According to a report from The Physician News, the "Global Stem Cell Industry Development Summit" was held in Beijing on September 14, 2018. As a key focus of future medical research, stem cell technology has been continuously included in multiple national and regional science and technology development plans and specialized guidelines over the years. This year’s forum brought together leading domestic and international stem cell experts, including Nobel laureate Professor Aaron Ciechanover and renowned international clinical stem cell researcher Dr. Joseph Maroon, to discuss the transformative potential of regenerative medicine—particularly in shaping the future of healthcare. From both U.S. and Chinese perspectives, the event explored the stem cell industry’s journey from research and development to commercialization, examining critical areas such as venture capital, fundamental scientific breakthroughs, clinical applications, and regulatory policies.

On the forum, Professor Aaron Ciechanover, the 2004 Nobel laureate, delivered a keynote speech titled "The New Medical Revolution: At What Cost Will We Cure All Diseases?" He highlighted three key directions in stem-cell-based therapies: first, stem-cell technology itself; second, homing mechanisms; and third, surgical interventions. While surgery, as an ancillary approach, has been advancing rapidly, it is not considered the primary path forward for future developments. Unlike other technologies, pharmaceuticals rely on highly precise mechanisms that depend on intricate chemical interactions within the body. In the 21st century, the challenges that medicines aim to address will demand system-level solutions. To achieve this, we must first revisit our understanding of what constitutes disease—recognizing that even seemingly similar conditions often require tailored, personalized treatments. This is precisely why personalized medicine is essential to unlocking breakthroughs in healthcare.

Dr. Joseph Maroon, an international expert in clinical stem cell research, delivered a compelling talk titled "Can Stem Cells Serve as a Treatment Option for Traumatic Brain Injury?" Meanwhile, Professor Michael Levy gave the keynote address, "Evaluating the Efficacy of Stem Cells in Stroke and Other Severe Diseases," systematically presenting the latest clinical trial data on stem cell-based therapies specifically tailored for stroke patients. Dr. Alex Kharazi, Chief Medical Officer at Stemedica, shared insights into the company’s innovative low-oxygen stem cell technology and its advanced manufacturing platform. Professor Yannan Zhang from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Affiliated to Capital Medical University, outlined the hospital’s ongoing clinical trial plans and protocols for stem cell applications in neurology and neurosurgery. Professor Tianye from the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University highlighted the promising potential of stem cells in cardiology, as well as the emerging role of exosomes and sonodynamic modulation in this field. Additionally, Professor Baozhu Yuan, Director of the Cell Resource Storage and Research Center at the China National Institute for Food and Drug Control, provided a comprehensive overview of stem cell quality control standards. Each expert’s presentation was both insightful and thought-provoking, driving the stem cell research community toward new breakthroughs and advancements.

At this forum, attendees jointly witnessed the launch ceremony marking Jiuzhitang's entry into the stem-cell pharmaceutical sector. As a pioneer in developing stem-cell-based drugs in China, Jiuzhitang remains steadfast in its commitment to becoming a global leader in regenerative medicine. The company will continue proactively building an international network for research, development, production, and application, playing a vital role in enhancing the competitiveness of China’s stem-cell drug industry and driving the growth of the country’s regenerative medicine field.

The atmosphere inside the venue was electric, while outside, media interviews were equally vibrant and engaging. Speaking to a reporter from The Physician’s Newspaper, Professor Michael Levy shared that in Kazakhstan, Stemedica’s therapy using adult bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for acute myocardial infarction has already been approved for commercial use. Meanwhile, clinical trials are underway to evaluate the same cells for Alzheimer’s disease treatment—and early results from patients already enrolled show promising therapeutic effects. In the U.S., Stemedica’s proposed clinical trial using human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells to treat Alzheimer’s has advanced into Phase II, marking the first-ever FDA-approved clinical study in the U.S. specifically focused on stem-cell-based therapy for Alzheimer’s. Existing research has demonstrated that stem cells can stimulate neuronal regeneration and facilitate the formation of crucial connections between neurons. While safety has already been established, further validation is still needed to confirm the efficacy of stem-cell treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Li Zhenguo, Chairman of Jiuzhitang Co., Ltd., told our reporter during an interview: "Comrade Mao Zedong early on proposed the integrated approach of 'combining Chinese and Western medical methods for treatment.' The philosophy of integrating and innovating traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine is precisely the strength of our time-honored industry. By complementing the holistic, system-based approach of TCM and herbal remedies with precision therapies, we can provide even stronger safeguards for the health of humanity in the years to come."