Gamida Cell: Stem cell engine

Use of stem cells as therapeutics may be promising for many indications, but obtaining stem cells is politically charged and has become problematic in many countries. Gamida Cell Ltd. has a stem cell expansion technology that it hopes will allow it to circumvent the need for embryonic stem cells. Instead, the company uses bone marrow and cord blood, which is being collected and stored in cord blood banks.

"Numerous companies are offering harvesting and storage services for private individuals, and governments in North America, Europe and Asia have recognized the therapeutic potential of cord blood and have allocated significant funds to establish national depositories for the public," said CEO Ehud Marom...