FAQs

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of developing into specialised cell types with regenerative properties. In veterinary medicine, they work by modulating inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and secreting growth factors that stimulate healing in damaged tissues.

We bank mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from adipose tissue collected during the routine desexing procedure. These have shown the most promising results for treating conditions like osteoarthritis in dogs.

We will stay in touch with our mutual patients biannually to keep them across any relevant updates, including any new applications of stem cell therapy that might be suitable for their pet. For example, we currently see the most efficacious response to stem cell therapy in osteoarthritic patients, but on the horizon, we are looking at their use in dermatological conditions, kidney disease and neurodegenerative diseases. We turn to you as their primary veterinarian for any work up and diagnostics, and would be delighted to help you when deciding if stem cell therapy may be warranted.

Once the fat sample reaches our lab, we begin processing immediately. The majority of collected samples are cryopreserved within the first 24 hours. A smaller portion of extracted mesenchymal stem cells undergoes expansion in culture to grow a larger, therapeutic-ready population. This full process takes around two weeks and includes viability and quality checks.After that, the cells are stored long-term, for the life of the pet or until a sample is requested.

Dr Jade Jaffar, Founding Scientist at Elita, together with her scientific team is constantly putting together relevant published in journals from around the world. You can find links to the full peer-reviewed articles summarised and linked here.

Once we receive the adipose tissue sample, our team of scientists process it in our laboratory in Melbourne. The sample is processed to extract the stem cells, which are then cryopreserved and stored in our secure laboratory until they are required for use at a later date.

With the owner’s consent, a small portion of each sample is used for research and development, but we guarantee every customer will receive 10 vials of their own cells. The cells used for R&D are taken from a small amount of the sample and can be ‘passaged’-a process that allows us to grow more cells from the original collection. This ensures the full 10-vial guarantee is always met.

A small amount of adipose tissue (approximately 10g, about a 20c coin in size) is collected along with a blood draw. This is typically performed during a routine desexing, but can also be carried out during other procedures under general anaesthesia. For more detail on either procedure type, see our retrieval protocols here.

Elita will supply a cold chain transport kit prior to surgery, containing all required blood tubes and specimen pots. A courier will collect the kit immediately after surgery and transport it directly to our secure laboratory for processing and long-term cryopreservation.

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While banking cells from younger dogs generally yields higher quality, more robust stem cells, we have successfully banked cells from dogs as old as seven years. Younger cells typically have greater proliferative capacity, which is why we ideally collect during routine desexing, often the first time a patient undergoes general anaesthesia.

If this window has passed, collection can be performed when the patient is already under anaesthesia for another procedure, such as a cruciate ligament repair or dental work. Where a second surgical site is required, we recommend collecting the adipose tissue first. If using the same site as the primary procedure, collect on the way in.

In line with our WSIAEC ethics approval, patients should be at least 10kg to ensure it is safe and comfortable to collect the required 10g of adipose tissue. Every patient’s biology is different, if, during surgery, you feel there is not a safe amount of fat to collect, abort the retrieval and we will refund the client in full.

You will be provided with everything you need beyond your normal surgical instruments. This includes blood tubes and specimen pots, as well as all packaging materials to securely prepare the samples for transportation. A courier will deliver these materials before the retrieval procedure and be pre-booked to collect the samples at the time you advise post-operatively.

Currently, stem cell retrieval happens during routine desexing so no extra aftercare beyond the standard post-op protocols including wound care and analgesia are required. We recommend reiterating to clients the importance of keeping the surgical site clean and dry, using an e-collar or other device to prevent licking, keeping the patient quiet and rested, and analgesia as required.

The collection carries the same risks as any routine lump or bump removal performed under general anaesthetic. Aftercare is simple and follows standard guidelines for a small incision.

We believe that every decision should prioritise patient safety. If the veterinarian has any concerns during the procedure due to anaesthetic or surgical complications, we fully support their professional judgement to defer stem cell retrieval. The pet’s safety always comes first.

Stem cell collection and banking has been offered in the US and UK for over 10 years. Just look at Stem Cell Vet UK, Gallant, and Ardent Animal Health in the US, it's well-established and growing fast.

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The younger the stem cells are when they are banked, the greater their proliferative capacity and therapeutic potential. For this reason, we recommend retrieving cells during a patient’s routine desexing procedure, which in most cases is also the first time they undergo a general anaesthetic. Larger dog breeds are especially strong candidates. There's a growing global body of evidence supporting the use of stem cells for osteoarthritis in both human and veterinary medicine. Since many large breeds are genetically predisposed to conditions like arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, storing their cells early offers a powerful safeguard for their future health.

Our biobank is governed by WSIAEC, and they have stipulated patients should be over 10kg.

Current global data in stem cell therapy has shown remarkable results in patients with joint issues, and the list is constantly growing. Owners with a puppy predisposed towards these conditions will really benefit from learning about stem cell banking early in their dog’s life.

