ASEAN Records is proud to officially recognise CryoCord for achieving the milestone:
First and Most Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured by a Private Stem Cell Bank Laboratory (Storage service first launched 2009; MSC culturing commenced November 2008; 1.71 trillion MSCs cumulatively cultured as of November 2025)
The recognition acknowledges CryoCord’s sustained work in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) cultivation, beginning in November 2008 and reaching a cumulative total of approximately 1.71 trillion MSCs as of November 2025.
The achievement reflects more than 17 years of continuous laboratory activity in this specialised field and marks an important milestone in CryoCord Group’s development from stem cell banking into a broader cell and gene therapeutics organisation.
Building More Than Two Decades of Experience in Cell and Gene Technologies
Established in 2002, CryoCord Group is headquartered at the Bio-X Centre in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Over more than two decades, the group has expanded from cord blood banking into areas spanning mesenchymal stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), natural killer (NK) cells, CAR T-cell technologies, regenerative medicine research, and advanced cell processing.
CryoCord commenced MSC culturing in November 2008, followed by the launch of a range of mesenchymal stem cell storage services in 2009, including CordMSCs, MarrowMSCs, AdiMSCs, and ToothMSCs.
Since then, the organisation has continued to build its technical capabilities, laboratory infrastructure, research activities, and specialised workforce while expanding its presence beyond Malaysia.
According to its company profile, CryoCord Group has stored more than 70,000 biological samples and operates across Malaysia and Indonesia, including laboratory operations in Jakarta.
Reaching 1.71 Trillion Mesenchymal Stem Cells
CryoCord’s cumulative laboratory records updated through November 2025 show that the organisation had cultured 1,713,032.8 million mesenchymal stem cells, equivalent to approximately 1.71 trillion cells.
The cumulative total comprises 949,122.4 million allogeneic and customised CordMSCs, 763,012.3 million Infant CordMSCs, and 898.1 million ToothMSCs.
Together, these figures form the measurable basis of the ASEAN Records recognition.
Importantly, the recognised figure represents the cumulative number of MSCs cultured over the stated period rather than the number of biological samples stored. It documents the scale and continuity of CryoCord’s MSC cultivation activities from November 2008 through November 2025.
Expanding into Advanced Cell and Gene Technologies
CryoCord’s development has extended beyond conventional stem cell banking as the organisation continues to broaden its capabilities in cell and gene technologies.
Its current areas of activity include mesenchymal stem cells, natural killer cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, CAR T-cell technologies, extracellular particles, regenerative medicine research, and other advanced therapy-related technologies.
The group’s company profile also documents 15 granted patents, comprising three United States patents and 12 Malaysian patents, together with contributions to more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
CryoCord’s facilities include cGMP laboratory capabilities and cleanroom infrastructure supporting specialised cell-processing activities. Its company profile states that the laboratory is accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) and cGMP-certified in accordance with requirements regulated by Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
These capabilities reflect the organisation’s progression from biological sample storage towards a wider role in cell processing, research, manufacturing, and the responsible translation of emerging cell technologies.
Supporting Research and Responsible Clinical Translation
The development of cell and gene technologies requires careful progression from laboratory research to preclinical studies and appropriately conducted clinical research.
CryoCord’s company milestones document its involvement in Ministry of Health Malaysia-approved clinical research involving mesenchymal stem cells as well as subsequent work involving CAR T-cell technologies. Its research activities have also included collaborations with Malaysian universities and medical institutions.
The organisation’s focus on translational research aligns with a wider movement within regenerative medicine to develop scientific discoveries through structured research, regulatory oversight, quality systems, and responsible clinical evaluation.
The ASEAN Records recognition relates specifically to CryoCord’s cumulative MSC cultivation milestone and does not represent a claim regarding therapeutic efficacy, clinical superiority, or treatment outcomes.
A Milestone Moment of Recognition
The ASEAN Records certificate was officially presented on 6 August 2026 during the Cell & Gene Therapy Congress 2026, held at The Vertical, Connexion Conference & Event Centre, The Summit 1 Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur.
