Current Clinical Applications and Trials of Stem Cell - Based Therapies

Abstract

Research Overview

Ethical Concerns Posing Challenges to the Development of Stem Cell Research

Despite their potential to address several unmet medical conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, ethical social as well as legal issues are restraining the ongoing development of stem cell-based therapies. Stem cell research involving somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is one of the main causes for the worldwide debate, centered more on the source of the stem cells used for research purposes. As a result, companies are facing stiff opposition from political as well as religious groups for their embryonic cell-based technologies and many research institutes are adopting their policies with respect to the ethical use of the human embryonic tissues. Such policies are in turn affecting the overall research process for several companies that are working in collaboration with such institutes.

This Frost & Sullivan research service is an analysis of the current clinical applications and trials of stem cell-based therapies. It provides a comprehensive and comparative analysis of the worldwide research initiatives as well as regulatory frameworks in all major participant countries. Further, it also covers most of the major global companies involved in stem cell-based research and includes analysis of the potential stem cell based therapies market based on the forecast patient base for various diseases.

Increased Funding Providing a Boost for Stem Cell-based Research

In recognition of its overwhelming potential, there has been an increase in research funding across the world for stem cell research. Apart from venture capitalists taking interest in this area, government funding agencies are also increasingly recognising the medical treatment potential present in stem cell research. While researchers in the public sector are best positioned to develop stem cell-based therapies, several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are working in collaboration with academic institutes as well as research centres in the area of stem cell research

"Nevertheless, stem cell-based therapies are yet in the pre-clinical stage, with very few companies planning to initiate clinical development activities," says the analyst of this research service. "The major challenge that now remains is to successfully complete the human studies for these products and progress towards introducing commercially viable therapies in the market."

Stem Cells-based Therapies hold Promising Potential in the Treatment of Genetic Diseases and Diabetes

Stem cells hold tremendous potential in providing effective treatment for genetic diseases caused by single-gene defects. While recombinant protein therapeutics are available in the market for such diseases, stem cells can be a plausible alternative to such therapies. Also, diabetes is a very attractive target for stem cell-based therapies and companies such as Geron are extensively researching stem cell-based therapies for the condition. Other potential target groups include cancer and heart diseases and chronic heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack therapies are the major areas where stem cell therapies are likely to be developed.

"Although stem cell research is still in its early phase of development, there has been rapid progress in this area, with researchers now looking at improving the understanding of their therapeutic potential," says the analyst. "A positive shift in government attitude combined with encouraging public and private funding in some of the major global healthcare markets is likely to positively drive future stem cell-based research."