Live for Life: Advancing Longevity with MEDEZE and Understanding the Importance of Stem Cells
Dr. Veerapol Khemarungsan, also known as “Dr. Lek,” is the Executive of MEDEZE Group, a leader in Human Biotechnology, and a specialist in stem cell banking technology. In addition to his role at MEDEZE, Dr. Veerapol serves as a government physician at Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital. He is highly skilled and experienced in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery. He has been recognized as one of the early pioneers in the region and globally in performing scarless laparoscopic procedures.
In the past, both physicians and the public were largely unfamiliar with stem cell science. Within the medical field, obstetricians and gynecologists were among the first specialists to conduct in-depth studies on stem cells. Dr. Veerapol completed his obstetrics and gynecology training approximately 16 years ago. He then enhanced his expertise in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, tissue preservation, and tissue transplantation at The National University of Singapore. This background has significantly contributed to his comprehensive knowledge of stem cell technology.
There are various types of stem cells, and one of the most significant applications today is organ regeneration. In the future, organ transplantation may increasingly depend on using a patient’s own stem cells rather than donor organs. Receiving organs from another person requires lifelong immunosuppressive therapy and carries the risk of severe complications, including acute rejection shortly after transplantation. However, in the future, individuals may be able to generate their own organs using autologous stem cells, thereby reducing the risks associated with donor transplantation.
Currently in Thailand, MEDEZE Group is considered one of the first companies globally to develop organ regeneration technology successfully. Over the past 11 years, MEDEZE Group has grown rapidly and is now regarded as one of the largest providers in the region. The company has received recognition as the number one leader in the Asia-Pacific region. Initially, the company operated under the name Bangkok Stem Cell. After 5–6 years of expansion into neighboring countries, the company rebranded to MEDEZE Group to reflect a more international presence.
Today, many people still believe that stem cells can only be stored at birth. However, stem cells can be collected at any age. The oldest donor MEDEZE has collected to date is 97 years old. Stem cells from a 97-year-old individual can still proliferate, expand in culture, and be used for preservation or potential therapeutic applications. Importantly, MEDEZE Group is uniquely positioned to provide stem cell banking services from birth through advanced age, supported by advanced biotechnology platforms. For both blood-derived and tissue-derived stem cells, MEDEZE currently utilizes the automated AXP system for stem cell separation and processing.
Laparoscopic surgery has advanced to the point where it can leave no visible scars. Looking ahead, there is potential for non-surgical procedures to become available. The MEDEZE Group not only has the capability to store stem cells at any age but also boasts a team of highly skilled doctors and scientists. Among them is Dr. Rangsan Palpai, a distinguished researcher known for his exceptional work in animal cloning, both internationally and nationally. He received the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) Outstanding Researcher Award in 2021. If cloning proves to be feasible, stem cell cultivation will be essential.
Currently, the MEDEZE Group complies with GMP 22716 standards, ISO 9001:2015, and holds AABB accreditation, which is comparable to that of the American Red Cross. The group has also received numerous awards, including recognition for outstanding personnel, and has ranked as the number one organization in Thailand for five consecutive years.
Currently, MEDEZE Group offers stem cell banking for newborns, including blood stem cells and umbilical cord tissue stem cells. We can also store stem cells from maternal fat (obtained during a cesarean section) or from elderly relatives (obtained during liposuction). Naturally, the cells will be the same age as you at the time of storage.
In addition, we are developing a new service: hair follicle stem cell banking. As men age, they may experience increased hair loss and reduced confidence. This is normally due to hormonal changes during menopause. However, we can now preserve existing hair follicles and transplant them later if problems arise.
Stem cells are the origin of all cells in the body. Stem cells create new cells throughout the body. For example, our nails grow because stem cells at the base of the nail divide and form new cells. Our skin also contains stem cells. Every part of our body can store stem cells. Each type of stem cell has a different function, can divide itself, and can transform into various organs in our body.
Age is less important than disease when it comes to stem cell banking. If we are 70 years old but have never had diabetes or cirrhosis, our stem cells are still in good condition. Banking early is better than banking late, but banking before disease develops is best. We should bank before we become ill. Stem cells divide rapidly and readily in childhood. As we age, our stem cells divide more slowly, resulting in fewer stem cells.
MEDEZE's hematopoietic stem cell service is different from others. Normally, when we receive blood from the hospital, it is sent to our laboratory. We use the AXP Auto Express machine, an all-in-one processing machine. We place the blood bag from the hospital into the machine, and it processes and extracts up to 98% of the stem cells. Furthermore, regardless of how many times the process is repeated, the viability remains high. Our success rate is always near 100%. Furthermore, there have never been any infections because everything is a closed system. There is no human error whatsoever. This is why the United States accepts us. Therefore, the blood stem cells we store can be transplanted anywhere in the world.
As for tissue stem cells, almost every country and university worldwide is accelerating research into them for the treatment of all degenerative diseases of the body, such as dementia, pulmonary fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, enlarged heart, ischemic heart disease, muscle weakness, and macular degeneration. Everything related to degeneration, including osteoarthritis, can be treated. Currently, MEDEZE Group is collaborating with Phramongkutklao Hospital on osteoarthritis research and with Mae Fah Luang University on hair follicle cell research.
In medical practice, blood stem cells are typically used only for bone marrow transplantation. As for tissue stem cells, many research studies show they need to be injected precisely where needed. For example, for Parkinson's disease, they are injected into the cerebrospinal fluid or bloodstream. For retinal degeneration, they are injected directly into the eye. Cardiologists can insert a catheter and inject directly into the heart or liver. For osteoarthritis, they are injected directly into the knee joint. Ideally, stem cells should be injected directly into the affected area. Six diseases that are heavily focused on treatment and have extensive medical research include leukemia, diabetes, hepatitis, cirrhosis, SLE, osteoarthritis, and Parkinson's disease.
A 2017 American study on the use of stem cells in anti-aging found that when the body receives young stem cells (new cells), inflammation decreases, internal organ function improves, and overall physical well-being is enhanced, leading to a more attractive appearance.