Document:

<PAGE>

                                                                Exhibit 10.3

              EARLY SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE

         This Early Separation Agreement and Mutual General Release (the
"Agreement") is made and entered into as of the "Early Separation Date" (as
defined below), by and between ViaCell, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("ViaCell"), its predecessors, successors, assigns, officers, directors,
stockholders, agents, and employees (hereinafter referred to as the "Company")
and Cynthia A. Fisher, 186 Park Street, Newton, MA 02158, her executors, heirs,
administrators, and assigns (hereinafter "Executive").

         In consideration of the promises, conditions and representations set
forth herein, the separation package being provided to Executive by the Company
as set forth below, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which hereby are acknowledged by the Company and Executive
(hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively as the "Parties"), the Parties
hereby agree as follows:

1. SEPARATION FROM EMPLOYMENT. Executive hereby confirms her separation from
employment with ViaCell and from her position as President of ViaCell and its
subsidiary, ViaCord, Inc., a Delaware corporation, effective the close of
business on the earlier of (i) the date this Agreement is approved by the
Board of Directors of the Company or (ii) February 7, 2001 (the "Early
Separation Date") and the Company acknowledges such separation. The Company
and Executive expressly acknowledge and agree that this Agreement supercedes
and replaces the Employment Agreement dated as of April 11,2000 by and
between the Company and Executive, which Employment Agreement is hereby
terminated in all respects and has no further force and effect, except as
specified in this Agreement.

2. COMPENSATION, INSURANCE AND BENEFITS.

         a. SALARY CONTINUATION. Executive acknowledges that she has been paid
all salary and benefits, including unused vacation, accrued through the Early
Separation Date. From the Early Separation Date through the first anniversary of
the Early Separation Date (the "Severance Period"), the Company shall pay
Executive her current rate of pay of $185,000 (the "Severance Payment"), less
applicable withholding taxes and deductions. The Severance Payment will be made
in substantially equal bi-weekly installments beginning on the Early Separation
Date. Executive agrees that upon receipt by Executive of all such installments
this Severance Payment shall constitute full satisfaction of any obligations to
pay salary compensation under any agreement.

         b. PERFORMANCE BONUSES.

              (i) 2000 BONUS. Executive shall be paid a performance bonus for
the 2000 fiscal year consisting of(i) $10,000 in cash (gross), and (ii) 10,000
shares of the Company's Common Stock, for $0.01 par value per share. Such bonus
shall be paid to Executive on the Early Separation Date.

              (ii) 2001 BONUS. Provided that Executive has not breached any of
the terms of this Agreement, Executive shall be paid a performance bonus for the
2001 fiscal year consisting of 10,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. Any
such bonus shall be paid to Executive on January 2, 2002.

<PAGE>

              c. INSURANCE COVERAGE. Executive shall be entitled to continued
coverage for the Company's health and dental insurance plans at the Company's
expense during the Severance Period or until the earlier acceptance by Executive
of new full-time employment. If Executive has not accepted new full-time
employment by the end of the Severance Period, Executive shall be entitled to
continue thereafter health and dental coverage under COBRA. In the event
Executive elects to continue such health and dental coverage under COBRA,
Executive shall do so at her own expense by paying a premium amount equal to, or
computed on the basis of, the amount that the Company charges to its former
employees for such coverage, but in no event more than the maximum amount that
the Company is permitted to charge by law during the remainder of the period
allowed by applicable law. Also during the Severance Period, the Executive's
life insurance coverage shall be continued.

              d. STOCK OPTIONS. The stock options granted to Executive on April
11, 2000 to purchase 250,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $.0l par
value per share (the "Stock Options") under the Company's 1998 Equity Incentive
Plan (the "Plan"), shall be accelerated and become fully vested and exercisable
on the Early Separation Date. Executive shall be permitted to exercise the Stock
Options at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of grant of such
options, in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the stock option
agreements, certificates or other writings issued thereunder (as modified by
this Agreement), which documents are herein incorporated by reference.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges that she must exercise the
Stock Options within three (3) months from the Early Separation Date in order
for the Stock Options to be treated as incentive stock options under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

              e. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. The Company shall reimburse Executive
for reasonable home office, administrative costs and other business expenses up
to $10,000, upon presentation of appropriate documentation. The Company shall
also reimburse Executive for expenses previously incurred by her for which she
is entitled to reimbursement under the Employment Agreement as of the Early
Separation Date.

