Stem cell therapy has the potential to transform medicine because stem cells can divide indefinitely in culture and differentiate into specialised cells.Treating untreatable conditions
Many diseases are caused by the loss of cells the body cannot replace, and at present have no cure, only treatments that manage symptoms. Replacing the lost cells could restore normal function and greatly improve quality of life.Fewer problems with donors
If tissues or even whole organs could be grown from stem cells, patients would not have to wait for a matching donor, shortening transplant waiting lists. If the cells come from the patient's own body (or are made from them), they are not rejected, so lifelong immunosuppressant drugs, which raise the risk of infection, are not needed.Research into disease and development
Stem cells taken from, or made from, a patient with a genetic disease can be grown into the affected cell type in the lab. Scientists can then study how the disease develops, and learn more about how normal cells differentiate.Testing drugs
New drugs can be tested on human tissue grown from stem cells. This gives results more relevant to people than tests on other species, and reduces the need for testing on animals.Wider benefits
Successful treatments could reduce the long-term cost of caring for people with chronic conditions and allow them to return to work and independent living.
Many diseases are caused by the loss of cells the body cannot replace, and at present have no cure, only treatments that manage symptoms. Replacing the lost cells could restore normal function and greatly improve quality of life.Fewer problems with donors
If tissues or even whole organs could be grown from stem cells, patients would not have to wait for a matching donor, shortening transplant waiting lists. If the cells come from the patient's own body (or are made from them), they are not rejected, so lifelong immunosuppressant drugs, which raise the risk of infection, are not needed.Research into disease and development
Stem cells taken from, or made from, a patient with a genetic disease can be grown into the affected cell type in the lab. Scientists can then study how the disease develops, and learn more about how normal cells differentiate.Testing drugs
New drugs can be tested on human tissue grown from stem cells. This gives results more relevant to people than tests on other species, and reduces the need for testing on animals.Wider benefits
Successful treatments could reduce the long-term cost of caring for people with chronic conditions and allow them to return to work and independent living.