Where do our cells come from?
The stem cells we use are specially selected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) known as Golden Cells, derived from umbilical cord donations of healthy, full-term births. Collected in a sterile environment immediately after delivery, these cells are then meticulously processed at Dr. Neil Riordan’s state-of-the-art stem cell lab in Panama. Our labs are ISO 9001-certified, and GMP-compliant research and production lab. They’re licensed to collect, isolate, process, grow, and store a variety of stem cells, including our unique Golden Cells™. We control exactly where your cells are coming from and how they are being handled, ensuring that we only deliver the highest quality during treatment.
Types of adult stem cells.
Adult stem cells can be collected from bone marrow, fat, peripheral blood, umbilical cords, and placental tissue and others. Once harvested, they are processed and tested in the lab before being reintroduced to the patient. The most common types are mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells. Previously, our clinic provided stem cell-based treatmentsusing cells from several sources. Based on our internal evaluations, umbilical cord tissue–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) demonstrated more consistent product quality and reproducibility, and have been associated with better clinical outcomes in our practice.
Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells reside in the *umbilical cords of newborn babies. HUCT-MSC stem cells, like all post-natal cells, are “adult” stem cells. Riordan Centers utilizes cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, which are isolated from the umbilical cord tissue. These cells are expanded into greater numbers at our lab in Panama, the laboratory founded by Dr. Neil Riordan, PA, PhD, under very strict, internationally recognized guidelines.
Bone Marrow Stem Cells
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Adipose (fat) Stem Cells
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Why umbilical cord-derived MSCs?
Dr. Riordan published the first article describing the treatment of humans with adipose-derived stem cells. Although we treated many patients with adipose-derived MSCs in Panama, we now use human umbilical cord tissue–derived MSCs (HUCT-MSCs) because they modulate the immune system more effectively, better control inflammation, and expand rapidly. The body does not perceive HUCT-MSCs as foreign, so they are not rejected; in thousands of patients, we have not seen a single case of graft-versus-host disease. Compared with “older” cells from bone marrow, HUCT-MSCs are more potent. And while cord blood is a source of CD34+ cells, it yields very few MSCs and is no longer used at the Riordan Center.
Our stem cells and the US FDA
Human umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that were isolated and grown in our laboratory in Panama to create master cell banks have been used in the United States. These cells served as the starting material for cellular products used in MSC clinical trials for two patients with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy under the US FDA’s designation of Investigational New Drug (IND) for single-patient compassionate use. (IND 16026 DMD Single Patient)
Umbilical cord tissue collection
We receive cord donations from healthy women in Panama who provide consent, complete a detailed questionnaire, and give a blood sample. The mothers’ blood is thoroughly tested for HIV, hepatitis, and other infections, and only cords that are 100% safe are processed to extract stem cells. All cords are by-products of normal, healthy births and are screened under International Blood Bank standards.
Cell therapy administration
At Riordan Centers stem cells are administered in several ways depending on each patient’s ailment and physical condition. Patients typically receive a minimum of 3 stem cell applications during the course of an entire treatment protocol. Methods of administration include: Intravenous (IV), intramuscular, intra-articular, and intrathecal.
Explore the science, safety, and benefits of cellular therapy.
Have you wanted to explore stem cell therapy, but you’re not sure where to start? Our free guide answers the most common questions about what to expect, the science behind our proprietary Golden Cells™, and much more!
Download the Guide