Generate Life Sciences Supports Rutgers Cancer Institute's Cord Blood Research With Critical Bioprocessing Device Donation

- The Sepax 2 S-100 device will add cellular therapy preparation capabilities to work conducted by the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in partnership with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

- Generate is committed to advancing the field of newborn stem cells and improving access through research and infrastructure improvement partnerships

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Generate Life Sciences

Oct 13, 2021, 12:45 ET

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Generate Life Sciences today announced it is donating a Sepax 2 S-100 cell bioprocessing system manufactured by Cytiva to Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to support investigation of the potential efficacy of cord blood infusions in a variety of pediatric brain injuries.

Cytiva's Sepax 2 S-100 is a closed-system bioprocessor that prepares cells for infusion from umbilical cord blood, also known as newborn stem cells*, and other blood derivatives, while maintaining the quality of the cells and protecting them from contamination. With this device, researchers at Rutgers in partnership with investigators at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital are now able to conduct clinical research studies using cord blood cells for a wide range of indications, joining a global effort to expand access to these therapies.

"Umbilical cord blood is a promising therapeutic modality, particularly for pediatric neurologic conditions which do not have a cure today," said Archana Sharma, DO, Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist at Rutgers Cancer Institute, who conducts cord blood research. "Much research remains to be done to fully understand the optimal application of these cells for therapy, and our Rutgers team is looking forward to doing its part in contributing to this effort. We're grateful to Generate Life Sciences for their contribution of Cytiva equipment, which adds a new critical capability for our research team and allows us to take part in future stem cell-based studies."

"We wholeheartedly believe that newborn stem cells will play a key role in the next generation of regenerative medicine therapeutics," said Jaime Shamonki, MD, Generate's Chief Medical Officer. "There are numerous active clinical trials all around the globe that are advancing stem cell therapies, particularly in areas of high need, such as pediatric neurologic disabilities. We welcome the opportunity to work with groups, such as Rutgers, to expand access to these much needed newborn stem cell clinical trial opportunities to as many children as possible."

Generate Life Sciences believes that everyone has the right to benefit from the latest scientific advancements to grow and protect their families. This donation helps ensure that more families have access to newborn stem cell therapies, and builds on existing initiatives at Generate:

Cord Blood Advantage Program, which provides free newborn stem cell preservation for families with donor-conceived children who use Generate's reproductive tissue services
Family Health Registry, which actively collects information about conditions within the immediate family that may be treatable with newborn stem cells so that clients can learn about relevant clinical trial options and potentially contribute to new research
Newborn Possibilities Program, which enables families with a qualifying medical need to receive free newborn stem cell processing, plus five years of free storage

Generate's family of companies include four of the world's largest newborn stem cell banks — Cord Blood Registry, Insception Lifebank, Cells for Life and Cell Care — and they are well positioned to power regenerative medicine studies, whether through a repository of stem cells available for research, contract manufacturing projects, or clinical development partnerships.

For more information about the Sepax 2 S-100, visit the Cytiva product website.

*Newborn stem cell is a broad term for cells derived from the umbilical cord, including cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).

About Generate Life Sciences
Generate Life Sciences® is a global life sciences company serving families from preconception to adulthood, by providing guidance and services anchored in accurate science. Our longstanding brands — which include CBR® (Cord Blood Registry®), Insception Lifebank, Cells for Life, Cell Care, California Cryobank™, Donor Egg Bank USA™, NW Cryobank™, ReadyGen™, Kitazato USA™ and Donor Application™ — are pioneering leaders that have helped nearly one million families through reproductive, newborn stem cell, genetic screening, medical device, and healthcare technology services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Generate operates facilities spanning the United States, Canada and Australia, in addition to distributing frozen donor gametes to more than 40 countries. Generate is a portfolio company of GI Partners, a private investment firm based in San Francisco.