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Published online 28 May 2009 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2009.525
Updated online: 1 June 2009

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Stem-cell therapies closer to the clinic

Human induced pluripotent stem cells made without addition of genes.

David Cyranoski

A group of researchers in the United States and South Korea today announced a leap towards safe, clinically useful patient-specific stem cells.

If the researchers are right, clinical trials on the induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which can turn into virtually any cell type and potentially be used to treat disorders ranging from spinal cord injury to diabetes, could start within two years.

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  • Robert Lanza is one of the leading scientists in the world. This collaboration of Advanced Cell technology with CHA biotech to form Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine International was bound to be very successful from the get go. Skin cells possibly hold the cure to many afficitions, whooda thunk it? Great news, there goes the controversy of Stem cells. Thank You! Advanced Cell Technology and CHA Biotech.

    • 28 May, 2009
    • Posted by: Patrick Campbell

  • Excellent news! We look forward to clinical trials starting soon - hopefully the fine-tuning will not present any serious obstacles.

    • 29 May, 2009
    • Posted by: Nik Papageorgiou