Absolutely. Stem cell therapy is evolving fast. Join our Veterinary Network to receive updates on global research, peer-reviewed studies, and our own R&D progress, all in one place.

The stem cell retrieval procedure should only add a short time to your planned surgery under general anaesthesia, plus a blood draw.

The blood draw can be performed at the same time as pre-anaesthetic bloods if you are taking them, or intraoperatively.

The required sample of adipose tissue is 10g, about a 20c coin, collected from near the umbilicus. For females, the midline incision may need to be extended slightly, and for males, a small secondary incision closer to the umbilicus may be required. In our experience, any extra time is usually related to the closure of the surgical site, and is generally only one or two extra sutures depending on your preferred technique.

We also minimise administration time by pre-filling paperwork and arranging all courier logistics. Collection protocols for both desexing and other eligible procedures are available here.

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How you charge for the retrieval in addition to the desexing costs is entirely up to you and your business model. Costs for the same surgery vary significantly between clinics based on location, patient particulars and your surgical team, so we don’t dictate a cost. For your reference, it should only add a few minutes to your surgical time.

In Australia, most stem cell treatments still rely on allogeneic cells, donor cells from other animals. These come with risks: higher rejection rates, unclear origins, limited health data, and poor characterisation. In contrast, autologous cells, your pet’s own, are a perfect match. When you bank with Elita, we guarantee your pet’s own cells are stored and used. We also ensure full sterility and strict quality assurance for every sample.

You can use your preferred pre-med, anaesthesia and post-op analgesia protocols, they won’t impact the viability of the sample.

Once you decide that stem cell therapy is appropriate and the owner agrees, it’s simple. The licensed veterinarian just needs to request the sample, and we’ll organise delivery to your clinic.

We’re also committed to keeping vets in our network up to date with global developments. We regularly synthesise new research into clear, digestible updates, with links to peer-reviewed studies and clinical data, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

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Current evidence most strongly supports stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis and joint injuries. There's also emerging evidence for treating inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and certain neurological conditions, though these applications are still developing.

We’re backed by institutional Australian venture capital investors who specialise in identifying high-potential businesses. Their backing came after a thorough due diligence process, these are professionals who don’t invest lightly.

We hold a research licence via DECCA and are governed by an independent ethics board through WSIAEC, ensuring all research and procedures meet strict ethical and scientific standards.

Our founding scientist, Dr Jade Jaffar, has a PhD in medicine and over 20 years of experience in primary tissue processing. She’s built three biobanks, two in Australia and one in the US. Her most recent was at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. From day one, we’ve applied the rigour of human medicine to everything we do.

We work closely with clinical veterinarians to ensure our practices align with standard veterinary protocols and best practice.

We started Elita not just as founders, but as dog owners. After nearly flying our own dog overseas to store his cells, we decided it was time Australia had access to this service.

Jackson Gritching founder & Chief Technology Officer, a biomedical and systems engineer, with a background in advanced manufacturing processes, and more recently worked on biological computing platform, leverage neuronal cultures derived from  human induced pluripotent stem cells.

Our CEO, Paloma Newton, has a background in startups, commercial strategy, and marketing. She’s built ventures across hospitality, launched not-for-profits, and worked in VC; she knows what it takes to build a successful, sustainable business.

We’ve brought this team together to build the most robust, thoughtful, and future-focused stem cell banking service for pet owners and vets alike.

In the unfortunate event that a pet passes away or is euthanised, we will work with the owner to make an informed decision about their pet’s stored cells.

There are two options: the cells can be donated to our research program to support peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials that may help other animals in the future, or they can be securely discarded.

We understand this is a deeply difficult time. Our goal isn’t to add to the burden but to offer a meaningful choice, one that could contribute to improving veterinary care for others down the track.

We’ll be in regular contact with pet owners to keep their details up to date, giving them the opportunity to let us know if their circumstances change.

We suggest discussing stem cell banking with new puppy (and soon, kitten) owners early in your relationship, particularly around the time you discuss desexing, especially for breeds prone to osteoarthritis or joint issues. If you'd like brochures for your practice, email us at vets@elita.pet and we’ll send you a pack.

Stem cell banking is a long term relationship, and increases the likelihood of the client bonding strongly to you and your practice. As a newer treatment option, it also demonstrates your commitment to innovative medicine and positions your clinic as a forward-thinking practice. Clients who invest in stem cell banking tend to be more loyal, maintaining consistent wellness visits and seeking your expertise for all their pet's needs—creating that 'stickier' client relationship that benefits both your practice and patients.

As with anything biological, there are no absolute guarantees, but our processes are designed to maximise success. To date, we haven’t had a failed collection.

If a sample isn’t viable, we’ll work directly with the owner to either issue a full refund or arrange another collection at their pet’s next procedure under anaesthesia, free of charge.

We believe that every decision should prioritise patient safety. If the practising veterinarian decides to abort the collection due to anaesthetic or surgical complications, we fully support their professional judgement. The pet’s safety always comes first.