From September 19 to 21, the 9th China Stem Cell Annual Conference was held in Tianjin. Hosted by the Stem Cell Biology Branch of the Chinese Society for Cell Biology, the conference was organized jointly by the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Nankai University; the National Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology; the National Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Drugs; and the Binhai New Area Government. Attendees at the opening ceremony included Zhang Yuzhuo, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, member of the Tianjin Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee, and Secretary of the Binhai New Area Party Committee; Cao Xuetao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of Nankai University; Pei Gang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Honorary Chairman of the Chinese Society for Cell Biology; Zhou Qi, Chairman of the conference, fourth-term Director of the Stem Cell Biology Branch of the Chinese Society for Cell Biology, and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; and Ji Weizhi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and fifth-term Director of the Stem Cell Biology Branch of the Chinese Society for Cell Biology, who delivered speeches at the event.

Academician Pei Gang stated that stem cell research is thriving, a development closely tied to the dedicated efforts and unwavering support of colleagues across the field. He expressed hope for even greater investment in young researchers' projects and clinical translation initiatives moving forward. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for academia and industry to collaborate more closely, ensuring that groundbreaking stem cell research translates into tangible benefits—helping to nurture, blossom, and ultimately serve the nation, the nation's people, and society as a whole.

Academician Zhou Qi expressed gratitude for everyone's longstanding contributions to stem cell research. He emphasized that, with collective efforts, China's stem cell field has embarked on a path of healthier and more sustainable development. While the future remains bright, the journey ahead will undoubtedly be challenging. He encouraged everyone to strive even harder at this new, high-level stage, working together under the leadership of the 5th Stem Cell Branch Committee to achieve greater success than ever before.

Academician Ji Weizhi stated that the advancement of the stem cell field would not have been possible without the dedication and support of previous generations. He expressed his hope that colleagues in the future will carry forward the spirit of "exploring every inch of green hills with undiminished vigor," further driving innovation and breakthroughs in both basic research and practical applications. Ultimately, he emphasized the goal of elevating China’s stem cell research to an internationally indispensable position, ensuring that "the beauty of this land truly stands out uniquely."

Reportedly, the "Stem Cell Annual Conference" is China's premier academic event in the stem cell field, renowned for its high scientific standards and influential reach. Held annually, it serves as a key platform for exchanging cutting-edge advancements and research findings in stem cell science. This year’s conference theme is "Stem Cell Research and Translation: Ready to Accelerate," featuring seven specialized sub-forums that cover various前沿 areas of stem cells and regenerative medicine. The event has also invited several prominent Chinese academicians and leading scientists in the stem cell field to deliver keynote lectures. In addition, an exhibition area has been set up to showcase innovative products and technologies from relevant companies, aiming to engage domestic research institutes and scientific professionals while fostering the advancement and practical application of stem cell research.

Around 2,000 science and technology professionals from research institutes, universities, and enterprises across the country attended the conference. Jiuzhitang Maker, as a corporate member of the Chinese Society for Cell Biology, participated in this year's annual meeting.

Jiuzhitang Maker's booth highlights the company's pioneering role in stem cell research and translational medicine. In 2018, Jiuzhitang participated in investing through a merger and acquisition fund in Stemedica Cell Technology Inc., a U.S.-based company. This investment led to the establishment of Jiuzhitang Maker (Beijing) Cell Technology Co., Ltd., which serves as the sole Chinese partner for Stemedica’s stem cell technology, overseeing all stem cell-related R&D and manufacturing activities in China.

U.S.-based Stemedica is a company with 14 years of experience in stem cell research and manufacturing. Its stem cell preparation technology and quality control systems are among the world’s leading, fully compliant with U.S. cGMP standards, and it has earned a pharmaceutical manufacturing license from California’s Department of Food and Drug Administration. To date, Stemedica has conducted 16 clinical trials worldwide, including a groundbreaking therapy using its human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat acute myocardial infarction, which has now been approved by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health.

On September 7, 2019, the Jiuzhitang-ALTACO International Medical Center officially opened and began operations at the China-Kazakhstan Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center. (For more details, please click here: Jiuzhitang-ALTACO International Medical Center Lands in Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center.) The center provides cutting-edge medical technologies and high-quality services to patients from countries along the Belt and Road, creating a truly international platform for cross-border healthcare collaboration.

Jiuzhitang Maker is transferring Stemedica's core stem cell preparation technology from the U.S. to China, and will soon collaborate with Stemedica to conduct a multi-center Phase III trial, accelerating the timeline for launching stem cell-based drugs in the domestic market.