Héma-Québec obtains Canadian patent for cord blood cells culture invention
Montreal, August 27, 2009 — The Canadian Intellectual Property Office granted Héma Québec a patent* entitled “A New Method of Expanding Cord Blood Cells” on July 14. Héma-Québec obtained a similar patent in the United States on November 18, 2008.
Based on work performed at Héma-Quebec‘s research and development laboratories, this patent concerns a cellular culture method that permits faster and more efficient expansion of cord blood stem cells. In addition, this process aims to increase the performance of a specific type of blood platelet-producing cell. The platelet yield obtained by applying this cell culture method is therefore improved.
This new process will aid in patients’ post-transplant recovery through increased platelet production. Cord blood stem cells are used in certain types of treatments to perform transplants on patients with often-fatal diseases, such as leukemia, serious immunodeficiency, or severe anemia.
“This US/Canada patent illustrates the expertise acquired by Héma-Québec’s research and development team in cord blood stem cell culture and in-vitro stem cell production,” says Yves Blais, Vice-President, Research and Development at Héma-Québec. “We are confident this new process will attract attention from potential partners and companies interested in developing cell therapy products and technologies.”
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