Held from 6 to 8 August 2026 under the theme “Translating Research to Real World Therapy,” the congress brought together clinicians, scientists, researchers, industry partners, and policymakers to discuss developments in cell and gene therapy, including translational research, clinical applications, regulatory considerations, ethics, safety, and emerging technologies.
The recognition was received by James Then Khong Lek, Managing Director of CryoCord Group, together with Don Calaki, Head of AI and Digital Systems at CryoCord Group.
The presentation was witnessed by Guest of Honour Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, Chancellor of International Medical University and Clinical Advisor to the Minister of Health of Malaysia.
The occasion was particularly relevant to CryoCord’s recognised milestone as the congress placed significant focus on mesenchymal stem and stromal cells, with scientific sessions covering their biology, production, clinical translation, regulation, emerging applications, and future development.
Voices of Leadership
Reflecting on the recognition and CryoCord’s journey, James Then Khong Lek, Managing Director of CryoCord Group, shared:
“This recognition is meaningful not only for CryoCord, but also for Malaysia. Over more than 20 years, we have continued to invest in the stem cell field, beginning with cord blood storage and later expanding into mesenchymal stem cells and other areas of cell technology. Reaching this milestone reflects the effort our team has put into building our capabilities and maintaining the quality of our work over the years.
“Malaysia has also made significant progress in regenerative medicine and biotechnology. We have a well-established healthcare system, an increasingly strong pool of talent coming through our universities, a supportive regulatory environment, and a growing number of GMP laboratories. These strengths give Malaysia good potential to continue developing its cell and gene technology capabilities and to participate more actively on the international stage.
“Looking ahead, CryoCord will continue investing in research, from laboratory studies and preclinical work through to carefully conducted clinical research. We are also continuing to develop our capabilities in newer areas of cell and gene technology. These fields require careful and responsible progress, particularly when translating research into clinical studies, and that is an area we intend to continue supporting for the long term.”
His remarks reflect CryoCord’s continued focus on scientific research, technical development, quality, and responsible clinical translation, while also highlighting Malaysia’s growing capabilities in regenerative medicine and cell and gene technology.
Strengthening Malaysia’s Cell and Gene Technology Ecosystem
CryoCord’s recognition highlights the sustained laboratory infrastructure, scientific expertise, quality systems, and technical processes required to culture mesenchymal stem cells consistently over an extended period.
From the commencement of MSC cultivation in November 2008 to a cumulative 1.71 trillion cells by November 2025, the milestone documents more than 17 years of specialised laboratory activity.
It also comes as Malaysia continues to develop its capabilities across biomedical research, university training, laboratory infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and clinical research.
The Cell & Gene Therapy Congress 2026 further reflected this development by bringing together local and international specialists to examine areas including mesenchymal stromal cells, emerging cell-based technologies, clinical trials, regulatory frameworks, patient safety, and the translation of research into real-world applications.
Through its continuing investment in laboratory research, manufacturing capabilities, specialised technologies, and clinical translation, CryoCord aims to contribute to the development of Malaysia’s cell and gene technology ecosystem while supporting responsible progress within the wider regional biotechnology sector.
About CryoCord
CryoCord Group is a Malaysian cell and gene therapeutics organisation established in 2002 and headquartered at the Bio-X Centre in Cyberjaya, Malaysia.
The group has evolved from a cord blood storage provider into an integrated biotechnology organisation with activities spanning stem cell and immune cell banking, mesenchymal stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, natural killer cells, CAR T-cell technologies, regenerative medicine research, cell processing, and clinical translation.
CryoCord Group has stored more than 70,000 biological samples, secured 15 granted patents, comprising three United States patents and 12 Malaysian patents, and contributed to more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
As of November 2025, CryoCord had cumulatively cultured approximately 1.71 trillion mesenchymal stem cells, forming the basis of its official recognition by ASEAN Records.
