iPS Cell Research Can Give Japan Lead in Regenerative Medicine

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The day when regenerative medicine using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) will be used in real-world treatments is fast approaching.

For Japan to become a world leader in the field of iPS cell technologies, the government should strengthen support for practical applications and industrial development in this promising field.

A research team from Kyoto University recently conducted clinical trials in which neurons made from iPS cells were transplanted into the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease. Results showed that there were no major safety issues and the procedure was effective in improving symptoms in some patients.

Parkinson's disease is a serious ailment in which the number of nerve cells that secrete substances vital for transmitting information in the brain decreases. This causes tremors in the limbs and impaired motor function.

Treatment mainly involves medication to alleviate symptoms. But this strategy becomes less effective as the disease progresses. Until now, no definitive treatment approach has been identified.

If iPS cells could be used to replenish lost nerve cells, it could become a completely revolutionary, groundbreaking treatment.

Promising but Early Results

The results of these clinical trials mark a big step towards achieving this goal. There are thought to be around 250,000 Parkinson's patients in Japan. Cooperating pharmaceutical companies are looking to file applications for approval with the Japanese government within this year.

However, only seven patients participated in the Kyoto clinical trial. Additionally, only some experienced improvements in motor function, with results varying from person to person. While confirming the procedure's safety and effectiveness was highly significant, further testing and refinement are needed before it can be established as a viable treatment.

Looking Ahead

Professor Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University succeeded in creating iPS cells about 20 years ago. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for that achievement.

*Shinya Yamanaka speaks at a press conference on January 22, 2018. Kyoto University, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. (©Sankei by Junpei Teraguchi)*

Since then, research has progressed on technologies to produce various types of cells from the body and transplant them into patients for treatment. This is considered a game changer in regenerative medicine.

Early in April, a venture company spun off from Osaka University applied for government approval for a treatment that involves transplanting sheets of cells into the heart. Clinical trials and clinical research involving cell transplants are also underway for many other diseases, including spinal cord injuries and diabetes.

Nonetheless, international competition to commercialize regenerative technologies is fierce. The Japanese government has invested a total of ¥110 billion JPY (about $770 million USD) in iPS cell research over the past decade. But further support will likely be required.

There is no doubt that iPS cell technology will open up new vistas in the field of medicine.

We hope to see new treatments become available to patients quickly, and for Japan to lead the world in delivering transformative technologies.