Discovered in 2006, and awarded the Nobel Prize in 2012, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been waiting in the wings of the theater of drug development. The global iPSC market will see steady growth over the next few years, growing 9.2% annually to reach $3.8 billion by 2024.
Function of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
iPSCs are reprogrammed cells from a patient’s body, and are not harvested from embryos, thus avoiding the ethical debates associated with embryonic stem cells. They, like other stem cells, hold the immense promise of transforming into various types of human tissue cells, and potentially representing highly effective treatments for a variety of serious illnesses.
So, why have they not leapt into the clinical spotlight? The truth is, other areas of science needed to catch up.
How Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Might Change Stem Cell Research
Now it’s 2020, and advances in genetics such as NGS technologies have promoted the progress of precision medicine, where the availability of iPSCs from a variety of genetic, lifestyle and environment backgrounds will help make precision healthcare a clinical reality. In recent years, several iPSC clinical trials have been or are going to be launched for a variety of diseases.
More types of iPSC derived cells and tissues are currently being generated in research laboratories. This innovative research promises the generation of clinically usable iPSC-derived cells and their clinical applications for the treatments of many diseases.
Accordingly, the focus of the iPSC market will gradually shift from research to clinical applications in the near future. As of December of 2019, there are several iPSCs clinical trials have launched or have planned to launch soon. These clinical trials have covered various other diseases such as ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, cornea repair and some advanced solid tumors.
For deeper intel into iPSCs and the global iPSC market, download a free overview of our full-length report, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Global Markets.
For insight into how COVID19 is impacting the iPSC market, download our free white paper, The Future of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: A BCC White Paper.
