CBA November Newsletter

November 2024

2024 Cord Blood Connect Round Up

Thank you to everyone who helped make Cord Blood Connect a success. Cord Blood Connect had 18 exhibitors, numerous sponsors, and 190 attendees from 19 countries. It was a terrific event! A huge shoutout to the Program Committee for putting together a fantastic education program. The program included topics related to gene therapy, emerging cord blood derivatives, supply chain challenges, and so much more.

View the education presentations here. Attendees have until December 31, 2024 to get their CME Certificates. Click here for more information.

Best Abstracts Highlights

The CBA Foundation awarded the Best Abstracts in three categories at the conference.

Wouter Van’t Hof from Cleveland Cord Blood was recognized in the Banking/Process Development/Technical category for his work on innovations in banking and process development. | Contribution of US Public Cord Blood Banking to Improved Engraftment and Survival after Allogeneic Cord Blood Transplantation (CBT)
James Ropa from Indiana University received the Best Abstract Award in the Preclinical Studies category, showcasing his research in preclinical studies. These awards highlighted significant contributions across different areas of medical research and clinical application. | Transcriptomic Identification of Functionality Potent Umbilical Cord Blood Units
Srividhya Senthil from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital received the Best Abstract Award in the Clinical Trials category, though she was unable to attend and declined the associated travel grant. | During CB Transplant in MRD-Positive AML, Relapse is Usually Early, is Reduced by Acute GVHD and is Influenced by Ciclosporin Exposure: A Multicenter National Experience

The Best Abstract Recipients received a $1500 travel award from the CBA Foundation. The CBA Foundation has a goal to continue the travel awards next year. Learn more about the CBA Foundation.

Wouter Van't Hof,

Cleveland Cord Blood Bank

James Ropa,

Indiana University

Srividhya Senthil,

Royal Manchester

Children Hospital

View all abstracts here.

CBA Regulatory Update

The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024

The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 was signed into law on May 16, 2024. The new law directs the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the FAA Administrator, to convene a working group to assist in developing best practices for transportation of organs and blood stem cell products in the cabins of commercial aircrafts. CBA officers Joanne Kurtzberg and Marcie Finney will participate as members of this working group.

Save the Cord Foundation

Charis Ober, founder and executive director of Save the Cord Foundation, is bringing the science of cord blood to students through the launch of Cord Blood in the Classroom. This innovative program is designed to introduce high school and university students to the fascinating world of cord blood stem cells, as well as career paths within this growing field of medicine. Discover how Charis and her team are inspiring the next generation to explore the impact and potential of cord blood research.

Q: Tell me how "Cord Blood in the Classroom" came about.

A: We know it is important to educate people about the benefits of cord blood before they have a baby, and we saw the benefits of educating younger people. We have been visiting local high schools and educating students about the benefits of cord blood for a few years now, but we wanted to do more. We decided to develop a platform to reach as many students as possible and to standardize the material to be efficient. It was designed to be easily incorporated into the classroom with different modules and activities as a 'click and play' lesson. We are very fortunate to have the support of the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Arizona Public Cord Blood Program to help this project come to fruition.

Read the Full Interview

Celebrate World Cord Blood Day

Join us in celebrating World Cord Blood Day on Friday, November 15! As a proud partner, CBA invites you to join Save the Cord Foundation’s free virtual event to explore the life-saving impact of cord blood stem cells in treating conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, and sickle cell.

Don’t miss a special presentation by CBA President Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg on advances in cord blood treatments, transplants, and clinical trials. Register today to join live or access recordings, podcasts, videos, and other resources afterward!

Here’s what’s included:

Access to the full virtual conference agenda
Opportunities to meet the speakers
A digital swag bag, featuring the CBA Flipbook
Conference FAQs to guide your experience

Patient Testimonial:

A Cord Blood Transplant Journey

View Today

Donate to the CBA Foundation

In 2024 the CBA Foundation funded Cord Blood Connect travel grants for 6 individuals, the Best Abstract Awards, and supported the education program at Cord Blood Connect.

Support Life-Saving Research

Be There Award:

US Public Cord Blood Banks

On November 9th, the NMDP presented the public cord blood banks with the “Be There” award at their ONE Forum meeting in Minneapolis. The award honored the 16 public banks in the United States. Erin O’Gara from the NMDP nominated the banks for the award. CBA Board Members, Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, Director of the Carolinas Cord Blood Bank, and Jeffrey Wilson, Director of the MD Anderson Cord Blood Bank, accepted the award on behalf of the banks.