Dr. Lorenz Studer is known for his pioneering advances in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and the development of stem cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative disease.
A new study investigates the efficacy of stem cell injections for treating knee osteoarthritis, finding that MSC potency can be predicted through lab-based tests. Patients who showed improved pain and mobility scores had MSCs with enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has recognized five outstanding researchers for their innovative work on developmental biology, disease modeling, regenerative medicine, and functional genomics. The award winners were selected from over 1,300 scientific posters presented at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting in Montr...
Researchers evaluate whether hypoimmune cell engineering can help transplanted insulin-producing cells survive without chronic immunosuppression. The study aims to develop a cell replacement approach that can function without chronic immunosuppression, providing a curative therapy for people with type 1 diabetes.
New research presents a tailored stem cell approach to overcome long-standing barriers of chronic paralysis, building on the success of a world-first clinical study. The upcoming clinical trial aims to develop a safe, standardized therapy capable of restoring voluntary movement and autonomic function for chronic patients.
The STEM-PD trial demonstrated the safety and feasibility of stem cell-derived dopaminergic cell transplantation in patients with moderate to advanced Parkinson's disease. The findings mark an important step in evaluating this approach as a potential treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Early signs of clinical improvement have been observed in patients with treatment-resistant systemic sclerosis treated with investigational stem cell-derived CAR T-cell therapy, known as FT819. The therapy has demonstrated a reassuring safety profile and has the potential to expand access to patients who might otherwise face barriers t...
A Phase 1/2a clinical study demonstrates long-term survival of transplanted human neural progenitor cells in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, maintaining a favorable safety profile. Visual acuity remained stable, and imaging showed cells remaining present in the subretinal space for at least one year.
Researchers at ISSCR 2026 present interim clinical findings from the first Phase 1/2a trial of autologous iPSC-derived dopamine neuron precursor cells for Parkinson's disease. The approach uses each patient's own cells, and new genomic quality control methods ensure the manufactured cells are suitable for transplantation.
The REGEN4HD study marks a significant milestone in the development of regenerative medicine approaches for Huntington's disease. The Phase 1b/2a trial enrolls early-stage symptomatic patients to evaluate safety and tolerability.
Researchers present new insights into an iPSC-derived neural progenitor cell therapy for chronic ischemic stroke, demonstrating safety and biological activity over extended follow-up. The findings have the potential to expand treatment options for patients living with chronic stroke disability.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research convenes its 2026 Annual Meeting in Montréal, showcasing groundbreaking discoveries and emerging clinical advances. The meeting features nearly 1,300 scientific posters and presentations spanning every area of stem cell research.
Encellin reports non-fibrotic engraftment and host vascularization in Phase 1 trial participants, building on interim results. The findings support the company's approach to deliver cell therapy safely and durably without immunosuppression.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports found that prenatal high fructose exposure impairs fetal brain stem cell function, leading to long-lasting effects on learning and memory. The researchers discovered distinct epigenetic changes in fetal neural stem cells that persisted into adulthood, affecting gene expression and adult neu...
Researchers have developed vascular organoid patches that can regenerate microvessels in the heart, leading to improved heart function and reduced progression of coronary artery disease. The patches were shown to survive for several weeks and stimulate new microvessel formation, providing a potential treatment for ischemic heart disease.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research announces the launch of a global consortium focused on integrating human stem cell-derived models into preclinical drug development. Bayer is a founding member, aiming to establish standardized frameworks and regulatory guidance for these models.
Researchers successfully generated rat-derived kidneys in mice using interspecies blastocyst complementation, demonstrating potential for growing transplantable human organs in larger animals. The study represents an important step toward addressing global kidney shortages.
Researchers have discovered a link between tooth aging and the decline of dental pulp stem cells' regenerative capacity. A unique subset of DPSCs, expressing NFATC1 protein, is essential for tooth regeneration. Eliminating this subset can lead to senescence and reduced ability to regenerate after injury.
The ISSCR Consortium supports the FDA's draft guidance on using new approach methodologies (NAMs) in drug development, emphasizing the need for a flexible and science-driven framework. The consortium recommends clarifying biological complexity alignment with context of use and expanding recognition of computational modeling and hybrid ...
ISSCR 2027 will bring together scientists, industry leaders, and students to discuss breakthroughs in development, regeneration, AI, and bioengineering. The meeting emphasizes scientific exchange and career development through networking events and mentoring opportunities.
The ISSCR emphasizes that continued investment in hESC research is essential to sustaining scientific progress and advancing life-saving therapies. Human embryonic stem cells remain a cornerstone of modern biomedical research due to their status as a gold standard for human pluripotency.
A new study uses a human stem cell-derived model to identify potential therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), highlighting glycyrrhizin as a promising candidate. Glycyrrhizin significantly prevents intestinal cell death in both stem cell models and mice with IBD, reducing inflammation and cell death.
The Stem Cell Report podcast has marked five years of exploration in stem cell research, capturing significant progress in human development, disease, and regenerative medicine. The anniversary episode reunites past guests to discuss the field's evolution, highlighting advances in therapies, organoid systems, and global standards.
The ISSCR has elected Malin Parmar as vice president, bringing expertise in cellular neuroscience and regenerative therapies. The newly elected Board of Directors includes experts in engineering, biology, medicine, biomedical ethics, and public policy, who will guide the Society's global mission to advance excellence in stem cell science.
STEM Cell Reports has been named the official journal of the 2026 BaCell 3D Organoid Conference in Basel, Switzerland. The conference will bring together leading scientists and experts to share their latest findings on organoid technologies and disease modeling.
