord blood stem cells in order to protect the future health of their growing family.

Athanasios was born overweight and therefore his mother had a difficult labor. During

delivery his brain became hypoxic for several minutes because the middle cerebral artery

was clotted. Athanasios had early indications of cerebral palsy and his family did

everything possible to cure him.

03

09

10

08

11

12

13

16

n page 07

Biohellenika's laboratories support autologous stem cell therapy CLINICAL TRIALS

BIOHELLENIKA and TAK-EIE Laboratories supported the first stem cell therapy for autism in Greece

The first autism stem cell therapy

was possible in Greece with a

collaboration of specialized doctors

and the laboratory support of

Biohellenika – TAK EIE.

THE SECOND CEREBRAL PALSY CHILD WHO HAS STORED UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD STEM CELLS IN BIOHELLENIKA HAS BEEN TREATED AT DUKE UNIVERSITY HEMATOLOGY CLINIC

Biohellenika's Laboratories in Athens (TAKE EIE) are the first ministry of health licensed family cord blood bank in Greece

Stem Cells and Hair Loss (Alopecia)

New data for the use of cord blood placenta derived stem cells

Biohellenika's Services

The Advantages of Biohellenika

Stem cells for type I diabetes therapy

Non-haematological uses of cord blood stem cells

Potential role of dental stem cells in the cellular therapy of cerebral ischemia

NEWS02

Biohellenika is the first company in Greece which operates under the guidelines of “ISO 15189”, and is accredited as medical laboratory on 08/02/2008 with the 410/8/2/2008 accreditation certificate by the National Accreditation Forum S.A. (ESYD), granted for procedures followed and quality testing of umbilical cord blood during the collection of stem cells. With this certification, Biohellenika is accredited according to ISO 15189:2007, special for medical laboratories, for nucleated cell measurement, hematopoietic stem cell viability and sterility testing, including aerobic, anaerobic bacteria and fungi. This certificate is valid until 2012 as long as the facility's operations comply with the above guidelines during regular ESYD inspections.

The Accreditation is recently expanded to the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory that is established in Biohellenika's facilities and provides genetic analysis of inherited diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infertility and HPV tests.

The National Accreditation Forum (ESYD) is a full member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) since 2004, of the European Cooperation for Accreditation – EA since 2005, and of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF-MRA) since 2006.

The international identity of ESYD gives the perspective of the parity and mutual recognition of accreditation between countries. Today Biohellenika is the first company in Greece whose laboratories are accredited by a national independent organization for measurements and quality control procedures followed during stem cell collection from umbilical cord blood.

Biohellika currently is being evaluated for the international accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

03NEWS

he laboratories of TAK EIE, a joint venture

between Hellenic National Research

Foundation and Biohellenika Biotechnology ΤApplications S.A. is the first cord blood bank

that Greek Ministry of Health administered a license.

TAK EIE laboratories are serving all samples Biohellenika

collects from Athens, southern Greece and Aegean

islands. Biohellenika owns two laboratories in Greece,

one in Athens (TAKEIE) and one in Thessaloniki, in order

to improve the stored stem cell quality by minimizing

the time gap between birth and stem cell processing.

The licensing of its laboratories will enable Biohellenika

to establish medical applications locally and abroad, in

collaboration with scientists, medical doctors and

parents, who trusted the name Biohellenika in these

countries and have already banked the precious stem

cells of their children in Biohellenika.

NEW SERVICEBiohellenika has developed the technology and now

provides the parents the storage of mesenchymal

stem cells from the total length of the umbilical

cord. With this method, all mesenchymal stem cells

of the umbilical cord are collected and stored and

therefore no cell cultures will be needed in the

future, which would be applied if the number of

stem cells is not enough, with an extra cost.

This service is added to the classical collection of

umbilical cord, by the puncture of the umbilical cord

vein and to the placenta drainage and provides the

family all the possible hematopoietic and

mesenchymal stem cells that can be collected

during labor. Given that, stem cells of umbilical cord

and placenta are superior in quality than any other

source of stem cells, Biohellenika provides the child

and the family, the greatest possible quantity and

quality of stem cells.

DYNAMIC EXPANSION OF BIOHELLENIKA TO NEIGBORING COYNTRIES Biohellenika expanded its activities to Romania,

through Biohellenica Ro., to Bulgaria through

Biohellenika Bg. and Servia through Beo Stem. A lot

of parents from the neighboring countries select

Biohellenika to store their children's stem cells.

Biohellenika Bulgaria announced its opening in thBulgaria with a press conference on 13 of May and

participated to the Annual Meeting of Bulgaria

Obstetrics-Gynecology Society. The Meeting took

place in Promorie, from 24-26 Jun 2010, and Dr.

Kouzi-Koliakou, the scientific director of

Biohellenika, presented a topic about “Stem cells

applications and the new perspectives”.

Also, Dr. Koliakou on 14/5/2010 represented

Biohellenika in the Annual Romanian Dentists

meeting in Brasov, where she presented “The dental

pulp stem cells and its applications”.

Biohellenika S.A. is the first Accredited by ESYD (National Accreditation Forum) Stem Cell Cryopreservation Company

Biohellenika's Laboratories in Athens (TAKE EIE)ARE THE FIRST MINISTRY OF HEALTH LICENSED FAMILY CORD BLOOD BANK IN GREECE

Αρ. 410

ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATE

The Hellenic Accreditation System S.A. (ESYD), as the national accreditation body ofGreece, in accordance with the Law 3066/2002,

ACCREDITS

the

Laboratoryof the

BIOHELLENIKA S.A.

in Thessaloniki, Greece

Athens, February 8, 2008

Ν. Papaioannou Chairman of ESYD

Hellenic Accreditation System S.A.

65, Georgikis Scholis Avenue, 57001 Thessaloniki

ZEDA building

Tel.: 0030 2310.474.282, 2310.474.284, Fax: 0030 2310.474.285

E-mail: info@biohellenika.gr, www.biohellenika.gr

NEWSQuarterly publication of Biohellenika

Nr 06

Biohellenika S.A. is responsible for the published material in this issue.

All rights reserved. No part of this issue may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

the biggest greek stem cell cryopreservation institution

Biohe enikaBIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY

NEWS02

Biohellenika is the first company in Greece which operates under the guidelines of “ISO 15189”, and is accredited as medical laboratory on 08/02/2008 with the 410/8/2/2008 accreditation certificate by the National Accreditation Forum S.A. (ESYD), granted for procedures followed and quality testing of umbilical cord blood during the collection of stem cells. With this certification, Biohellenika is accredited according to ISO 15189:2007, special for medical laboratories, for nucleated cell measurement, hematopoietic stem cell viability and sterility testing, including aerobic, anaerobic bacteria and fungi. This certificate is valid until 2012 as long as the facility's operations comply with the above guidelines during regular ESYD inspections.

The Accreditation is recently expanded to the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory that is established in Biohellenika's facilities and provides genetic analysis of inherited diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infertility and HPV tests.

The National Accreditation Forum (ESYD) is a full member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) since 2004, of the European Cooperation for Accreditation – EA since 2005, and of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF-MRA) since 2006.

The international identity of ESYD gives the perspective of the parity and mutual recognition of accreditation between countries. Today Biohellenika is the first company in Greece whose laboratories are accredited by a national independent organization for measurements and quality control procedures followed during stem cell collection from umbilical cord blood.

Biohellika currently is being evaluated for the international accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

03NEWS

he laboratories of TAK EIE, a joint venture

between Hellenic National Research

Foundation and Biohellenika Biotechnology ΤApplications S.A. is the first cord blood bank

that Greek Ministry of Health administered a license.

TAK EIE laboratories are serving all samples Biohellenika

collects from Athens, southern Greece and Aegean

islands. Biohellenika owns two laboratories in Greece,

one in Athens (TAKEIE) and one in Thessaloniki, in order

to improve the stored stem cell quality by minimizing

the time gap between birth and stem cell processing.

The licensing of its laboratories will enable Biohellenika

to establish medical applications locally and abroad, in

collaboration with scientists, medical doctors and

parents, who trusted the name Biohellenika in these

countries and have already banked the precious stem

cells of their children in Biohellenika.

NEW SERVICEBiohellenika has developed the technology and now

provides the parents the storage of mesenchymal

stem cells from the total length of the umbilical

cord. With this method, all mesenchymal stem cells

of the umbilical cord are collected and stored and

therefore no cell cultures will be needed in the

future, which would be applied if the number of

stem cells is not enough, with an extra cost.

This service is added to the classical collection of

umbilical cord, by the puncture of the umbilical cord

vein and to the placenta drainage and provides the

family all the possible hematopoietic and

mesenchymal stem cells that can be collected

during labor. Given that, stem cells of umbilical cord

and placenta are superior in quality than any other

source of stem cells, Biohellenika provides the child

and the family, the greatest possible quantity and

quality of stem cells.

DYNAMIC EXPANSION OF BIOHELLENIKA TO NEIGBORING COYNTRIES Biohellenika expanded its activities to Romania,

through Biohellenica Ro., to Bulgaria through

Biohellenika Bg. and Servia through Beo Stem. A lot

of parents from the neighboring countries select

Biohellenika to store their children's stem cells.

Biohellenika Bulgaria announced its opening in thBulgaria with a press conference on 13 of May and

participated to the Annual Meeting of Bulgaria

Obstetrics-Gynecology Society. The Meeting took

place in Promorie, from 24-26 Jun 2010, and Dr.

Kouzi-Koliakou, the scientific director of

Biohellenika, presented a topic about “Stem cells

applications and the new perspectives”.

Also, Dr. Koliakou on 14/5/2010 represented

Biohellenika in the Annual Romanian Dentists

meeting in Brasov, where she presented “The dental

pulp stem cells and its applications”.

Biohellenika S.A. is the first Accredited by ESYD (National Accreditation Forum) Stem Cell Cryopreservation Company

Biohellenika's Laboratories in Athens (TAKE EIE)ARE THE FIRST MINISTRY OF HEALTH LICENSED FAMILY CORD BLOOD BANK IN GREECE

Αρ. 410

ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATE

The Hellenic Accreditation System S.A. (ESYD), as the national accreditation body ofGreece, in accordance with the Law 3066/2002,

ACCREDITS

the

Laboratoryof the

BIOHELLENIKA S.A.

in Thessaloniki, Greece

Athens, February 8, 2008

Ν. Papaioannou Chairman of ESYD

Hellenic Accreditation System S.A.

65, Georgikis Scholis Avenue, 57001 Thessaloniki

ZEDA building

Tel.: 0030 2310.474.282, 2310.474.284, Fax: 0030 2310.474.285

E-mail: info@biohellenika.gr, www.biohellenika.gr

NEWSQuarterly publication of Biohellenika

Nr 06

Biohellenika S.A. is responsible for the published material in this issue.

