Cordlife reopens in Singapore with stricter safety protocols

SINGAPORE—Cordlife Group Limited, Asia’s leading network of private cord blood banks, has unveiled its upgraded processing and storage facility.

This significant enhancement comes in response to recent approvals for resuming cord blood banking activities in Singapore, which is now operating under stringent control measures.

The newly installed laboratory monitoring system is a centerpiece of this revamped 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) facility.

This advanced system meticulously tracks the temperature of 27 cryogenic storage tanks and other crucial equipment, ensuring real-time surveillance around the clock.

It provides detailed alerts to technicians, supervisors, and management through multiple communication channels, with escalation procedures in place for urgent issues.

The facility’s cord blood processing laboratory is now equipped with four units of the AXP® II system, a U.S. FDA-approved automated processing platform.

This system, which has successfully been validated by the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) expert panel, features advanced sensors that ensure precise control during processing.

This precision is critical for achieving a higher yield of viable stem cells, which is essential for successful cord blood transplants.

In addition to refurbishing the facility, Cordlife is reorganizing key laboratory equipment to enhance operational efficiency.

Cordlife has partnered with Shandong Qilu Stemcell Engineering Co., Ltd., a prominent cord blood bank in China to further boost its operational capabilities.

With experience managing approximately 1 million cord blood units and facilitating over 10,000 transplants, Shandong Qilu brings invaluable expertise to the Singapore team.

Group Executive Director Ms. Chen Xiaoling and Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ivan Yiu emphasized that the intensive rectification efforts leading up to the resumption of services underline Cordlife’s commitment to rebuilding trust with clients in Singapore and setting a stronger foundation for future growth.

Ms. Chen expressed regret for the distress caused by the incident and thanked clients and authorities for their patience.

In her statement, Ms. Chen noted that external industry experts were consulted during the in-depth review, and the reconstituted Board, as of May 14, is focused on identifying safeguards to prevent future incidents.

She also committed to enhancing Cordlife’s safety, strength, and security for families relying on their services.

The upgraded monitoring system includes its own power source, while multiple uninterruptible power supplies and a backup generator support other equipment.

Additional failsafe measures include assigning more technicians for after-hours duty and ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Mr. Yiu also highlighted that, to further improve service quality, Cordlife has increased its laboratory and technical personnel by 18% since his appointment.

Plans are underway to recruit more experts to elevate standards and prepare for future growth.

To ensure robust oversight, Cordlife has established a dedicated oversight committee consisting of Board members, management, and a Medical and Technical Advisory Board.

From September 15, 2024, to January 13, 2025 (unless approved sooner by MOH), Cordlife will resume cord blood banking operations in a controlled manner, limited to collecting, testing, processing, and storing no more than 30 new cord blood units per month.

Ms. Chen acknowledged the support from MOH and expressed gratitude for their guidance, which has helped Cordlife emerge with a stronger foundation.

She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to regaining the full trust of MOH and their clients in Singapore.

Meanwhile, Mr. Yiu highlighted that despite the challenges, Cordlife has become a more robust entity and will focus on expanding operations, forming strategic partnerships, and enhancing market presence in the region.

Cordlife is also addressing concerns related to temperature excursions by offering affected clients a refund of annual fees and a waiver of subsequent fees until their service agreements mature.

Units affected by temperature excursions will be stored at no cost until the end of the agreements.

Additionally, Cordlife will not dispose of any cord blood units without reaching a resolution and will make efforts to find suitable replacements if a transplant physician deems the unit unsuitable. 

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