South African patients are increasingly turning to regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies derived from cord tissue to address chronic, degenerative, and immune-related conditions.
While these therapies were once considered experimental, they are now moving into mainstream clinical use, offering an approach that focuses on supporting the body’s innate ability to repair and regenerate damaged tissue.
The Power of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
At the heart of this medical shift are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can be collected from umbilical cord tissue at birth. According to Dr. Yvonne Holt, Chief Medical Officer at Next Biosciences, it is vital to distinguish between cord blood and cord tissue.
“Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells, widely used for blood and immune disorders,” she explains. “Cord tissue contains MSCs, which are being explored in regenerative medicine for their ability to repair damaged tissues, significantly reduce inflammation, and help regulate the patient’s immune system.”
Often called the “shape shifters” of medicine, MSCs have the unique ability to help regenerate connective tissues, including skin, muscle, tendon, bone, cartilage, and nerves.
Cord Tissue Therapies are already transforming lives
For many South African families, these advances are already delivering tangible results.
Neurodivergent Conditions: Children with conditions such as autism are showing meaningful improvements in communication, social engagement, and independence.
Degenerative Disease: Adults suffering from conditions like degenerative disc disease have reported significant relief from pain after targeted injection therapy using MSCs derived from familial-stored cord tissue.
Sports Recovery: Elite athletes, including figures like Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal, and Cristiano Ronaldo, have reportedly utilized regenerative therapies to recover faster from injuries, regaining strength and joint mobility.
Dr. Wian Stander, a pioneer in regenerative medicine in South Africa, emphasizes that these procedures are minimally invasive. “Regenerative medicine techniques can be given through a drip or injected directly into the affected area. When performed in the right clinical setting, they are generally low risk and well tolerated.”
Why Bank at Birth?
While stem cells can be harvested later in life from sources like bone marrow or fat, banking them at birth offers distinct advantages.
“Cells collected at birth are younger, more potent, and more adaptable,” says Dr. Holt. Furthermore, banking them avoids the need for invasive procedures later in life. Cord tissue MSCs are also “immune-privileged,” meaning they are less likely to be rejected by the recipient, potentially allowing them to be used by compatible family members.
Next Biosciences has recently introduced flexible banking options, allowing parents to bank cord tissue separately. With entry-level costs around R10 000, cord tissue banking is becoming an increasingly accessible investment in a family’s future health.
Looking Ahead
With more than 1,900 cord tissue units released for clinical trials worldwide – targeting conditions like cerebral palsy and brain injuries – the field is evolving rapidly. South Africa is now seeing the start of local clinical trials, signaling a significant step forward for the country’s regenerative healthcare landscape.
“South Africa has the potential to become a leader in this space,” says Dr. Holt. “Ultimately, it is about giving families more options. We may not need these therapies today, but in the future, they could make a meaningful difference in how we treat disease and support healing.”
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