Experts at the Harvard University and the Massachusetts-based enterprise Advanced Cell Technology Inc. have recently announced the fact that they've managed to create a new method of obtaining powerful embryonic stem cells, without needing an actual viable embryo. The new technique revolves around using pure human proteins to biologically reverse skin cells to their very potent initial state. Nothing more than ordinary skin cells are required for the procedure, which may very soon start getting used in commercial applications.

“After a few more flight tests – in order to assure everything is working properly – it should be ready for commercial use,” told Reuters, via e-mail, Advanced Cell expert Dr. Robert Lanza. He added that the initiative would ask the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow the beginning of human clinical trials by as early as next year, although chances of that happening are fairly slim. The FDA takes its time generally, when it comes to accepting drugs, but, with a brand-new technology like this one, it may take even more than usual.

 

The secret of the innovative method is a group of four genes, which, when activated in a specific manner, have the ability to reverse the effects of “aging” on the cells, making them act and look like embryonic stem cells. This type of cells is called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), and could be used for a variety of applications. The one doctors dream about the most is that in which a few cells, taken from a patient's skin, could be used to grow a liver, lung, heart, or kidney, custom-designed for its owner. In such an instance, the risk of rejection would be zero.

 

“This method eliminates the risks associated with genetic and chemical manipulation, and provides for the first time a potentially safe source of iPS cells for translation into the clinic. This is the ultimate stem cell solution – you just add some proteins to a few skin cells and voila! Patient-specific stem cells!” Lanza added. The issue now is with patents, as many teams applied for patents in various countries, on the various steps the new research used.