Stem Cell Advisor

Abstract   Regenerative medicine represents a transformative frontier in healthcare, offering solutions for diseases and conditions previously deemed untreatable. In Malaysia, the field has gained traction, propelled by advancements in stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and biomaterials. This paper reviews the current state of regenerative medicine in Malaysia, highlighting achievements, ongoing research, and regulatory frameworks. Key challenges, including ethical concerns, funding limitations, and public awareness, are critically examined. Additionally, strategic recommendations are proposed to foster innovation and establish Malaysia as a regional hub for regenerative medicine. 1. Introduction   Regenerative medicine encompasses a multidisciplinary approach to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues and organs. With its potential to address conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and degenerative disorders, regenerative medicine has emerged as a cri...

Stem cells, specifically adult stem cells, are unique cells present in the body of an adult human which have two defining characteristics – pluripotency and self-regeneration. Pluripotency is the ability to differentiate into nearly all types of cells which are present in the human body, whereas self-regeneration is the ability of the cells to divide and produce more cells identical to the parent cell (in this case, the stem cell). These two special characteristics of stem cells have subjected them to intense medical research over the past 20 years and have found their way into clinical applications in the form of stem cell-based therapy. In stem cell-based therapy, stem cells donated from a compatible donor are obtained and utilised to assist in the management of the ailment of the recipient. To facilitate the search for a compatible stem cell donor, a stem cell registry containing the directory of all registered stem cell donors is set up. In Malaysia, we have our own national stem c...