International NetCord Foundation Board of Directors Meeting - Monaco Minutes March 4, 2015

Transcription

1 International NetCord Foundation Board of Directors Meeting - Monaco Minutes Board Members: Guests: Staff: President Etienne Baudoux and Drs. Heidi Elmoazzen, Ngaire Elwood, Anders Fasth, Eliane Gluckman, Pilar Gomez Maldonado, Gesine Koegler, Andrea Kondo, Joanne Kurtzberg, Jose Mauro Kutner, Alexander Platz, Fabienne Pouthier, Vanderson Rocha, Robyn Rodwell, Alexandra Ross, Elizabeth Shpall Michael Boo (WMDA), Merry Duffy (NMDP), Saranya Narayan, Olivier Waridel (BioSafe) Holger Gressmann, Andrea King, and Ken Luurs The meeting was called to order by President Baudoux at 6:02 p.m. I. INTRODUCTION Overview Dr. Baudoux described the objectives of the meeting which were to update the worldwide cord blood situation with regard to increasing inventory and competing transplantation practices as well as to identify strategies for NetCord to utilize in aiding the cord blood community. II. Strategic Plan Review STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW Mr. Luurs reviewed the NetCord Strategic Plan (Exhibit I) drafted in Milan. Also presented were specific ideas for development. Mr. Luurs noted that the Strategic Plan identified three major opportunities: Greater development of continuing education opportunities for cord blood bank staff. More opportunities for CBBs and end-user transplant centers to meet and know each other. NetCord should be the organization which represents all CBBs. Specific items suggested for discussion and potential development included: Greater development of continuing education opportunities for cord blood bank staff: o Webinars based on suggestions from FACT. o Developing Training Curriculum for cord blood bank personnel. o Proficiency Testing Program o Personnel Exchange Program exchanging staff between banks. o Additional Leadership Training for cord blood bank personnel

2 Page 2 More opportunities for CBBs and end-user transplant centers to meet each other and collaborate. o Virtual Meeting exchange issues that each may have o On-Line Forum on an ongoing basis o enewsletter summarize relevant news and send out 2-3 year. NetCord should be the organization which represents all CBBs. o Consider services/activity with private banks o Corporate Counsel create a group for corporations with an interest in cord blood community and host meeting in conjunction with NetCord Board Meetings. o Closer partnerships with other groups including WMDA, NMDP, etc. Discussion A partnership with the Cord Blood Association was also discussed. It was concluded that time should be taken to see how this new group develops. III. CLINICAL PICTURE Clinical Overview Drs. Rocha and Gluckman presented information on the clinical picture of cord blood usage, the impact of economics on decision making and a recent article that was suggesting equivalent outcomes for the use of haplo transplantation. IV. INFORMATION ON INVENTORY Inventory Report Cord Blood Education Day Proposal Mr. Boo of the WMDA/NMDP reported that cord blood is still 15-20% of the transplants being done in Europe and the US and perhaps more in Asia. He noted that a survey of the Cord Blood Technology should have results by the next NetCord meeting. He noted also that there was some decline in use of cord blood among minority patients. FOR CONSIDERATION: Mr. Boo suggested that NetCord might consider a collaborative effort with the WMDA to create a Cord Blood Education Day. Scientific Update V. Haplo vs. Cord Blood Review SCIENTIFIC PICTURE Dr. Kurtzberg presented on scientific issues and presented research that might help suggest how banks might distribute their inventory. Dr. Kurtzberg reported on data from Hopkins and MD Anderson comparing outcomes between aplo and CB and noted results that showed CB was superior as time progressed. CONSENSUS: It was recommended that a white paper be developed to discuss recent outcome research to suggest additional time and research are necessary to evaluate if there is a difference in outcomes between haplo and cord blood transplantation. Drs. Kurtzberg, Gluckman and Shpall. VI. CORD BANKS REPORT Roundtable Update from CBBs Board Members shared issues related to their institution/nation. Frequent issues mentioned included funding challenges, regulatory issues, collection challenges, increased use of haplo,