All rights reserved. No part of this issue may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

the biggest greek stem cell cryopreservation institution

Biohe enikaBIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY

04 NEWS 05NEWS

trials that are under development. In the case of cerebral palsy, it is iohellenika's presently widely accepted that laboratories, in Ischemic brain injury that has been autologous cord blood stem cell collaboration with

implicated in ailments, like cerebral B administration may be the only University and private palsy and autism is a promising hope for cure. There are two known sector clinics in Greece and target for autologous stem cell clinical trials under development, neighboring countries are presently therapy. one at the University of Duke and supporting several stem cell clinical

one at the University of Georgia

USA and several reports on

benefited children can be found on

the internet. Umbilical cord stem

cell family banks are presently

reviewing the costumer medical

records, in order to inform the

prudential parents of children with

cerebral palsy for this new hope for

children up to 12 years who have

their umbilical cord blood stored.

Two autologous samples processed

and stored in Biohellenika's

laboratories have been already

used by children with cerebral palsy.

The cells have been administered to

the young patients without any

complication at the Duke University

Pediatric Hematology Clinic and the

children have been included in the

clinical trial that takes place in this

university. Three months after

therapy the parents reported

remarkable improvement for both

children. It should be noted that

independent quality controls at the

University of Duke verified the high

quality of cells stored by

Biohellenika. Cells viability after

post-thaw was higher than 95% in

both cases and the minimal amount

of DMSO contained in the samples

required no washes and was

tolerated without any side effect by National Research Foundation – Recently one of the children that

the patients. In the second case the Biohellenika's laboratories in had stem cells stored in

amount of cells stored exceeded by Athens. In this case, mesenchymal Biohellenika has been reported to far the required therapeutic dose stem cells derived from the child's suffer from acute myeloblastic and therefore one of the cryovials own adipose tissue have been used. leukemia (AML). This kind of has been stored at Duke, for future The father was enthusiastic about leukemia is rare for the age of 18 use. the results of the therapy and these months, where acute lymphoblastic

results are scheduled to initiate a leukaemia (ALL) is commonly Considering cerebral palsy, large official clinical trial, up on expected. Examinations on bone

Biohellenika is supporting a license. Currently there is no known marrow aspirate of the patient,

successive cure for autism, prospective clinical trial that indicated no specific mutations that

therefore stem cell therapy may be has been initiated by the could lead to leukaemia, but many a new hope for these children and

neonatology clinic chromosomes multiplications, like their families. trisomies, among them trisomy 8, a Hipocration Hospital at the

Considering adipose tissue derived chromosomal abnormality that can University of Thessaloniki. In stem cells, Biohellenika is be the cause of AML. Considering this case Biohellenika will supporting, free of charge, a clinical

this information, a small fraction of store for free the umbilical trial initiated by the Pulmonary

the patients' stored stem cells was Disease Department in Democritus cord blood for every child examined by an independent University Hospital in born with a high possibility laboratory. Stem cells were found Alexandroupolis, where autologus

to develop cerebral palsy. healthy with no trisomy 8 or other adipose tissue derived stem cells

chromosomic or genetic mutations Prognostic markers will be are used for the treatment of that could lead to leukemia. pulmonary fibrosis, a disease with investigated in the blood of Therefore the doctors can now very short life expectancy upon these children. The children consider the child's own stem cells diagnosis and no known efficient

will be observed for the next for transplantation upon request. cure. The first results indicated a

two years for the marginal amelioration in gas The examination of the patients'

development of cerebral exchange indices.umbilical cord stem cells, an

palsy and cord blood stem Another clinical trial supported by examination that can be done only cells will then be Biohellenika is under development if the stem cells have been stored

in the cardiovascular surgery clinic, administered therapeutically privately, indicated that whatever AHEPA Hospital Aristotle University caused leukemia was not present in to the children, who will Thessaloniki. In this case, bone hematopoietic stem cells at birth. develop the disease.marrow derived stem cells are These results are in accordance separated in the laboratories of In the case of autism, there are with past similar observations, Biohellenika and injected during an several anecdotal cases and reports indicating that cord blood stem cells open heart operation around the about children who benefitted from

stored at birth can be used for infracted myocardium areas. In two stem cell therapy, but no known

autologous hematopoietic patients with last stage cardiac clinical trials are under

transplantation, if needed to treat insufficiency, a cardiac support development. Biohellenika

infant leukemia (Hayani et al 2007). pump has been also used to supported, free of charge, the

In such cases umbilical cord blood support cardiac function until therapy of a child, whose father, a storage can replace the expensive recovery. Ten patients have been widely respected cardiologist in and apprehensive search for a Athens, insisted to try this option treated up today and no one of “compatible” sample that, although for his autistic son. The child was them had complications or side “compatible” cannot exclude the treated in Nikea General Hospital in effects or arrythmias. Considerable

possibility of the life threatening Piraeus and was supported by TAKE improvement has been reported for

IE, the joint venture Hellenic some of the patients. graft versus host disease.

Biohellenika's laboratories supportautologous stem cell therapy CLINICAL TRIALS

04 NEWS 05NEWS

trials that are under development. In the case of cerebral palsy, it is iohellenika's presently widely accepted that laboratories, in Ischemic brain injury that has been autologous cord blood stem cell collaboration with

implicated in ailments, like cerebral B administration may be the only University and private palsy and autism is a promising hope for cure. There are two known sector clinics in Greece and target for autologous stem cell clinical trials under development, neighboring countries are presently therapy. one at the University of Duke and supporting several stem cell clinical

one at the University of Georgia

USA and several reports on

benefited children can be found on

the internet. Umbilical cord stem

cell family banks are presently

reviewing the costumer medical

records, in order to inform the

prudential parents of children with

cerebral palsy for this new hope for

children up to 12 years who have

their umbilical cord blood stored.

Two autologous samples processed

and stored in Biohellenika's

laboratories have been already

used by children with cerebral palsy.

The cells have been administered to

the young patients without any

complication at the Duke University

Pediatric Hematology Clinic and the

children have been included in the

clinical trial that takes place in this

university. Three months after

therapy the parents reported

remarkable improvement for both

children. It should be noted that

independent quality controls at the

University of Duke verified the high

quality of cells stored by

Biohellenika. Cells viability after

post-thaw was higher than 95% in

both cases and the minimal amount

of DMSO contained in the samples

required no washes and was

tolerated without any side effect by National Research Foundation – Recently one of the children that

the patients. In the second case the Biohellenika's laboratories in had stem cells stored in

amount of cells stored exceeded by Athens. In this case, mesenchymal Biohellenika has been reported to far the required therapeutic dose stem cells derived from the child's suffer from acute myeloblastic and therefore one of the cryovials own adipose tissue have been used. leukemia (AML). This kind of has been stored at Duke, for future The father was enthusiastic about leukemia is rare for the age of 18 use. the results of the therapy and these months, where acute lymphoblastic

results are scheduled to initiate a leukaemia (ALL) is commonly Considering cerebral palsy, large official clinical trial, up on expected. Examinations on bone

Biohellenika is supporting a license. Currently there is no known marrow aspirate of the patient,

successive cure for autism, prospective clinical trial that indicated no specific mutations that

therefore stem cell therapy may be has been initiated by the could lead to leukaemia, but many a new hope for these children and

neonatology clinic chromosomes multiplications, like their families. trisomies, among them trisomy 8, a Hipocration Hospital at the

Considering adipose tissue derived chromosomal abnormality that can University of Thessaloniki. In stem cells, Biohellenika is be the cause of AML. Considering this case Biohellenika will supporting, free of charge, a clinical

this information, a small fraction of store for free the umbilical trial initiated by the Pulmonary

the patients' stored stem cells was Disease Department in Democritus cord blood for every child examined by an independent University Hospital in born with a high possibility laboratory. Stem cells were found Alexandroupolis, where autologus

to develop cerebral palsy. healthy with no trisomy 8 or other adipose tissue derived stem cells

chromosomic or genetic mutations Prognostic markers will be are used for the treatment of that could lead to leukemia. pulmonary fibrosis, a disease with investigated in the blood of Therefore the doctors can now very short life expectancy upon these children. The children consider the child's own stem cells diagnosis and no known efficient

will be observed for the next for transplantation upon request. cure. The first results indicated a

two years for the marginal amelioration in gas The examination of the patients'

development of cerebral exchange indices.umbilical cord stem cells, an

palsy and cord blood stem Another clinical trial supported by examination that can be done only cells will then be Biohellenika is under development if the stem cells have been stored

in the cardiovascular surgery clinic, administered therapeutically privately, indicated that whatever AHEPA Hospital Aristotle University caused leukemia was not present in to the children, who will Thessaloniki. In this case, bone hematopoietic stem cells at birth. develop the disease.marrow derived stem cells are These results are in accordance separated in the laboratories of In the case of autism, there are with past similar observations, Biohellenika and injected during an several anecdotal cases and reports indicating that cord blood stem cells open heart operation around the about children who benefitted from

stored at birth can be used for infracted myocardium areas. In two stem cell therapy, but no known

autologous hematopoietic patients with last stage cardiac clinical trials are under

transplantation, if needed to treat insufficiency, a cardiac support development. Biohellenika

infant leukemia (Hayani et al 2007). pump has been also used to supported, free of charge, the

In such cases umbilical cord blood support cardiac function until therapy of a child, whose father, a storage can replace the expensive recovery. Ten patients have been widely respected cardiologist in and apprehensive search for a Athens, insisted to try this option treated up today and no one of “compatible” sample that, although for his autistic son. The child was them had complications or side “compatible” cannot exclude the treated in Nikea General Hospital in effects or arrythmias. Considerable

possibility of the life threatening Piraeus and was supported by TAKE improvement has been reported for

IE, the joint venture Hellenic some of the patients. graft versus host disease.

Biohellenika's laboratories supportautologous stem cell therapy CLINICAL TRIALS

0706 NEWSNEWS

situation. The medical team comprising a pediatrician, a

pediatric surgeon, a plastic surgeon and an

anesthesiologist was immediately mobilized. This team,

after admission of the patient to the hospital,

accomplished successfully and safely the required

liposuction from the child. The collected adipose tissue

was processed at the Hellenic National Research

Foundation laboratories (TAK EIE) that serve

Biohellenika in Athens. All required safety examinations

were performed in these laboratories that are

accredited by The Hellenic National Accreditation

System (ESYD). After processing the cells were stored

in liquid nitrogen and a part of the stored cells was

administered to the child in the hospital 10 days after

liposuction, upon completion of the quality control of

the sample. Another part of the cells was injected after

a new admission to the hospital, three months later.

