Cryo-Save Launches Cryo-Lip® in the U.S.; Stem Cell Cryopreservation From Fat Tissue

ZUTPHEN, The Netherlands, DALLAS and NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey, August 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Cryo-Save (Euronext: CRYO, "Cryo-Save"), Europe's leading family stem cell bank launches its unique Cryo-Lip® service in the U.S. offering people the possibility to store their stem cells from fat tissue for future use.

In preparation of the launch two important steps have been realized:

Cryo-Save completed an 'FDA-ready' validation study confirming that the Cryo-Lip® methodology consistently delivers the highest quality of stem cells

Cryo-Save has partnered with Texas-based Genesis Biosystems to market the Cryo-Lip® service in the U.S

The 3-year exclusive agreement between Cryo-Save and Genesis Biosystems brings Europe's most sophisticated cryopreservation and stem cell technology to patients and physicians in the U.S. Initially, an extensive network of committed physicians will be developed offering the unique Cryo-Lip® service to their patients.

What is Cryo-Lip®?

The Cryo-Lip® service is a unique and high quality technology that allows people to store their own valuable adipose tissue or adult stem cells for current or future use. After collection, the fat tissue is processed at the highly specialized and FDA-accredited tissue bank of General Biotech Technologies in Indianapolis.  The tissue and cells can be preserved for many years and may be released back for reinjection upon request.

Cryo-Lip®: a new high potential service for plastic surgeons and regenerative medicine

Plastic surgeons can use the tissue and cells for plastic and cosmetic indications such as facial rejuvenation or breast reconstruction.  In addition, many applications in regenerative medicine are being investigated with promising results already announced in diverse conditions such as cardiac ischemia and urinary incontinence. There is little doubt that adult stem cells will play an important role in clinical medicine of tomorrow.

James D. Lafferty, CEO of Genesis Biosystems, sees a growing market: "Using a patient's own fat for injection for cosmetic enhancement increased by over 27% from 2009 to 2010, which indicates patients and physicians continue to see more benefit from natural tissue as opposed to synthetic injectable products. Additionally, with more than 300,000 liposuction procedures performed annually in the U.S., there are large numbers of patients that will choose to cryo-preserve their fat for future cosmetic and medical use as regenerative stem cell therapies become more prevalent."

Scientifically validated

Cryo-Save has also completed an 'FDA-ready validation study' for the Cryo-Lip^® service in the U.S. Henk Snyman, MD, Managing Director of the US Cryo-Lip^® operations comments: "We are committed to deliver a scientifically and clinically validated service. Our results in the FDA-ready validation study showed that our methodology consistently delivers the highest quality of stem cells, including the ability to differentiate into adipose, bone and cartilage cells."  

A strong partnership

Arnoud van Tulder, CEO Cryo-Save states "a strong partnership is essential for a successful roll-out of the Cryo-Lip^® service in the U.S. We are convinced that Genesis Biosystems is ideally placed to ensure good market penetration."

Cryo-Lip^®: http://www.cryolip.com (patients), http://www.stem-cell-genesis.com (physicians)

Cryo-Save: http://www.cryo-save.com/group

Cryo-Save, the leading international family stem cell bank, already stores more than 185,000 samples from cord blood and umbilical cord tissue for newborns and adipose tissue for adults. These stem cells can mean the difference between life and death in the case of future threats to the health of the donors. There are already several diseases that can be cured by the use of stem cells, and the number of treatments will only increase. The use of stem cells from adipose tissue is increasingly popular in cosmetic surgery. Driven by its international business strategy, Cryo-Save is now represented in over 40 countries on four continents, with ultra-modern processing and storage facilities in the United States, Belgium, Germany, Dubai, India, South Africa and France (validation in progress).

Genesis Biosystems (http://www.genesisbiosystems.com)

Genesis Biosystems is a certified ISO 13485 manufacturer of quality aesthetic and biomedical products for plastic surgeons, dermatologists and medical aesthetic physicians. The Company continually strives to bring new and innovative products and services to market that meet the needs of the growing  medical aesthetic industry.  The Company has been producing quality products  for more than 13 years and currently sells in over 30 countries throughout the world.  Genesis Biosystems enjoys a reputation for delivering innovative solutions to enhance the lives of patients and for providing outstanding customer service.

SOURCE Cryo-Save Group N.V.