What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the building blocks of the human body, creating tissues and organs when the body grows. The human body consists of a multitude of different types of cell. Each area of the body has different cells, all derived from stem cells.
Stem cells are essential for repair of damaged areas of the human body. A stem cell has the unique capacity to reproduce and to differentiate into specific cell types. Once specialised, these cells undertake specific functions in the body. For example a specialised cell could be anything from a neurone in the brain to insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Stem cells found in adults and children are termed 'adult stem cells'.
There are numerous different types of stem cells found in adults. Few adult stem cells can change into all cell types. Most are narrowly focused, only maturing into specific cell types. Moreover, different stem cell types can be found in different areas of the body - bone marrow, fat and blood all contain stem cells.
Stem cells are classed as totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent according to their ability to differentiate (change) into other cells types. The cells that we collect are pluripotent and can only be collected with our patented method. They are not available for collection using any other product, anywhere in the world and other techniques are limited in the types of mature, specialised cells that they produce.
| Stem Cell type | Description | Example |
| Totipotent | Each cell can develop into a new individual. (* after fertilization, the cell created is totipotent, meaning it can create every cell of the body). | Cells from early (3days) embryo. Embryonic stem cells. |
| Pluripotent | Pluripotent cells are cells found in the next stage in the development of an embryo called blastocyst which comprises of a ball of cells. These cells can form any (over 200) cell types. | Blastomere Like Stem Cells (BLSCs) collected using Oristem® method. |
| Multipotent | Cells are differentiated but can only form a limited number of other tissues. Multipotent cells aren't as plentiful as pluripotent cells. Also, as a person grows older, there are fewer and fewer of these stem cells. | Cord blood cells, adipose tissue cells collected after liposuction, teeth cells and other adult stem cells. |
| Monopotent | Can only form one kind of tissue. |
Stem cells found in embryos are called “embryonic stem cells”. We do not and never intend to use embryonic stem cells.
Stem cells are the building blocks of the human body, creating tissues and organs when the body grows.
With Oristem®, quick and effective access to stored samples will add to the effectiveness of therapies.
For precise rates in your country please either email us or contact your local Oristem® representative.