Dr. Hongmei Wang joins Stem Cell Reports as an Associate Editor, bringing expertise in early embryo and placental development. Her laboratory investigates mechanisms governing embryonic and placental development, with potential for improving reproductive health outcomes.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research's official journal has implemented enhanced measures to strengthen scientific rigor and reproducibility in published research. New requirements include a completed ISSCR Standards Checklist shared with peer reviewers, ensuring critical experimental details are fully disclosed. All manusc...
The International Society for Stem Cell Research has named Stem Cell Reports as the official conference journal for the Latest Advances in Stem Cell-Based Disease Modelling and Drug Screening meeting. The journal will focus on high-impact research spanning basic discovery to clinical translation in stem cell science.
The ISSCR has launched a new continuing education course on stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease, addressing the need for clinicians to provide accurate information on emerging treatments. The course features expert faculty and patient perspectives, and is available through a free and paid pathway.
Researchers at Kyoto University developed mRNA therapy that successfully restored sperm production and enabled healthy offspring birth in genetically infertile male mice. The therapy targets genetic defects linked to male infertility, demonstrating a potential treatment for human infertility cases.
Researchers demonstrate that genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells can overcome immune rejection in mice, surviving for five months with humanized immune systems. The findings provide proof-of-principle for a potential universal donor hPSC line designed to resist immune attack.
Stem Cell COREdinates and CorEUstem have transformed the global infrastructure of pluripotent stem cell research by uniting 79 core facilities across continents to advance collaboration, rigor, inclusivity, and innovation. Their shared standards and protocols have strengthened reproducibility and ensured excellence in accessible for in...
The ISSCR recognizes Dr. Kyle M. Loh's groundbreaking work on human pluripotent stem cells, enabling precision differentiation of various cell types and bridging stem cell biology and virology. His research has far-reaching implications for developmental biology, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Alexander Meissner, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, has been named recipient of the 2026 ISSCR Momentum Award for his sustained scientific contributions to developmental and stem cell epigenetics. He will present his work at ISSCR 2026 in Montréal.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research has awarded the 2026 ISSCR Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Allen Eaves and late Dr. Connie Eaves, recognizing their groundbreaking work on blood stem cell biology, leukemia, and cancer stem cells. Their research and mentorship have profoundly influenced the field of stem cell science.
Aviv Regev, a pioneering computational biologist, will deliver a keynote address on tissue stem cells at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting. Her work has transformed our understanding of cell and tissue function in health and disease.
An international working group has been appointed to advance the Global Workforce Development in Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Initiative, a collaboration between ISSCR and Canada's Stem Cell Network. The initiative aims to strengthen workforce development and ensure the field of regenerative medicine delivers meaningful...
The journal welcomes Bo Shen, Ph.D., and Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti, M.D., Ph.D. as Early Career Editors, bringing complementary strengths in stem cell niche biology and metabolism to the editorial board. Their perspectives will help ensure rigorous peer review, relevance, and global engagement.
The ISSCR is hosting a summit on access and affordability in cell and gene therapies to explore pricing, manufacturing, regulation, and reimbursement strategies. Experts will examine key barriers and emerging solutions across the access landscape.
The new NIH policy on research using human fetal tissue could undermine the development of life-saving therapies for various diseases. The ISSCR urges NIH to reconsider its decision and engage constructively with the scientific community to support biomedical research.
A new study reveals that gut microbiota directly affects intestinal stem cell function, leading to impaired regeneration after injury. Restoring a more youthful microbiota can reverse the age-related decline in ISC activity.
The ISSCR has released a comprehensive roadmap for developing pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies, outlining critical scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory guidance. The Best Practices document provides a risk-based, end-to-end development strategy to support informed decision-making across seven essential areas.
The journal is seeking early-career scientists to serve on its editorial team, providing hands-on experience and mentorship. Selected members will play an active role in shaping the journal's scientific vision and community engagement.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research published its most downloaded papers of 2025, reflecting the field's scientific range from pluripotency to regenerative medicine. The journal's mission is to publish rigorous, transparent, and consequential science advancing discovery while informing clinical translation.
Researchers have compiled a comprehensive list of 166 human pluripotent stem cell lines available for clinical applications, guiding researchers and developers in selecting optimal cell lines. The study aims to drive hPSC-derived products towards the clinic, addressing a knowledge gap in off-the-shelf product development.
Dry eye disease affects 5-15% of people, causing symptoms like redness and burning sensation. Researchers generated human tear gland organoids from stem cells to understand the connection between DED and autophagy. They found that disabling autophagy led to cellular disruption, reduced tear protein secretion, and increased cell death.
A novel approach to chronic pain management uses induced pluripotent stem cell-derived peripheral pain-sensing neurons to treat osteoarthritis joint pain. The therapy, SN101, sequesters inflammatory pain factors without transmitting pain signals, preserving joint tissues and relieving chronic pain.
The ISSCR symposium highlights new clinical trial results and emerging technologies advancing PSC-derived cell therapies. Key findings include breakthrough approaches for treating drug-resistant epilepsy and geographic atrophy, as well as durable remission in type 1 diabetes.
A new retinal organoid platform has identified biomarkers for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and allows for genetic testing of patients. The platform uses small 3D structures of retinal cells to classify variants of uncertain significance in LCA genes.
The ISSCR, SDB, and the Allen Institute are hosting a three-day scientific symposium featuring early-career scientists, focusing on cross-disciplinary exchange and amplifying emerging leaders in developmental biology and stem cell science. Confirmed topics include data analysis, model systems, spatial awareness, and cell fates.