              f. CESSATION OF BENEFITS. Unless otherwise provided for expressly
in this Agreement, all other benefits will cease as of the Termination Date,
including without limitation, the accrual of vacation time and 401K
participation.

              g. FEES AND EXPENSES. The Company shall reimburse Executive for,
or pay directly on her behalf, the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred
by Executive in connection with the negotiation, preparation and review of this
Agreement up to a maximum of $4,000.

              h. COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION. The parties agree that during the
Severance Period, so long as Executive remains as a member of the American
Association of Blood Bank's Cord Blood Standards Committee and the Stem Cell
Standards Subcommittee and related Standards Setting Committees (collectively,
the "Standards Committees") and the American Society of Hematology and the
International Society of Hematopoietic and Graft Engineering (together with the
Standards Committees, the "Committees"), the Company shall provide Executive
with such non-compensated affiliation and other written credentials as may be
necessary or reasonably requested by Executive to retain her membership on the
Committees. In addition,

                                      -2-

<PAGE>

during the Severance Period, the Company will provide Executive with minutes of
the meetings of the Medical Science Advisory Board.

3. CONTINUED MEMBERSHIP ON THE COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS; STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS.
Executive will remain a member of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board")
after the Early Separation Date and will have rights as a stockholder of the
Company, each in accordance with, and subject to, applicable provisions of law
and the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 11, 2000, by and among
the Company, ViaCell Acquisition Corporation, ViaCord, Inc. and the stockholders
of ViaCord, Inc. listed therein, the Company's certificate of incorporation and
by-laws, as in effect from time to time, and the Amended and Restated
Stockholders Agreement dated as of November 10, 2000 among the Company and the
Stockholders named therein and the Amended and Restated Investor Rights
Agreement dated as of November 10, 2000 among the Company and the Investors
named therein. For greater certainty, the Company shall not withhold from
Executive in her capacity as a director or stockholder of the Company any
information or access to personnel made available or given to any other
non-employee director or stockholder of the Company in their capacities as such.

4. COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO EARLY SEPARATION; NONDISPARAGEMENT; REFERENCES.

         a. COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING DEPARTURE. Executive agrees that she will
not communicate with any third parties about the Company or the circumstances of
her departure from the Company except in accordance with the statement attached
hereto as EXHIBIT A. The Company agrees that it will not communicate with any
third parties about Executive or the circumstances of her departure from the
Company except in accordance with the statement attached hereto as Exhibit A.

         b. NONDISPARAGEMENT BY EXECUTIVE. Executive agrees that she will not
disparage or make negative statements (or induce or encourage others to
disparage or make negative statements) about the Company or any of its past or
present officers, directors, agents, employees, attorneys, successors and
assigns, including, without limitation, disparaging any of such parties in
connection with disclosing the facts or circumstances surrounding her separation
from employment with the Company or criticizing the Company's business strategy.
For the purposes of this subparagraph, the term "disparage" means any comments
or statements which would adversely affect in any manner: (i) the conduct of the
Company's business; or (ii) the business reputation or relationships of the
Company and/or any of its past or present officers, directors, agents,
employees, attorneys, successors and assigns.

         c. NONDISPARAGEMENT BY THE COMPANY. The Company agrees not to disparage
or make negative statements (or induce or encourage others to disparage or make
negative statements) about Executive, including, without limitation, disparaging
Executive in connection with disclosing the facts or circumstances surrounding
her separation from employment with the Company or criticizing her performance
as an employee or executive officer of the Company Executive. For purposes of
this subparagraph, the term "disparage" means any statements made by the
Company's executive officers or members of its Board, or any statements made
officially by the Company, as applicable, that adversely affect in any manner
Executive's personal or professional reputation.

                                      -3-

<PAGE>

5. COMPANY DOCUMENTS AND PROPERTY; EXECUTIVE'S PROPERTY.

         a. For a period of three months from the Early Separation Date, the
Company agrees to make available Executive with current non-proprietary
biotechnology industry materials purchased by the Company, including
publications such as BioWorld, BioCentury, etc. These publications will be made
available to Executive off site.