Autism and related ailments may be caused according

to current scientific views by a non-satisfactory brain

oxygenation. Other data support immunological origin

of the disease, since autism often coexists with

inflammatory bowel diseases. Adipose tissue contains a

high number of cells that can contribute to

angiogenesis and immunomodulation as well.

Angiogenesis is attributed to progenitor endothelial

cells and immunomodulation to mesenchymal stem he first autism stem cell therapy was possible

cells. Liposuction is a medical procedure that should be in Greece with a collaboration of specialized

performed in a hospital by specialized physicians. This doctors and the laboratory support of

is especially important for autistic children that do not TBiohellenika – TAK EIE. The doctors worked in easily cooperate with the doctors.

coordination and free of charge and supported a father The father of the child announced to a high circulation who for 9 continuous years did not stop to strive to daily journal, approximately two months after the ameliorate his son's quality of life. As a physician as therapy, that the condition of the child was significantly well, he enjoys a special communication approach with ameliorated. According to him, there is an obvious his colleagues and patients. Since the first socialization, behavioral control and improved communication, we were touched by his immense communication with his family. The child will attend a concern for his child's future, the vast knowledge he regular school in the next year and is looking had acquired striving to find a solution for his problem,

forward to a normal life.his easy and genuine manner describing the current

Biohellenika and the Hematology Clinic of Duke University

began by sending the medical records and the

cryopreservation file to the clinic. At last the family had

the “green light” for travelling to Duke University

Haematology clinic where the stem cells were

administered. The family stayed in USA for four days, the

administration was absolutely safe, without any side

effects and finally the family came back home. The child

will be followed up every three months by the Paediatric

Neurology team of the clinic. Umbilical cord blood stem

cells of little Athanasios were stored in three cryovials that

were sent to the United States using a specific dry

“voyager” type liquid nitrogen shipper. Since the number

of stem cells send exceeded the number needed for

therapy and the cell viability after post thaw at the site of

administration was more than 97%, one of the three vials

was kept for future use.

Three months after therapy little thanasios is the fourth child in the family and Athanasios started communicating and his parents decided to store his umbilical cord

participating in family life. blood stem cells in order to protect the future A health of their growing family. Athanasios In addition to Duke University a second American was born overweight and therefore his mother had a University, the University of Georgia, has recently started difficult labor. During delivery his brain became hypoxic

another clinical trial that includes children with cerebral for several minutes because the middle cerebral artery

palsy up to 12 years old, who have stored umbilical cord was clotted. Athanasios had early indications of cerebral

blood upon birth.palsy and his family did everything possible to cure him.

For this type of therapy only autologous stem cells can When he was 20 months old his mother read in the news

be used, since encephalitis is a common complication of that a child with a similar problem who had stored his

stem cells in Biohellenika, was treated in a United States “compatible” allogenic stem cell administration. Even if

Hospital. The mother immediately called Biohellenika and stem cells of a compatible sibling are an acceptable

asked if her child could be treated by the same way. By hematopoietic graft, cannot be used in this kind of

that time, an exchange of scientific information between treatment.

BIOHELLENIKA and TAK-EIE Laboratories supported THE FIRST STEM CELL THERAPY FOR AUTISM IN GREECE

The second cerebral palsy child who has stored Umbilical Cord Blood Stem CellsIN BIOHELLENIKA HAS BEEN TREATED AT DUKE UNIVERSITY HEMATOLOGY CLINIC

0706 NEWSNEWS

situation. The medical team comprising a pediatrician, a

pediatric surgeon, a plastic surgeon and an

anesthesiologist was immediately mobilized. This team,

after admission of the patient to the hospital,

accomplished successfully and safely the required

liposuction from the child. The collected adipose tissue

was processed at the Hellenic National Research

Foundation laboratories (TAK EIE) that serve

Biohellenika in Athens. All required safety examinations

were performed in these laboratories that are

accredited by The Hellenic National Accreditation

System (ESYD). After processing the cells were stored

in liquid nitrogen and a part of the stored cells was

administered to the child in the hospital 10 days after

liposuction, upon completion of the quality control of

the sample. Another part of the cells was injected after

a new admission to the hospital, three months later.

Autism and related ailments may be caused according

to current scientific views by a non-satisfactory brain

oxygenation. Other data support immunological origin

of the disease, since autism often coexists with

inflammatory bowel diseases. Adipose tissue contains a

high number of cells that can contribute to

angiogenesis and immunomodulation as well.

Angiogenesis is attributed to progenitor endothelial

cells and immunomodulation to mesenchymal stem he first autism stem cell therapy was possible

cells. Liposuction is a medical procedure that should be in Greece with a collaboration of specialized

performed in a hospital by specialized physicians. This doctors and the laboratory support of

is especially important for autistic children that do not TBiohellenika – TAK EIE. The doctors worked in easily cooperate with the doctors.

coordination and free of charge and supported a father The father of the child announced to a high circulation who for 9 continuous years did not stop to strive to daily journal, approximately two months after the ameliorate his son's quality of life. As a physician as therapy, that the condition of the child was significantly well, he enjoys a special communication approach with ameliorated. According to him, there is an obvious his colleagues and patients. Since the first socialization, behavioral control and improved communication, we were touched by his immense communication with his family. The child will attend a concern for his child's future, the vast knowledge he regular school in the next year and is looking had acquired striving to find a solution for his problem,

forward to a normal life.his easy and genuine manner describing the current

Biohellenika and the Hematology Clinic of Duke University

began by sending the medical records and the

cryopreservation file to the clinic. At last the family had

the “green light” for travelling to Duke University

Haematology clinic where the stem cells were

administered. The family stayed in USA for four days, the

administration was absolutely safe, without any side

effects and finally the family came back home. The child

will be followed up every three months by the Paediatric

Neurology team of the clinic. Umbilical cord blood stem

cells of little Athanasios were stored in three cryovials that

were sent to the United States using a specific dry

“voyager” type liquid nitrogen shipper. Since the number

of stem cells send exceeded the number needed for

therapy and the cell viability after post thaw at the site of

administration was more than 97%, one of the three vials

was kept for future use.

Three months after therapy little thanasios is the fourth child in the family and Athanasios started communicating and his parents decided to store his umbilical cord

participating in family life. blood stem cells in order to protect the future A health of their growing family. Athanasios In addition to Duke University a second American was born overweight and therefore his mother had a University, the University of Georgia, has recently started difficult labor. During delivery his brain became hypoxic

another clinical trial that includes children with cerebral for several minutes because the middle cerebral artery

palsy up to 12 years old, who have stored umbilical cord was clotted. Athanasios had early indications of cerebral

blood upon birth.palsy and his family did everything possible to cure him.

For this type of therapy only autologous stem cells can When he was 20 months old his mother read in the news

be used, since encephalitis is a common complication of that a child with a similar problem who had stored his

stem cells in Biohellenika, was treated in a United States “compatible” allogenic stem cell administration. Even if

Hospital. The mother immediately called Biohellenika and stem cells of a compatible sibling are an acceptable

asked if her child could be treated by the same way. By hematopoietic graft, cannot be used in this kind of

that time, an exchange of scientific information between treatment.

BIOHELLENIKA and TAK-EIE Laboratories supported THE FIRST STEM CELL THERAPY FOR AUTISM IN GREECE

The second cerebral palsy child who has stored Umbilical Cord Blood Stem CellsIN BIOHELLENIKA HAS BEEN TREATED AT DUKE UNIVERSITY HEMATOLOGY CLINIC

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BANKING

0908 NEWS

brain.he new advancements in the

use of placenta derived stem Cerebral palsy may occur due to thcells, presented at the 8 prematurity of the infant, low TAnnual International endouterus oxygenation and

Symposium for Cord Blood perinatal hypoxia. For these uses only Transplantations, are impressive. The the child's own stem cells are used.symposium took place between the

Many children have benefited from rd th3 and the 5 of June in San this therapy that is performed during

Francisco, USA and was supported by the first months of the child's life,

the United States Ministry of Health. when there are signs of cerebral

The presentations focused on the palsy, or during the fist years when autologous uses in the Regenerative the condition is verified clinically.Medicine field and the improvement

International studies use placenta of methods for the search of better

derived stem cells for the therapy of histocopatible transplants for

spinal cord injuries and stroke.allogeneic uses in hematological

The presentation of patients with diseases.severe stroke that had total recovery large number of cells, adequate for

The Scientific Director of Biohellenika, and were able a year after inter the weight of the adult patient. Dr. K. Kouzi –Koliakou, attended the cerebral administration of placenta symposium and presented a study In allogeneic transplantations, it is derived stem cells, to go back to their that refers to a special method of very important to prevent the normal lives, was spectacular.acquiring stem cells from the rejection of the graft. For this reason

Presentations of gene therapy of placenta, a method that provides a the efficiency of public banks relies stem cells in cases of sickle cell large number of hematopoietic and on the finding and administration of anemia and thalassemias that aimed mesenchymal stem cells, sufficient the best possible histocompatible to their re-administration to patients, for adults' treatment.grafts. Public banks target their was also very impressive.

The storage benefits of placenta research towards the finding of new Already many patients suffering from derived stem cells are widely known antigens of histocompatibility that inherited hemoglopathies in USA and and accepted in every society. will allow the recognition of the best Japan, 16 years old and more, have Successful applications rely on the

been cured by gene therapy of their compatible grafts, minimizing the administration of high quality stem own stem cells and have stopped possibilities of rejection.cell samples.blood transfusions.

New scientific data open a new era in Placenta blood, apart from primary Efforts are made in order younger autologous stem cell therapies of hematopoietic cells, contains children to take part in this study, in pluripotent cells that can be Regenerative Medicine and for this order to prevent side effects from transformed into cells of other reason classical hematologists in long term transfusions.tissues, with special attention to USA, pioneers in allogeneic

neurons. For this reason in Duke Today, two grafts of histocompatible transplantations and basic

University stem cells derived from placenta blood derived stem cells are research scientists, participate in placenta blood are successfully used for the treatment of adult international private family cord administered to children with cerebral patients suffering from leukemia and blood stem cells banks.palsy and traumatic injury of the the reason for this, is to ensure a

Alopecia is most common in men and presents with hair liposuction from the subcutaneous fat that is

thinning or total hair loss. Stem cells have been accumulated at the abdominal area of the body.

Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia proposed as a cure for alopecia with various and the separation of mesenchymal stem cells should combinations. In fact hair follicle contains stem cells be done at a specialized laboratory. Stem cells can be that can regenerate hair and the reimplantation of administered to the affected area of the head and a these stem cells gives rise to new hairs. Hair follicle part of these cells can be banked in order to be stem cells have been characterised as pluripotent administered at a later time, if necessary. because these can be transformed into cells of other

tissues such as neuron cells. In order to ameliorate hair In certain cases of severe alopecia, adipose derived loss and hair thinning, mesenchymal stem cells have stem cells can be used for supporting follicular been used. Adipose tissue is considered to be the richest transplantation. The results indicate significant decrease tissue in mesenchymal stem cells that can be collected of the hair loss rate, increase of the hair growth rate safely and with minimum pain. These stem cells have and thickening of the hair. been characterised as safe stem cells, because these Today, Biohellenika supports with its laboratories the are adult type stem cells. plastic surgeons that use stem cell for alopecia

Adipose tissue derived stem cells can be collected with therapies.

PUBLIC BANKING

The umbilical cord blood is donated to a public bank anonymously. It belongs to the bank and is either discarded or provided by charge to a histocompatible patient. It may also be used for research.

There is no charge for the donation.

When the family is in need of stem cells, the public bank may provide them histocompatible stem cells from an unknown donor, after time consuming searching.

The patients pay the public bank up to 20.000 euros in the case of histocompatible stem cells are requested. Insurance companies may cover this amount, depending on the signed contract agreement.

There is risk of acute or chronic rejection due to non histocompatibility.

The only medical application is for hematological diseases treatment.

The time needed to find a histocompatible graft, cannot be predicted.

Only for allogenic transplantations.

PRIVATE BANKING

The umbilical cord blood belongs to the family and is recorded by the name of the family and the child.

The parents pay the cost for the cryopreservation and storage.

When the family is in need of stem cells they will receive immediately the stem cells that they have stored.

There is no charge for the disposal of the stem cells. The family is charged in the beginning, when the stem cells are stored and the total cost of the cryopreserva-tion and storage for 20 years is less than 2.000 euros. In case of cancer, Biohellenika offers to the family 50.000 euros financial support for autologous transplantation.

There is no risk of rejection and higher rates of survival of the patients, due to better histocompatibility within the family.

Medical applications for all the diseases that are treated today or will be treated in the future with stem cells.

Immediate use.

Use by the child and other histocompatible members of the family.

NEWS

Stem Cells and Hair Loss (Alopecia)

New data for the use of cord bloodand placenta derived stem cells

THAS WERE PRESENTED AT THE 8 INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM FOR CORD BLOOD TRANSPLANTATIONS THAT TOOK PLACE IN SAN FRANCISCO BETWEEN 3RD AND 5TH OF JUNE 2010

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BANKING

0908 NEWS

brain.he new advancements in the

use of placenta derived stem Cerebral palsy may occur due to thcells, presented at the 8 prematurity of the infant, low TAnnual International endouterus oxygenation and

Symposium for Cord Blood perinatal hypoxia. For these uses only Transplantations, are impressive. The the child's own stem cells are used.symposium took place between the

Many children have benefited from rd th3 and the 5 of June in San this therapy that is performed during

Francisco, USA and was supported by the first months of the child's life,

the United States Ministry of Health. when there are signs of cerebral

The presentations focused on the palsy, or during the fist years when autologous uses in the Regenerative the condition is verified clinically.Medicine field and the improvement

International studies use placenta of methods for the search of better

derived stem cells for the therapy of histocopatible transplants for

spinal cord injuries and stroke.allogeneic uses in hematological

The presentation of patients with diseases.severe stroke that had total recovery large number of cells, adequate for

The Scientific Director of Biohellenika, and were able a year after inter the weight of the adult patient. Dr. K. Kouzi –Koliakou, attended the cerebral administration of placenta symposium and presented a study In allogeneic transplantations, it is derived stem cells, to go back to their that refers to a special method of very important to prevent the normal lives, was spectacular.acquiring stem cells from the rejection of the graft. For this reason

Presentations of gene therapy of placenta, a method that provides a the efficiency of public banks relies stem cells in cases of sickle cell large number of hematopoietic and on the finding and administration of anemia and thalassemias that aimed mesenchymal stem cells, sufficient the best possible histocompatible to their re-administration to patients, for adults' treatment.grafts. Public banks target their was also very impressive.

The storage benefits of placenta research towards the finding of new Already many patients suffering from derived stem cells are widely known antigens of histocompatibility that inherited hemoglopathies in USA and and accepted in every society. will allow the recognition of the best Japan, 16 years old and more, have Successful applications rely on the

been cured by gene therapy of their compatible grafts, minimizing the administration of high quality stem own stem cells and have stopped possibilities of rejection.cell samples.blood transfusions.

New scientific data open a new era in Placenta blood, apart from primary Efforts are made in order younger autologous stem cell therapies of hematopoietic cells, contains children to take part in this study, in pluripotent cells that can be Regenerative Medicine and for this order to prevent side effects from transformed into cells of other reason classical hematologists in long term transfusions.tissues, with special attention to USA, pioneers in allogeneic

neurons. For this reason in Duke Today, two grafts of histocompatible transplantations and basic

University stem cells derived from placenta blood derived stem cells are research scientists, participate in placenta blood are successfully used for the treatment of adult international private family cord administered to children with cerebral patients suffering from leukemia and blood stem cells banks.palsy and traumatic injury of the the reason for this, is to ensure a

Alopecia is most common in men and presents with hair liposuction from the subcutaneous fat that is

thinning or total hair loss. Stem cells have been accumulated at the abdominal area of the body.

Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia proposed as a cure for alopecia with various and the separation of mesenchymal stem cells should combinations. In fact hair follicle contains stem cells be done at a specialized laboratory. Stem cells can be that can regenerate hair and the reimplantation of administered to the affected area of the head and a these stem cells gives rise to new hairs. Hair follicle part of these cells can be banked in order to be stem cells have been characterised as pluripotent administered at a later time, if necessary. because these can be transformed into cells of other

tissues such as neuron cells. In order to ameliorate hair In certain cases of severe alopecia, adipose derived loss and hair thinning, mesenchymal stem cells have stem cells can be used for supporting follicular been used. Adipose tissue is considered to be the richest transplantation. The results indicate significant decrease tissue in mesenchymal stem cells that can be collected of the hair loss rate, increase of the hair growth rate safely and with minimum pain. These stem cells have and thickening of the hair. been characterised as safe stem cells, because these Today, Biohellenika supports with its laboratories the are adult type stem cells. plastic surgeons that use stem cell for alopecia

Adipose tissue derived stem cells can be collected with therapies.

PUBLIC BANKING

The umbilical cord blood is donated to a public bank anonymously. It belongs to the bank and is either discarded or provided by charge to a histocompatible patient. It may also be used for research.

There is no charge for the donation.

When the family is in need of stem cells, the public bank may provide them histocompatible stem cells from an unknown donor, after time consuming searching.

The patients pay the public bank up to 20.000 euros in the case of histocompatible stem cells are requested. Insurance companies may cover this amount, depending on the signed contract agreement.

There is risk of acute or chronic rejection due to non histocompatibility.

The only medical application is for hematological diseases treatment.

The time needed to find a histocompatible graft, cannot be predicted.

Only for allogenic transplantations.

PRIVATE BANKING

The umbilical cord blood belongs to the family and is recorded by the name of the family and the child.

The parents pay the cost for the cryopreservation and storage.

When the family is in need of stem cells they will receive immediately the stem cells that they have stored.

There is no charge for the disposal of the stem cells. The family is charged in the beginning, when the stem cells are stored and the total cost of the cryopreserva-tion and storage for 20 years is less than 2.000 euros. In case of cancer, Biohellenika offers to the family 50.000 euros financial support for autologous transplantation.

There is no risk of rejection and higher rates of survival of the patients, due to better histocompatibility within the family.

Medical applications for all the diseases that are treated today or will be treated in the future with stem cells.

Immediate use.

Use by the child and other histocompatible members of the family.

NEWS

Stem Cells and Hair Loss (Alopecia)

New data for the use of cord bloodand placenta derived stem cells

THAS WERE PRESENTED AT THE 8 INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM FOR CORD BLOOD TRANSPLANTATIONS THAT TOOK PLACE IN SAN FRANCISCO BETWEEN 3RD AND 5TH OF JUNE 2010

1110 NEWSNEWS

Biohellenika, pioneer in the provision of high quality services in the stem cells field, has the know-how to offer

all potential methods for stem cells collection during birth and secure the maximum amount of stem cells that

can be collected. Thus, except the classic method of the puncture of the umbilical cord, Biohellenika is the first

company that proceeds to another two extra collection methods, straining of the placenta and stem cells from

Wharton's Jelly. The increased amount of stem cells is necessary for patients with excess of body mass, for

whom the classic stem cells collection may not be enough.

Collection of umbilical cord blood stem cells Collection of stem cells from deciduous teethThis service of cryopreserving stem cells from the The procedure is simple, lasts 5 minutes and is safe for deciduous teeth pulp is a new service worldwide. Aim and both child and mother as it is performed after the birth. purpose of this service is the collection of the valuable The umbilical cord blood is taken only after the child is biological resource of dental pulp stem cells – as a second born and the umbilical cord is cut. The special isolation chance – from children, 5-6 years old, that didn't collect method that Biohellenika uses, permits the utilization of their stem cells at birth or have used them for therapeutic small volume samples, so the final criteria for the applications.acceptance of one sample are the number of cells and not Also, this service concerns adults that want to use their its volume.wisdom teeth or any other permanent teeth that is extracted for orthodontic reasons.Collection of stem cells by straining the placenta

This collection method concerns the isolation of stem cells Collection of stem cells from adult adipose tissuethat remain inside the placenta after the classic umbilical Biohellenika offers the exclusive opportunity of preserving cord puncture. For this purpose, the whole placenta is stem cells from adipose tissue. Biohellenika has transferred to the laboratory, under sterilized conditions. established the first Isolation and Cryopreservation Following Biohellenika's special published method, the Laboratory of Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue in Europe. cells trapped inside the placenta are collected and added With no further inconvenience, stem cells can be collected

to the initial collection ensuring almost the double amount by the adipose tissue that is taken during a liposuction for

of stem cells. This method was published at the cosmetic reasons or any other scheduled surgery. Limited

international journal Transplantation Proceedings 2007, liposuction aiming to the stem cells collection is a simple

39 (10):3380-4, received an award at the 15th Hellenic and rather painless procedure that is worth to be done as

Transplant Congress at Thessaloniki at December 2007 long as we are young and healthy in order to shield our

and was mentioned in the internet till February 2008 as future health. Biohellenika supports many clinical trials in

one of the most interesting recent medical publications. Greece and abroad in collaboration with University

Biohellenika is the only company in European Union and Hospitals, for esthetic and plastic surgery applications.

one of the three companies worldwide that has the know- Also, supports clinical trials for neurodegenerative how to offer this unique service. diseases, cerebral palsy, autism, cardiac failure and

chronic pulmonary obstruction. For all these cases adipose Stem cells collection from the umbilical cord tissue tissue stem cells are used.(wharton's jelly)

This method concerns the collection of mesenchymal cells Molecular Analysis of Inherited Diseasesthat are found outside and around the umbilical cord Biohellenika offers the services of a full functioned and vessels. The cells are collected from a 15cm part of the certified molecular analysis lab for inherited diseases umbilical cord, cut by the obstetrician, which is send to the diagnosis. Specialized genetists give advice to parents laboratories inside a sterilized kit. The collection of who suffer from inherited diseases or they search for mesenchymal cells increases the histocompatibility into mutations in their genes. Infertility tests in blood, smears the family. Today Biohellenika offer the storage of this and amniotic fluid related to bacteria or virus infections type of stem cells from the total length of the umbilical and thrombophilia are provided. RT-PCR methods are cord. applied to each test, that gives the most safe and reliable

results.

