Autism Awareness Day: First FamiCord EAP Therapies Launched for ASD Patients

On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, FamiCord Group marks an important milestone in expanding access to innovative therapies. Today, the first clients of Crioestaminal – part of the FamiCord Group – had the opportunity to participate in stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under the Expanded Access Programme (EAP).

The EAP, launched by FamiCord Group, is dedicated to clients who have stored their own umbilical cord blood within the Group’s laboratories and meet defined medical and qualification criteria for participation. The program enables access to emerging therapeutic options in areas where conventional medicine still faces limitations, with two main indications: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cerebral palsy (CP).

Umbilical cord blood has been successfully used for over 35 years in the treatment of more than 80 oncological and hematological diseases. Over time, its application has expanded into metabolic disorders, immunodeficiencies, and neurological conditions. Today, increasing attention is being given to its potential role in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder. ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. It is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 54 children in developed countries, with around 75 million individuals impacted globally.

While stem cell therapy for autism remains experimental, growing scientific interest is supported by ongoing clinical research. Early studies, including those conducted at Duke University, have explored the use of autologous cord blood in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Although results have been mixed, subgroup analyses suggest potential benefits in communication, attention, and neurological function in selected patient populations.

Building on the experience and scientific insights from the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, FamiCord Group – in collaboration with a clinical center in Lublin – has launched the Expanded Access Programme. The initiative is designed for families whose children are affected by ASD (autism spectrum disorder) or CP (cerebral palsy), and aims to translate scientific progress into real clinical opportunities using patients’ own cord blood.

“We are cautiously optimistic about the growing body of evidence and continue to explore the potential of cord blood in ASD,” said Magdalena Croscińska-Krawczyk, MD, principal investigator of the EAP programme. “Our goal is to give children an additional chance for greater independence and to support their daily therapy.”

Tomasz Baran, MD, Chief Medical Officer, adds:
“The cord blood journey is 40 years young. Today, we not only understand its therapeutic potential better than ever before, but we are also able to store and use it effectively even after decades. Just a few years ago, its use in neurological conditions seemed unlikely – today, it is becoming a reality. At FamiCord Group, we are committed not only to storing stem cells, but to enabling our clients to truly benefit from them. We are more than a stem cell bank – we are a partner in access to future therapies.”

The launch of therapies under the EAP program represents a significant step in translating scientific progress into real-world patient access and highlights the growing role of personalized, regenerative medicine in addressing complex conditions such as autism. More than a banking service, FamiCord Group is committed to enabling real therapeutic use of stored biological material. The EAP reflects this mission – offering families not only long-term security, but also a tangible opportunity to benefit from the preserved stem cells when it matters most.

About FamiCord Group

FamiCord is the largest stem cell bank in Europe and the third largest worldwide. With a network of laboratories across dozens of countries, the Group has been providing cord blood banking services for over 25 years. To date, FamiCord has collected more than 930,000 stem cell samples, contributing to over 8,000 therapies worldwide.