3 Page 3 VII. Toward better industry collaboration Industry Support WMDA Suggestions for cooperation Standardization PARTNERSHIPS Industry: Mr. Waridel of BioSafe discussed industry view of how NetCord might better collaborate with industry. Interest would be strongest for those areas where there could be common benefits and communication efforts promoting cord bank utilization and/or education on subjects of shared importance were suggested as possible areas to investigate. CONSENSUS: Mr. Luurs will investigate contacting other groups and developing a plan for seeking a closer partnership with industry. WMDA: Mr. Boo suggested that NetCord could greatly help in assuring that the voice of the cord blood community is heard within the WMDA in particular regarding the informatics area. Registry issues were discussed as well as EMDIS. CONSENSUS: NetCord can support WMDA in striving for data standardization and access to data. Dr. Rodwell noted that she it might be helpful to have a standard histories around the world. Specifications to be Developed CBA Suggestion Specifications will be explored by Drs. Rodwell, Elwood, Koegler and Kurtzberg and brought to the November board meeting. CBA: Discussion focused on issues that the CBA hopes to address and some of its objectives. CONSENSUS: It was suggested that time could help the CBA in defining its mission and potential opportunities for collaboration. BUSINESS MEETING Minutes Approved. VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the Minutes of the following meetings: Board of Directors October 22, 2014 Executive Committee January 7, 2015 Executive Committee February 4, 2015 IX. FACT Report Follow-Up to FACT Report Mr. Luurs reviewed the recommended actions for FACT and noted that he would be sending information to the Board for volunteers for the Webinar Series as well as other opportunities as outlined in the report (Exhibit II).

4 Page 4 X NETCORD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Financial Review with Recommendations CONSENSUS: Mr. Luurs provided an overview of the 2014 Financial Statements noting that both Revenue and Expenses were less than budgeted with a slight net loss for the year. XI NOMINATIONS Nominations Sought Dr. Baudoux noted that NetCord is seeking nominations for the office of President and Secretary. Nominations are requested by August 1. EMDIScord Update XII EMDIScord REPORT Mr. Gressmann provided an update on EMDIScord and noted some of the issues and gaps that are in the process of being addressed. WCB Rethought XII EUROCORD UPDATE Dr. Gluckman noted that attendance and sponsorship shortfalls are pushing for a re-evaluation of the World Cord Blood Congress. November Board Meeting XIV FUTURE BOARD MEETING The Next Board of Directors Meeting will be held in conjunction with the WMDA/NMDP meeting in Minneapolis, MN USA on November 4, XV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 pm. Submitted by Eliane Gluckman By Ken Luurs

5 Page 5 EXHIBIT I NETCORD STRATEGIC PLAN I. NetCord Mission The mission of the International NetCord Foundation is: To promote the highest quality in cord blood products through worldwide standards and accreditation. To balance global supply and demand for umbilical cord blood. To encourage and facilitate the use of cord blood transplants by promoting laboratory and clinical research and providing professional and public education. II. Strategic Questions Why Does NetCord Exist? To create opportunities for the supply and use of cord blood products. To upgrade cord blood banking and transplantation science worldwide What should be NetCord's philosophy (i.e. the focus and direction for the organization)? Establish quality norms and promote the use of cord blood transplants as standard of care globally. Gather CBBs and sustain each other through exchange of information and mutual collaborations. Cord blood transplants in hematological and non-hematological clinical indications. Who is NetCord? Principled, focused cord blood banks dedicated to the successful collection, processing and distribution of cord blood products. An international non-profit association of the most accredited cord blood banks. What does NetCord represent? The unified standards, banks and cord blood product market. High quality CBBs (accredited or in their way toward accreditation). Represents approximately 35 cord blood banks and institutes working in stem cell transplants. Whom does NetCord serve? Two audiences: the cord blood banks and the end-users.