Biohellenika, the most respectable Greek Stem Cells Bank, was founded and operates under the

strict surveillance of scientists, academic professors, Dr. Koliakos, Assoc. Professor of Biochemistry

and Dr. Kouzi-Koliakou, Assoc. Professor of Histology-Embryology. Biohellenika's innovative services

are scientifically proven and are the result of the long-term experience of the scientists in academic

research and medical practice.

Certificate No 362306/2002 and it is the first stem cells Approved Banking Method: Biohellenika is one of the bank that renewed the certification according to ISO companies in Europe that the quality of its services has 9001:2008 for the processing, quality test and been judged in action, with the successful preservation of autologous cells populations administration of cryopreserved cord blood stem cells to (hematopoietic autologous transplants from umbilical two patients at Duke University, Hematopoietic Clinic, cord blood, mesenchymal autologous transplants from USA and also by the daily therapeutic applications in deciduous teeth pulp, wisdom teeth and adipose tissue).Greece.

Accreditation: Biohellenika is the first company Double Security: The cryopreservation takes place at accredited with the certificate (No.410/8-2-2008 and two independent locations, at company's accredited No.618/2-10-2009) by the National Accreditation laboratories in Athens and Thessaloniki.System, the liable public organization according to Law

Guarantee: The collaboration with the National Hellenic 3066/2020 for the quality tests performed at its Research Foundation is the guarantee for the laboratories, including the nucleated and hematopoietic unhindered preservation of your child's stem cells. cells count and tests for bacteria and viruses detection.Biohellenika is the only company that collaborates with

Laboratories' Certification: Today, Biohellenika owns a public organization in order to secure the banking of 8 clean rooms, 5 at Thessaloniki and 3 at Athens, your stem cells for the whole duration of the specially designed for the stem cells processing and are agreement, even in the case the company is forced to certified according to the standards of ISO 14644-5 and terminate its operations. VDI 2089 by the German Company BSR. The company

Financial Support: Biohellenika supports the family recently was certified according to ISO 13485 for with 50.000 euro in case of cancer or leukemia of the medical devices.child whose stem cells are banked at the company, until

Hellenic Data Protection Authority: The Company the expiration of the contract agreement.applied and obtained license from the Hellenic Data

Scientific Board: The scientific board consists of Protection Authority from its foundation.Professors from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Freedom of Choice: Biohellenika informs the parents and specialized scientists with PhD, postgraduate studies and long-term experience in cell lines' about the two methods of cryopreservation (cryobag or cryopreservation. cryovials).

Know-how: The laboratories are fully equipped with the Exclusive Collaborations: The scientific collaborations most reliable and updated systems that follow the with the National Hellenic Research Foundation, the international guidelines of GMP. The equipments in use Molecular Targeting Network of Aristotle University of bear the CE sign, while all materials are certified for Thessaloniki, the Regenerative Medicine and Cell human therapeutic application (EOF). The operation of Therapy Research Organisation and the biggest the laboratories concerning the isolation and maternity clinics in Greece, reflect company's care about cryopreservation is adjusted to the demands of Greek the future and the best of quality services. Legislation, European guidelines, AABB regulations,

Cost: There are favourable financial terms with monthly JACIE and Netcord, and ISO 9001, 13485, 14644, installments for paying or in full the total amount. All 15189 and 27001.financial transactions start after the birth and no

Certification of Operation: Since the first days of its deposit is needed before the end of the service. In case operation, Biohellenika is certified by ISO 9001:2000 of small amount of stem cells, the cryopreservation is from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance with the free of charge.

Biohellenika's Services The Advantages of Biohellenika

1110 NEWSNEWS

Biohellenika, pioneer in the provision of high quality services in the stem cells field, has the know-how to offer

all potential methods for stem cells collection during birth and secure the maximum amount of stem cells that

can be collected. Thus, except the classic method of the puncture of the umbilical cord, Biohellenika is the first

company that proceeds to another two extra collection methods, straining of the placenta and stem cells from

Wharton's Jelly. The increased amount of stem cells is necessary for patients with excess of body mass, for

whom the classic stem cells collection may not be enough.

Collection of umbilical cord blood stem cells Collection of stem cells from deciduous teethThis service of cryopreserving stem cells from the The procedure is simple, lasts 5 minutes and is safe for deciduous teeth pulp is a new service worldwide. Aim and both child and mother as it is performed after the birth. purpose of this service is the collection of the valuable The umbilical cord blood is taken only after the child is biological resource of dental pulp stem cells – as a second born and the umbilical cord is cut. The special isolation chance – from children, 5-6 years old, that didn't collect method that Biohellenika uses, permits the utilization of their stem cells at birth or have used them for therapeutic small volume samples, so the final criteria for the applications.acceptance of one sample are the number of cells and not Also, this service concerns adults that want to use their its volume.wisdom teeth or any other permanent teeth that is extracted for orthodontic reasons.Collection of stem cells by straining the placenta

This collection method concerns the isolation of stem cells Collection of stem cells from adult adipose tissuethat remain inside the placenta after the classic umbilical Biohellenika offers the exclusive opportunity of preserving cord puncture. For this purpose, the whole placenta is stem cells from adipose tissue. Biohellenika has transferred to the laboratory, under sterilized conditions. established the first Isolation and Cryopreservation Following Biohellenika's special published method, the Laboratory of Stem Cells from Adipose Tissue in Europe. cells trapped inside the placenta are collected and added With no further inconvenience, stem cells can be collected

to the initial collection ensuring almost the double amount by the adipose tissue that is taken during a liposuction for

of stem cells. This method was published at the cosmetic reasons or any other scheduled surgery. Limited

international journal Transplantation Proceedings 2007, liposuction aiming to the stem cells collection is a simple

39 (10):3380-4, received an award at the 15th Hellenic and rather painless procedure that is worth to be done as

Transplant Congress at Thessaloniki at December 2007 long as we are young and healthy in order to shield our

and was mentioned in the internet till February 2008 as future health. Biohellenika supports many clinical trials in

one of the most interesting recent medical publications. Greece and abroad in collaboration with University

Biohellenika is the only company in European Union and Hospitals, for esthetic and plastic surgery applications.

one of the three companies worldwide that has the know- Also, supports clinical trials for neurodegenerative how to offer this unique service. diseases, cerebral palsy, autism, cardiac failure and

chronic pulmonary obstruction. For all these cases adipose Stem cells collection from the umbilical cord tissue tissue stem cells are used.(wharton's jelly)

This method concerns the collection of mesenchymal cells Molecular Analysis of Inherited Diseasesthat are found outside and around the umbilical cord Biohellenika offers the services of a full functioned and vessels. The cells are collected from a 15cm part of the certified molecular analysis lab for inherited diseases umbilical cord, cut by the obstetrician, which is send to the diagnosis. Specialized genetists give advice to parents laboratories inside a sterilized kit. The collection of who suffer from inherited diseases or they search for mesenchymal cells increases the histocompatibility into mutations in their genes. Infertility tests in blood, smears the family. Today Biohellenika offer the storage of this and amniotic fluid related to bacteria or virus infections type of stem cells from the total length of the umbilical and thrombophilia are provided. RT-PCR methods are cord. applied to each test, that gives the most safe and reliable

results.

Biohellenika, the most respectable Greek Stem Cells Bank, was founded and operates under the

strict surveillance of scientists, academic professors, Dr. Koliakos, Assoc. Professor of Biochemistry

and Dr. Kouzi-Koliakou, Assoc. Professor of Histology-Embryology. Biohellenika's innovative services

are scientifically proven and are the result of the long-term experience of the scientists in academic

research and medical practice.

Certificate No 362306/2002 and it is the first stem cells Approved Banking Method: Biohellenika is one of the bank that renewed the certification according to ISO companies in Europe that the quality of its services has 9001:2008 for the processing, quality test and been judged in action, with the successful preservation of autologous cells populations administration of cryopreserved cord blood stem cells to (hematopoietic autologous transplants from umbilical two patients at Duke University, Hematopoietic Clinic, cord blood, mesenchymal autologous transplants from USA and also by the daily therapeutic applications in deciduous teeth pulp, wisdom teeth and adipose tissue).Greece.

Accreditation: Biohellenika is the first company Double Security: The cryopreservation takes place at accredited with the certificate (No.410/8-2-2008 and two independent locations, at company's accredited No.618/2-10-2009) by the National Accreditation laboratories in Athens and Thessaloniki.System, the liable public organization according to Law

Guarantee: The collaboration with the National Hellenic 3066/2020 for the quality tests performed at its Research Foundation is the guarantee for the laboratories, including the nucleated and hematopoietic unhindered preservation of your child's stem cells. cells count and tests for bacteria and viruses detection.Biohellenika is the only company that collaborates with

Laboratories' Certification: Today, Biohellenika owns a public organization in order to secure the banking of 8 clean rooms, 5 at Thessaloniki and 3 at Athens, your stem cells for the whole duration of the specially designed for the stem cells processing and are agreement, even in the case the company is forced to certified according to the standards of ISO 14644-5 and terminate its operations. VDI 2089 by the German Company BSR. The company

Financial Support: Biohellenika supports the family recently was certified according to ISO 13485 for with 50.000 euro in case of cancer or leukemia of the medical devices.child whose stem cells are banked at the company, until

Hellenic Data Protection Authority: The Company the expiration of the contract agreement.applied and obtained license from the Hellenic Data

Scientific Board: The scientific board consists of Protection Authority from its foundation.Professors from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Freedom of Choice: Biohellenika informs the parents and specialized scientists with PhD, postgraduate studies and long-term experience in cell lines' about the two methods of cryopreservation (cryobag or cryopreservation. cryovials).

