Stem cell research and experimentation has been in process for well over five decades. Stem cells have the unique characteristics whereby they are able to divide and replicate repeatedly in addition to their being “unspecialized” with the ability to differentiate into specialized cell types. The possibilities that arise with the perfecting of cell replication has caused this area of exploration to remain on the forefront of scientific research, with ongoing hope that cures and treatment of diseases as well as reparative cell therapy, tissue regeneration and pharmacological testing on cell-specific tissue will one day become viable options within the medical community. Diseases such as Huntington’s Chorea, Parkinson’s Disease, and spinal cord injuries are just some examples of potential clinical applications where stem cells can offer potential benefits in halting or even reversing medical conditions that previously had no positive outcome potential – and induced pluripotent stem cells represent a preferred cell type for this type of disease reversal research.
Traditionally, scientists have worked with both embryonic and adult stem cells. While the appeal of embryonic cells has been their ability to differentiate into any type of cell, there has been significant ethical, moral and spiritual controversy surrounding the use of embryonic cells for research. Although adult stem cells can differentiate slightly, they are typically limited to differentiation within their original tissue type, creating narrow options for their use.
Discovery:
Groundbreaking experimentation in 2006 led to the introduction of “induced pluripotent stem cells” (iPSC). These are adult cells which are isolated and then transformed into embryotic-like stem cells through the manipulation of gene expression as well as other methods. Research and experimentation using mouse cells at Kyoto University in Japan was the first instance where there was successful generation of the iPSC. In 2007, a series of follow-up experiments were done at Kyoto University in Japan where human adult cells were transformed into iPSC cells.
While there is excitement at the prospect of what such artificially remanufactured cells can contribute to medical advances, there have been issues along the way which have proven to be prohibitive. By 2010, there were a number of private industries ready to capitalize on this breakthrough technology. One such company, Advanced Cell Technology in Worcester, Massachusetts, discovered some problematic issues as they conducted experiments prior to applying for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to utilize iPSC in therapeutic capacities. Concerns such as premature cell death, mutation into cancer cells and low proliferation rates were some of the problems that surfaced.
Research Advances:
Continued research and experimentation has resulted in numerous advances and triumphs over the last few years. According to “Circulation Research” (2012), the University of Michigan developed innovative methods to use bioengineered stem cells derived from skin biopsies to create cardiac muscle cells. This accomplishment has allowed advanced research to take place in treating medical therapies and drug treatments in diseased heart muscle.
Advances will continue to be perfected in the areas of reprogramming adult cells in appropriate conditions that will result in minimal negative outcomes. Original techniques, such as viral induced transcription processes, are being replaced with newer technology as private industries join with the scientific community to develop safe and efficient methods. With sustained research and experimentation, established guidelines related to safety and efficacy can be developed. Induced pluripotent stem cells are a promising therapy for many previously incurable medical diseases.
Market Metrics - iPSC Research Products:
For this reason a large and thriving research products market has grown into existence for this cell type. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are now sold by 53.4% of U.S. research product companies, and 38.7% of research product companies worldwide. Annual growth in the number of iPSC research product sold worldwide has been growing at a rate of 14.7% per year for the past five years. In addition, 31% of all stem cell researchers identify as having using iPSC for a research project. It is clear that iPSC are a vital research trend within the scientific community. Therapeutic applications of iPSC are considered, but within the context of the research product opportunities these trends represent.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this report are the breakthrough findings discovered as a result of surveying 293 researchers that identify as having induced pluripotent stem cells as their core research focus. Of the 293 respondents, 181 were U.S. based and 112 were international. These key survey findings reveal iPSC researcher wants and needs, technical preferences, and key factors influencing buying decisions. These vital findings can be used to direct the product development and product positioning decisions. Remember, to benefit from this lucrative product market, you need to anticipate and serve the needs of your clients, or your competitors will.
Key Findings Include:
- Charts, Timelines, Metrics and Financials for the iPSC Research Product Market
- Trends for iPSC Grants, Publications, Patents, and More
- 5-Year Market Projection Data for 2012-2017
- Competitive Environment Analysis, Including Market Share by Competitor
- Preferred Species for iPSC Research
- iPSC Product Categories (Breakdown of Market Share by Each)
- Consumer Behavioral Patterns and Preferred Providers
- Crucial Trends and Unmet Market Needs
- “Tested Sentences” for Selling to iPSC Scientists
- Trends in Marketing, Including a Breakdown of the Marketing Methods Used by Your Competition - Google Ads, Facebook Ads, App Advertising, Purchased Email Lists, Website Advertisements, Trade Journals, and More.
- End-User Wants/Needs, Technical Preferences, and Factors Influencing Purchasing Decisions (Survey of iPSC Researchers)
In summary, this is a must-read industry report for research supply companies to optimally position themselves to sell iPSC research products. To profit from this lucrative and rapidly expanding market, you need to understand your key strengths relative to the competition, intelligently position your products to fill gaps in the market place, and take advantage crucial iPSC trends. Claim this report now to profit from this expanding market- or your competition will.