New Venture Offers Cell Freezing for Future Medical Treatments
A company called Reservoir is banking on future medical breakthroughs, allowing individuals to preserve their immune cells for a significant upfront cost.
A new service is offering individuals the opportunity to freeze their immune cells at their youngest biological age, with the hope they may be useful in future medical treatments. Reservoir, which launched recently, aims to attract those interested in longevity, proposing that these preserved cells could potentially be used in therapies for conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Reservoir co-founder Nabiha Saklayen described the company's early clients as "frontier, early adopters of medical science and research deep in that world." The company anticipates that these cells might find applications in areas like cell and tissue replacement and regenerative therapy, aligning with the mission of its parent company, Cellino.
How the Process Works
The process begins with a 15-minute blood draw, available at partner clinics or through at-home phlebotomy services in select areas. Approximately 60 milliliters of blood, equivalent to six to seven standard vials, is collected. This volume is necessary to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which include T cells, B cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells crucial for immune response. Reservoir aims to isolate five vials, each containing 5 million PBMCs, a target they have successfully met in testing phases.
Following isolation, the cells are cryogenically preserved at temperatures below -150°C. This storage is maintained indefinitely, with an annual fee of $270, and the cells remain under close monitoring until the client chooses to use them. The company emphasizes that the cells remain the client's property and are released only under their instruction and in coordination with a physician. The initial cost of $4,995 covers the harvesting, isolation, and one year of storage.
Banking on Future Advancements
Reservoir explicitly states that its service "preserves cells and is not a treatment. It does not predict or promise any future use." Despite this disclaimer, the service has attracted interest from clinics and individuals seeking advanced preventive healthcare.
Dr. Michael Doney, Executive Medical Director at Biograph, a preventative health clinic, noted that individuals seeking concierge preventive medicine are often looking for comprehensive health insights. He suggests that cell banking offers a unique advantage by providing living cells, distinct from data obtained through imaging or biomarkers. Doney also mentioned that patients interested in long-term health often inquire about emerging cell-based therapies, particularly for oncology and autoimmune disease management, which contributes to the growing interest in cell preservation.
Saklayen acknowledged the uncertainty regarding the exact future applications of the stored cells. However, she expressed confidence in their viability, drawing a parallel to the successful birth from a 30-year-old frozen embryo. She stated that current cryopreservation technology allows for confidence that these cells will remain viable for decades, based on existing data.