California Cryobank Inc. Observes Birth Defects Prevention Month and Offers One Year Free Cord Blood Storage for Families With a History of Birth Defects.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2003

California Cryobank, Inc. (CCB), a nationally respected cord blood processing and storage company, is pleased to join with the CA State Department of Health, the March of Dimes Foundation and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network, as well as with many dedicated volunteers, health care professionals, families and persons affected by birth defects, in participating in a special month which is devoted to increasing awareness on how to prevent birth defects and to learn more about what families can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby.

Says Kaj Rydman, Vice President and General Manager of California Cryobank, "The March of Dimes credo says it all, 'Working together we can achieve anything,' and it is our most sincere hope that medical benefits for those with birth defects can one day be found in the life-enhancing stem cells found in umbilical cord blood. With time and resources, scientific research may lead to helping the approximately 150,000 infants born each year in this country with a birth defect."

California Cryobank will offer parents who have a history of birth defects in their families one additional year of cord blood stem cell storage free when they sign-up during the month of January 2003.

Adds Rydman, "CCB wants to do our part. We want to help parents be aware of the options they have available to them and what they can do at birth that will help safeguard their child's future health through the storage of umbilical cord blood."

Stem cell transplantation from umbilical cord blood is a well respected and rapidly growing field of medical research and treatment with many recognized uses already successfully documented. There are more than 45 malignant and non-malignant diseases that have been treated with stem cells from umbilical cord blood, including leukemia, immune deficiencies and sickle cell. Some of the innovative research currently underway by global experts include: muscular dystrophy, stroke, neurological disorders, AIDS, certain autoimmune disorders (diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis), and muscular/cartilage diseases.

"CCB commends the dedication of the many volunteers involved in National Birth Defects Prevention Month, sponsored by the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network, to heighten public awareness of birth defects and how they may be prevented," adds Rydman. Birth defects are the leading cause of infant death with the most prevalent types of defects being structural and metabolic, including the heart, circulation, muscles, and skeleton. Some of the innovative stem cell research currently underway by global experts include: muscular dystrophy, stroke, neurological disorders, AIDS, certain autoimmune disorders (diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis), and muscular/cartilage diseases.

For more information about Birth Defects Prevention Month, please contact http://www.modimes.org, or http://www.nbdpn.org.

About California Cryobank, Inc. (CCB)

California Cryobank, Inc. has a rich foundation in the early adoption of reproductive tissue preservation, andrology, and cord blood banking, and has earned the distinction of being the largest reproductive tissue bank in the world. Established for more than 25 years, its reputation for quality and caring has made California Cryobank a globally respected and foremost expert in tissue storage, serving all 50 states and more than 30 countries worldwide. Spearheaded by a veteran team of physician visionaries, California Cryobank is committed to the highest standards of excellence in cord blood banking as well as client service. Adhering to the highest standards, California Cryobank takes pride in being one of the first private cord blood banks in the United States to be issued a biologics license by the State of California. Further solidifying its credibility and commitment to quality, California Cryobank holds a tissue bank license from the State of New York, is registered with the Food and Drug Administration and accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). California Cryobank is the only private cord blood processing and storage facility that is both owned and operated by its management team employing only licensed clinical laboratory scientists and medical technologists with extensive blood banking experience to oversee the processing and storage services on-site. Knowledgeable and caring staff is available round-the-clock, seven-days a week, 365 days a year, to ensure that whenever a need or question arises, California Cryobank is available to help. For more information, call 800.400.3430, or visit our web site at http://www.cryobank.com.