         Other than with respect to such publications, and except as provided in
Section 3 hereof, Executive shall have no access to proprietary materials,
documents or information of the Company, nor access to Company personnel, in
their capacity as employees of the Company.

         b. Executive agrees not to copy or take any books, notes or documents
belonging to the Company without its express written consent. In this regard,
Executive acknowledges that she has had access to confidential, sensitive or
proprietary information during the course of her employment with the Company.
Unless compelled by judicial process, Executive agrees that she will not, for
herself or any other person or entity, directly or indirectly divulge,
communicate or in any way make use of any confidential, sensitive, or
proprietary information acquired in the performance of her services for the
Company without the prior written consent of the Company. Upon receipt of
judicial process or governmental request for such information, Executive shall
immediately notify the Company and shall cooperate with the Company in efforts
to limit such disclosure and shall not make such disclosure unless compelled to
do so. For the purpose of this Agreement, "confidential, sensitive or
proprietary information" means all confidential and/or proprietary information
of the Company, whether arising under statute, common law or otherwise, but
specifically excluding therefrom, information that: (i) is generally known to
those skilled in a life sciences or biotechnology field, including the field of
human stem cells; (ii) is lawfully acquired or independently developed by
Executive; or (iii) or is publicly available, provided that if the Company has
organized or otherwise compiled publicly available information into a search
result, report or other form, then such result, report or form is confidential,
sensitive or proprietary information, unless such result, report or form is or
becomes publicly available (through no fault of Executive) in a form identical
to the form created or maintained by the Company, or unless the information
contained in such result, report or form is compiled, gathered or otherwise
lawfully replicated into a result, report or other form by or for Executive.

         c. If Executive has not already done so, Executive shall return to the
Company all papers and other media, files, documents, computers, reference
guides, equipment, keys, identification, building passes, credit cards,
software, computer access codes, disks and institutional manuals, or other any
property belonging to the Company on or before the Early Separation Date.
Executive shall not retain any copies, duplicates, reproductions or excerpts
thereof.

         d. If the Company has not already done so, the Company shall give
Executive access during regular office hours to the Company's offices for
purposes of retrieving any of her personal property items which have not been
retrieved. This access shall be on a one time basis and shall take place prior
to February 7, 2001. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to retain, without
any expense or other consideration payable by her, her laptop computer, and Palm
Pilot, and accessories and equipment related to these items.

                                      -4-

<PAGE>

6. NONDISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Executive shall continue to be
bound by the terms of the Non-Competition and Assignment of Inventions Agreement
dated as of April 11, 2000 (the "Non-Competition Agreement") attached hereto as
EXHIBIT B, regarding confidential information, inventions, intellectual
property, proprietary information, non-solicitation and non-competition
obligations, which agreement is incorporated herein by reference.

7. COMPANY INDEMNIFICATION. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit any right the
Executive may have under the Company's by-laws or applicable law to be
indemnified by the Company with certain acts or omissions taken in good faith
during the Executive's employment.

8. EXECUTIVE GENERAL RELEASE. In consideration of the payment of continued
salary and other benefits set forth in this Agreement, Executive for herself,
executors, heirs, administrators, assigns, and anyone else claiming by, through
or under her, irrevocably and unconditionally, releases, and forever discharges
the Company from, and with respect to, any and all debts, demands, actions,
causes of action, suits, covenants, contracts, wages, bonuses, damages and any
and all claims, demands, liabilities, and expenses (including attorneys' fees
and costs) whatsoever of any name or nature both in law and in equity ("Claim")
which Executive now has, ever had or may in the future have against the Company
by reason of any matter, cause or thing which has happened, developed or
occurred before the signing of this Agreement, including, but not limited to,
any and all suits in tort or contract, and any Claims or suits relating to
salary, wages, bonuses and commissions, the breach of an oral or written
contract, misrepresentation, defamation, and interference with prospective
economic advantage, interference with contract, intentional and negligent
infliction of emotional distress, negligence, breach of the covenant of good
faith and fair dealing, and Claims arising out of, based on, or connected with
her employment by the Company and the termination of that employment as set
forth in this Agreement, including any causes of action or Claims for unlawful
employment discrimination of any kind, arising under or based on Title VII of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Equal Pay Act of 1963; the
Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act M.G.L. c.151B et seq.; the
Massachusetts Civil Rights Act; the Massachusetts Equal Rights Law and any other
state or federal equal employment opportunity or anti-discrimination law,
policy, order or regulation affecting or relating to Claims or rights of
employees, which Executive ever had, now has, or claims to have against the
Company; except that the foregoing Release excludes any rights, obligations,
duties and provisions of this Agreement and of the other Separation Documents
(as defined below). Executive further agrees not to institute any charge,
complaint, or lawsuit to challenge the validity of this Agreement or the
circumstances surrounding its execution. Executive waives any right or claim to
reinstatement or re-employment by ViaCell, Inc. or ViaCord, Inc.

