Generation and clinical applications of stem cells in regenerative medicines

Since the discovery of stem cells, they have been claimed to be nature’s miracle due to their unique properties, which set them apart from other cell types. It has fascinated the world with its myriad of opportunities in regenerative medicine, such as treating blood-borne cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, immune system diseases, heart diseases, etc. Although Stem Cell Therapy is yet to be commercialized in India, research and clinical trials using Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation are being conducted to understand the efficacy of stem cells in the remission of various malignant and non-malignant diseases such as Thalassemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Sickle Cell Disease, Aplastic Anemia, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis among other diseases. Stem cell research has bloomed over the years and has demonstrated immense potential in Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy, Somatic Stem Cell Therapy, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapy and, with further understanding of stem cells, it could also be applied in drug modelling and drug development, skin replacement and regeneration, organ repair and regeneration and disease modelling for drug testing, revolutionizing the healthcare industry in the future. The present review discusses the research on stem cells, their applications in regenerative medicine, and economic, regulatory and ethical concerns.