The CEO of Bangkok Stem Cell explains how the company wishes to make its medical technology more accessible, as well as expand across the region.

Bangkok Stem Cell (BSC) was established in 2010 by doctors and scientists who are experts in stem cell research. In the subsequent five years, BSC has received accreditation from international standards bodies including the National Environment Balancing Bureau (NEBB) and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) in the US, as well as becoming a member of the International Society for Cellular Therapy.

Through its team of in-house scientists and doctors BSC can undercut other companies that are reliant upon imports.

“The cost of our stem cell banking per each client is around 60,000-90,000 baht, while other franchises from international companies charge more,” says Dr Veerapol Khemarangsan, BSC’s CEO, while adding that the lower price does not mean the standard is compromised in any way.

According to Dr Khemarangsan, BSC is the only medical practice in Asia that has an adipose tissue bank for adults. It is also Thailand’s “largest and most experienced mesenchymal stem cell bank”.

“Doctors and researchers have found that this type of stem cell is more durable, easier to extract, genetically stable and, most important of all, has the potential to transform into all types of tissue found in the body,” he says.

Dr Khemarangsan believes there is a huge potential for stem cell banking in Thailand, due to the increasing number of diseases that are related to deteriorating cell quality. Sadly this service is only affordable to the more affluent.

“Our clients now are in the A and B+ sections of society,” he says. “We hope to get into the B sector soon, as we want to change their perception of stem cell banking – that it is truly worth investing in and not scary anymore.”

Despite a lack of knowledge of the benefits of stem cell banking in Thailand, BSC has experienced rapid growth - up 130% last year and a further 150% this year. The company has expanded its business to Vietnam and Myanmar and is currently in the process of signing a contract with clinics in Singapore, while Cambodia and Malaysia are also showing positive signs for future corporation. Dr Khemarangsan believes that increasing knowledge of stem cell in these countries presents a great opportunity for BSC.

Although the good doctor is satisfied with the company’s expansion overseas, he remains committed to the development of the cutting edge medical technology in his native country.

“We want to help Thai scientists and doctors become experts in stem cell technology,” he says. “We then plan to set up the Bangkok Stem Cell Foundation to provide [free] scholarships. We aim to make developed countries accept us more This is going to be one of the high-end medical innovation providers in the world.”

For more information, please visit https://www.bangkokstemcell.org

Words by: Patcharee Taedangpetch, Photo courtesy of Bangkok Stem Cell Company Limited