6 Page 6 CBBs and transplantation centers. Serves cord blood grafts globally via its virtual office according specific standards (HLA, Graft Size, and Cell Count). What does NetCord do as an organization? Should set forth the standards, require accreditation, and then actively promote the use of cord blood products globally. Exchange information between CBBs and gather them (together we are stronger). Interact with approximately 35 CBBs in crucial matters related to cord blood laboratory and clinical research, inspect and accredit cord blood banks according FACT standards. III. Values NetCord members hold in highest regard the following principles: An umbilical cord blood donation is a gift of health and well-being to a seriously ill patient. Donors should be held in high esteem, and the donation managed with great respect. Umbilical cord blood is a key component in the future of hematopoietic stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Its potential will be realized through basic and clinical research and greater professional and public awareness of the therapeutic value of cord blood. Cord blood has the greatest social value when donated to an accredited bank for allogeneic use and made fully accessible to all potential patients. For cord blood therapies to reach their full potential, cord blood banks must maintain high standards to assure quality products, and the process for banking, selecting and procuring stem cells must be accurate, efficient and economically sustainable. What are NetCord's Values (i.e. NetCord's core beliefs, NetCord's most deeply held convictions, the ideals that NetCord holds in the highest regard, in good times and in bad). Collect the right cords at the right time, store them in the right banks, and make them accessible to everyone. Values excels on well-being of seriously ill patients diagnosed with hematological or nonhematological diseases aided by high-quality and efficient cord blood products for the reconstitution of hematopoietic system after high dose chemo-radio therapy or for regenerative purposes in degenerative diseases. IV. Vision The International NetCord Foundation and its members will be known throughout the transplant community for highly ethical practice and quality standards, and for the value of their products and services to transplant professionals and their patients. Promote the best cord at the best time from the best bank. Vision is the global standardization and harmonization of the highest quality procedures and ethical practices in non-hematopoietic stem cell transplant community.

7 Page 7 V. Benefits of NetCord Membership Reasons why CBB join and maintain their NetCord membership: To establish an image of credibility and quality. Exchange of information between CBBs. To increase CBB s excellence and reputation in transplant community. VI. Role Definition NetCord s role in the education of the Cord Blood Bank and Blood and Marrow Transplantation community? Educate on cord blood quality standards and create opportunities for continued improvement and learning. Crucial to educate scientific community related to laboratory, regulatory and transplant topics. NetCord s role in developing policies for Cord Blood Banks? Assembling best practices/policies and making them available to member banks. To develop well social impact policies related to public and private banking. NetCord s role in the future of the Cord Blood Bank and Blood and Marrow Transplantation community? Global advocate for cord blood banking and for cord blood product acceptance as a standard treatment option. More visibility of the organization is needed. To design and develop committees and working groups focus on new clinical indications in regenerative medicine. VII. SWOT Analysis Please list NetCord's top three Strengths: NetCord-FACT Standards. Education (online included) Global presence and exchange of information between CBBs. SWOT Analysis Please list NetCord's top three Weaknesses: Lack of visibility of the organization.

8 Page 8 NetCord does not represent all CBBs worldwide. NetCord does not give enough support to CBBs which are in the process of accreditation (stringent standards were developed but not enough help and support is given). SWOT Analysis Please list NetCord's top three Opportunities: Greater development of continuing education opportunities for cord blood bank staff. More opportunities for CBBs and end-user transplant centers to meet and know each other. NetCord should be the organization which represent all CBBs (also the smaller ones) and coordinate more collaborations and solidarity between CBBs. SWOT Analysis Please list NetCord's top three Threats: Reimbursement for cord blood products (country specific). Frequency of other alternative transplantations (haplo) is increasing. Is there a need to further increase the CBU-inventory worldwide? NetCord has to face the evolution as it is going now: risk that big CBBs ship most of the CBUs and that smaller CBBs ship less (NetCord should help to improve this imbalance and should stimulate solidarity with the smaller CBBs with difficulties.

9 Page 9 EXHIBIT II FACT Report to NetCord I. Cord Blood Bank Status Reports NetCord Members - Accreditation Status FACT Accredited and Applicant Cord Blood Banks (Non NetCord Members) II. III. III. IV. Bank Acquisition: Vivocell Biosolutions cord blood inventory acquired by Vita34 Vita34 inquiring about FACT-NetCord accreditation NetCord Educational Webinars Suggested Topics for 2015 Webinars Current 2014 Recordings Available NetCord FACT Collaborations Future NetCord-FACT Meetings

