Pharmacosmos to improve stem cell freezing

Copenhagen University Hospital and Pharmacosmos have joined forces to improve current stem cell and tissue freezing methods. The project, Cryodex, has received support from the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation.

A new collaboration between Copenhagen University Hospital and Pharmacosmos seeks to improve current stem cell and tissue freezing methods. The project, Cryodex, has received support from the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation.

When stem cells and tissue are frozen, cryoprotectants are used to prevent formation of ice crystals inside the cells. The most commonly used cryoprotectant, however, is characterized by a number of side effects.

"Our work will potentially revolutionize the quality and safety of freezing, storing and thawing of cells and tissues. In both stem cell and fertility treatments, it is essential - both treatment and research - for cells and tissue to retain their functionality after thawing," said Dr. Morten Bagge Hansen, head of the hospital's blood bank, one of the two research groups involved in the project.

Stem cell treatment is currently being researched throughout the world, but to this point only a few diseases such as leukaemia have been shown treatable. It is hoped, however, that stem cell treatment may be possible for a variety of presently incurable diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and blindness.

"In order to exploit the significant potential in the treatment of patients with stem cells, there is a clear need for a technology that ensures both cell quality and safety profile. A technology highly in demand by the regulatory authorities in Europe and the U.S., hospitals, research institutes and biotech and pharmaceutical companies," said Professor, MD. Claus Yding Andersen, head of the Reproductive Biology Laboratory, also part of the project.

"We are very pleased and proud of the support from the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation. Cryodex has an important patient- and treatment-related potential and is a large and interesting challenge to us all, "said Lars Christensen, MD and CEO of Pharmacosmos.

The project is planned for a duration of three years.