The possibilities for stem cell therapies are many, yet they remain unused

Stem cell research has progressed in recent years, but the potential benefits from these advancements are struggling to find a place in the healthcare market. A report by GBI Research found that while stem cells are in the end stages of development for use, they still face an uphill climb to being used in healthcare.

With more than 300 stem cell products currently in active development in a range of different areas and results of studies being published on the possibilities of the cells, the cells are being determined to be a great asset to the medical community. Yet for all this progress, these cells are in danger of being stopped in their tracks.

"The stem cell space provides therapeutic potential in indications where current pharmacological and surgical treatment options are ineffective. However, there remains a significant divide between the number of stem cell therapeutic applications currently available for patients and the number of research programs investigating the wider medical applications of stem-cell-based therapies,” said Managing Analyst of GBI, Rodrigo Gutierrez Gamboa.

The factors stem cells face before they can be commercially used vary but its high cost of research and production is the main reason for the delay of implementation.

"Manufacturers will need to adopt novel strategies to realize their full potential. It is likely that manufacturing methodologies will use partially or fully automated systems in future approaches, in order to improve yield, purity and cost-effectiveness,” concluded Gamboa.