Noida-based Advancells, a research and tech focused Stem Cell therapy solution provider

An MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, Vipul Jain is a serial entrepreneur. Extending the family business of garment exports, Vipul started his career in 1999 by establishing a fabrics import enterprise. In 2002, he established Mirage Animation which produced television-quality animations. After this, he identified an opportunity in the Medical Tourism space which led him to co-found a company called PlanetHospital. Exiting PlanetHospital, Vipul moved on to establish his own Medical Tourism business called Mirage Medserv which focuses on countries such as SAARC, Russia, Africa and the Middle East. Apart from this, Vipul is also a part of Round Table India and various other social organisations. During these associations, Vipul felt a need for better Stem Cell Research in India and thus setup

Exiting PlanetHospital, Vipul moved on to establish his own Medical Tourism business called Mirage Medserv which focuses on countries such as SAARC, Russia, Africa and the Middle East. Apart from this, Vipul is also a part of Round Table India and various other social organisations. During these associations, Vipul felt a need for better Stem Cell Research in India and thus setup

During these associations, Vipul felt the need for better Stem Cell Research in India and thus setup Advancells in 2013. The research-based company focuses on providing cutting-edge Stem Cell Therapies for patients with life-threatening diseases and also targets lifestyle diseases with anti-aging technology.

Advancells is headquartered in Noida and has representative offices in Bangladesh and Australia. We spoke to Vipul to learn more. Edited excerpts:

YS: What does Advancells do?

Vipul Jain: We are a Stem Cell Therapy solution provider in India, delving into the field of stem cell therapies. Breaking the stereotype regarding stem cell companies that most often offer arrangements for stem cell banking, Advancells focuses purely on stem cell therapy. Advancells is consistently upgrading technology by introducing more and more innovations to make stem cells potent like IV Lasers. Advancells processes the bone marrow/adipose tissue from the patient and separates stem cells from it which is then further processed in our state-of-the-art laboratory for treatment procedures. The company intends to file a patent for this simulation technology in the near future.

Our services begin with the assessment of a case followed by the explanation of the protocol, risks and rewards to the patient in detail. It then processes the stem cells derived from the patient’s tissue and arranges for a consultation with the treating doctor who then performs the procedure in a partner hospital. Later, the team at Advancells follows up with the patient for the post-treatment procedures. Stem cells have the potential to intervene in all medical conditions. The key areas that Advancells deals in are neurological conditions, orthopedics, chronic kidney diseases, COPD and other lung diseases, liver diseases, cardiology, autoimmune disorders, ophthalmology diseases, infertility and cosmetic procedures.

The company charges a package price from the patients, inclusive of all services. The transplant is performed by contracted doctors at a pre-negotiated rate. Advancells has acquired a large base of patients through its online and offline marketing tactics and also through references from doctors, hospitals, physiotherapy centres, and special schools etc.

YS: Tell us a bit more about the space, where is Stem Cell Therapy currently, what are the origins and where is it heading?

VJ: Stem Cells from the bone marrow have been used to treat leukemia and certain blood cancers for over 60 years now. But it is very recent that their use has been investigated and reported in various other life threatening diseases. Today, stem cells are perhaps the most researched subject in the medical world and it won't be very far away in future when stem cell therapy will become a gold standard therapy for many diseases. There is a lot of research going on currently on understanding exactly how the cells grow in the body or reach the targeted site or repair, replace or rejuvenate the damaged cells, but what is already established is that this is a very safe therapy with minimal side effects or risks. As research is progressing, the efficacy of the treatment is getting reported from around the world and we are looking at a time when the therapy will achieve the deserved status in the government and scientific community.

YS: When did you start and how has the company grown over time?

VJ: Advancells was founded in 2013. Recently the company got into an alliance with Global Stem Cell Group to share protocols and exchange of technologies. The company now plans to raise the first round of funds and is working towards it.

YS: How does the company operate? What is the model?

VJ: Operation - Advancells Laboratory is based out of Noida. For OPDs and procedures, we have recently started operating from the Institute of Brain and Spine, Lajpat Nagar and Faridabad. We also have several other tieups for OPD’s in Delhi NCR and in different cities of India.

Model - We offer stem cell therapies. Patient contact us, we do a complete assessment of the case using our contracted doctor. Once found fit for surgery, we counsel the patient about potential benefits and risks. Once the patient signs the informed consent, we start the treatment followed by post-treatment follow ups.

YS: How big is the team and how is it structured?

VJ: Our team in Noida has about 12 members. Also, there are 10 well known and respected KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) or physicians empanelled who are advocates of stem cell therapeutic procedure.

YS: What is Advancells focusing on right now? What is on the roadmap?

VJ: Advancells currently have tieups with various institutes like IBS Hospital, Delhi, to conduct OPDs and procedures. Recently, Advancells got into an alliance with Global Stem Cell Group to share protocols and exchange of technologies. We are looking at establishing our own OPD and procedure facility soon in Noida. Once ready, it will become the center of our activities and a center for excellence in regenerative medicine space.

We plan to tie up with more doctors and institutes across the country to expand our reach pan India. We plan to invest more in updating the technology and keeping us inline with the latest developments happening in the stem cells world around the world. We also plan to invest and start a research wing where we can test and calibrate new delivery methods for cells to the body.

The company is also planning to schedule a few outstation CME (Continued Medical Education) sessions to educate more and more physicians about Stem Cell therapy. Further, the company plans to raise its first round of funds and is working towards it.

Website: Advancells