Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into various types of specialised cells. They primarily form connective tissues within the musculoskeletal system, including cartilage (chondrocytes), bone (osteocytes), muscle (myocytes) and fat (adipocytes). Stem cell technology has long been utilised to treat numerous diseases by generating healthy cells to replace those damaged or lost. Due to this special characteristic of differentiation that stem cells hold, MSCs are particularly valuable for regenerative therapies in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Helene Therapeutics to Launch Pioneering Multi-Omics & Regenerative Medicine Centre in Central London

Helene Therapeutics will soon open a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of historic London, Mayfair — purpose-built to advance precision medicine and next-generation cellular therapeutics.

At the new centre we will integrate comprehensive multi-omics profiling with cutting-edge autologous stem-cell technologies. By combining deep molecular insights with validated therapeutic protocols, they aim to maximise clinical efficacy and long-term patient outcomes across a broad spectrum of degenerative and inflammatory conditions.

To underpin these services, Helene Therapeutics is establishing a GMP cryogenic cell bank capable of in-house, long-term, storage of stem cells under ultra-low-temperature conditions, ensuring immediate availability of viable cellular products for both clinical use and research.

Cryopreserving Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

Cryopreservation is essential for the long-term storage of MSCs, facilitating their future clinical, research, or therapeutic use. This process involves cooling cells to extremely low temperatures—typically to −196°C in liquid nitrogen—to halt biological activity and preserve cell viability and functionality over extended periods.

To prevent ice crystal formation, which can damage cellular membranes, MSCs are suspended in a cryoprotective solution, and then gradually cooled using a controlled-rate freezer. Once frozen, cells can be stored indefinitely in vapour-phase or liquid-phase cryogenic freezers.

Upon thawing, MSCs generally retain viability, proliferation capability, and multipotency, confirming cryopreservation as an indispensable technique in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies.

Biopharma Group is proud to support this innovative project by advising on the critical processes needed to establish a safe, efficient cryogenic cell bank. Our role ensures Helene Therapeutics is equipped with optimal infrastructure and technology to deliver reliable, cutting-edge regenerative therapies.

Timi Ellinas, the CEO & Co-founder of Helene Therapeutics says this about the relationship:

“Working with Biopharma Group’s cryo specialists during this critical phase of our setup has been nothing short of exceptional. Their depth of expertise, responsiveness, and genuine commitment have made all the difference. A special thanks to Ian Blackham, who has quite literally held our hand through each step—his support has been above and beyond. It truly feels like we have a partner in this process, not just a supplier.”

To discover more, get in touch with Biopharma Group’s product specialists to help you select the best cryopreservation storage solutions to meet your individual needs.