10 Page 10 NetCord Members - Accreditation Status NETCORD Member Cord Blood Bank Accreditation Status - February 2015 CBB Director Country Current Accreditation Date Type of Collections Name on NetCord Website Sydney Cord Blood Bank Annette Trickett PhD Australia 06/28/2013 AusCord BMDI Cord Blood Bank Ngaire Elwood PhD Australia 08/10/2013 AusCord Queensland Cord Blood Bank Robyn Rodwell PhD, FAIMS Australia 07/15/2012 AusCord at the Mater Liège Cord Blood Bank Yves Beguin MD, PhD Belgium 11/16/2012 Related Belgian Cord Blood Bank Navelstrengbloedbank Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent Leuvense Navelstrengbloedbank Leuvencord Cord Blood Bank Hospital Albert Einstein Bart Vandekerckhove MD, PhD Belgium 11/22/2014 Related Marc Boogaerts MD, PhD Belgium 06/07/2012 Related Navelstrengbloedbank Rode Kruis Jose Mauro Kutner MD Brazil 07/07/2014 Albert Einstein Hospital The Finnish Cord Blood Bank Matti Korhonen MD, PhD Finland 12/12/2011 No longer on NetCord website? Besançon Cord Blood Bank of the Etablissement Français du Sang José Carreras Cord Blood Bank Düsseldorf Fabienne Pouthier MD France 09/15/2013 Related Gesine Koegler PhD Germany 09/09/2014 Related Cord Blood Bank Mannheim Harald Klüter MD, PhD Germany 04/09/2013 German Red Cross Blood Service Bayerische Stammzellbank ggmbh Hans Knabe MD Germany 01/12/2014 Related DKMS Lifeline Cord Blood Bank Alexander Platz MD Germany 12/15/2014 Related Hellenic Cord Blood Bank Catherine Stavropoulos-Giokas MD, PhD Greece 04/10/2013 Related Sheba Cord Blood Bank Arnon Nagler MD Israel 01/06/2013 Milano Cord Blood Bank Maurizio Marconi MD Italy 05/04/2013 Related

11 Page 11 Sanquin Cord Blood Bank Jacqueline van Beckhoven DSc Netherlands 12/02/2012 Related Programa Concordia Banc de Sang i Teixits Banco de Sangre de Cordón Umbilical Andalucia The Swedish National Cord Blood Bank HealthBanks Cord Blood Center, HealthBanks Biotech Co., Ltd. Sergio Querol-Giner MD, PhD Spain 11/30/2012 Related Isidro Prat MD, PhD Spain 09/14/2013 Related Anders Fasth MD, PhD Sweden 02/08/2013 National Cord Blood Bank - Swedcord Wei-Yu Lo PhD Taiwan, ROC 04/08/2013 Related NHS Cord Blood Bank Andrew Hadley PhD UK 12/03/2013 Listed under Member & Associate The Anthony Nolan Cord Blood Bank Susana Gomez PhD UK 12/02/2013 Related National Cord Blood Program Pablo Rubinstein MD USA 02/09/2018 Carolinas Cord Blood Bank at Duke Joanne Kurtzberg MD USA 10/08/2014 Related LifeCord Cord Blood Bank John Wingard MD USA 09/14/2013 M. D. Anderson Cord Blood Bank Cycord Public Allogeneic Cord Blood Bank King Faisal Specialist Hospital And Research Centre Elizabeth Shpall MD USA 07/16/2012 Related Paul Costeas Cyprus Hind Al-Humaidan MD Saudia Arabia

12 Page 12 FACT Accredited and Applicant Cord Blood Banks (Non NetCord Members) FACT Accredited and Applicant Cord Blood Banks (Non-NetCord Members) - February 2015 CBB Director Country Current Accreditation Date Type of Collections Institut Jules Bordet - ULB Cord Blood Bank Bron MD, PhD Belgium 03/01/2012 Related Banque de Sang de Cordon Cliniques Universitaries Saint-Luc Insception Lifebank Cord Blood Program, Insception Biosciences Mississauga, Ontario, and Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada Dominique Latinne MD, PhD Belgium 02/05/2014 Related Robert Casper MD Canada 05/16/2012 Related Cells for Life Cord Blood Institute Inc. Elisabeth Semple PhD Canada 07/02/2012 Related Héma-Québec Diane Fournier PhD Canada 02/16/2012 Related Cellular Therapy Engineering Department, Banque de Bernard Dazey PhD France 12/21/2012 sang placentaire de Bordeaux (Bordeaux CBB), Etablissement Français du Sang Aquitaine-Limousin Banque de Sang Placentaire du CHRU de Montpellier Jean François Schved Prof France 10/14/2013 Stem Health Hellas S.A. Corina Peste-Tsilimidos PhD Greece 06/10/2014 Related Hong Kong Red Cross Catherine Chow Cord Blood Che Kit Lin MD Hong Kong 03/05/2013 Bank MDA Public Cord Blood Bank Eilat Shinar MD Israel 11/02/2013 Treviso Cord Blood Bank Sergio De Angeli PhD Italy 10/04/2012 Related Pavia Cord Blood Bank Laura Salvaneschi MD, PhD Italy 09/24/2013 Related Emilia Romagna Cord Blood Bank (ERCB) Claudio Velati MD Italy 11/15/2013 Related InScientiaFides s.p.a. Arianna Dellavalle PhD Republic of 10/05/2012 Related San Marino StemCord Pte Ltd Cheng Peng Teo MD Singapore 01/10/2014 Related