Know-how: The laboratories are fully equipped with the Exclusive Collaborations: The scientific collaborations most reliable and updated systems that follow the with the National Hellenic Research Foundation, the international guidelines of GMP. The equipments in use Molecular Targeting Network of Aristotle University of bear the CE sign, while all materials are certified for Thessaloniki, the Regenerative Medicine and Cell human therapeutic application (EOF). The operation of Therapy Research Organisation and the biggest the laboratories concerning the isolation and maternity clinics in Greece, reflect company's care about cryopreservation is adjusted to the demands of Greek the future and the best of quality services. Legislation, European guidelines, AABB regulations,

Cost: There are favourable financial terms with monthly JACIE and Netcord, and ISO 9001, 13485, 14644, installments for paying or in full the total amount. All 15189 and 27001.financial transactions start after the birth and no

Certification of Operation: Since the first days of its deposit is needed before the end of the service. In case operation, Biohellenika is certified by ISO 9001:2000 of small amount of stem cells, the cryopreservation is from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance with the free of charge.

Biohellenika's Services The Advantages of Biohellenika

A recent review article published by Harvard University pending. Although mesenchymal stem cells have been

scientists at Nature Rev Endocrin, summarized recent transformed in vitro to insulin secreted cells, the

advances towards a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1DM) scientists can not found the optimal conditions under

using stem cells. The authors state that novel stem-cell- those the cells could be engrafted to pancreas or

based therapies for T1DM should address to two elsewhere in human body. Few days later the cells are

targets, the replacement of insulin secreting cells and prompt to apoptosis, because they can not develop

the control of the autoimmune destruction of the vasculature to connect with the systemic blood

already existing insulin secreting cells. Pluripotent cells circulation.

from diverse sources have been used to generate

insulin secreting cells, however in order to be usable

these cells should respond to high glucose Aquayo-Mazzucato at al 2010.

Nat Rev Endocrinol 6 (3): 139-48concentrations. Mesenchymal stromal and umbilical

cord blood cells have been used in clinical trials in order

to modulate the destruction of insulin secreting cells by

immune response. Definitive results of these trials are

12 NEWS 13NEWS

mbilical cord blood stem cells have been

safely used for the last 20 years to treat

blood diseases and more. Placenta blood Ucomprises in addition to hematopoietic

multipotent stem cells as well. These stem cells are

capable of differentiation into hematopoietic, epithelial,

endothelial and neural cells. Thus, umbilical cord blood

stem cells can be used to treat diseases of the

cardiovascular, ophthalmic, muscle-skeletal, as well as

neurological and endocrine diseases. Recently umbilical

cord blood stem cells have been used in children with

cerebral palsy and type I diabetes. The number of

individuals affected by each of these diseases is

estimated at 10.000 infants diagnosed with cerebral

palsy annually and 15.000 young persons diagnosed

with type 1 diabetes annually.

Harris DT 2009. Br J Hematology 147(2): 177-84.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease blood, which may be able to address immune

caused by an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic modulation of the autoimmune process and allow for

islet insulin-producing cells. Autoimmunity and beta-cell replacement. Simultaneously, treatment with

shortage of insulin-producing cells are two key issues this novel type of stem cells and Tregs from cord

for the treatment of T1D. To cure T1D in a blood is effective on immunomodulation and beta cell

comprehensive manner, both issues need to be regeneration. These data open new ways to treat

addressed simultaneously. Not only the islet cells autoimmune diseases and especially type I diabetes.

must be replaced, the patient's immune system also

must be dealt with. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a Zhao et al. Transl Res 2010;

crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and self- May 155(5):211-6

tolerance through their inhibitory impacts on

autoreactive effector T cells. Scientists identified a

novel type of stem cells from human umbilical cord

Stem cells for type I diabetes therapy

Non-haematological uses of cord blood stem cells

NEW TYPE OF HUMAN BLOOD STEM CELL CAN BE USE FOR THE TYPE I DIABETES TREATMENT

A recent review article published by Harvard University pending. Although mesenchymal stem cells have been

scientists at Nature Rev Endocrin, summarized recent transformed in vitro to insulin secreted cells, the

advances towards a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1DM) scientists can not found the optimal conditions under

using stem cells. The authors state that novel stem-cell- those the cells could be engrafted to pancreas or

based therapies for T1DM should address to two elsewhere in human body. Few days later the cells are

targets, the replacement of insulin secreting cells and prompt to apoptosis, because they can not develop

the control of the autoimmune destruction of the vasculature to connect with the systemic blood

already existing insulin secreting cells. Pluripotent cells circulation.

from diverse sources have been used to generate

insulin secreting cells, however in order to be usable

these cells should respond to high glucose Aquayo-Mazzucato at al 2010.

Nat Rev Endocrinol 6 (3): 139-48concentrations. Mesenchymal stromal and umbilical

cord blood cells have been used in clinical trials in order

to modulate the destruction of insulin secreting cells by

immune response. Definitive results of these trials are

12 NEWS 13NEWS

mbilical cord blood stem cells have been

safely used for the last 20 years to treat

blood diseases and more. Placenta blood Ucomprises in addition to hematopoietic

multipotent stem cells as well. These stem cells are

capable of differentiation into hematopoietic, epithelial,

endothelial and neural cells. Thus, umbilical cord blood

stem cells can be used to treat diseases of the

cardiovascular, ophthalmic, muscle-skeletal, as well as

neurological and endocrine diseases. Recently umbilical

cord blood stem cells have been used in children with

cerebral palsy and type I diabetes. The number of

individuals affected by each of these diseases is

estimated at 10.000 infants diagnosed with cerebral

palsy annually and 15.000 young persons diagnosed

with type 1 diabetes annually.

Harris DT 2009. Br J Hematology 147(2): 177-84.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease blood, which may be able to address immune

caused by an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic modulation of the autoimmune process and allow for

islet insulin-producing cells. Autoimmunity and beta-cell replacement. Simultaneously, treatment with

shortage of insulin-producing cells are two key issues this novel type of stem cells and Tregs from cord

for the treatment of T1D. To cure T1D in a blood is effective on immunomodulation and beta cell

comprehensive manner, both issues need to be regeneration. These data open new ways to treat

addressed simultaneously. Not only the islet cells autoimmune diseases and especially type I diabetes.

must be replaced, the patient's immune system also

must be dealt with. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a Zhao et al. Transl Res 2010;

crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and self- May 155(5):211-6

tolerance through their inhibitory impacts on

autoreactive effector T cells. Scientists identified a

novel type of stem cells from human umbilical cord

Stem cells for type I diabetes therapy

Non-haematological uses of cord blood stem cells

NEW TYPE OF HUMAN BLOOD STEM CELL CAN BE USE FOR THE TYPE I DIABETES TREATMENT

MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS DERIVED FROM HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD AMELIORATE ISCHEMIA / REPERFUSION – INDUCED ACUTE RENAL FAILURE IN RATSMesenchymal stem cells are candidates for cell therapy

of kidney diseases.

Until today there is no available data on the effect of

stem cells on renal failure. Mesenchymal stem cells

were transplanted via the left carotid artery into acute

renal failure rats which was established by clamping

bilateral pedicles for 60 min and reperfusing. Serum

creatinine and urea decreased notably into treated Stroke and generally brain injury can cause permanent animals in comparison to control groups. The rate of

disability to the patients and a lot of efforts are put in cell proliferation into kidneys of treated animals was

order to restore the patients' health. Umbilical cord higher than that in the control groups. In addition, the

transplanted mesenchymal stem cells could reside in blood contains stem cells that already have been local injury sites, leading to the relief of

transformed to neuron and glial cells and proposed to hyperemia and inflammation, but no obvious

treat damaged areas of the brain. Placenta itself also transdifferentiation into renal-like cells.

contains huge number of mesenchymal stem cells that Cao et al. Biotechnol Letter 2010 May;

32(5): 725-32 have the same abilities with cord blood and can be

differentiated into neural progenitors. It is obvious that

cryopreserving the cord blood we do not exhaust all the

HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD possibilities to collect the total amount of stem cells

MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS during the birth of a child, since placenta contains the

REDUCE FIBROSIS OF same or even greater amount of stem cells that will

BLEOMYCIN-INDUCED LUNG end to the wasting material in case we do not collect.

INJURY This type of stem cells is useful to treat organs or

generally in regenerative medicine. Biohellenika Acute respiratory distress syndrome is characterized by

alveolar loss as a result of inflammation and fibrosis. already has established the method to collect stem Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells have

cells from placenta, through a specific procedure and been successfully used for the cure of lung devastation thin an experimental model of bleomicin induced lung this method's results were presented in the 8

injury. Stem cell administration reduced inflammation International Congress on Cord Blood Transplantations

response, attraction of immune system cells and in San Francisco USA this year. Placenta perfusion oxidative stress and resulted into a reduction of

pulmonary fibrosis and amelioration of pulmonary collected stem cells already in our labs have been function. Biohellenika currently supports a clinical trial

transformed into osteocytes and adipocytes. conducted in the University Pulmonology clinic of

Alexandroupolis Hospital considering the treatment of

autoimmune pulmonary fibrosis. Portmann R et al 2010. Am J Obstet Gynecol.

Moodley Y, et al 2009.

Am J Pathol 175(1):303-13. Mar;202(3):294.e1-294.e1.

Turning placenta into brain: placental mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into neurons and oligodendrocytes

Wharton's jelly mesenchymal cells can be used as potential delivery vehicles for cancer therapeutics

Scientists from Kansas University underline

accumulating evidence indicating that stem cells

isolated from the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord

can be used as gene therapy delivery cells. These type

of cells can be isolated from the umbilical cord after

birth in large numbers and because of the mesenchymal

origin can penetrate into organs. However these cells do

not form tumours themselves. Wharton jelly

mesenchymal cells have been engineered to secrete

tumour killing cytokines and anticancer proteins and

have shown to exert a potent anticancer effect in

preclinical animal models. Also can be conjugated with

chemotherapeutics, radioactive molecules or virus and

directed to organ tumours for local action. By this

technology, side effects are avoided, common in

systemic administration of chemotherapeutics, and due

to increased local concentration in organs the antitumor

effect is better.

Rachakatla RS, Troyer D. Future Oncol 2009Oct; 5 (8):1237-44

1514 NEWSNEWS

CELL THERAPY FOR NEONATAL HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (HIE)Perinatal hypoxia can often lead to cerebral palsy

and neurological disability. There is not yet a known

effective cure that can prevent or ameliorate the

adverse development in these neonates. Despite

advances in supportive care, no treatments for HIE

are available at present. The role of stem cells in

neuroprotection or regeneration of the damaged

neural tissues has been evaluated in several

preclinical studies. Recently umbilical cord blood

and Wharton jelly derived stem cells are

systematically evaluated in large clinical trials for

the treatment of perinatal hypoxia, with promising

results. The combination of mesenchymal and

hematopoietic stem cells from placenta may offer a

more complete cure for brain damage because this

combination can support angiogenesis and

neurogenesis and have an antiiflamatory action.

