Global update: Brazil

Stem cell research in Latin America: update, challenges and opportunities in a priority research area

Stem cell research is attracting wide attention as a promising and fast-growing field in Latin America, as it is worldwide. Many countries in the region have defined Regenerative Medicine as a research priority and a focus of investment. This field generates not only opportunities but also regulatory, technical and operative challenges. In this review, scientists from Uruguay, Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Argentina provide their view on stem cell research in each of their countries. Despite country-specific characteristics, all countries share several issues such as regulatory challenges. Key initiatives of each country to promote stem cell research are also discussed. As a conclusion, it is clear that regional integration should be more emphasized and international collaboration, promoted.

Stem cell research in pakistan; past, present and future

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Stem cells have proved to have great therapeutic potential as stem cell treatment is replacing traditional ways of treatment in different disorders like cancer, aplastic anemia, stroke, heart disorders. The developed and developing countries are investing differently in this area of research so research output and clinical translation of research greatly vary among developed and developing countries. Present study was done to investigate the current status of stem cells research in Pakistan and ways to improve it.

RESULTS

Many advanced countries (USA, UK and Canada etc.) are investing heavily in stem cell research and treatment. Different developing countries like Iran, Turkey and India are also following the developed countries and investing a lot in stem cells research. Pakistan is also making efforts in establishing this field to get desired benefits but unfortunately the progress is at very low pace. If Government plays an active role along with private sector, stem cell research in Pakistan can be boosted up. The numbers of publications from Pakistan are very less compared to developed and neighboring countries and Pakistan also has very less number of institutes working in this area of research.

CONCLUSIONS

Stem cells research is at its initial stages in Pakistan and there is great need to bring Government, academia and industry together so they could make serious efforts to promote research in this very important field. This will help millions of patients suffering from incurable disorders and will also reduce economic loss.

Regenerative medicine techniques in cardiovascular disease: where is the horizon?

Regenerative medicine techniques to restore cardiac and vascular function are being increasingly investigated as management options for cardiovascular disease. The authors set out to identify emerging regenerative techniques in cardiovascular disease and investigate their stage of development. The relevant networks in the field in the UK were contacted and online sources for cell therapy, tissue engineering, and other regenerative techniques and products were searched for online. A total of 49 Phase II, II/III and III trials of regenerative products or techniques were identified: 13 Phase III, eight Phase II/III and 28 Phase II trials. Twelve of the Phase III trials are for myocardial ischemia and involve an intracoronary infusion or intramyocardial injection of autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells. Most of those in Phase III trials are, however, associated either with an unproven delivery technique or cellular approach. The authors conclude that translation into clinical practice and diffusion into health systems is some way off.