Stem Cells and Next Generation Regenerative Medicine Therapies

About this Video

• Video Title: Stem Cells and Next Generation Regenerative Medicine Therapies
• Channel: University of California Television (UCTV)
• Speakers: Catriona Jamieson, Dan Kaufman, Karen Christman, Tiffani Manolis, Justin (patient)
• Duration: 00:59:32

Introduction

This UCTV video showcases a "MIND" series event discussing advancements in stem cell research and regenerative medicine therapies. The event features presentations from leading researchers, a patient testimonial, and a representative from Thermo Fisher Scientific, highlighting the collaborative efforts translating bench-side discoveries into clinical applications.

Key Takeaways

• Stem Cell Therapies in Cancer Treatment: Significant progress has been made in using stem cells to treat various cancers, including the development of the first induced pluripotent stem cell-derived natural killer (NK) cell product for cancer targeting. Challenges remain, including cost and limited applicability to specific cancers.
• Advanced Therapy Center Initiatives: The Sanford Stem Cell Institute’s Advanced Therapy Center is accelerating the development and clinical trial translation of cellular therapies, extracellular matrices, and other products to improve stem cell efficacy. A Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility enables the production of cells suitable for clinical trials.
• Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Therapies for Cardiovascular Disease: A novel injectable biomaterial, VentriGel, derived from porcine extracellular matrix, shows promise in treating heart attacks by replacing degraded ECM and promoting endogenous repair. Clinical trials demonstrate safety and efficacy, with further trials planned for various applications.
• Broader Applications of ECM Hydrogels: The ECM hydrogel technology is being explored for applications beyond the heart, including treating peripheral artery disease, skeletal muscle regeneration (in the tongue after head and neck cancer), and women's health issues like pelvic floor disorders and menopausal symptoms.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Successful translation of regenerative medicine therapies requires partnerships between academia, industry (e.g., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Fate Therapeutics), and philanthropic organizations, facilitating the transition from research to clinical trials and FDA approval.