9. COMPANY GENERAL RELEASE. In consideration of this Agreement and Executive's
General Release, the receipt and sufficiency of which the Company hereby
acknowledges, the Company for itself and for each of its predecessors,
successors, assigns, officers, directors, stockholders, agents and employees and
for its former, current or future stockholders and each of their respective
legal representatives, successors and anyone else claiming by, through or under
the Company, irrevocably and unconditionally, releases, and forever discharges
Executive and each of her executors, heirs, administrators and assigns from, and
with respect to, any and all debts, demands, actions, causes of action, suits,
covenants, contracts, damages and any and all claims, demands, liabilities, and
expenses (including attorneys' fees and costs) whatsoever of any name

                                      -5-

<PAGE>

or nature both in law and in equity ("Claim") which the Company now has, ever
had or may in the future have against Executive by reason of any matter, cause
or thing which has happened, developed or occurred before the signing of this
Agreement, including, but not limited to, any and all suits in tort or contract,
and any Claims or suits relating to the breach of an oral or written contract,
misrepresentation, defamation, and interference with prospective economic
advantage, interference with contract, intentional and negligent infliction of
emotional distress, negligence, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair
dealing, and Claims arising out of, based on, or connected with her employment
or other dealings with the Company and the termination of that employment as set
forth in this Agreement, which the Company ever had, now has, or claims to have
against Executive; except that the foregoing Release excludes any rights,
obligations, duties and provisions of this Agreement and of the other Separation
Documents. The Company further agrees not to institute any charge, complaint, or
lawsuit to challenge the validity of this Agreement or the circumstances
surrounding its execution.

10. NONADMISSIONS CLAUSE. It is understood and agreed that this Agreement does
not constitute any admission by the Company that any action taken with respect
to Executive was unlawful or wrongful, or that such action constituted a breach
of contract or violated any federal or state law, policy, rule or regulation. It
is understood and agreed that this Agreement does not constitute any admission
by Executive that any action taken with respect to the Company was unlawful or
wrongful, or that such action constituted a breach of contract or violated any
federal or state law, policy, rule or regulation.

11. NONDISCLOSURE OF THIS AGREEMENT. Executive expressly agrees, and hereby
instructs her accountants, tax advisors, attorneys and immediate family, if any,
that the nature and terms of this Agreement are confidential, and expressly
agrees not to discuss or disclose them, or the facts and contentions contained
therein, without the prior written consent of the Company, with or to any
person, except to the Internal Revenue Service, state tax authorities, her
accountants or tax advisors, her attorneys, her immediate family, her healthcare
provider, or as required by law.

12. BREACH. Executive agrees that the compensation and benefits contained in
this Agreement and which flow to her from the Company are subject to
termination, reduction or cancellation in the event that she takes any action or
engages in any conduct deemed by the Company to be in violation of this
Agreement. In the event that Executive institutes legal proceedings to enforce
this Agreement, she agrees that the sole remedy available to her shall be
enforcement of the terms of this Agreement and/or a claim for damages resulting
from the breach of this Agreement, but that under no circumstances shall she be
entitled to receive or collect any damages for claims that she has released
under this Agreement in accordance with the General Release contained in Section
8 of this Agreement. In the event that the Company institutes legal proceedings
to enforce this Agreement, the Company agrees that under no circumstances shall
the Company be entitled to receive or collect any damages for claims that the
Company has released under this Agreement in accordance with the General Release
contained in Section 9 of this Agreement.

13. REPRESENTATIONS. Executive acknowledges that in exchange for entering into
this Agreements she has received good and valuable consideration in excess of
that to which she would otherwise have been entitled in the absence of this
Agreement. This consideration

                                      -6-

<PAGE>

includes, but is not limited to, the Company's continuing her salary as
described in Section 2. Executive further acknowledges the sufficiency of that
consideration.

14. TIME TO CONSIDER AGREEMENT. Executive acknowledges that she has had ample
opportunity to consult with and review this Agreement with an attorney of her
choice and has been given a sufficient period of time within which to consider
whether to sign this Agreement.

15. SEVERABILITY. If any of the terms of this Agreement shall be held to be
invalid and unenforceable, the remaining terms of this Agreement are severable
and shall not be affected thereby.

16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the
parties about or relating to Executive's early separation from employment with
the Company, or the Company's obligations to her with respect to her early
separation from employment and fully supersedes any and all prior agreements or
understanding between the parties. The terms of this Agreement are contractual
in nature and not a mere recital, and they shall take effect as a sealed
document.

17. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and may not be changed orally, but only by
agreement in writing signed by both parties. The parties attest that no other
representations were made regarding this Agreement other than those contained
herein.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have executed and
delivered this Agreement as an instrument as of the Early Separation Date.

VIACELL, INC.

By: /s/ Marc Beer
   -----------------------------
   Marc Beer
   Chief Executive Officer

EXECUTIVE:

By: /s/ Cynthia A. Fisher
   -----------------------------
   Cynthia A. Fisher

                                      -7-

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

   STATEMENT REGARDING CIRCUMSTANCES OF EXECUTIVE'S DEPARTURE FROM THE COMPANY

                            [Intentionally omitted]

                                      -8-

<PAGE>

                                      -9-

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT B

                NON-COMPETITION/ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTION AGREEMENT

         In consideration of my employment or continued employment by Viacell,
Inc. (f/k/a t.Breeders, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, and its successors,
subsidiaries, and affiliates (collectively, the "Company"), and for other
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, I agree as follows:

1.       CONFIDENTIALITY

         I understand that the Company continually obtains and develops valuable
proprietary and confidential information concerning its business, business
relationships, and financial affairs (as further defined below, the
"Confidential Information") and valuable Proprietary Materials (as defined
below) which may become known to me in connection with my employment.

         I acknowledge that all Proprietary Materials and all Confidential
Information are and shall remain the exclusive property of the Company or the
third party providing such Proprietary Materials or Confidential Information to
myself or the Company. By way of illustration, but not limitation, Confidential
Information may include Inventions (as defined below), trade secrets, technical
information, know-how, research and development activities of the Company,
product and marketing plans, customer and supplier information, and information
disclosed to the Company or to me by third parties of a proprietary or
confidential nature or under an obligation of confidence. Confidential
Information is contained in various media, including without limitation, patent
applications, computer programs in object and/or source code, flow charts and
other program documentation, manuals, plans, drawings, designs, technical
specifications, laboratory notebooks, supplier and customer lists, internal
financial data, and other documents and records of the Company, whether or not
in writing and whether or not labeled or identified as confidential or
proprietary. As used in this Agreement, "Proprietary Materials" shall include,
without limitation, the following materials; any and all reagents, substances,
chemical compounds, subcellular constituents, cells or cell lines, organisms and
progeny, and mutants, as well as any and all derivatives or replications derived
from or relating to such materials.

         I agree that I shall not, during the term of my employment and
thereafter, publish, disclose, or otherwise make available to any third party,
other than employees of the Company, any Confidential Information or Proprietary
Materials except as expressly authorized in writing by the Company. I agree that
I shall use such Confidential Information and Proprietary Materials only in the
performance of my duties for the Company and in accordance with any Company
policies regarding the protection of Confidential Information and Proprietary
Materials. I agree not to use such Confidential Information or Proprietary
Materials for my own benefit or for the benefit of any other person or business
entity.

         I agree to exercise all reasonable precautions to protect the integrity
and confidentiality of Confidential Information and Proprietary Materials in my
possession. I further agree not to remove any Proprietary Materials or materials
containing Confidential Information from the Company's premises except to the
extent necessary to my employment. Upon the termination of my employment, or at
any time upon the Company's request, I shall return immediately to the

                                      -10-

<PAGE>

Company any and all Proprietary Materials and any materials containing any
Confidential Information then in my possession or under my control.

         Confidential Information shall not include information that (a) is or
becomes generally known within the Company's industry through no fault of mine;
(b) was known to me at the time it was disclosed as evidenced by my written
records at the time of disclosure; (c) is lawfully and in good faith made
available to me by a third party who did not derive it from the Company and who
imposes no obligation of confidence on me; or (d) is required to be disclosed by
a governmental authority or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction,
provided that such disclosure is subject to all applicable governmental or
judicial protection available for like material and reasonable advance notice is
given to the Company.

2.       ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS

         I agree promptly to disclose to the Company any and all ideas,
concepts, discoveries, inventions, developments, original works of authorship,
software programs, software and systems documentation, trade secrets, technical
data, know-how, and Proprietary Materials that relate, directly or indirectly,
to the business of the Company or that arise out of my employment with the
Company and that are conceived, devised, invented, developed, or reduced to
practice or tangible medium either by me, under my direction, or jointly by me
and others during any period that I am employed or engaged by the Company,
whether or not during normal working hours or on the premises of the Company
("Inventions").

