Cordlife Group Limited, has been approved to resume cord blood banking activities in Singapore in a controlled manner. Cordlife unveiled its enhanced processing and storage facility on 17 Sep in the region, featuring strengthened operational protocols and an advanced laboratory monitoring system, among other improvements.

From 15 September 2024 to 13 January 2025 (unless approved sooner by MOH), Cordlife will be permitted to resume its cord blood banking services operations in a controlled manner, provided that the Company shall not collect, test, process, and/or store more than 30 new cord blood units per month from infant donors (including through any person appointed to provide the aforementioned services on behalf of the Company). This follows MOH’s confirmation that Cordlife’s facility in Singapore has “met the essential criteria necessary for the resumption of its cord blood banking services operations.

Enhanced Lab Monitoring and Operational Resilience

A significant highlight of the enhanced 5,400 square feet (502 sqm) facility is its new laboratory monitoring system. This system tracks the temperature of 27 cryogenic storage tanks and other critical equipment, ensuring 24/7 real-time surveillance both on-site and remotely. It provides detailed alerts to technicians, supervisors, and management through multiple communication channels, with procedures in place to escalate issues to senior leadership if necessary.

To further safeguard operations and power supply, the monitoring system is equipped with its own power source, while other equipment in the facility is supported by multiple uninterruptible power supplies and a backup generator. Additionally, the Company has strengthened its core processes and implemented additional failsafe measures, such as assigning more technicians to be on duty after office hours, ensuring continuous operations under any circumstances.

Validated Cord Blood Processing Capabilities

The facility’s cord blood processing laboratory is equipped with four units of AXP® II system, a U.S. FDA-approved automated platform for processing cord blood. The Company has successfully completed validation of this system under the supervision of the Ministry of Health's (MOH) expert panel. The system’s advanced sensors ensure precise control during processing, allowing for a higher yield of viable stem cells, which is crucial for successful cord blood transplants. The Company has also refurbished its facility and plans to reorganise its key laboratory equipment to streamline operations and improve efficiency. 

Cordlife has also engaged Shandong Qilu Stemcell Engineering Co., Ltd. (“Shandong Qilu”), a leading cord blood bank in China, to further strengthen its operational capabilities