Cord Blood Registry Sponsors 2014 World Stem Cell Summit

SAN BRUNO, Calif., Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cord Blood Registry® (CBR®) announces that the company is a platinum sponsor of the 10th Annual World Stem Cell Summit, the largest global meeting of stem cell science and regenerative medicine stakeholders. The 2014 World Stem Cell Summit will be held December 3-5 at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, Texas.

The World Stem Cell Summit aims to advance the discovery and development of lifesaving cures and therapies, convening the most prominent figures in the field to share research, build collaborations, and achieve solutions to funding and commercialization challenges. Sessions will focus on the acceleration of stem cell science and translation into clinical trials and medical therapies for severe injury and disease, including regeneration of tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function.

"CBR's involvement in the 2014 World Stem Cell Summit is a strong demonstration of the company's commitment to fostering biomedical research and supporting a variety of public outreach initiatives, including patient advocacy programs," notes Geoff Crouse, President & Chief Executive Officer of Cord Blood Registry. "As the use of cord blood continues to expand in medical applications, and research uncovers more potential for this stem cell source, educational collaborations are critical to advancing awareness and expediting the development of innovative therapeutics and treatments," adds Crouse.

As the exclusive cord blood bank supporter of the 2014 Summit, CBR has partnered with the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) to convene a panel discussion entitled "Banking on Cord Blood: Is the Future Here?". The panel discussion will provide an overview of research exploring the potential of newborn stem cells in therapy for non-hematological disorders, and it will also discuss the challenges and opportunities patients and their families face when accessing research trials. The panel is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, as part of the Summit's Translation and Clinical Trials track. The panel will feature Heather Brown, MS, CGC, Vice President of Scientific & Medical Affairs at CBR, Charles S. Cox, MD, Director of the Program in Children's Regenerative Medicine at UT Health Science Center at Houston, Mahendra Rao, MD, PhD, Vice President for Strategic Affairs at Q Therapeutics and Vice President for Regenerative Medicine at The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, and Fran Verter, PhD, Founder & Director of the Parent's Guide to Cord Blood Foundation.

Once regarded as medical waste, cord blood has been used in the treatment of over 80 diseases and disorders, and a growing body of research suggests that stem cells from cord blood may be used to help repair damaged or diseased tissue and organs. CBR is fueling innovation in cord blood stem cell research. CBR is the first family newborn stem cell company to partner with leading research institutions to establish FDA-regulated clinical trials exploring the potential regenerative ability of cord blood stem cells to treat acquired hearing loss, autism, cerebral palsy, and pediatric stroke.

Bernard Siegel, Founder and Co-chair of the World Stem Cell Summit, explains, "The Genetics Policy Institute recognizes the importance of expanding the scope of stem cell therapies that may be available to patients and their families. The use of cord blood derived stem cells as a therapeutic tool is integral to the future of regenerative medicine. We welcome CBR's leadership and significant contribution to the 10^th Anniversary Summit program."

About Cord Blood Registry
Cord Blood Registry® (CBR®) is the world's largest newborn stem cell company. Founded in 1992, CBR is entrusted by parents with storing more than 500,000 cord blood and cord tissue units. CBR is dedicated to advancing the clinical application of newborn stem cells by partnering with leading research institutions to establish FDA-regulated clinical trials, requiring CBR processed cord blood, for conditions that have no cure today. For more information, visit cordblood.com

About Genetics Policy Institute
The Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports stem cell research to develop therapeutics and cures. GPI pursues its mission by producing the World Stem Cell Summit, honoring community leaders through the Stem Cell Action Awards, publishing the peer-reviewed World Stem Cell Report with Mary Ann Liebert Publishers, organizing educational initiatives, and fostering strategic collaborations. GPI maintains offices in Florida, California, and Washington DC. For more information, visit www.genpol.org

SOURCE Cord Blood Registry