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Developments in Stem Cell Research
Frost & Sullivan, March 2007, Pages: 127
The Frost & Sullivan research service titled Developments in Stem Cell Research provides an overview of the advances in stem cell technologies and covers at length on the drivers and challenges that are associated with the same. A section on SWOT analysis of stem cell research provides the reader with some useful insights that would enable an entrant or a mature participant in the market take appropriate measures to improve the prospects of stem cell research as a business model. In this research service, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine stem cell technologies.
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Stem Cell Research Opening the Doors for Novel Therapies and New Drug Discoveries
The ability of stem cells to differentiate into the many types of cells that serve as precursors for organ development offers unlimited possibilities of capitalizing on stem cell research to generate new therapies and alternatives for treatment of a wide array of disorders. Current research toward triggering the growth and differentiation of stem cells and cell precursors in the brain and the heart has opened up possibilities to investigate treatment options for diseases affecting these organs in the long run. The technology as it stands today has given rise to over 50 companies that are involved in growing adult stem cells and inducing their differentiation into neurons, muscle cells, and pancreatic islets. Although the research carried out in these areas is still at its infancy, the possibilities of such therapies are endless. This apart, stem cells have transformed as workbenches for drug discovery. With improved cell transformation tools in hand, it has now become possible for scientists to investigate the physiological effects of drugs in various cell types. While the current trend involves exploring the effect of neuronal drugs on neural stem cells, there are positive signs of stem cells being employed for discovery of drugs for cardiac disorders as well.
However, regulatory and ethical issues still remain a major impediment to further progress. The confrontation relates largely toward defining a human embryo in moral terms from a philosophical standpoint and not as much as its use from a scientific standpoint. In most countries, permission has been granted only for employing adult stem cells, and such cells, while being useful indicators and tools for therapeutic development, are seriously limited in their ability to sustain the undifferentiated state eternally. 'Embryonic stem cells, on the other hand, possess the ability to remain in a constantly undifferentiated state and hence serve as ideal systems to be triggered into differentiation,' notes the analyst of this research service. 'While current legal protocols allow the use of embryos not more than 14 days old or the use of supernumerary embryos that have resulted out of the in vitro fertilization procedures, there lies a possibility of laws becoming more stringent in the future in order to prevent indiscriminate use of embryonic stem cells.'
Progenitor Cells Inspire a Therapy for Renal Failure
Notable innovations in stem cell research include the development of an artificial renal filtration system derived from the application of renal embryonic cells, which would mimic kidney functions and enable proper renal function. The technology termed RBI-01, developed by Renamed, offers an efficient renal bio replacement therapy that solves the central issues faced by traditional methods such as kidney transplantation and dialysis. The technology involves the use of adult progenitor RE cells from human kidneys that have been donated for transplant but cannot be used for the same due to anatomical, sclerotic, structural or similar medical reasons. The epithelial cells from these kidneys are cultivated using the company’s proprietary cell culture procedures and eventually introduced into a hollow fibre made of a biocompatible membrane, in a cartridge containing 4.000 such fibres, where they grow into a monolayer. These fibres are designed to perform as fully functional and differentiated RE cells as a result of cells that are cultured on the inside of the hollow fibres. The fibres in the cartridge contain tiny pores on their surface through which small molecules and water can pass. Other noteworthy developments include the first clinical demonstration of an embryonic stem cell product for spinal cord injury, a drug based induction of stem cells that offers hope for treating neural disorders and autologus cells that offer a platform for cartilage repair.
Summing up, while stem cell research has often looked upon as being equivalent to Pandora’s Box, it is in reality a spring of opportunity, health, and hope. 'Encouraging collaborative efforts amongst private and federal research institutions is vital to furthering the growth of stem cell research,' says the analyst. 'This would strengthen the existing workforce dedicated to stem cell research and thereby attract funding possibilities, which would significantly accelerate stem cell research.'
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