Stem Cells: Donors

The import of stem cells is important for ensuring that patients can be matched to the most suitable donor, but it relies on global supply chains that can be vulnerable to disruption. Anthony Nolan is responsible for importing stem cells to the United Kingdom in response to requests from clinicians where the most suitable matched donor is outside the UK. Business continuity plans are in place in case of disruption to supply. Systems are also in place to support domestic supply, which is less vulnerable to disruption. Through our funding of the Department’s stem cell programme, we have supported recruitment of UK donors to the UK aligned stem cell registry and supported the creation of a cord stem cell bank. The Department is also funding research to improve techniques for cryopreservation of stem cells, which permits long term storage of viable stem cells until a suitable time to transplant them.