Evidence-Backed Stem Cell Therapies Can Benefit Mexican Patients

Q: CryoHoldco has positioned itself as the largest group of stem cell banks in Latin America. What key factors have driven this growth, and what are the next steps in expanding your footprint?
A: We are the fifth-largest stem cell cryopreservation company in the world. The company was founded in 2015 with the goal of consolidating the category across Latin America. We established a presence throughout the region by acquiring companies with strong market positioning in cord blood and cord tissue cryopreservation. We now manage about 15 brands in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina, with cryopreservation bunkers located in the capitals of these countries.

Our priority is to safeguard our patients’ samples. We store about 350,000 cryopreserved cell samples from cord blood, cord tissue, skin, bone marrow, peripheral blood and DNA, using nitrogen tanks to preserve cells for over 70 years. We uphold credibility by ensuring that we only offer scientifically and ethically, validated services, which has allowed us to keep the trust of our clients. What sets us apart is our genuine commitment to safeguarding the cell samples of clients who have placed their trust in us.

Q: How has CryoHoldco’s market approach evolved alongside the stem cell therapy field?
A: Some are pushing regenerative medicine therapies as universal cures, which is not accurate. In medicine, it is essential to acknowledge that no single treatment works for everyone or anything. It is crucial to handle information responsibly to avoid the spread of misinformation. The effectiveness of stem cell therapy depends on the origin of the cell and the specific application.
Our focus has evolved from stem cell cryopreservation to adjuvant therapeutic applications. We are also exploring alternative cell sources. Stem cells can be autologous, meaning derived from the patient, or allogeneic, sourced from a compatible donor.

The type of application depends on the specific type of cell being used. For example, stem cells, derived from umbilical cord blood, have over 70 established medical applications. We have released cord blood samples for patients with blood cancers as a cell source for their bone marrow transplants, we have also released cord tissue cells (mesenchymal stem cells) to treat graft-versus-host disease (Avoiding rejections) in patients that received bone marrow transplants, significantly improving their survival expectancy and quality of life.

Amniotic stem cells have been applied in cases of diabetic foot, helping a patient facing limb amputation to recover their affected extremity. Diabetic patients often present ulcers and lose sensitivity in their feet, leading to severe wounds, but this treatment helps them restore sensitivity and promote healing.

Q: What new services will CryoHoldco offer in the short term, and what challenges is the company facing in incorporating them?
A: We are diversifying and implementing vertical integration, and we will be opening a regenerative medicine research center in Mexico City called “Elevate”. The application of cells offered there will be fully supported by scientific evidence. For example, we will provide orthopedic treatments using mesenchymal and umbilical cord-derived amniotic cells, which have well-documented support in osteoarthritis. We are also evaluating the evidence of the use of these cells for improving the quality of life in patients with aging frailty syndrome. We can present medical evidence to specialists and offer reliable treatment options to patients.

However, these therapies are not suitable for everyone as some patients may still require surgery. We also have strong evidence supporting systemic anti-aging applications. Our goal is to inform people about the applications that are truly effective. Certain cells have demonstrated a generalized anti-inflammatory effect, providing real benefits supported by evidence.

The “Elevate Center” will have a dedicated laboratory that will receive frozen cells from our facilities from Guadalajara (Biggest cryopreservation center in Latin America, and prepare them for application, ensuring that their viability is optimal. Our goal is to develop logistical centers that guarantee proper cell delivery to patients. There is a last-mile challenge in delivering cells to doctors performing the applications. We address this challenge through our cell expansion laboratory in Guadalajara. However, if cells are sent in uncontrolled conditions, maintaining their viability becomes more complex.

Q: How will your collaboration with Veritas Genetics enhance the services CryoHoldco offers to parents and physicians in Latin America?
A: Veritas Genetics is one of our strategic partners. As part of our evolution in Latin America, we have also become a key channel for companies looking to expand their market presence. We recognize the significant value we bring to each other and the greater contribution we can make to society.

Veritas Genetics has established an agreement with us to collaborate in strengthening both companies’ market presence through the introduction of specialized products. Through this partnership, we can make genetic tests more accessible, helping identify chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, newborn predispositions or potential health conditions. We also offer the PregnancyLoss Test, which is used in cases of failed early pregnancy. In some instances, it can help identify congenital conditions and provide valuable information to better guide the OBGYN and the patients through this difficult process, it is also important to mention that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recommend that noninvasive prenatal testing (myPrenatal) should be offered to all pregnant women, regardless of maternal age or fetal risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

In Latin America, innovation arrives later compared to other markets. For example, non-invasive newborn screening is mandatory in California, but Latin America lacks such regulations, we now offer myNewborn which analyses over 400 genes related to 390 metabolic and genetic conditions with early onset.

Q: How do you navigate regulatory challenges in the emerging field of stem cell therapies?
A: We have always been highly respectful of regulatory frameworks but have observed that some areas remain outdated compared to current advancements. In such cases, we work alongside authorities to help establish guidelines for emerging technologies, ensuring that clear regulations prevent misinformation and protect people.
We fully comply with all existing regulations, and we take great care in how we present information to regulatory entities throughout Latin America, in every country where we operate. Whenever we introduce a new product, we notify the authorities to ensure compliance. Regulatory agencies must ensure that companies deliver what they promise. However, regulators such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may face challenges in keeping up with current advancement, as it is the case with regulatory bodies in Latin America.

Q: With which institutions is CryoHoldco collaborating to increase the reach of its services?
A: We are working with the National Institute of Rehabilitation (INR). We are also collaborating with other institutes such as the National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), to establish additional protocols, ensuring that those considering our treatments can do so with confidence. We are engaging with those who are interested, as we believe our work can have a significant positive impact on people's lives.

It is essential that healthcare specialists endorse these advances, through education and training. Initially, our focus was solely on complying with regulations for cryopreservation. However, our evolution into therapeutic applications has been a completely new and transformative journey.

CryoHoldco is the largest group of stem cell banks in Latin America and the fifth largest globally. It aims to be a reference in generating and promoting biotechnological applications in personalized medicine.