Stem cells have the potential to play an important role in drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), particularly those derived from patients, are already being used to better understand and model complex diseases. They offer a more physiologically relevant system to decipher genetic effects and to test drug candidates in early discovery. Innovative technologies and strategies are also being employed to assess the role of iPSCs and embryonic stem (ES) cells in regenerative medicine and cell therapy.
Although much progress has been made on both fronts—in drug discovery and in stem-cell therapy—challenges still persist. Technical challenges in procuring, isolating, and deriving stem cells exist, as do the ethical controversies around the use of stem cells. Differentiating stem cells into the desired tissue type, growing them to model specific conditions for drug discovery or for understanding the repair function of stem cells, and overcoming immunological rejection following ...
