FAQ Why stem cells? Where do stem cells come from? Why stem cells from the skin? How is it done? Why should I store stem cells now? When is the best time to store stem cells? What's in it for me? Who can store tissue with TICEBA? Aren't I too old for storing stem cells? Who has access to the stored cells? How long can my cells be stored? Notice with regard to the manufacturing license   Why stem cells? Stem cells are the primordial soup from which all life originates. Their future forms have not been predetermined and they can be programmed by surrounding tissue to become any other kind of cell: into heart tissue, into spinal cord nerve cells, and in the future, even into whole organs. Without any chances of rejection whatsoever! Because there is nothing more readily accepted by the body than its own cells. Where do stem cells come from? As described in the scientific literature, valuable stem cells can be found in the skin. With the aid of technology developed by our company, it has become possible to extract these cells from the skin and store them for a long period of time. Why stem cells from the skin? Skin derived stem cells are pluripotent and may differentiate to all other tissues of the adult organism. They rejuvenate or repair organs by replacing defective cells. Today, pluripotency could only be shown for skin derived stem cells. Stem cells from other sources such as blood or bone marrow have not been proven to be pluripotent yet. Because of that, the skin is the ideal source for stem cells to ensure a life in health. How is it done? A piece of skin, the size of a small coin, is removed using a quick surgical procedure, performed on an outpatient basis. Advanced cryotechnology is used to freeze the tissue, which is then stored in a kind of "Bio-Safe" under carefully controlled conditions. For as long as you'd like. Until you need it. Why should I store stem cells now? Our genes carry instructions about how the organism is built and how metabolic processes should proceed. Genetic material, however, is constantly exposed to environmental influences that can lead to changes and mutations. Our bodies are constantly fighting influences such as radiation from the earth and sun, environmental toxins, and viral infections. When is the best time to store stem cells? Stem cells age too and can change due to environmental influences. In addition, the organism can be systematically affected by cancer, so that healthy cells - those without impurities - can no longer be isolated. Therefore, the most prudent advice is: the earlier a piece of skin tissue can be extracted and preserved, the better off you are. But better late than never! It's like setting aside a piece of your youth for later. What's in it for me? The security of knowing you can take advantage of innovate medical procedures in the near future. And then - when you need healthy adult stem cells for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes - of having the stem cells at your instant disposal. Who can store tissue with TICEBA? Anyone can store a piece of skin tissue, and the stem cells contained therein, with us. Aren't I too old for storing stem cells? Stem cells can be obtained from skin tissue even in very advanced age, to be used for future medical needs and applications. Once again: the earlier the better, but better late than never! Who has access to the stored cells? Only you personally, have access to the tissue sample, and only you can determine when and how the stem cells in the sample are used. How long can my cells be stored? The cells can be preserved for future medical needs and applications for at least 20 years. Notice with regard to the manufacturing license: TICEBA possesses the required authorization by the competent authority for the manufacturing of tissue as source material of human origin for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in accordance with § 20c of the German Medicines Act: Authorization for the treatment or processing, preservation, storage of tissue or tissue preparations.