The National Health Research Institute's National Stem Cell Bank reported that the number of stem cell distributions last year nearly doubled compared to the previous year. This indicates that research on diseases using stem cells is actively being conducted domestically.
The National Stem Cell Bank announced on the 20th that it provided a total of 133 stem cells to research institutions and corporations throughout last year. This marks an increase of about 1.8 times compared to the average over the past five years.
Stem cells refer to cells that have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells that make up the human body. They are considered a means to treat patients with intractable diseases, including nerve damage and other irreparable conditions.
The National Stem Cell Bank has been distributing stem cells to enable research by private corporations and research institutions. It reported distributions of 66 cases in 2019, 80 in 2020, 75 in 2021, 81 in 2022, and 68 in 2023. Last year, it distributed 133 cases, nearly doubling the distribution performance compared to the previous year.
Starting this year, three types of stem cells isolated from actual patients will be newly distributed. They are expected to be utilized in developing the causes and personalized treatment methods for patients with muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, and Rett syndrome. Fluorescently expressed induced pluripotent stem cells will also be newly distributed, which could be used for research on the differentiation process of stem cells.
Park Hyun-young, Director of the National Health Research Institute, said, "We will do our best to develop and provide resources tailored to researchers' needs so that the National Stem Cell Bank can contribute to domestic stem cell research and the practical application of regenerative medicine."