Go Gilbert Magazine, Dec 2010
by Michelle Talsma Everson
When a child is born, it’s a special, once-in-a-lifetime occasion; something that will never happen again and a memory to be truly cherished. During this extraordinary event, there’s also something else that only happens once– the opportunity to capture the baby’s cord blood that is rich with stem cells, often referred to as “the building blocks of life.”
by Christian Beaudry
Q: Claire from Chandler asks, “I am six months pregnant and my doctor has mentioned cord blood storage or donation. What is the difference between the two and what are the benefits of banking my baby’s cord blood?”
Phoenix is witnessing explosive growth in the medical field. Here’s a look at five new cutting-edge facilities that are leading the way.
By Susan Regan
3495 S. Mercy Rd., Bldg. 14,
Gilbert, 480-722-9963,
celebrationstemcellcentre.com
One of the latest debates among couples expecting a child is whether to store the newborn’s umbilical cord blood, which contains stem cells that may be used to treat disease. Celebration Stem Cell Centre offers parents the option of saving cord blood in a private bank for possible later use by the child or a family member, or donating it to a public bank to make it available for clinical trials and to doctors to treat ill patients. Fore those interested in donating cord blood to the public bank, the facility covers processing, testing and storage fees.
Celebration Stem Cell Centre, which opened last August, is approximately 11,000 square feet and is currently equipped to store more than 34,000 cord blood samples in four freezers, with the capacity to house 14 freezers. It also offers genetic counseling, adult stem cell processing and banking, and bone marrow match testing.
2011 BIO International Convention
2011 BIO International Convention:Gilbert, Arizona Economic Development Division
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Gilbert, Arizona is achieving significant growth in its life science industry through the opening of two new hospitals, the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, several private companies focusing on stem cell research and treatments, and strong collaborative partnerships with Phoenix-area hospitals and Catholic Healthcare West hospitals. Strong contributors to Gilbert’s future growth include Celebration Stem Cell Centre (CSCC) and its newly launched spinoff, the Translational Research Institute (TRI). Together they plan to develop the next key components to advance cellular technologies and stem cell therapy in the United States.
“We are looking forward to providing advanced treatment technologies and research opportunities in the greater Phoenix area”
“We are looking forward to providing advanced treatment technologies and research opportunities in the greater Phoenix area,” said Pam Nenaber, CEO of Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and Banner Gateway Medical Center. “The Banner Gateway campus in Gilbert was selected because of its strategic location; providing easy access to the Phoenix freeway system and local airports.”
“Gilbert, Arizona will be a worldwide destination for patient treatment and a center for scientists to be trained from basic science to clinical application for stem cells,” said Dr. Nabil Dib, Chief Scientific Officer for TRI and Medical Director and Chief Investigator at the Celebration Stem Cell Centre.
“The establishment of these new organizations and companies in Gilbert represent a major milestone towards our strategic goal of becoming a regional and national leader within the rapidly advancing life science industry,” said Gilbert Mayor John Lewis. “Our unique medical, scientific, and business environment meets the conditions to attract senior research physicians, principle investigators, faculty, and medical practitioners from around the country.”
Gilbert economic development representatives will be meeting with site selectors and organizations from around the world at BIO 2011 (Hall A, Arizona Pavilion, Booth 2565) to provide the latest industry reports, statistics, and other information about Arizona’s life science industry. Researchers, institutions, and companies interested in opening offices in Gilbert for stem cell research should contact Gilbert’s economic development division at: busdev@gilbertaz.gov or (480) 503-6010.
Gilbert, Arizona Life Science Resources: Within the past two years, Gilbert, Arizona has grown into a regional leader in life science research and treatments for cancer and for research and therapies utilizing adult stem cells. It is conveniently located between two airports with commuting accessibility to 100,000+ healthcare practitioners and technicians. Key resources include:
• Major Healthcare Providers/Services: Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Banner Gateway Medical Center, and Ironwood Cancer Research Center.
• Over 2 million square feet of state-of-the-art hospital and clinical research facilities.
• Approximately 300 acres of real estate earmarked for healthcare facilities and services.
• Celebration Stem Cell Centre & Mercy Gilbert Medical Center – leading research center for cord blood stem cell research, processing, and storage.
• Close proximity to over 800 science and technology firms, potential for collaborative partnerships.
