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Global Advancements in stem cell therapies
From restoring vision in cats to reversing diabetes in humans, stem cell therapies are reshaping how we treat disease around the world. We’ve rounded up key breakthroughs that are helping guide our thinking about the future of pet care in Australia.
Global Advances in Stem Cell Therapy: Diverse Success Stories from Around the World
At Elita Genetics, we monitor global developments in stem cell research to inform our local focus areas. Alongside insights from pet owners and veterinarians, these international advancements help guide our research priorities. Here are some remarkable stories from around the world that highlight the potential directions for stem cell applications.
Restoring Vision in Türkiye
In Türkiye, a cat named Lokum was diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a condition leading to gradual blindness. Veterinary surgeon Cem Perk administered two doses of stem cell therapy directly into Lokum's eyes. Remarkably, Lokum's vision improved, marking the first successful application of this therapy for feline blindness in Türkiye.
Advancements in Equine Regenerative Medicine in Belgium
Belgian researcher Jan H. Spaas co-founded Global Stem Cell Technology (GST), focusing on developing regenerative therapies for musculoskeletal injuries in animals. Under his leadership, GST achieved significant milestones, including EU marketing authorisation for two stem cell-based veterinary medicines, furthering the field of veterinary regenerative medicine.
Learn more about Jan H Spaas’s research here
Combating Canine Spinal Cord Injuries
Research has demonstrated that dogs with spinal cord injuries show significant improvement when treated with mesenchymal stem cells induced to a neural cell fate. These stem cells, loaded onto a porous scaffold and implanted at the injury site, show signs of promoting neural regeneration, leading to enhanced mobility and function compared to conventional therapies.
And in the Human Space: Reversing Type 1 Diabetes
In a groundbreaking human case, a 25-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes began producing her own insulin less than three months after receiving a transplant of reprogrammed stem cells derived from her own body. This marks the first instance of such a treatment reversing diabetes in a human, showcasing the vast potential of stem cell therapy.
These global examples paint a picture of what’s possible with stem cell therapies in both veterinary and human medicine. While not every outcome is conclusive, and many studies are still in early stages, they help shape the broader direction of where the field is heading. At Elita Genetics, we stay informed on these developments as part of how we decide where to focus locally, with the goal of ensuring Australian pets aren't left behind as global progress continues.
If you want to make sure your pet has access to their own perfect match, sign up today to store their young, healthy cells, and be prepared for their future, today.