Newborn health specialists from Hudson Institute of Medical Research are working with colleagues at Monash University and Monash Health on a potentially game-changing treatment for brain injuries in preterm babies, using stem cells from cord blood donated by families after the birth of a full-term baby.
The ALLO Trial is recruiting participants to test the feasibility and safety of using unrelated, banked cord blood derived stem cells in preterm babies with significant brain injury.
Researchers hope the cord blood cell therapy will be a natural protective shield for the infants’ brains, with umbilical stem cells proven to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and other protective mechanisms for the developing brain.
Cord blood’s role in protecting tiny brains
The research follows a world-first trial by Monash University and Monash Health published last year that showed infusing preterm babies with stem cells derived from their own umbilical cord was not only feasible and safe in many cases but may protect the baby from brain damage.
Cord blood is sourced from the BMDI Cord Blood Bank, one of three public cord blood banks in Australia, where mothers have the opportunity to consent to their cord blood being used for clinical research.
Hudson Institute Cell Therapies (HICT) manages the storage, preparation, and release for infusion of cord blood units received from accredited cord blood banks. Based within the Monash Medical Centre Precinct, HICT is the only cell therapy processing facility of its kind outside the Melbourne CBD, supporting cellular therapy programs and clinical trials throughout Australia.
With a strong focus on quality, safety, and accessibility, HICT advances the development and delivery of cellular therapies through accredited infrastructure, rigorous quality systems, and close integration with clinical and research partners.
Multiple trials of cord blood for brain protection
Along with the ALLO Trial, Hudson Institute Cell Therapies is also currently involved in the CORD-CELL Trial, which is testing whether giving their own (self/autologous) umbilical cord blood cells to extremely preterm babies can help protect their developing brains.
The ALLO Trial’s lead researcher Professor Atul Malhotra, said getting the stem cell-rich blood from the umbilical cord of a very small preterm baby can be difficult and there simply isn’t that much to collect.
“Preterm babies are at high risk of brain injuries that can lead to lifelong challenges like cerebral palsy,” Prof Malhotra said.
“Despite steady advances in neonatal intensive care, current treatments remain largely supportive, with no approved therapies that counter brain damage that results from prematurity.
“The ability to use stem cells from public cord blood banks as a preventative measure against brain damage in preterm babies could be transformational.”
The ALLO Trial is one of several innovative and pioneering research projects showcased at the recent Monash Women and Children’s Health Summit.
Professor Euan Wallace, Dean of Monash University’s Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at Monash Health, said it provided a unique opportunity to connect with peers, learn from leading experts, and engage in conversations that will shape the future of women’s and children’s health.
“The Monash Health Translation Precinct is a leader in women’s and children’s health research, with major discoveries and research strengths across endometriosis, metabolic health, reproductive health, menopause, and child neurodevelopment,” Prof Wallace said.
“We are confident the discussions that the summit made possible will spark new collaborations across research institutes, clinical services and policy organisations to transform prevention, diagnosis and care for women and children.”