• Access to 100,000 healthcare practitioners and technicians within 45 minute commute.
• Educational resources: Arizona State University Polytechnic, A.T. Still University, Pima Medical Institute, the Bryman School, and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
• Regional Assets: The Science Foundation Arizona, Arizona Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Mayo Clinic, Flinn Foundation.
About Celebration Stem Cell Centre, (CSCC)
The Celebration Stem Cell Centre’s mission is to provide the highest quality of viable stem cells for transplant and regenerative medicine and to increase awareness of the healing effects of stem cells. Expectant mothers register in advance at www.CelebrationStemCellCentre.com to donate from any hospital in the state of Arizona or privately bank from anywhere in the nation. CSCC collaborates with several non-profit foundations to provide educational information about cord blood banking and stem cell research, including Save the Cord Foundation and Translational Stem Cell Research Foundation.
About Translational Research Institute, (TRI)
TRI is a private company formed to develop innovative treatments for cardiovascular disease through breakthrough cellular technologies and medical devices. TRI will fund clinical research projects and establish strategic partnerships with world-leading scientists and principal investigators in stem cell transplant therapies and regenerative medicine.
About Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
The new center will open in September of 2011, on the Banner Gateway Medical Campus and will deliver an unprecedented level of cancer care to patients in Arizona through the collaboration of Banner Health, one of the country’s largest nonprofit hospital systems, and MD Anderson, internationally renowned for its cancer treatment and research.
About Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert, Arizona is located in the southeast valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area. With a population of 220,000 Gilbert was ranked the 4th fastest-growing large municipality in the nation and ranks 36th out of the top 100 best places to live in America according to CNN/Money Magazine. Gilbert also has one of the highest ranked K-12 education systems in Arizona and noted as the 5th safest city in the country. For additional details on Gilbert’s low operating costs, established life and bio science employers, incentives and available workforce, please contact the Economic Development Division at busdev@gilbertaz.gov or 480.503.6010, or visit: www.gilbertedi.com.
Contacts
TopSpin Communications, Inc.
Joe Waldygo, 480-363-8774
joe@topspinpr.com
[source]
By: Cecily Markland / The Beehive
Former president of the Gilbert Val Vista Stake, Gale Brimhall says he celebrates “a whole new life” thanks to Celebration Stem Cell Centre (CSCC) of Gilbert.
The high-tech, cutting edge facility is just over a year old, having collected its first “cord blood” in September 2010. Yet, already, it is promising to be one of the world’s leading research centers for cord blood stem cell research, processing and storage, says Rob Schemitsch, director of business development.
At Celebration Stem Cell Centre in Gilbert stem cells--from donated or family-banked umbilical cord blood--are of the highest quality as they are collected, stored, processed and transported using the most stringent federal standards. Photo courtesy Celebration Stem Cell Centre.
Abundant in bone marrow and also available in adipose (fat) tissue, stem cells are also in rich supply in the umbilical cord of a newborn baby.
“The importance of cord blood is that it’s full of naïve stem cells that are ideal for transplant and may help in clinical research and treating of disease,” Rob says. Already, stem cells from cord blood are being used to treat a variety of diseases—everything from cancers to blood disorders—and ongoing clinical trials are suggesting stem cells may have even wider application and treatment in immune system deficiencies, metabolic disorders and more.
President Brimhall participated in a blind study clinical trial after two heart attacks. His second occurred in 1997, a few months after he had been called as Stake President. Even after bypass surgery and having a defibrillator inserted, “I was still pretty limited,” he says. “I wasn’t able to run or do anything. I tired easily.”
Though he won’t know whether he actually received stem cells until the final study results are released in 2012, he says he is fairly confident he received the stem cells.
“The difference is dramatic. I’ve got a new life,” he says, adding, “This has been a great blessing with a lot of miracles involved in it too. We always want to give credit to Heavenly Father, but He works in a variety of ways to help us. Our faith leads to answers. Faith leads other people to you.”
Celebration Stem Cell Centre is committed to educating others about the research and opportunities surrounding stem cells, particularly reaching out to expectant parents and encouraging them to bank or to donate their baby’s cord blood.
CSCC is the state’s first center for public and “family” cord blood banking.
“With family banking, families pay a fee to have their baby’s stem cells processed and stored in our facility.” Those stem cells are a perfect genetic match for that baby and studies show these cells are often a close enough match that they could be used for other family members who may require a stem cell transplant.
