Research

Master Cell Bank

This Foundation has supported research carried out by the Cord Blood Bank Research Laboratory at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute for 16 years. This research has now culminated in the formation of a Master Cell Bank, a collection of clinically – suitable induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines created from banked cord blood. Using in-vitro culture techniques iPSCs are able to be turned into any cell in the body.

Through collaboration with other research facilities this has led to the manufacture of tissues and organoids (mini-organs) from the iPSC’s. It is now possible to re-create the physiology of human tissues in remarkable detail.

Collaboration with the Children's Medical Research Institute in Sydney

Has derived retinal organoids from the iPSC’s provided by the Master Cell Bank. These retinal cells will be used to develop a new cell therapy to treat blindness. The in-vitro experiments to date are proceeding well.

Collaboration with the Heart Research team at Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Is investigating the impact of cord blood mononuclear cells on heart repair, in both in-vitro and in-vivo models. The Heart Research team are now also investigating if Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) can be produced from the Master Cell Bank to help with heart repair

Collaboration with the Westmead Hospital in Sydney

Is using iPSCs from the Master Cell Bank to produce Natural Killer (NK) (immune) cells to ultimately target cancer cells in the blood.

Collaboration with the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Melbourne and University of Sydney

Of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Melbourne and University of Sydney is exploring the potential of iPSCs from the Master Cell Bank to produce neurons that may be useful in pre-clinical models for treatment of Motor Neuron Disease.

Monash University (Department of Paediatrics) - Researching the use of cord blood stem cells on premature babies who often have brain, lung and other problems in the hope of finding successful treatments.

Phase 1 clinical trial to test the feasibility and safety of this therapy which outcomes showed great promise paved the way to the Phase 2 trial which will focus on fetal stroke. The Cord Blood Bank which the Foundation has supported since inception 28 years ago will also be involved in this trial where insufficient stem cells are provided by the babies themselves. The University have an overall 5 year plan to

Treatment of an early baby

Monash University's Prof. Atul Malhotra and Dr. Rebecca Lim with premature baby in incubator

It is pointed out that more than 3,000 very preterm babies are born every year in Australia, and around 10% of them will have foetal stroke, other severe brain injuries and can develop cerebral palsy.

It is for these reasons that the Board decided 3 years ago it could afford to support the Cord- Safe Study led by Monash University and the Newborn Cell Therapies Group.

Two years ago the Foundation agreed to fund Monash University research into Phase 2 of the project to be spread over three years finishing on 30 June 2026. This Phase involved the use of cord blood stem therapy options for foetal stroke in premature babies and the STELLAR study aims to open up cord blood therapies to improve their outcomes.

Recently the Foundation visited the Monash University (Department of Paediatrics) in the Monash Children’s Hospital to discuss progress with this research and found that it had been proceeding well. It is anticipated that a report outlining the results will be available mid2026.

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