         I understand that the previous paragraph does not apply to developments
for which no equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of
Company was used and which was developed entirely on my own time, and (a) which
does not relate (1) to the business or Company or (2) to the Company's actual or
demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) which does not result
from any work performed by me for the Company.

         I hereby assign to the Company all of my right, title, and interest to
the Inventions and any and all related patent rights, copyrights, and
applications and registrations for such patent rights and copyrights. During and
after my employment, I shall cooperate with the Company, at the Company's
expense, in obtaining proprietary protection for the Inventions and I shall
execute all documents that the Company shall reasonably request in order to
perfect the Company's rights in the Inventions. I hereby appoint the Company my
attorney to execute and deliver any such documents on my behalf in the event I
should fail or refuse to do so within a reasonable period of time following the
Company's request. I understand that, to the extent this Agreement shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of any state that limits the assignability
to the Company of certain employee inventions, this Agreement shall be
interpreted not to apply to any such invention that a court rules or the Company
agrees is subject to such state limitation.

3.       OTHER BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

         I hereby represent to the Company that, except as identified on
SCHEDULE A, I am not bound by any agreement or any other previous or existing
business relationship that conflicts with or prevents the full performance of my
duties and obligations to the Company (including

                                      -11-

<PAGE>

my duties and obligations under this or any other agreement with the Company)
during my employment.

         I understand that the Company does not desire to acquire from me any
trade secrets, know-how, or confidential business information that I may have
acquired from others. Therefore, I agree that during my employment with the
Company, I will not improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or
trade secrets of any former or concurrent employer, or any other person or
entity with whom I have an agreement or to whom I owe a duty to keep such
information in confidence. Those persons or entities with whom I have such
agreements or to whom I owe such a duty are identified on SCHEDULE A.

4.       NON-COMPETITION

         I understand the secret and proprietary nature of the Confidential
Information and Proprietary Materials that I may acquire or develop in
performing my services under this Agreement. I acknowledge that if such
Confidential Information or Proprietary Materials were transferred to
competitors of the Company, it could cause damage to the Company. Therefore, I
agree that while I am employed by the Company and for a period of one (1) year
after termination or cessation of such employment for any reason, I shall not
engage in any activities in the field of human stem cells (the "Field") without
first obtaining the written consent of the Company. I understand and agree that
such activities shall include without limitation becoming employed by, serving
as a consultant for, becoming a partner in, serving as member of a scientific
advisory board (or comparable organization) for, or acting in any manner on
behalf of any other for-profit enterprise that conducts activities in the Field.
However, if I desire to engage in activities in the Field with respect to which
the Company either has no business or does not intend to develop business, the
Company agrees not to unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to my engaging
in such activities. If the Company has terminated my employment and I have
exercised diligent efforts over a period of three months to obtain employment
outside the Field, and if I have received a BONAFIDE offer of employment in the
Field and the Company withholds its consent to allow me to engage in such
employment, the Company agrees to pay me, on a monthly basis during the period
beginning upon the date upon which the Company withholds its consent and ending
upon the termination of my non-competition obligations under this Agreement, as
additional consideration for my obligations under this Agreement, a sum equal to
my monthly rate of compensation at the time that my employment with the Company
was terminated.

5.       NON-SOLICITATION OF CUSTOMERS

         I agree that during my employment with the Company and for a period of
one (1) year after the termination or cessation of such employment for any
reason, I shall not solicit, divert, or take away, or attempt to divert or take
away, the business or patronage of any actual or prospective clients, customers,
or accounts of the Company.

6.       NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES

         I agree that during my employment and for a period of one (1) year
after the termination or cessation of my employment for any reason, I shall not
directly or indirectly recruit, solicit, or

                                      -12-

<PAGE>

hire any employee of the Company, or induce or attempt to induce any employee of
the Company to discontinue his or her employment relationship with the Company.

7.       NOTICE OF SUBSEQUENT EMPLOYMENT

         I shall, for a period of one (1) year after the termination or
cessation of my employment with the Company, notify the Company of any change of
address, and of any subsequent employment (stating the name and address of the
employer and the nature of the position) or any other business activity.

8.       NO OBLIGATION OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

         I understand that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of
employment or create an obligation on the part of the Company to continue my
employment with the Company. I understand that my employment is "at will" and
that my obligations under this Agreement shall not be affected by any change in
my position, title, or function with, or compensation by, the Company.

