MIAMI, April 30, 2016–Global Stem Cells Group CEO Benito Novas announced that the University of Santiago has become the latest GSCG affiliate to apply for Regenerative Technologies Alliance (RTA) certification. RTA certification represents the highest standards of excellence in current medical and laboratory practices against established standards.
The announcement comes less than a week after Global Stem Cells Group announced a mutual endorsement for an Asian-Pacific alliance with the university to host a regenerative medicine and stem cell symposium July 1-2 at the 
university’s Santiago campus. Through the alliance, the two organizations have established a working agenda for collaborative initiatives and educational programs in stem cell and regenerative medicine research and development for 2016 – 2020.
Experts in the field of regenerative and cell-based medicine conduct the RTA certification program. The Regenerative Technologies Alliance, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization operated by Regenetech and supported by individuals and institutions committed to bringing peer oversight and transparency to the regenerative and cell-based medicine industry, provides certification for:
- Laboratory Facilities that provide the processing of human tissue for the development of cell-based applications
- Clinical facilities seeking to participate in authorized studies that are approved by Institutional Review Boards (IRB)
- Medical facilities providing cell-based medical therapies to patients.
According to Benito Novas, CEO of Global Stem Cells Group, the certification process will be conducted under the direction of David B. Audley, RTA Chair and General Secretary. Audley is a highly regarded medical marketing and management services consultant who co-founded MedTourGlobal after 10 years in the emerging field of regenerative medicine.
Santiago was the city chosen for the first RTA accreditation in Latin America. This type of accreditation differs from traditional accreditation processes in that it examines all aspects of service and patient care, considers the progress of the location and the potential for receiving international patients, as well as meeting quality expectations.
The alliance between Global Stem Cells Group and the University of Santiago extended an invitation to Audley and started the RTA application and review process to assess the reception, harvesting, bio-processing and application of stem cells, in the university’s Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Laboratory and Providencia Stem Cells Center. This international certification opportunity includes evaluating and reinforcing physicians working in those areas, and validating the processes and bio-technological resources against international standards.
RTA delegates are expected to visit the University of Santiago facility in July to conduct a physical inspection of the premises. The goal is to create a cell therapy hub in Santiago that can accommodate the needs of patients in neighboring countries seeking stem cell and regenerative medicine treatments. Strong patient demand in the United States and Europe have also created a growing interest in the medical tourism industry.
Global Stem Cells Group Chief Medical Officer Enrique Testart, M.D., heads a medical and scientific team tasked with establishing a new edition of the post-graduate diploma program, “Diplomat in Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering” at Santiago University.
The theoretical and practical, 120-hour program will deliver the fundamentals of the most advanced cell therapies and clinical applications currently practiced safely and effectively in more than 35 cities worldwide.
Testart and Novas have collaborated on the push to highlight Chile’s appeal as a destination for patients seeking stem cell therapies for a variety of conditions, and as part of GSCG’s ongoing commitment to expand the reach of stem cell treatments throughout Latin America. Global Stem Cells Group’s Quito, Chile clinical facility is also in the process of earning RTA certification.
Novas says that GSCG aims to have all the company’s clinical facilities earn RTA certification by the end of 2016.
Global Stem Cells Group’s presence in Chile represents one of the largest integrated science and technology organizations associated with tissue engineering and tissue regeneration. GSCG represents the areas of research, development, medical appliances, equipment and protocols for clinical standards, and is fast becoming a global leader in adult stem cell therapies, medical training in stem cell protocols, and the manufacture of high quality products and supplies in regenerative medicine.
Their strategic leadership puts them in the forefront of stem cell research, medical education and patient care. Global Stem Cells Group comprises six companies, each of which works in specialty areas related to the stem cell industry .
To learn more, visit the Global Stem Cells Group website, Email bnovas(at)stemcellsgroup(dot)com, or call 305-560-5337.
About Global Stem Cells Group:
Global Stem Cells Group, Inc. is the parent company of six wholly owned operating companies dedicated entirely to stem cell research, training, products and solutions. Founded in 2012, the company combines dedicated researchers, physician and patient educators and solution providers with the shared goal of meeting the growing worldwide need for leading edge stem cell treatments and solutions. With a singular focus on this exciting new area of medical research, Global Stem Cells Group and its subsidiaries are uniquely positioned to become global leaders in cellular medicine.
Global Stem Cells Group’s corporate mission is to make the promise of stem cell medicine a reality for patients around the world. With each of GSCG’s six operating companies focused on a separate research-based mission, the result is a global network of state-of-the-art stem cell treatments.
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