Cryo-Cell International Recognized by Tampa Bay Technology Forum

Company Selected As Finalist for 2009 Innovation of the Year Award

OLDSMAR, Fla., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cryo-Cell International, Inc. ("Company") a global leader in stem cell innovation, has been named a finalist for the Tampa Bay Technology Forum's (TBTF) Innovation of the Year award. TBTF selected finalists within five categories who will compete at the organization's 6th Annual Industry Achievement Awards to be held November 12.

Debora Winfree, senior vice president at a prominent Tampa-based financial services company, nominated Cryo-Cell as the company which exemplifies Tampa Bay's burgeoning center for innovative entrepreneurs in high-tech industries. Cryo-Cell's breakthrough discovery of C'elle menstrual stem cell technology, rapid global expansion of its proprietary service and scientific research partnerships, and solid leadership by a female CEO all were specific examples on which Winfree based her nomination.

The C'elle service is the first and only one of its kind, empowering women to collect and cryopreserve stem cells from their own menstrual flow. Stem cells harvested from menstrual blood are proven to be a rich source of undifferentiated stem cells which proliferate rapidly and have the ability to become many different types of cells such as cardiac, neural, bone, fat and cartilage. These stem cells are a potential source for promising regenerative therapies that may possibly treat debilitating diseases in the future.

Since launching its proprietary service in 2007, Cryo-Cell continues to expand research and development initiatives worldwide in order to accelerate the potential diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of these unique stem cells. The Company has announced eight partnerships to date with globally renowned researchers and organizations including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center, where research is underway to better understand the C'elle stem cells and their potential benefit for the treatment of breast cancer. Pre-clinical studies are underway to identify future potential diagnostic and therapeutic utilization of menstrual stem cells to possibly treat a broad range of disorders such as diabetes, stroke, vascular regeneration, endometriosis, stress urinary incontinence and wound-healing. This year alone C'elle menstrual stem cell technology has been licensed in China, Thailand and Brazil.

"As a world-renowned pioneer in the stem cell industry and a company growing despite our economic climate, Cryo-Cell has helped to put Tampa Bay on the map as a leader in fostering high-tech industry businesses, the strength of women in leadership, and is a perfect example of the caliber of technology entrepreneurs for which our area continues to be recognized," said Winfree. "Renowned financial industry press have acknowledged the seismic potential of Cryo-Cell's technology and praised its business model which includes aggressive R&D and international expansion. I'm confident that Cryo-Cell will continue to shine the spotlight on Tampa Bay's blossoming technology industry and attract like-minded entrepreneurs to benefit our region," she added.

Ms. Winfree also commented on the impression that Mercedes Walton as a woman leading a high-tech company made. "I was inspired by Ms. Walton's passion and her determination to empower women to take steps to protect their health and well-being. She's a great example of the growing numbers of women who are breaking ground in science and technology disciplines," she concluded.

"The entire Cryo-Cell organization is very proud to be nominated and recognized by the Tampa Bay Technology Forum for the Company's technological innovation and global expansion," said Cryo-Cell International CEO Mercedes Walton. "We are genuinely honored by Ms. Winfree's enthusiasm and support. As a finalist for this highly prestigious award, Cryo-Cell is privileged to be among the region's leading-edge companies in Tampa's emerging technology industry, and we look forward to next month's event," she added.

Founded in 2000, TBTF is a professional association that brings together the region's growing number of thriving technology and internet-based company entrepreneurs. It currently has more than 450 member organizations representing more than 45,000 employees. Through its networks, events, education, networking, advocacy and philanthropy programs, the organization provides a unique catalyst for relationship creation and collaborative partnerships.

A pioneer in the non-controversial stem cell arena with its U-Cord® service for collection and cryopreservation of cord blood stem cells, Cryo-Cell has served nearly 185,000 clients worldwide. Stem cells from umbilical cord blood treat more than 75 diseases today, including sickle cell disease, several types of acute and chronic leukemias, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease. Emerging science shows great promise for potential treatments utilizing cord blood stem cells including spinal cord injury, heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and many more.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Cryo-Cell International executives, please contact Monica Kozak at (203) 545-1055; monica@horizonmarketing.com.

About C'elle

The C'elle(SM) service was introduced in November 2007 as the first and only service that empowers women to collect and cryopreserve menstrual flow containing undifferentiated adult stem cells for future utilization by the donor or possibly their first-degree relatives in a manner similar to umbilical cord blood stem cells. For more information, visit www.celle.com.

About Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CCEL)

Based in Oldsmar, Florida, with nearly 185,000 clients worldwide, Cryo-Cell is a global leader in stem cell innovation. ISO 9001:2000 certified and accredited by the AABB, Cryo-Cell operates in a state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Tissue Practice (cGMP/cGTP)-compliant facility. Cryo-Cell is a publicly traded company. OTC Bulletin Board Symbol: CCEL. For more information, please call 1-800-STOR-CELL (1-800-786-7235) or visit www.cryo-cell.com.

SOURCE Cryo-Cell International, Inc.

Released October 26, 2009