13 Page 13 Singapore Cord Blood Bank Pak Yan Pat Chu MD Singapore 04/21/2014 Related SSCB Swiss Stem Cell Bank SA Veronica Albertini PhD Switzerland 11/28/2012 Related StemCyte Taiwan Cord Blood Bank Shinn-Zong (John) Lin MD, PhD Taiwan 06/12/2012 Related CORD:USE Public Cord Blood Bank Joanne Kurtzberg MD USA 10/08/2011 CHOC Children's Cord Blood Bank Leonard Sender MD USA 11/24/2011 Related StemCyte, Inc. Jennifer Willert MD USA 07/28/2012 Related Abraham J. & Phyllis Katz Cord Blood Foundation Philip Paul PhD USA 07/30/2012 d.b.a. Cleveland Cord Blood Center J.P. McCarthy Cord Stem Cell Bank Barbara Ann Voravit Ratanatharathorn MD USA 05/04/2013 Karmanos Cancer Institute Cryo-Cell International Inc. Merri Mair MD USA 06/10/2014 Related Austrian Red Cross Blood Center Linz (Cord Blood Christian Gabriel MD Austria Bank) Victoria Angel Registry of Hope Public Cord Blood Elisabeth Semple PhD Canada Bank Boyalife Inc Xiao-Chun Xu China Redcord S.A. Alejandro Montoya MD, PhD Columbia Related Regenerative Medical Services Ltd. Manjeeri Desai India Related Banca del Sangue Cordonale di Sciacca Filippo Buscemi Italy Related Pescara Cord Blood Bank Tiziana Bonfini MD, PhD Italy Related UNICATT Cord Blood Bank Gina Zini Italy Related Bebé Vida Marika Bini Antunes MD Portugal Related

14 Page 14 King Abdullah International Medical Research Center Cord Blood Bank Dunia Jawdat PhD Saudi Arabia Related Cordlife Group Limited Arvin Faundo MD Singapore Related Cryo-Save South Africa Robert Crookes South Africa Related IVIDA - Banco de Cordón de IVI Alfonso Sanchez Corcoles Spain Related Bionet Health Foundation Chris Tsai PhD Taiwan, ROC Stamcelbank Nederland The Netherlands Stichting Cryo-Save Peter De Waele MSc. PhD The Netherlands Related Cord Blood Bank of Ankara Meral Beksac MD Turkey Related Cells4Life LLP Jeff Drew UK Related

15 Page 15 NetCord Educational Webinars 2015 Based on frequently cited deficiencies, topics requested by inspected banks, issues identified during accreditation activities, and suggestions by the Education Committee; following is a list of potential areas for NetCord Educational sessions: Suggested Topics Informed Consent: There are many different methods bank use to obtain informed consent and private banks generally refer to this concept as contracts. It might be interesting to poll NetCord member banks about their informed consent process and then create a webinar presentation around the different methods used and the pros and cons of them. Maternal and Infant Donor Evaluation for Eligibility (risk of passing along a communicable disease) and Suitability (medical fitness to undergo collection): This is another area that differs among banks, and banks rely on integration between central bank activities and collection sites. Some information is collected upfront, some is collected onsite. Tips for how to do this effectively would be helpful. Step by Step CB Processing: The webinar on cryopreservation was heavily attended, and many banks seem to be eager for information related specifically to the processing procedure. Importing and Exporting CB Units: A global look at import and export requirements is an idea the FACT Education Committee would appreciate, and works with NetCord s mission to increase the global supply of quality units. Criteria for Banking a Unit: This is a hot-button topic, and one banks would certainly be interested in. How should criteria be established? What does the literature say? What do governmental agencies require? CB Outcome Data: How to Get It and How to Use It: It is often difficult for banks to get outcome data. Some models work well (Eurocord and EBMT were given as examples). What have banks done that work well? And, once the information is received, how can it be used?

