Stem cells have emerged as a promising area of research for diseases and disorders in which research has exhausted all pathways. In the case of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and cardiovascular conditions, stem cell therapy has opened up possibilities in which a cure has been mentioned.
It has been this potential that has served to sway lingering ethical, legal and social doubts although some remain vehemently against its use.
Stem cell-based research is poised to enter the next stage as a positive shift in government attitude together with encouraging public and private funding across several major healthcare markets is expected to promote this research like never before.
According to Frost and Sullivan's report: "Current Clinical Applications and Trials of Stem Cell-Based Therapies," increased R&D funding from governments and venture capital firms has only arisen after they have recognised the immense potential of stem cell applications in medical treatments.
One place that has made significant headway is the Asian continent, particularly South Korea. Despite last year's scandal, in which a South Korean cloning pioneer admitted fabricating results in key stem cell research, there is no doubt that the country has reached a stage in research that is envied throughout the world.
The report warned of over-hyping this new technology, as the significant process gained cannot not hide the fact that stem cell-based therapies still remain in the pre-clinical stage.
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are in limbo at the moment, unsure as to the potential of such a revolution in treatment. Companies are adopting a cautious approach towards realising the commercial potential of stem cell-based discoveries.
"Aggressive research and development efforts coupled with better funding opportunities will provide impetus to stem cell research," said Parmar.
"Enabling alliance strategies will also aid in market advancement. Collaborations between biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with academic institutes and research centres will help overcome the technological challenges associated with the development of the stem cell-based therapies."
One such company who have taken the plunge is US-based biotechnology company Advanced Cell Technologies (ACT). Its research is based on using human embryonic cells (hES) in its research.
The company recently announced the derivation of hES cells without exposure to feeder layer or serum environment, representing a vital step towards commercially viable embryonic stem cell derived transplant therapy.
Likewise, Geron Biomed is also using hES cells in its therapeutic research programs, focusing on spinal cord injury, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. It is currently working on animal models in these areas to demonstrate proof of concept before looking towards clinical studies.
For pharmaceutical companies, stem cells contribute to drug discovery through their application in finding novel drug targets and through the development of new technology platforms.
Therefore, pharmaceutical companies will increasingly explore the different methods in which stem cells can be used in the drug discovery phase to accelerate the discovery of novel drug molecules.
A preclinical trial conducted by Cytori Therapeutics has yielded results that support therapeutic opportunities for adult stem and regenerative cells derived from fat tissue in the treatment of cardiac injury following heart attack.
The report; "Current Clinical Applications and Trials of Stem Cell-Based Therapies" (B706-52) is available now from >Frost and Sullivan's website.