As indicated in their ad in this Beehive, CSCC is offering a generous $400 off coupon toward family banking.
“We also want to stress the importance of donating cord blood,” Rob says. “It is free to do so, but, the only opportunity to collect cord blood is at delivery. Parents need to decide ahead of time and indicate their choice to donate the cord blood. If not banked or donated, cord blood is discarded as medical waste by the hospital.”
Rob explains that, for both private banking and public donations, CSCC uses stringent federal standards for collection, storage and transport.
“Donated cord blood stem cells are then stored in our facility and made available to the medical community around the world on a National Donor Registry.”
He adds, “There is a desperate need and we would like to see more donations from various ethnic groups. Currently, African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native Americans patients who need stem cell transplants may have a difficult time finding a match on the national registry,” he says. “Please consider donating your baby’s cord blood. This precious resource may make all the difference for someone with a life-threatening disease or injury.
To learn more about cord blood banking options, visit www.CelebrationStemCellCentre.com or call 480-733-9963.
FOR RELEASE: June 27, 2011
BIO 2011 – Hall A, Booth 2565
BIO 2011 Convention, Washington, DC, June 27, 2011 –Celebration Stem Cell Centre (CSCC) in Gilbert, Arizona, launched the Translational Research Institute, (TRI), as the next key component in the advancement of cellular technologies and stem cell therapy in the United States. With a focus on emerging medical technologies, TRI will identify FDA requirements and design valid clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy and efficiently streamline the approval process. TRI will prudently fund research projects for new medical applications and expects to launch its first product in early summer 2011.
Gilbert economic development representatives will be meeting with site selectors and organizations from around the world at BIO 2011 (Hall A, Arizona Pavilion, Booth 2565) to provide the latest industry reports, statistics, and other information about Arizona’s life science industry and Gilbert’s unique economic advantages, investment opportunities, incentives, and future growth areas.
“Gilbert, Arizona will be a worldwide destination for patient treatment and a center for scientists to be trained from basic science to clinical application for stem cells,” said Dr. Nabil Dib, Medical Director and Chief Investigator at the Celebration Stem Cell Centre.
“We have developed a hybrid concept to bring stem cell treatment technologies from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside,” said William Lund, Managing Director of TRI and Co-Founder of Celebration Stem Cell Centre.
Gilbert’s growing life science industry features collaborative partnerships between Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Celebration Stem Cell Centre, several Phoenix-area hospitals, Catholic Healthcare West hospitals, and the new Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. The hospitals collect donated cord blood from consenting patients for the processing, storage, and subsequent delivery of stem cells for worldwide clinical research made available through Celebration Stem Cell Centre. Gilbert expects to attract senior research physicians, principle investigators, faculty, and medical practitioners from around the country. Researchers, institutions, and companies interested in opening offices in Gilbert for stem cell research should contact Gilbert’s economic development division at: busdev@gilbertaz.gov or (480) 503-6010.
About Celebration Stem Cell Centre, (CSCC)
The Celebration Stem Cell Centre’s mission is to provide the highest quality of viable stem cells for transplant and regenerative medicine and to increase awareness of the healing effects of stem cells. Expectant mothers register in advance at www.CelebrationStemCellCentre.com to donate from any hospital in the state of Arizona or privately bank from anywhere in the nation. CSCC collaborates with several non-profit foundations to provide educational information about cord blood banking and stem cell research, including Save the Cord Foundation and Translational Stem Cell Research Foundation.
About Translational Research Institute, (TRI)
TRI is a private company formed to develop innovative treatments for cardiovascular disease through breakthrough cellular technologies and medical devices. TRI will fund clinical research projects and establish strategic partnerships with world-leading scientists and principal investigators in stem cell transplant therapies and regenerative medicine.
About Gilbert, Arizona Economic Development Services
Gilbert’s Economic Development Division is committed to the attraction and retention of business and industry to the Gilbert community. The division provides expert site selection services, operational cost analysis, incentive comparisons, workforce studies and the ability to connect knowledge assets that spur innovation.
About Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert, Arizona is located in the southeast valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area. With a population of 220,000 Gilbert was ranked the 4th fastest-growing large municipality in the nation and ranks 36th out of the top 100 best places to live in America according to CNN/Money Magazine. Gilbert also has one of the highest ranked K-12 education systems in Arizona and noted as the 17th safest city in the country. For additional details on Gilbert’s low operating costs, established life and bio science employers, incentives and available workforce, please contact the Economic Development Division at busdev@gilbertaz.gov or 480.503.6010, or visit: http://www.gilbertaz.gov/busdevmedia/default.cfm.
Media Contact
Joe Waldygo
Ph: 480-363-8774
Email: joe@topspinpr.com
Premium content from Phoenix Business Journal – by Angela Gonzales
Celebration Stem Cell Centre is creating a buzz as companies and research organizations are looking to set up shop near the facility to create a bio hub in Gilbert.
Dan Henderson, economic development director for the city of Gilbert, said he is getting calls from companies looking to expand there.
“The interest we’re getting in and around the area is tremendous,” he said.
The new center, across the street from Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, is taking its first donated umbilical-cord blood sample this week to begin testing its equipment and operating procedures. The center has been open for about a month, but this is the first time it will take samples, said Sherry Lund, founder and president of the center.
This week, Celebration received contracts from Mercy Gilbert and its two sister hospitals, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix and Chandler Regional Medical Center, putting a process in place to allow women delivering their babies at those hospitals to either donate the unused umbilical cord blood or bank it to fight diseases their babies may develop in the future.
Usually, umbilical cords — rich with stem cells — are discarded after birth. During fiscal 2010, ended June 30, Chandler Regional had 4,051 births and Mercy Gilbert had 2,723 during that period. St. Joseph’s had 5,097 births in 2009.
Lund said Banner Health and John C. Lincoln also are working on agreements to become donor hospitals.
“This is exciting for Arizona,” she said. “We’ll have more donor hospitals … than any other state in the U.S.”
Parents who want to bank their cord blood will pay $1,975, which includes the initial setup, processing, pickup, delivery and banking for the first year. It doesn’t cost anything to donate cord blood for research.
The use of adult stem cells, such as those from umbilical cord blood, does not carry the political controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research. Former President George W. Bush halted federal funding for embryonic stem cell research in 2001. In 2009, President Barack Obama overturned that decision. Obama’s action is being challenged in federal court.
Meanwhile, research on adult stem cells continues to move forward, said Dr. Nabil Dib, director of cardiovascular research at Mercy Gilbert and Chandler Regional. Dib recently completed a Phase I clinical trial for chronic heart failure patients that centered around injecting adult bone-marrow stem cells into the damaged area of the heart. The trial’s premise is that the stem cells will help regenerate the damaged heart muscle. Dib hopes to begin the next phase of the trial soon.
Lund said she created the stem cell center to help supply bone marrow stem cells for Dib’s research.
Dib said he is grateful for those efforts because now he can get 10,000 to 20,000 stem cells from one donor. In his previous research at the Arizona Heart Institute, he took stem cells from the patient’s leg to be injected into the heart. Using the cord blood is faster and more cost-effective, he said.
Lund and her husband, real estate developer Bill Lund, are investing $5 million of their own money into the 5,000-square-foot facility. With six employees, she plans to hire more staff as more stem cell samples are donated.
“We’ll be adding two or three lab techs within the next month,” she said.
The donated samples will go into a registry for the Minneapolis-based National Marrow Donor Program, a nonprofit that matches bone marrow and umbilical cord blood with patients in need of transplants.
But not everyone agrees with banking cord blood for future use.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has said no scientific evidence exists to support the practice. On its website, the AAP warns parents that cord blood banks should comply with national accreditation standards developed by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission and state agencies.
Christian Beaudry, Celebration’s director of operations, said several factors have contributed to the controversy surrounding private banking of cord blood. Many private banks are not standardized and do not follow the same quality parameters set up by public banks, he said.
A recent article published in the journal Transfusion reported that only 47 percent of infused cord-blood units from private banks meet FDA banking criteria.
“The Celebration Stem Cell Centre’s private cord-blood banking program will use the same high-qualitystandards that are required for our public banking
program to process and store umbilical cord blood,” Beaudry said. “State-of-the-art technologies, stringent processes and high-quality practices will be implemented to ensure that adult stem cells and cord-blood units are of the very highest quality possible for therapeutic purposes.”
Read more: Celebration Stem Cell could be center of Gilbert biotech hub | Phoenix Business Journal
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