16 Page 16 NetCord Educational Webinars Recordings Supportive Care of Cord Blood Transplant Recipients Date: July 2014 Presenter: Joanne Kurtzberg, Carolinas Cord Blood Bank Purpose: Describe special considerations for cord blood transplant recipients to promote good clinical outcomes and reduce risks of adverse events. Optimizing Cord Blood Potency and Safety Date: June 2014 Presenter: Robyn Rodwell, Queensland Cord Blood Bank at the Mater Dennis Gastineau, Mayo Clinic Purpose: Provides practical information regarding the responsibilities of the bank, the transplant center s processing facility, and the clinical unit. Cord Blood Selection Date: January 2014 Presenter: Amanda Olson, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas Purpose: Present information regarding umbilical cord blood unit selection for stem cell transplantation in adults. Discusses HLA match, unit size, one versus two units, and other important variables relevant to transplant physicians and cord blood banks. Cryopreservation Date: 2013 Presenter: Paolo Rebulla Purpose: Provide basic concepts in cryobiology related to ice formation in biological materials during transition from liquid to frozen phase. Viability of Cord Blood Products Date: 2013 Presenter: Sergio Querol Giner and Richard Duggleby Purpose: Address the various methods for progenitor cell assessment that have been used and their applicability in the CB field. Cord Blood CD34 and Cell Content Date: 2013 Presenter: Riccardo Saccardi and Francesco Lanza Purpose: Discuss a prospective study on behalf of Eurocord and NetCord on Cord Blood CD34.

17 Page 17 NETCORD and FACT Collaborations [Action Requested] NetCord is the leading professional organization of transplant physicians, cord blood bankers, clinical investigators, and other healthcare professionals committed to encouraging and facilitating the use of cord blood transplants by promoting laboratory and clinical research and providing professional and public education. As the co-sponsor of the NetCord-FACT International Standards for Cord Blood Collection, Banking, and Release for Administration, NetCord is the cord blood banking expertise upon which FACT s cord blood Standards are developed, and accreditation awarded. NetCord is the single most important factor differentiating FACT cord blood bank accreditation from any other accreditation. However, as the landscape of cord blood banking evolves, it is important to highlight the relationship of NetCord and FACT to the growing community. While NetCord is a professional association representing the interests of cord blood banks, transplant physicians, investigators, and the patients they serve; FACT functions as the accrediting arm of NetCord to establish global standards and promote quality patient care through its accreditation program. In an effort to ensure ongoing education, awareness, and collaboration, the leadership of both NetCord and FACT have requested that a plan be developed to strengthen relationships between the two organizations. Action Item: Develop a plan to strengthen collaborative efforts between NetCord and FACT. Proposed Initiatives 1) Develop communication strategy with NetCord to educate their professional members about the relationship between NetCord and FACT: FACT serves as the accrediting arm of its partner organization NetCord. As such, the expertise provided by the professional association contributes to the success and prestige of FACT-NetCord Accreditation. NetCord members should be encouraged to become engaged with FACT by serving as volunteer inspectors or on FACT committees. Participation as a FACT inspector is an invaluable educational experience for professionals in the field of cord blood banking and provides an opportunity to observe a variety of practices across international banks. 2) Develop actionable plans for the following activities: Inspectors: FACT s expertise in assessing cord blood banks is attributed to the knowledge and experience of NetCord s professionals. It is this cadre of volunteer inspectors that set FACT uniquely apart from other accrediting organizations. The ongoing success of FACT is dependent on NetCord s members continuing to participate in inspection activities.

