Commonly investigated stem cell types include embryonic stem cells (ESCs), as well as adult stem cell types that include mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). There are also other less common stem cell types, including dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), and a variety of perinatal stem cell types, including amniotic stem cells, placental stem cells, umbilical cord blood stem cells, and cord tissue stem cells.
Cancer stem cells also exist, giving rise to clonal populations of cells that form tumors or disperse within the body. Each of these stem cell types represents unique opportunities for research product development.
Importantly, literature concerning the biology, characteristics, and applications of stem cells has flourished over the past few decades.
In full-year 2015, there were 25,613 stem cell scientific publications released, and an all-time search returns 259,218 stem cell scientific publications (Pubmed.gov).
Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the fastest growing areas of stem cell research, with more than 25,000 scientific publications published about the cell type and more than 400 clinical trials underway worldwide.
Importantly, 2015 was the first year in history that mesenchymal stem cells surpassed hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for the most scientific publications of any stem cell type.
In addition, Google Trend data shows MSC searches to be approximately twice as common as the next most popular adult stem cell type.
MSCs are also being explored for use in 3D printing applications, because of their unique capacity to form structural tissues. In particular, there will be a demand for companies to supply MSC populations for use in 3D printing inks. Companies that can cost-effectively produce large quantities of stem cells will be strategically positioned to provide these cell populations for integration in 3D printing inks.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are also an interesting area of stem cell research, with Japan committing to being a market leader in this area. In the past year, Japan has accelerated its position as a hub for regenerative medicine research, largely driven by support from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has identified regenerative medicine and cellular therapy as key to the Japan’s strategy to drive economic growth.
The Prime Minister has encouraged a growing range of collaborations between private industry and academic partners through an innovative legal framework. Most importantly to the stem cell research products marketplace, Japan’s Education Ministry said it is planning to spend 110 billion yen ($1.13 billion) on induced pluripotent stem cell research during the next 10 years, and the Japanese parliament has been discussing bills that would “speed the approval process and ensure the safety of such treatments.”
Utilization of other stem cell types in research settings continue as well, with hematopoietic stem cells being explored for their broad therapeutic applications, neural stem cells being explored for their ability to address unmet medical needs, and adipose-derived stem cells catching the interest of the research community because of the increasing prevalence of orthopedic doctors who are using these cells for musculoskelal applications, an area that the FDA has begun to watch and very tightly regulate.
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For more information on this market area, view “Stem Cell Research Products – Opportunities, Tools, and Technologies.”
