The history and current status of clinical applications of stem cells
Yamato, M.; Okano, T.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 69(12): 2103-2108
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 22242305 Document Number: 655690
Here, we summarize the history and current status of clinical applications of stem cells for regenerative medicine. Cultured autologous epidermal cells were successfully applied to treat human severe burn patients in 1980 for the first time ever. Then, several commercial tissue engineered products including skin and cartilage have been approved by the regulatory agencies, and many clinical trials are ongoing now in Europe and United States. Regenerative medicine achieved by tissue engineering with autologous and allogeneic stem cells including ES and iPS cells are highly promising, and more and more products are expected to come on the market in the near future.