Increased Investment in Stem Cell Technologies Drives Stem Cell Research Market

May 11, 2012 Stem cell research is a promising area of biotechnology, which holds tremendous potential in rendering a new approach to the treatment of various degenerative diseases. The area deals with employing regenerative stem cells for the replenishment of damaged cells of a particular organ or tissue with new cells. These repair blocks have created a new specialty in the area of medicine called the regenerative medicine. Stem cells hold potential to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, heart disease, diabetes, burns, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In addition to its therapeutic applications, stem cells are also finding use in drug discovery, promising new avenues in the area of drug development. Growth in the research space is attributed to the acceptance of stem cell technology by patients for treating chronic diseases. Moreover advancement in stem cell research can help reduce the escalating healthcare costs associated with conventional methods of treatment.   Stem cell technology is still in a nascent stage. The market still lacks substantial data that could establish its long-term efficacy as well as safety. Certain issues pertaining to its administration have also raised concerns. The regulatory and ethical barriers across the world, particularly in Western countries, are the major challenges ahead of stem cells research. The barriers are particularly more in embryonic stem cell research. On the other hand, countries such as India, with comparatively less opposition, are better positioned to conduct stem cell research. Lack of proper funding is also a matter of concern for stem cell research. Countries, such as Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and India, are engaged in commercial, clinical, and scientific advancements in stem cell research without proper funding.   Over the past few years, the stem cells market has witnessed several breakthroughs that bodes tremendous potential in reshaping the area of medicine. Potential therapeutic applications of stem cells cut across several debilitating and deadly disease areas, including cancer and AIDS. Stem cell research is entering new avenues of medicine, and promises to provide a solution to combat diseases that were hitherto believed to be incurable. There is a growing demand for such therapies, which in turn provokes continued investments in the area, and foretell a remarkable growth in the industry in the coming years. Presently, the field is focused upon the treatment of certain oncological ailments, which include non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukaemia. Additionally, non-cancerous diseases, including lupus, immunodeficiency, and aplastic anaemia, are also being investigated for treatment using stem cell technology.   Mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells, extracted from adult bone marrow, are the leading types ofadult stem cells currently in demand in the area of medicine. Of these types, hematopoietic stem cells hold major share in disease management. The dominance of hematopoietic stem cells is in part due to the difficulty associated with the isolation of mesenchymal from the bone marrow owing to availability of cells in lower levels. The greatest strength of adult stem cells is the presence of genomic stability of a very high degree. Additionally, stem cell therapy does not necessitate pre-treatment or genetic modification that is required when dealing with embryonic stem cells.   The US represents the largest regional market worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Stem Cell Research. Despite the 9-year ban, which ended in 2009, over federal funding for research in embryonic stem cells, North America is presently dominating the stem cell market. Key factors that have kept North American market on the top of the charts include advanced stem cell research infrastructure and facilities, and federal support for the research. Asia is emerging as the fastest growing regional market for stem cell research worldwide with countries such as Japan, China, Singapore, Korea, and Australia evolving as major hubs for stem cell research.   Major players profiled in the report include Advanced Cell Technology Inc., Athersys Inc., Cytori Therapeutics Inc., Genzyme Corporation, Geron Corporation, International Stem Cell Corporation, Mesoblast Ltd., Osiris Therapeutics Inc., StemCells Inc., ThermoGenesis Corp., among others.   The research report titled "Stem Cell Research: A Global Strategic Business Report" announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides comprehensive market overview, trends & issues, regulatory overview, overview on therapies under development, recent industry activity and profiles of market players worldwide. The report analyzes global adult stem cell research market in terms of annual investments in value for the years 2008 through 2017, for major geographic markets, including the US, Europe and Rest of World.