The Pros And Cons Of Regenerative Medicine

While it could be said that regenerative medicine is what this journal publishes, that would be cyclical. It could also be claimed that most people interested in the field have a good grasp of what is entailed, and this is probably correct. But, as the field grows and there is a need to carry governments and public opinion along, it is probably worth having a simple explanation of regenerative medicine. And, it is simplicity that is the nub of the matter. There are already a lot of definitions [1–3] but all are lengthy and not the sort of thing scientists, start-ups or advocates can say succinctly when a pharma executive, government minister or member of the public asks for clarification. Here, we address this and the origins and relationships

There are also exciting developments with respect to treating patients with bladder dysfunction [8]. These therapies use either autologous or allogeneic somatic cells and, in the case of skin and bladder, the products have a biomaterials component. The outcome of therapy with adult stem cells is at present less clear because the status of these cells is being debated [9], but in the end it will be proof or otherwise of therapeutic outcome that defines their

We have noted the relationship of regen ventures to biotech start-ups [11]. For the more sophisticated products of regenerative medicine research, we concluded it is likely that most start-ups will need the deep pockets of major pharmaceutical, healthcare or device companies. Human cells are a rather alien concept to pharma people used to molecular medicines. However, those biopharmaceutical protein companies using mammalian cells are very familiar with cell banking. They are also knowledgeable about culture advances to enhance performance in producing products and improving their molecular properties. If those pursuing regenerative medicine can use this relationship and be clear on what is involved there is at least a conceptual bridge. Pharma is already much interested in using embryonic stem cell-derived material for drug discovery [12] and toxicology studies [13] and, while not regenerative medicine, it is building bridges with regen start-ups. It is also the case that the exceptionally high cost of some therapeutic proteins will mean pharma will not be particularly surprised if the human cell therapeutic preparations are also of high cost. The pharma sector has not as yet had good experience with biotech companies in gene-based medicines and will move with caution where it appears to be involved. However, they do use gene transfection to enhance cell properties in tightly regulated