A rare cardiovascular disease research center was set up on Jan. 10 in Beijing. The center will study rare diseases using large-scale biological data and build a global medical research platform with other research institutes around the world. The research center was set up jointly by a BioBank in Beijing's Zhongguancun Science Park and Beijing Anzhen Hospital.
The BioBank is an organization that collects and stores biological samples, including tissue, cells, plasma, bone marrow, biological fluids and more, all of which is used for research. The institution was established in accordance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP), which stipulate that all samples be kept in liquid nitrogen below minus 196 degrees centigrade, and be constantly monitored to guarantee security and quality, said Hu Song, president of the BioBank.
The BioBank also stores umbilical cord blood and bone marrow, which can help patients who are already ill and in need of medical treatment.
A new branch of the Stem Cells Industry Research and Application of the National Association of Health Industry and Enterprise Management was set up on the same day. Its establishment signifies the production, study, research and funding of stem cell technology, according to Hu.
