Date:10/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/12/10/stories/2005121003050200.htm

Back Asia Cryo-Cell, SRMC to set up research centre

Our Bureau

Chennai , Dec. 9

THE Chennai-based Asia Cryo-Cell, which is into banking of cord blood stem cells, and Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, have joined hands to set up a `stem cell transplant centre' within the premises of the college.

The Rs 15-crore facility is expected to be operational in about six months and will provide stem-cell-based treatment mainly to cancer patients.

At a press conference here, officials from both organisations said the centre would be housed in a 7-storey block.

Stem cells are the basic cells which multiply and become various parts of the body in the mother's womb. Some of these cells remain in the umbilical cord and can be `harvested'. They are also found in the bone marrow. These cells can be used to treat a damaged part of the body — say, a cancerous liver. If stem cells are infused into the liver, they will "regenerate" and the body will get a brand new liver.