The Healing Potential of Placenta: A Transformative Medical Resource

The New York Times recently highlighted the inspiring story of Marcella Townsend, a 2nd and 3rd degree burn victim who underwent a remarkable transformation thanks to the innovative use of donated human placenta. After suffering severe injuries from a propane explosion in 2021, Townsend's face was left unrecognizable. After a 6-week medically induced coma, surgeons applied placental tissue to her wounds, resulting in her face healing to its pre-injury state.

Placentas, typically discarded after childbirth, are rich in stem cells, collagen, and cytokines, making them uniquely beneficial for healing. Despite approximately 3.5 million placentas delivered annually in the U.S., most are treated as medical waste rather than a valuable healing and regenerative resource.

Physicians have been aware of the therapeutic properties of placental tissue for over a century. Placentas are rich in natural components that promote healing, such as stem cells, collagen, and cytokines, which help reduce pain, inflammation, and encourage rapid tissue regrowth.

Despite this knowledge, the utilization of placental tissue fell out of favor during the 1980s AIDS epidemic. However, recent research has reignited interest, revealing that placental grafts are immunologically privileged, meaning they are less likely to be rejected by patients. This breakthrough has opened new avenues for treatment, particularly in chronic wound care and ophthalmology. For example, studies show that patients with diabetic foot ulcers treated with placental grafts experienced over 98% healing in just six weeks.

After suffering life-altering injuries from a propane explosion in 2021, Marcella Townsend’s life took an unexpected turn. Surgeons applied donated placental tissue to help repair her severe burns, allowing her face to regenerate to its pre-injury state. Marcella's recovery is a powerful testament to the healing potential of placenta, showing how regenerative medicine can transform lives.

Today, Marcella is a surgical technician and a passionate advocate for placental donation, actively encouraging her colleagues to recognize the value of this incredible medical resource.

The application of placental grafts extends beyond wound care; they are now commonly used in eye surgeries, helping restore vision for patients with severe corneal injuries. Placental tissue is also showing promise in neurosurgery, gynecology, and chronic wound care, making it a versatile tool in modern medicine.

• Burns and Wounds: Placental tissue is used to heal burns and wounds, reducing scar tissue formation.
  Vision Restoration: Placental grafts are commonly used in corneal surgeries to restore vision.
• Pain and Inflammation Reduction: Placental tissue can reduce pain and inflammation, encouraging rapid skin and tissue regrowth.
• Immunologically Privileged: Placental grafts are less likely to be rejected by transplant recipients due to their immunologically privileged status.
• FDA Approval: The FDA allows amniotic membrane grafts for various medical purposes, including treating chronic wounds and surgical incisions.

Despite the proven benefits of placental tissue, a significant barrier to its wider use is the lack of awareness and infrastructure around placenta donation. Many women would consider donating if they were informed of its benefits, but current medical systems often do not facilitate this process adequately.

Around 3.5 million placentas are delivered in the U.S. each year, and the vast majority are discarded as medical waste. Increasing awareness of the regenerative power of placentas could unlock this valuable medical resource for more patients in need.

Americord is a strong advocate for placental donation, working closely with hospitals and expecting parents to make donation easier and more accessible. The Americord Placental Donation program allows families to donate their placenta to help advance regenerative medicine, enabling this resource to reach more patients and support life-saving treatments.

With greater awareness and research, placental tissue has the potential to redefine healing in modern medicine, offering hope to millions of patients.