Amniotic stem cells, which can be sourced from the amniotic fluid or the placenta after a live, healthy birth, possess a unique blend of multipotency and lack of tumorigenicity. In an extension of the cord blood banking model, these cells may improve outcomes where long-term cell survival and functionality is important. Recently, I had the honor of interview Dr. Todd McAllister, Executive Director at the Amnion Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to build a genetically diverse public cell bank that can provide an immunological match to the majority of the population.

In this interview, we discuss the Amnion Foundation’s vision, research and clinical approach, scale-out strategy, and interest in joint partnerships that will support greater utilization of amniotic stem cells. It is captivating to get an insider look at the Amnion Foundation, a non-profit that is introducing a new extension to the traditional cord blood and tissue banking market.

As the cord blood banking market matures and consolidates and diversifies into new types of perinatal stem cell storage, the Amnion Foundation will be uniquely positioned to advise cord blood banks on how to integrate amniotic stem cell banking into their service portfolio.

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