18 Page 18 Standards Development: The clinical expertise and scientific knowledge contributed by NetCord s members in the standards development process is vital to the unique position FACT holds as an accrediting organization in the cord blood banking field. NetCord members can share in the success of quality improvements at cord blood banks and transplant centers as a direct result of their participation in standards development. Education: The 2014 NetCord-FACT webinars continued to be well attended and positively reviewed. Suggestions for 2015 webinars have been prepared based on frequently cited deficiencies, topics requested by inspected banks, issues identified during accreditation activities, and suggestions by FACT s Education Committee. FACT will continue to assist with content development/slide preparation, meeting registration and logistics. Training: FACT s Education committee would like to extend its current efforts to partner with NetCord to assist in developing a training curriculum for cord blood bank personnel, based on NetCord-FACT Standards. This would include assisting with developing a NetCord process for proficiency testing of cord blood bank personnel. Similar to FACT s Global Exchange Program, NetCord is encouraged to develop a cord blood bank personnel exchange program. FACT would be able to aid in identifying personnel at accredited banks interested in participating and/or hosting applicants. Best Practices: Through its inspectors, FACT has the distinct opportunity to observe a widerange of professional practices and activities at cord blood banks across the country. Although inspectors have always been informed that it was permissible to request copies of commendable documents, forms, quality plans, etc., inspectors will now be asked to proactively look for exemplary practices. This information will be used to enhance FACT s Quality Management Handbook, training activities, etc., but can also be provided to NetCord for use in developing best practices for the association. Specifically, to meet NetCord s strategic goals, FACT will provide survey data related to current practices of freezing and thawing cord blood. Member Recruitment: FACT continues to provide potential prospects for NetCord membership recruitment from its list of accredited cord blood banks. In addition, since FACT-NetCord accreditation is a requirement for full NetCord Member status, NetCord s membership application process is managed in FACTWeb. This allows for pass thru information of contact and demographic information as well as up-to-date data on accreditation status. Cord blood banks applying for accreditation are provided with information on the benefits of NetCord membership. Leadership Development : FACT s Leadership training workshops have been conducted over the past several years by invitation only with the intent of identifying potential organizational leaders and aid in FACT s succession planning. The leadership development courses are now offered to anyone attending the BMT Tandem Meetings and the ISCT Annual Meeting. The first leadership course to be held in conjunction with the International Cord Blood Symposium is being planned for this year. Participants continue to express leadership development as an unmet need and an activity not offered at their institution. FACT has greatly benefited from these sessions in identifying and engaging new board members and committee volunteers. Similarly, NetCord is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity for the same purpose by including attendees from the Board or executive staff to observe participants.

19 Page 19 Encourage NetCord members to continue to support FACT by serving as volunteer inspectors and contributing their expertise on FACT s committee/task force members, especially in the areas of Accreditation, Standards Development, Education, Public Relations, Quality, and Regenerative Medicine. Demand for cord blood experts to serve on FACT committees is ever increasing. In addition, cord blood bank representation is continuously needed on the FACT Board of Directors. Professional Relations Committee: FACT s Professional Relations Committee is the primary forum for cell therapy stakeholders (ASBMT, FACT, ISCT, NETCORD, NMDP, ASFA, AABB, CAP, ASHI and ASGCT to create alliances for more impactful results, reduce duplication of efforts, and serve as the conduit for information sharing among organizations. As FACT s partner organization, NetCord s active participation is integral to the success of the committee. Cross Promotions: Communications/Website: One of the simplest, most cost-effective means to supporting the activities of NetCord and FACT is through electronic cross promotions. NetCord and FACT staff will work together to develop a plan for continuous marketing activities. In addition, as both organizations refresh their websites, links to each other s websites will be made more prominent. Consulting services: FACT has established a Consulting Service to assist transplant programs and cord blood banks in meeting compliance requirements for accreditation. NetCord is encouraged to inform members of the availability of FACT s service to provide mock inspections, policy and procedure review and development, quality systems review, and inspection preparation. Request for NetCord Review The current proposal suggests many ways in which both NetCord and FACT can benefit from developing more integrated collaborative initiatives. The leadership of NetCord is invited to identify additional areas for collaboration. NetCord is requested to review this proposal and provide input. Recommendation: The FACT Executive Committee recommends the proposed FACT- NetCord Collaboration proposal to the NetCord Board of Directors for review and input.