Just released! Shanghai will advance breakthroughs in cutting-edge scientific challenges and key technologies related to stem cells and regenerative medicine, aiming to establish a Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine Center along with a thriving cluster of emerging technology industries.


2021-10-09

On September 29, 2021, the official website of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government officially released the "Shanghai Plan for Building a Globally Influential Science and Technology Innovation Center during the 14th Five-Year Plan period."

The plan explicitly states:

5. Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Advance breakthroughs in cutting-edge scientific challenges and key technologies related to stem cells and regenerative medicine, and establish a Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine Center along with associated emerging technology industry clusters.

Key areas:

(1) Driven by the therapeutic needs for major diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, and cancer, we will advance research in areas including pluripotent stem cells, tissue-specific stem cells, directed differentiation and transdifferentiation of stem cells, stem-cell-based tissue and organ repair as well as micro-organoid engineering, stem-cell therapies, and stem-cell–enabled drug discovery.

(2) Explore new engineering directions for AI-driven life manufacturing, neuro-manufacturing, and brain-life rejuvenation, while advancing the integrated development of innovation and industrial chains in stem cell and regenerative medicine.

2. Biopharmaceuticals

Aligning with the highest international standards and cutting-edge global benchmarks, we are focusing on the forefront of biomedicine. Our efforts will center on key platform development, breakthroughs in core technologies, clinical validation and translation, and the application of next-generation products—ultimately aiming to establish a premier innovation hub for the biopharmaceutical industry.

Key areas: (1) In the fields of innovative drug and vaccine development, breakthroughs have been made in key technologies such as cell therapy, gene therapy, drug target discovery and validation, next-generation antibody drug development, glyco-drug research, targeted formulations, and nucleic acid interference drug development—fostering their application in areas like regenerative medicine, treatment of major chronic diseases, cancer immunotherapy, and prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Additionally, by establishing disease models that closely mimic clinical characteristics, we are accelerating the discovery of first-in-class drugs based on novel and shared biomarkers, while also advancing research and implementation of cutting-edge technologies for drug and vaccine design. This initiative is driving the integration of new technologies, materials, and formulation approaches into the development and production processes of innovative medicines and vaccines.

Tackling Key Core Technologies in the Biopharmaceutical Field

1. Cell and Gene Therapy: Establish a comprehensive, cutting-edge technology platform for cell and gene therapies—from laboratory research to clinical application. This system will encompass key technologies such as vector development, manufacturing processes, and quality control, while also addressing critical areas like clinical translation. By doing so, it aims to meet the growing industrialization demands of cell and gene therapies in both domestic and international markets, driving innovation and accelerating the commercialization of advanced cell and gene therapy products.

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