9.       MISCELLANEOUS

         All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in
writing delivered by a recognized national overnight courier, personal delivery,
or facsimile transmission and shall be effective upon receipt. The parties shall
designate their addresses and facsimile numbers.

         This Agreement may not be assigned by either party except that the
Company may assign this Agreement in connection with the merger, consolidation,
or sale of all or substantially all of its business or assets. This Agreement
shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their
respective successors and other legal representatives, including, to the extent
permitted by the terms of this Agreement, their assignees.

         This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, with
respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be changed
only by a written instrument signed by both parties.

         In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this
Agreement shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability
shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement, and all other
provisions shall remain in full force and effect. If any of the provisions of
this Agreement is held to be excessively broad, it shall be reformed and
construed by limiting and reducing it so as to be enforceable to the maximum
extent permitted by law. I agree that should I violate any obligation imposed on
me in this Agreement, I shall continue to be bound by the obligation until a
period equal to the term of such obligation has expired without violation of
such obligation.

         No delay or omission by the Company in exercising any right under this
Agreement will operate as a waiver of that or any other right. A waiver or
consent given by the Company on any occasion is effective only in that instance
and will not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any right on any other
occasion.

                                      -13-

<PAGE>

         I acknowledge that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are
necessary for the protection of the business and goodwill of the Company and are
reasonable for such purpose. I agree that any breach of this Agreement by me
will cause irreparable damage to the Company and that in the event of such
breach, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to monetary damages and to
any other remedies available to the Company under this Agreement and at law, to
equitable relief, including injunctive relief. I agree that should I violate any
obligation imposed on me in this Agreement, I shall continue to be bound by the
obligation until a period equal to the term of such obligation has expired
without violation of such obligation.

         The prevailing party shall be entitled to payment of all costs and
expenses incurred by such party in any legal action undertaken in connection
with enforcing the provisions of this Agreement, including reasonable attorneys
fees.

         This Agreement shall be construed as a sealed instrument and shall in
all events and for all purposes be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to any choice
of law principle that would dictate the application of the laws of another
jurisdiction. Any action, suit, or other legal proceeding I may commence in
order to resolve any matter arising under or relating to any provision of this
Agreement shall be commenced only in a court of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (or, if appropriate, a federal court located within
Massachusetts), and I hereby consent to the jurisdiction of such court with
respect to any action, suit, or proceeding commenced in such court by the
Company.

         I HAVE READ ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND I UNDERSTAND,
AND AGREE TO, EACH OF SUCH PROVISIONS.

Dated:  April 11,2000

/s/ Cynthia A. Fisher
--------------------------------
Cynthia A. Fisher

Acknowledged and agreed to by:
VIACELL, INC.

By: Signature on File
   -----------------------------
   Name:
   Title

                                      -14-

<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE A

                                PRIOR INVENTIONS

The following is a complete list of all Prior Inventions:

 X
_____             No Prior Inventions

_____             See below for description of Prior Inventions

_____             Additional Sheets Attached

If I am claiming any Prior Inventions above, I agree that, if in the course of
my employment with the Company, I incorporate into a Company product, process,
or machine a Prior Invention owned by me or in which I have an interest, the
Company shall automatically be granted and shall have a nonexclusive,
royalty-free, irrevocable, transferable, perpetual worldwide license to make,
have made, modify, use, and sell such Prior Invention as part of, or in
connection with, such product, process, or machine.

                                      -15-

<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE B

                                PRIOR COMMITMENTS

                                      -16-<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.4

                                     VIACELL

June 7, 2001

Chris Adams
10 Baskin Road
Lexington, MA  02421

Dear Chris:

On behalf of ViaCell, Inc. (the "Company"), I am pleased to extend an offer of
employment to you contingent upon verification of favorable references. You have
made an outstanding impression, and we feel confident that you will become a
valuable asset to the company. Information about ViaCell as well as the details
of our offer of employment are summarized below.

VIACELL MISSION                      To provide the highest quality cellular
                                     medicines for the treatment of human
                                     diseases.

VIACELL CULTURE                      We are dedicated to delivering
                                     revolutionary medicines through development
                                     of important new therapeutic applications.
                                     Everyday you will be contributing to a
                                     technology that is enriching of the lives
                                     of people in the future. We hire innovative
                                     thinkers, with the skills and capabilities
                                     to thrive on a high quality, success driven
                                     team.

POSITION                             Senior Vice President, Business
                                     Development, Reporting to Grant Bogle,
                                     President, ViaCell
                                     This position is a key factor in ViaCell's
                                     continued success, and I am confident that
                                     it will be an exciting opportunity for you
                                     as well.

