Widecells Group Plc (LON:WDC) CEO João Andrade & CFO David Bridgland talk to DirectorsTalk about the lifting of a trading suspension. João explains why the shares were suspended, if anything was hindered as a result and what developments investors can look forward to over the coming months. David explains how the completion of a recent placing was conducted and what the proceeds will be used for.
WideCells Group PLC is building an integrated stem cell services company, focused on making stem cell treatments accessible and affordable. This is achieved through three divisions:
The Group has three divisions:
· CellPlan: the world’s first stem cell healthcare insurance plan with financial cover for medical treatment, travel and accommodation expenses and concierge service to manage the treatment process.
· WideCells: The Institute of Stem Cell Technology has been established and is based in the University of Manchester Innovation Centre to provide stem cell storage services and focus on stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Its international cryogenics division specialises in stem cell storage, with the Group currently offering umbilical cord blood and tissue storage services to clients in the UK and Europe under the brand name BabyCells.
· Wideacademy: an education and training division to promote awareness of the benefits of stem cell storage across the global general practice community.
The Group has built an experienced senior management team that has been integral to the development of its growth and business to date.
Stem Cell Fast Facts:
· Cord blood (which is taken from the umbilical cord) provides the most effective source of stem cells for families due to it being simple, safe and painless to collect relative to other sources of stem cells such as bone marrow – WideCells will focus on promoting the collection and storage of cord blood.
· Since 2005, there has been a 300% increase in the number of illnesses that can be treated using stem cells.
· 82 illnesses can currently be treated using stem cell procedures.
· Despite initial storage often costing no more than a few £thousand, actual treatment can cost in the £hundreds of thousands