2012 is here; can you believe it? Many positive things happened for cord blood research, ViaCord families and ViaCord in 2010. Let’s take a moment to look back at some of the highlights.
Important cord blood stem cell research paves the way for treatment possibilities
Here is just some of what went on this year:Progress continued in trials using cord blood stem cells in regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine applications require a patient to use his or her own cord blood stem cells in treatment. As a result a number of ViaCord families have been able to participate in these trials.
- At Duke University, treatment of children with cerebral palsy continued from the initial phase of the study with the commencement of aPhase II clinical trial. Doctors hope this study will lend itself to helping treatments using cord blood become available to more patients with the condition. This study has helped ViaCord children like Katie - read her story here.
- A Phase II clinical trial, which began in 2009, treating children with type 1 diabetes continued through 2010. With results from Phase Ishowing that cord blood may help reduce the need for insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes, the continued research could provide new insight into a treatment for all people affected by the condition.
Researchers explored the use of cord blood stem cells for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and stroke patients. Though both studies use mice models as subjects, initial results shouldn’t be dismissed.
- Alzheimer’s: Two major grants were given to the University of South Florida to study the effect of cord blood on animals with Alzheimer’s disease. With this funding, researchers hope to study how cord blood stem cells work to improve the condition and create preclinical data that would encourage the FDA to approve clinical trials on human patients. Read more on our blog.
- Strokes: Studies show that cord blood stem cells may help a stroke patient develop new nerve tissue and improve behavior and functionality. Scientists have also discovered that the normal 3-hour window for patients to receive an anticoagulant treatment after a stroke can be extended to 24–72 hours with the administration of cord blood stem cells. Read more on our blog.
Research studies like these are able to take place when parents like you bank or donate your baby’s cord blood. That’s just one reason why you were such an important part of 2010.
ViaCord celebrates the best part of 2010—you!The ViaCord community of families is amazingly vibrant and engaged. Here are some of the great things you took part in during 2010:
- Our Facebook® family has grown to over 6,800 people. While we provide current research updates, blog posts, videos and more – our Facebook page isn’t just a place for information. Your willingness to share your stories and connect with others is what’s truly compelling. Share your passion for cord blood with others like you today – click here!
- You spoke – we listened! In response to a growing interest in gaining a deeper understanding of what cord blood stem cells have to offer, we took a deeper dive into some important topics around cord blood and cord blood banking. Parents know that making an informed decision about banking or donating their baby’s cord blood starts with education. Some of our most popular posts included:
Stem Cells 101: An Overview of Stem Cells
Cord Blood Treatments: Allogenic Transplants and Autologous Transplants and Treatments
Stem Cell Use – What are the odds?
Public and Private Cord Blood Banks – Sharing A Common Goal
With having so many great things happen in 2010, we can’t wait to see what 2011 brings. From all of us at ViaCord, we wish you a happy, healthy and successful year!
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