2015 was an exciting year for research on stem cell derived from various sources. In our blog last year, CBR covered many interesting developments in research on stem cells derived from cord blood and other sources, but we were inspired by the 10 most popular stem cell stories of 2015 from around the world1, published by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and had to share. Here they are:
1. CIRM-funded UC-Irvine team set to launch stem cell trial for retinitis pigmentosa in 2015
A new FDA-approved clinical trial to determine the safety and effectiveness of a stem cell protocol in individuals who have lost their vision from retinitis pigmentosa (RP).2
2. Three teams empower patients’ immune systems to oust cancer
Details on three CIRM-funded clinical trials studying the use of stem cells to help our immune system fight off cancer.3
3. CIRM-funded clinical trial for spinal cord injury reports promising results
The first three patients respond positively to treatment in a Phase 1/2 trial, a clinical study using stem cell therapy to treat patients with spinal cord injury.4
4. One-time, lasting treatment for sickle cell disease may be on horizon
This study offers a method of gene therapy that can correct the genetic mutation that causes sickle cell disease—and help the body generate normal, healthy blood cells.5
5. From stem cells to cures with Shinya Yamanaka and Google Ventures
Two leaders in stem cell research and investment discuss how stem cell research can be translated into effective cures.6
Details on a breakthrough clinical trial that has saved 18 children so far. The treatment approach is being adapted in hopes of curing sickle cell disease.7
Study reveals the potential of stem cells in providing a lasting treatment for the degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis.8
8. Newly identified stem cells breathe life into lung disease therapy
Lung stem cells and their role in lung regeneration suggest a new avenue to treating deadly lung diseases like COPD.9
9. Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury back on track
A new company revives trial to test the safety of stem cell treatment on spinal cord injury patients.10
10. CIRM fights cancer: $56 million for 5 clinical trials to vanquish tumors for good
Details on five CIRM-funded clinical trials targeting cancer stem cells.11
Sources:
1. Karen Ring. “The 10 Most Popular Stem Cellar Stories of 2015.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. December 30, 2015. Accessed January 10, 2016.
2. Todd Dubnicoff. “CIRM-Funded UC-Irvine Team Set to Launch Stem Cell Trial for Retinitis Pigmentosa in 2015.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency.December 18, 2014. Accessed January 14, 2016.
3. Don Gibbons. “Three Teams Empower Patients Immune System To Fight Cancer.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. October 1, 2015. Accessed January 14, 2016.
4. Karen Ring. “CIRM-funded clinical trial for spinal cord injury reports promising results.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. August 31, 2015. Accessed January 14, 2016.
5. “One-Time, Lasting Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease May be on Horizon, According to New CIRM-Funded Study.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. March 4, 2015. Accessed January 14, 2016.
6. Karen Ring. “From Stem Cells to Cures with Shinya Yamanaka and Google Ventures.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. October 19, 2015. Accessed January 14, 2016.
7. Todd Dubnicoff. “UCLA team cures infants of often-fatal “bubble baby” disease by inserting gene in their stem cells; sickle cell disease is next target.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. November 18, 2015. Accessed January 14, 2016.
8. Todd Dubnicoff. “Cartilage Repair using Embryonic Stem Cells: A Promising Path to Treating Millions of Osteoarthritis Sufferers.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. March 5, 2015. Accessed January 14, 2016.
9. Todd Dubnicoff. “Newly Identified Stem Cells Breathe Life into Lung Disease Therapy.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. February 4, 2015. Accessed January 14, 2016.
10. Kevin McCormack. “Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury back on track.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. June 8, 2015. Accessed January 14, 2016.
11. Don Gibbons.”CIRM fights cancer: $56 million for 5 clinical trials to vanquish tumors for good.” The Stem Cellar, The Official Blog of CIRM, California’s Stem Cell Agency. September 29, 2015. Accessed January 14, 2016.