Pimentel-Coelho PM et al, 2009.

Stem cells Dev 19 (3):299-310.

HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD WHARTON'S JELLY-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS CAN BE DIFFERENTIATED INTO GERM-LIKE CELLS IN VITRORecent studies have demonstrated that

mesenchymal stem cells could differentiate into

germ cells under appropriate conditions. These

results may provide a new route for reproductive

therapy involving mesenchymal stem cells as

already had been proved by dental pulp stem cells.

Huang P et al 2010. J Cell. Biochem. (c) 1;109(4):747-54.

MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS DERIVED FROM HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD AMELIORATE ISCHEMIA / REPERFUSION – INDUCED ACUTE RENAL FAILURE IN RATSMesenchymal stem cells are candidates for cell therapy

of kidney diseases.

Until today there is no available data on the effect of

stem cells on renal failure. Mesenchymal stem cells

were transplanted via the left carotid artery into acute

renal failure rats which was established by clamping

bilateral pedicles for 60 min and reperfusing. Serum

creatinine and urea decreased notably into treated Stroke and generally brain injury can cause permanent animals in comparison to control groups. The rate of

disability to the patients and a lot of efforts are put in cell proliferation into kidneys of treated animals was

order to restore the patients' health. Umbilical cord higher than that in the control groups. In addition, the

transplanted mesenchymal stem cells could reside in blood contains stem cells that already have been local injury sites, leading to the relief of

transformed to neuron and glial cells and proposed to hyperemia and inflammation, but no obvious

treat damaged areas of the brain. Placenta itself also transdifferentiation into renal-like cells.

contains huge number of mesenchymal stem cells that Cao et al. Biotechnol Letter 2010 May;

32(5): 725-32 have the same abilities with cord blood and can be

differentiated into neural progenitors. It is obvious that

cryopreserving the cord blood we do not exhaust all the

HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD possibilities to collect the total amount of stem cells

MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS during the birth of a child, since placenta contains the

REDUCE FIBROSIS OF same or even greater amount of stem cells that will

BLEOMYCIN-INDUCED LUNG end to the wasting material in case we do not collect.

INJURY This type of stem cells is useful to treat organs or

generally in regenerative medicine. Biohellenika Acute respiratory distress syndrome is characterized by

alveolar loss as a result of inflammation and fibrosis. already has established the method to collect stem Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells have

cells from placenta, through a specific procedure and been successfully used for the cure of lung devastation thin an experimental model of bleomicin induced lung this method's results were presented in the 8

injury. Stem cell administration reduced inflammation International Congress on Cord Blood Transplantations

response, attraction of immune system cells and in San Francisco USA this year. Placenta perfusion oxidative stress and resulted into a reduction of

pulmonary fibrosis and amelioration of pulmonary collected stem cells already in our labs have been function. Biohellenika currently supports a clinical trial

transformed into osteocytes and adipocytes. conducted in the University Pulmonology clinic of

Alexandroupolis Hospital considering the treatment of

autoimmune pulmonary fibrosis. Portmann R et al 2010. Am J Obstet Gynecol.

Moodley Y, et al 2009.

Am J Pathol 175(1):303-13. Mar;202(3):294.e1-294.e1.

Turning placenta into brain: placental mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into neurons and oligodendrocytes

Wharton's jelly mesenchymal cells can be used as potential delivery vehicles for cancer therapeutics

Scientists from Kansas University underline

accumulating evidence indicating that stem cells

isolated from the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord

can be used as gene therapy delivery cells. These type

of cells can be isolated from the umbilical cord after

birth in large numbers and because of the mesenchymal

origin can penetrate into organs. However these cells do

not form tumours themselves. Wharton jelly

mesenchymal cells have been engineered to secrete

tumour killing cytokines and anticancer proteins and

have shown to exert a potent anticancer effect in

preclinical animal models. Also can be conjugated with

chemotherapeutics, radioactive molecules or virus and

directed to organ tumours for local action. By this

technology, side effects are avoided, common in

systemic administration of chemotherapeutics, and due

to increased local concentration in organs the antitumor

effect is better.

Rachakatla RS, Troyer D. Future Oncol 2009Oct; 5 (8):1237-44

1514 NEWSNEWS

CELL THERAPY FOR NEONATAL HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (HIE)Perinatal hypoxia can often lead to cerebral palsy

and neurological disability. There is not yet a known

effective cure that can prevent or ameliorate the

adverse development in these neonates. Despite

advances in supportive care, no treatments for HIE

are available at present. The role of stem cells in

neuroprotection or regeneration of the damaged

neural tissues has been evaluated in several

preclinical studies. Recently umbilical cord blood

and Wharton jelly derived stem cells are

systematically evaluated in large clinical trials for

the treatment of perinatal hypoxia, with promising

results. The combination of mesenchymal and

hematopoietic stem cells from placenta may offer a

more complete cure for brain damage because this

combination can support angiogenesis and

neurogenesis and have an antiiflamatory action.

Pimentel-Coelho PM et al, 2009.

Stem cells Dev 19 (3):299-310.

HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD WHARTON'S JELLY-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS CAN BE DIFFERENTIATED INTO GERM-LIKE CELLS IN VITRORecent studies have demonstrated that

mesenchymal stem cells could differentiate into

germ cells under appropriate conditions. These

results may provide a new route for reproductive

therapy involving mesenchymal stem cells as

already had been proved by dental pulp stem cells.

Huang P et al 2010. J Cell. Biochem. (c) 1;109(4):747-54.

Dental pulp regeneration with stem cells Experimentally, dental pulp stem cells transplantation

into the pulp chamber after pulp necrosis, resulted in

regeneration and new pulp development. Within 14

days full dental pulp regeneration was observed with

new vessels and neural branches.

Iohara K et al 2009.

Regen Med;4(3):377-385

DENTAL PULP STEM CELLS IN AN ARTERIAL OBSTRUCTION Dental pulp stem cells were injected into the muscles

of the animal extremities after experimentally

obstruction by ligation of the femoral artery. In the

areas where stem cells were injected, an increase in

the blood supply and the number of vessels was

observed. The results showed the ability of dental pulp

stem cells to neoagiogenesis and tissue regeneration DENTAL PULP STEM CELLS after arterial occlusion.

RESTORE THE LOWER JAW Iohara K., et al., Stem Cells 2008;

26(9):2408-2418 BONE DEFICITS

Dental pulp stem cells have been used for the first

time in patients in order to fill the bone cavitiy after the POTENTIAL ROLE OF DENTAL

third mollar extraction. These patients would have STEM CELLS IN THE CELLULAR

ended to lose the second mollars too, because the

THERAPY OF CEREBRAL background of the bone after extraction was not very

ISCHEMIA solid. Transplantation of dental pulp stem cells of the

third mollars into the remained cavity resulted in bone Dental pulp derived stem cells can be transformed into

neural tissue cells under the appropriate conditions. recovery after three months. This data gives new These stem cells take the form of neural cells and perspectives in bone or other tissue regenaration. express specific receptors that are characteristic for

D' Aquino R. et al., neural cells. Accordingly it may be suggested that

Eur Cell. Mater, 2009.12:18:75-83dental pulp derived stem cells can be used in the future

as a stem cell source for the cure of neurodegenerative

diseases including Parkinson and Alzheimer disease as

well as stroke.

Arthur A. et al., J Dent Res 2009;

88(9):829-834

CAROTID REPAIR AFTER ATHERECTOMY AND STENT APPLICATION, USING AUTOLOGOUS ADIPOSE-DERIVED ENDOTHELIAL CELLSAdipose tissue is a rich source of pre-endothelial cells

that can repopulate the damaged endothelium in

experimental models. Carotids are big blood vessels

that are some times obstructed by atheromatic lesions.

Atheromas can be removed by atherectomy and the

lumen can be kept open by placing a stent. The delayed

endothelium reconstitution is a serious factor for the

development of new atheromatic lesions. Intra-arterial

administration of adipose derived stem cells within 48

hours after the operation can lead to a progressive

reconstitution of the endothelium and prevent later

complications. Adipose tissue is an important source of

primitive endothelial cells able to reconstitute epithelia

of blood vessels after angioplasty preventing thickening

of the tunica intima.

Froehlich H et al 2009. Stroke, 40(5):1886-91.

ADIPOSE DERIVED STEM CELLS

BONE GENERATIONAdipose tissue contains stem cells that can be used for

the regeneration of bone, cartilage and intervertebral

fibrocartilage. Adipose derived stem cells can be mixed

with osteogenetic factors and applied onto specific

scaffolds that can be then utilised to cover bone deficit

or bone fissure areas. The importance of the use of

scaffolds is profound because these can assure the

viability and functionality of stem cells.

Scaffold technology in combination with stem cells is

less invasive for the patient, can omit large orthopaedic

operations, shorten hospitalisation time and minimise

postoperative complications.

1. Ahn HH et al 2009. Tissue Eng part A. 15(7):1821-32.

2. Tapp H et al 2008. Arthritis Res Ther 10(4): R89

3. Tapp H, et al 2009. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2009 Jan;234(1):1-9.

1716 NEWSNEWS

ADIPOSE DERIVED STEM CELLS HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO BEATING HEART CELLSHuman adipose-derived stem cells may

differentiate ex vivo into beating cardiomyocytes, as

they show spontaneous contractions like in normal

positions in heart. The ability of adipose tissue

derived stem cells to transform into cardiac

functioning cells opens new perspectives in cardiac

cell therapy or tissue engineering after infarction or

cardiac failure generally.

Choi YS et al 2010. J cell Mol Med 14(4):878-79.

ADIPOSE DERIVED STEM CELLS CAN RECONSTITUTE LIVER DEGENERATION

1 2Hepatic cirrhosis , hepatic fibrosis and

hepatocellular cancer are severe and life

threatening liver diseases that need immediate

care. The only effective treatment today is liver

transplantation, limited by donor availability and

immune-rejection. Regenerative medicine is a

promising medical field, developing cell-based

therapies that can enable hepatic regeneration.

Transplantation of adipose tissue-derived

mesenchymal stem cells can be today used for

regenerating liver cells. When compared with

embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem

(iPS) cells, adipose derived stem cells provide

advantages considering ethical and safety issues.

Adipose derived stem cells can be used without ex

vivo culture, are immuno-compatible, exhibit

controlled differentiation and multi-functional

abilities and do not undergo post-transplantation

rejection or unwanted differentiation such as

formation of teratomas. In the future adipose tissue

derived stem cell therapies will be the first choice

for the confrontation of currently incurable liver

disease.

1. Ishikawa T et al 2010.

Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 5 (2):182-189.

