Application of stem cells into aesthetic field

Many signals show that research in the field of stem cells in Vietnam is coming into application.

In addition to a stem cell bank that has come into operation, another bank is about to go into operation later this year. The National Institute of Dermatology is also developing a center for skin care from stem cell products.

In great demand

Storing stem cells in MekoStem.Photo: B. Ocean.

MekoStem is the first stem cell bank in Vietnam licensed by the Ministry of Health, capable of preserving up to 3,000 samples. MekoStem signed a technology transfer contract with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Toan Thang, who is currently researching and teaching Singapore National University and the first person in the world to isolate stem cells from umbilical cord membrane. Currently MekoStem's ability to receive stem cell sources is 5 to 7 samples daily. Ms. Dang Thi Kim Lan, Director of MekoStem Stem Cell Bank, said that hundreds of customers came to MekoStem and there were also more than 100 samples of umbilical cord blood cells sent here.

The cost for a case of preserving the umbilical cord cell is 750 USD, the umbilical cord blood cell is 1,200 USD. MekoStem is free of charge for five cases of umbilical cord registration as required and so far, there has been a case made.

After MekoStem stem cell bank, Vietnam Mamprotech Company is preparing to launch the first private stem cell bank in Vietnam, intending to go into operation at the end of 2009. This is the first company. Firstly, there is a development investment project on stem cell technology in HCM City Hi-tech Park.

Project director Mamprotech Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Quang Duc said, in addition to establishing a stem cell bank, the company will deploy and produce biomedical products with stem cell technology. All human and material resources have been prepared, in which, human resources are foreign experts and a majority are young officers of the National University's Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application. HCMC.

Mr. Duc also said that investment in modern equipment of the project amounted to over 30,000 USD per person working. This is a project that is very interested in by Mamprotech, a parent company in Australia.

'Beat' into the aesthetic field

Researchers of the Biological and Reproductive Medicine Joint Stock Company (FBM) also said that the first result in their field of stem cell research has reached the public. These are products derived from pharmaceutical products but used for cosmetic purposes.

The two products mentioned above are Juvian and JuviGrow S. Juvian is essentially a cell culture solution, when exposed to the skin (used for facial skin) will penetrate into the skin and provide nutrients for skin stem cells . At that time, skin stem cells will be healthy and all the biological properties of the skin will therefore be improved.

'Stem cells and stem cell technology have opened up a new chapter in the application of skin care and support the treatment of some skin diseases. These are really scientific products, seriously studied and evaluated and received by customers . ', Dr. Nguyen Thi Hai Van, National Institute of Dermatology, said.

The Director of the National Institute of Dermatology is promoting the establishment of a skin care center, applying products from FBM stem cell technology to serve the needs of patients. According to experts, products from stem cells are used for anti-wrinkle purposes better than similar products, but are produced from animal cells (cows) or from chemical sources, biosynthesis. Their advantages are, less side effects and elimination, the effect of maintaining use longer than 8 to 12 months.