Cord Blood Registry® families lead the way in utilizing cord blood stem cells 

In 2005, Cord Blood Registry released the first cord blood sample from our lab for experimental regenerative therapy.¹ This milestone — our first non-transplant release — marked the beginning of an exciting new era for CBR families. By the end of 2024, the number of cord blood samples CBR released for regenerative medicine outpaced those for transplants by more than five to one.¹ 

We’re celebrating 20 years of progress with a comprehensive look back at how hundreds of families have turned to their stored CBR^® cord blood stem cells to explore new medical possibilities. Discover how CBR® families are leading the way in embracing the transformative potential of stem cell therapies. 

Cumulative cord blood units released  

CBR has released 780 cord blood samples intended for use in transplant and regenerative medicine. This is more than any other family cord blood bank, further solidifying our position as the world’s largest and most experienced family newborn stem cell preservation company.¹ 

Over 70% of CBR sample releases came from stem cells collected in just 10 states¹ 

While more than 70% of our releases came from 10 states, we have released samples collected from nearly every state plus Puerto Rico.¹ California leads the way in the number of collections, followed by Texas, and New York. 

Indications for releases 

To date, 50,000 cord blood transplants have been performed worldwide.² Cord blood stem cells can be used in stem cell transplants to treat more than 80 conditions.³ CBR has released cord blood units for a variety of these conditions with some of the most common being sickle cell disease, acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and beta thalassemia.¹ As in previous years, blood disorders and cancer continue to be the primary transplant-related indications for CBR releases. 

While requests for stem cell releases for transplant medicine have remained consistent, we’ve seen the most overall growth over the past 20 years in the number of releases for regenerative therapies. More than 84% of all requested samples were designated for use in regulated experimental regenerative medicine clinical trials.¹ These indications for release include over 30 conditions, such as cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus.¹ 

Autologous vs. allogeneic use

The decision regarding the use of autologous stem cells (patient’s own) or allogeneic stem cells (donor source) for a stem cell transplant procedure or regenerative medicine treatment depends on several factors. These include the specific condition being treated and the patient's individual circumstances and medical history.⁴  

Sixty-four percent of CBR cord blood sample releases were intended for treatments involving the patient's own cord blood.¹  Autologous applications are more common in regenerative medicine, while allogeneic applications are typically used for stem cell transplants. Among the allogeneic uses is one syngeneic case, a rare instance where the donor and recipient are identical twins. 

Age range of samples

The CBR^® cord blood bank in Tucson, Arizona, has released samples ranging from those that had been stored for 11 days to those stored for 17 years. Our state-of-the-art lab features 24/7 monitoring with auto tank fill systems, regular temperature checks, two 9,000-gallon liquid nitrogen tanks for backup supply, and one of the largest industrial diesel emergency generators available.¹ Effective cryostorage techniques help ensure that samples retain their properties for potential future use for many decades.⁵ 

Family cord banking and the CBR^® Newborn Possibilities Program^® 

The CBR Newborn Possibilities Program^® offers eligible families with a qualifying medical need complimentary newborn stem cell preservation of cord blood and cord tissue, along with five years of free storage. Twenty-four percent of the samples we’ve released to date were from families who banked their sample under this program.¹ This positions CBR as a leader in helping to expand access to potentially life-changing stem cell therapies for those who need them most when a clinical trial or treatment for their condition is available. 

Is cord blood banking worth it? 

For hundreds of CBR parents, the answer is a heartfelt yes. When their family needed a cord blood sample, they were deeply grateful to have this invaluable medical resource ready to support their loved one. 

Expecting a child? Have friends or family who are expecting a child or grandchild? Join CBR today or visit your Cord Blood Registry login for your unique referral code. If you are a current CBR client and someone you refer preserves with CBR, you’ll get one year of free cord blood banking* —and they’ll receive special pricing on our newborn stem cell bundle.

1. Internal data on file.  2. Mayani H. Cellular Therapies: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. Stem Cells Dev. 2023;32(7-8):163-169. doi:10.1089/scd.2022.0294. 3. Mayani, H., Wagner, J.E. & Broxmeyer, H.E. Cord blood research, banking, and transplantation: achievements, challenges, and perspectives. Bone Marrow Transplant 55, 48–61(2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41409-019-0546-9. 4. Kindwall-Keller TL, Ballen KK. Umbilical cord blood: The promise and the uncertainty. Stem Cells Transl Med. 2020;9(10):1153-1162. 5. Broxmeyer HE, Lee MR, Hangoc G, et al. Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, generation of induced pluripotent stem cells, and isolation of endothelial progenitors from 21- to 23.5-year cryopreserved cord blood. Blood. 2011;117(18):4773-7.    *Referral program applies only to existing CBR clients (“Referring Clients”) referring new clients to CBR (“Referred Clients”). Referring Clients must accept terms of promotion and join CBR before receiving client referral rewards. Referred Client must enroll using referral link provided by Referring Client or mention Referring Client when enrolling over the phone. Discount may not be combined with other offers. Gift card promotion valid June 01, 2016 – December 31, 2025. Full terms and conditions can be found here. 