2. Tsai PC et al 2009. Liver Transpl 15(5):484-495.

Dental pulp regeneration with stem cells Experimentally, dental pulp stem cells transplantation

into the pulp chamber after pulp necrosis, resulted in

regeneration and new pulp development. Within 14

days full dental pulp regeneration was observed with

new vessels and neural branches.

Iohara K et al 2009.

Regen Med;4(3):377-385

DENTAL PULP STEM CELLS IN AN ARTERIAL OBSTRUCTION Dental pulp stem cells were injected into the muscles

of the animal extremities after experimentally

obstruction by ligation of the femoral artery. In the

areas where stem cells were injected, an increase in

the blood supply and the number of vessels was

observed. The results showed the ability of dental pulp

stem cells to neoagiogenesis and tissue regeneration DENTAL PULP STEM CELLS after arterial occlusion.

RESTORE THE LOWER JAW Iohara K., et al., Stem Cells 2008;

26(9):2408-2418 BONE DEFICITS

Dental pulp stem cells have been used for the first

time in patients in order to fill the bone cavitiy after the POTENTIAL ROLE OF DENTAL

third mollar extraction. These patients would have STEM CELLS IN THE CELLULAR

ended to lose the second mollars too, because the

THERAPY OF CEREBRAL background of the bone after extraction was not very

ISCHEMIA solid. Transplantation of dental pulp stem cells of the

third mollars into the remained cavity resulted in bone Dental pulp derived stem cells can be transformed into

neural tissue cells under the appropriate conditions. recovery after three months. This data gives new These stem cells take the form of neural cells and perspectives in bone or other tissue regenaration. express specific receptors that are characteristic for

D' Aquino R. et al., neural cells. Accordingly it may be suggested that

Eur Cell. Mater, 2009.12:18:75-83dental pulp derived stem cells can be used in the future

as a stem cell source for the cure of neurodegenerative

diseases including Parkinson and Alzheimer disease as

well as stroke.

Arthur A. et al., J Dent Res 2009;

88(9):829-834

CAROTID REPAIR AFTER ATHERECTOMY AND STENT APPLICATION, USING AUTOLOGOUS ADIPOSE-DERIVED ENDOTHELIAL CELLSAdipose tissue is a rich source of pre-endothelial cells

that can repopulate the damaged endothelium in

experimental models. Carotids are big blood vessels

that are some times obstructed by atheromatic lesions.

Atheromas can be removed by atherectomy and the

lumen can be kept open by placing a stent. The delayed

endothelium reconstitution is a serious factor for the

development of new atheromatic lesions. Intra-arterial

administration of adipose derived stem cells within 48

hours after the operation can lead to a progressive

reconstitution of the endothelium and prevent later

complications. Adipose tissue is an important source of

primitive endothelial cells able to reconstitute epithelia

of blood vessels after angioplasty preventing thickening

of the tunica intima.

Froehlich H et al 2009. Stroke, 40(5):1886-91.

ADIPOSE DERIVED STEM CELLS

BONE GENERATIONAdipose tissue contains stem cells that can be used for

the regeneration of bone, cartilage and intervertebral

fibrocartilage. Adipose derived stem cells can be mixed

with osteogenetic factors and applied onto specific

scaffolds that can be then utilised to cover bone deficit

or bone fissure areas. The importance of the use of

scaffolds is profound because these can assure the

viability and functionality of stem cells.

Scaffold technology in combination with stem cells is

less invasive for the patient, can omit large orthopaedic

operations, shorten hospitalisation time and minimise

postoperative complications.

1. Ahn HH et al 2009. Tissue Eng part A. 15(7):1821-32.

2. Tapp H et al 2008. Arthritis Res Ther 10(4): R89

3. Tapp H, et al 2009. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2009 Jan;234(1):1-9.

1716 NEWSNEWS

ADIPOSE DERIVED STEM CELLS HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO BEATING HEART CELLSHuman adipose-derived stem cells may

differentiate ex vivo into beating cardiomyocytes, as

they show spontaneous contractions like in normal

positions in heart. The ability of adipose tissue

derived stem cells to transform into cardiac

functioning cells opens new perspectives in cardiac

cell therapy or tissue engineering after infarction or

cardiac failure generally.

Choi YS et al 2010. J cell Mol Med 14(4):878-79.

ADIPOSE DERIVED STEM CELLS CAN RECONSTITUTE LIVER DEGENERATION

1 2Hepatic cirrhosis , hepatic fibrosis and

hepatocellular cancer are severe and life

threatening liver diseases that need immediate

care. The only effective treatment today is liver

transplantation, limited by donor availability and

immune-rejection. Regenerative medicine is a

promising medical field, developing cell-based

therapies that can enable hepatic regeneration.

Transplantation of adipose tissue-derived

mesenchymal stem cells can be today used for

regenerating liver cells. When compared with

embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem

(iPS) cells, adipose derived stem cells provide

advantages considering ethical and safety issues.

Adipose derived stem cells can be used without ex

vivo culture, are immuno-compatible, exhibit

controlled differentiation and multi-functional

abilities and do not undergo post-transplantation

rejection or unwanted differentiation such as

formation of teratomas. In the future adipose tissue

derived stem cell therapies will be the first choice

for the confrontation of currently incurable liver

disease.

1. Ishikawa T et al 2010.

Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 5 (2):182-189.

2. Tsai PC et al 2009. Liver Transpl 15(5):484-495.

The successful collaboration between Biohellenika and

the private maternity clinic “Genesis” of Thessaloniki

continues. The program “Care and Safety” offers today

to the parents who choose to have their child at the

maternity clinic “Genesis”, the most complete umbilical

cord stem cells cryopreservation service.

For the parents who choose to give labor at the clinic it is

not necessary to carry the collection bag, among their

other belongings during entry. The clinic will ensure it is

provided at the delivery room. Upon entry of the parents

to the Maternity Clinic they express their wish to collect

stem cells and the clinic in collaboration with Biohellenika

ensures that the stem cells collection procedure is

completed without an added burden to the parents.

The Maternity Clinic “Genesis” guarantees the

preservation for the next 20 years as described in a

special article in the Private Contract.

18 NEWS

Biohe enikaΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΒΙΟΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ

The special Care and Safety of Biohellenika is

reinforced by the cover of hospitalization fees

up to the amount of 50.000€ in case of using

the stem cells for the treatment

of cancer or leukemia in Greece or abroad for

the duration of the Private Contract.

autologous

Preservation and Safety at the Maternity Clinic “Genesis”

Special Careand Safetyprogram for Biohellenika's Children

1clinical trials Accreditation Number 410

Ô: +30 28210.58758 +30 6976 977.384

CRETE - CHANIA

40-42 Tzanakaki Str.

The successful collaboration between Biohellenika and

the private maternity clinic “Genesis” of Thessaloniki

continues. The program “Care and Safety” offers today

to the parents who choose to have their child at the

maternity clinic “Genesis”, the most complete umbilical

cord stem cells cryopreservation service.

For the parents who choose to give labor at the clinic it is

not necessary to carry the collection bag, among their

other belongings during entry. The clinic will ensure it is

provided at the delivery room. Upon entry of the parents

to the Maternity Clinic they express their wish to collect

stem cells and the clinic in collaboration with Biohellenika

ensures that the stem cells collection procedure is

completed without an added burden to the parents.

The Maternity Clinic “Genesis” guarantees the

preservation for the next 20 years as described in a

special article in the Private Contract.

18 NEWS

Biohe enikaΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΒΙΟΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ

The special Care and Safety of Biohellenika is

reinforced by the cover of hospitalization fees

up to the amount of 50.000€ in case of using

the stem cells for the treatment

of cancer or leukemia in Greece or abroad for

the duration of the Private Contract.

autologous

Preservation and Safety at the Maternity Clinic “Genesis”

Special Careand Safetyprogram for Biohellenika's Children

1clinical trials Accreditation Number 410

Ô: +30 28210.58758 +30 6976 977.384

CRETE - CHANIA

40-42 Tzanakaki Str.

www.biohellenika.gr

OPEN LINE

801.11.99299

THESSALONIKI

ATHENS

LARISSA

PATRA

IOANNINA

IRAKLION - CRETE

CHANIA - CRETE

CYPRUS

BULGARIA - SOFIA

SKOPJE

ROMANIA - BUCHAREST

Laboratories - Offices65, Georgikis Scholis Avenue, 57001 Thessaloniki, ZEDA buildingT: 0030 2310.474.282, 2310.474.284, F: 0030 2310.474.285Mobile: 0030 6944.677.746E-mail: info@biohellenika.gr

Offices2 Mesogion Str, Athens Tower, Building A’ T: 0030 210.77.08.882, 210.77.08.218, F: 0030 210.77.90.788M: 0030 6973.346.704email: info@biollenikasa.grLaboratoriesNATIONAL HELLENIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION48 Vasileos Konstantinou Str. 11635 AthensΤ: 0030 210.72.73.700, F: 0030 210.72.46.618

28A Archelaou Str., 11635 Athens, T: 0030 210 7299140, F: 0030 210.72.99.140

3 Megalou Alexandrou Str. 6th floor, 41222T: 0030 2410.535.603, F: 0030 2410.535.664, M: 0030 6973.984.260

Kos 18 & Panepistimiou 3Τ: 0030 2610.437.436, F: 0030 2610.431.339, M: 0030 6978.483.170

Technological Park, Pedini Τ: 0030 26510.97.667, F: 0030 26510.97.673, M: 0030 6970.267.540

17 Amaltheias & Katechaki Str., 71201Τ: 0030 2810.229.351, M: 0030 6970.803.497

40-42 Tzanakaki Str., 1st Floor, Office A6, 73134Τ: 0030 2821058758, M: 0030 6976.977.384

Τ . +357 22028208, 77776001

66 Exarch Joseph Str., Τel.: 0700 10 804

Frenklin Ruzvelt 4, Lokal 5 1000, Τel.: 0038 923111114

69 Union Avenue, Grand Floor, Τel.: 004 0213203029, Fax: 004 0213203031Mobile: 004 0730078930

TAK.EIE

17th November Str., Pilea, MB 16513, PC 54301,ThessalonikiTel.: 0030 2310.984.000, Fax: 0030 2310.984.469E-mail: info@genesis.org.gr

55 Alekos Constantine Streetel : , Fax: +357 22028210

1clinical trials Accreditation Number 410 the biggest greek stem cell cryopreservation

institution

Biohe enikaBIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY

SCIENTIFIC CONSULTANTS:, PhD

K. Kouzi, MD, PhD Associate Professor Histology – Embryology, Cell phone: +30 6944 677746G. Koliakos, MD Associate Professor of Biochemistry

(Calls only from line phone)