The cells called ‘parthenogenetic’ stem cells alleviate two critical problems inherent to the use of embryonic stem cells for cell transplantation, immune rejection and ethical issues associated with the use of fertilized human embryos. International Stem Cell’s (ISCO) goal is to create a ‘cell bank’ of clinical grade parthenogenetic cells available for immediate use without having to isolate cells from the patient’s own body or depend on cells isolated from other living individuals.
Jeffrey Janus, president of International Stem Cell, said: “Collaborations with leading researchers such as Dr Pedersen at the University of Cambridge brings us closer to ISCO’s goal of creating a true stem cell bank that could offer on-demand delivery of stem cells matched to a patient’s own immune system.”