COMPENSATION                         The starting base salary for this position
                                     will be $200,000.00 per year payable
                                     in bi-weekly installments of $7,692.31.

                                     In addition, you will be eligible to
                                     participate in the Executive Management
                                     Bonus Plan at an annual target of 25% base
                                     salary, which will be pro-rated based upon
                                     your hire date and payable based on agreed
                                     to performance objectives.

STOCK OPTIONS                        As an incentive for you to participate in
                                     the Company's future growth, you will
                                     receive, subject to approval by our Board
                                     of Directors, an incentive stock option to
                                     purchase up to 100,000 shares of our Common
                                     Stock. The exercise price of the options
                                     will equal the fair market value of our
                                     Common Stock as determined by the Board of
                                     Directors on the date of the grant. The
                                     options will vest quarterly over four
                                     years, and any other terms or conditions
                                     that the Board of Directors may require.

<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT TERMS          Viacell will provide for six months'
                                     severance pay in the event of involuntary
                                     termination without cause or voluntary
                                     termination for good reason. If the Company
                                     shall terminate your employment without
                                     "cause" or if you terminate your employment
                                     for "good reason," then ViaCell will
                                     continue paying your base salary for a
                                     period of six months in accordance with its
                                     regular payroll practices at such time. The
                                     term "cause" as used here means (i) your
                                     continued failure to substantially perform
                                     your duties provided you are reasonably
                                     notified of such failure and given
                                     reasonable time to correct such failure,
                                     (ii) any misappropriation of funds,
                                     properties or assets of the Company by you,
                                     (iii) any damage or destruction of any
                                     property or assets of the Company caused by
                                     you, whether resulting from your willful
                                     actions or willful omissions or gross
                                     negligence; (iv) your being convicted of a
                                     felony; or (v) any material breach of your
                                     employment obligations or of the
                                     Intellectual Property and Confidential
                                     Information Agreement. The term "good
                                     reason" as used here means any action by
                                     the Company without your prior consent
                                     which results in (i) any material
                                     diminution in your title, position, duties,
                                     responsibilities or authority; (ii) any
                                     breach by the Company of any material
                                     provision contained herein; or (iii) any
                                     requirement by the Company that you perform
                                     your principal duties outside a radius of
                                     60 miles from either of the Company's
                                     Boston or Worcester locations.

BENEFITS                             Because we care about the well being of our
                                     employees, we are pleased to provide you
                                     with comprehensive offering of benefits.
                                     Our benefits currently include medical,
                                     dental, life insurance, three weeks
                                     vacation (accrued monthly and pro-rated
                                     during your first calendar year of
                                     employment), balance benefit, educational
                                     assistance and flexible-spending accounts.
                                     Additional information about these benefits
                                     is outlined in the enclosed summary.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT           The Immigration Reform and Control Act of
                                     1986 requires ViaCell to review documentary
                                     evidence that you are eligible for
                                     employment. This requirement applies to US
                                     citizens, as well as foreign nationals. A
                                     list of approved documents that are
                                     acceptable as verification of employment
                                     eligibility are listed on page two of the
                                     I-9 form which will be included with your
                                     orientation packet. Please bring the
                                     appropriate documents with you on your
                                     first day of employment.

                                       2
<PAGE>

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP              While we look forward to a long and
                                     mutually beneficial relationship, you
                                     acknowledge that this letter does not
                                     constitute a contract of employment for any
                                     particular period of time and does not
                                     affect the at-will nature of the employment
                                     relationship with the company. Either you
                                     or ViaCell have the right to terminate your
                                     employment at any time.

We are very excited about the future of ViaCell and believe that the
opportunities presented will allow you significant personal and professional
growth. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact me anytime. We look forward to having you join our team!

Sincerely,

Marc D. Beer
Chief Executive Officer

                                       3

<PAGE>

Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer by signing a copy of this
document along with the Agreement Related to Intellectual Property and
Confidential Information and faxing it to Kristin Dickson at 617-247-6271. This
offer will remain in effect for a period of seven (7) calendar days from the
date of this letter.

 /s/ C. Adams                                    June 10th, 2001
-------------------------------------           --------------------------------
Signature                                       Date

 Intentionally omitted                           7/10/01
-------------------------------------           --------------------------------
Social Security Number                          Start Date

                                       4

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00035-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00035-of-00352.parquet"}]]