An important milestone in the development of stem cell technology occurred in 2007, when researchers induced human cells into a stem cell state using defined genetic factors. These cells are now known as induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cells; they offer an alternative to using embryonic stem cells. This report takes the implications of IPS cells and other developments into account. Some essential technologies are already in place and stem-cell based therapies have already begun to appear in the marketplace. This has enabled the author to build market estimates based on emerging commercial realities. The stem cell market is already divided into three segments—cell-based treatments, umbilical cord blood banking, and the use of stem cells to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new drugs developed by other methods. Global sales reached $410 million in 2008, and will grow to $2.68 billion by 2012. This growth will reach a projected $5.1 billion in 2014, providing a realistic, and even cautious forecast of the commercial potential these segments.

The report also describes the potential for stem cell science as applied to drug discovery and toxicity testing To give a full industry perspective, the report offers profiles of a large number (approximately 50) of companies operating in this field, including all sizes and types of organisation from small start-ups based on a single technology to large concerns with established product portfolios. This report also describes the background of stem cell science and the current status of knowledge in this sphere. The approach does not shirk essential technical detail but it is written in an easily readable style and the depth of information provided is carefully assessed.

Key features of this report

Provides current status of the stem cell market, essential in a fast-moving field where up-to-date knowledge is paramount.

Another key quality for a report such as this is that it should be realistic. Whether one describes the glass as half-full or half-empty matters less than describing it as a half glassful. Market forecasts are refined to indicate the potential offered by this exciting new area of technology without ignoring the practical difficulties.

The scope for medical applications of stem cell science is broad and the report attempts to give as full a picture as possible, including applications that are as yet in development as well as those which are more advanced.

The report also describes the potential for stem cell science as applied to drug discovery and toxicity testing

To give a full industry perspective, the report offers profiles of a large number (approximately 50) of companies operating in this field, including all sizes and types of organisation from small start-ups based on a single technology to large concerns with established product portfolios.

The report describes the background of stem cell science and the current status of knowledge in this sphere. The approach does not shirk essential technical detail but it is written in an easily readable style and the depth of information provided is carefully assessed.

Key findings from this report

The main focus of applied stem cell research has been to explore the possibilities of using SCs in regenerative medicine, to replace normal cells and tissues destroyed by disease or trauma.

Primary therapeutic targets are nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; cardiovascular disease including heart failure, myocardial infarction and severe peripheral arterial disease..

Stem cell science also offers the prospect of contributing to new drug discovery, for example by providing in vitro targets that can identify promising new candidates before any in vivo work has been undertaken.

Cell-based therapies may be divided into those using autologous cells and those using allogeneic cells. Each market has its own characteristics.

The world market for cell-based therapies is now estimated at $600 million, but there is great growth potential, given the high prevalence of eligible patients, once appropriate products reach the marketplace.

The US accounts for about 90% of the world market but other national markets will make inroads over the coming years, and grow faster than the US market.

Attrition among companies and products in the regenerative medicine market indicate that this is a demanding market environment requiring care in the choice of appropriate marketing model.

Key questions answered by this report

What are the main hitherto untreatable conditions for which stem cell therapy may provide new hope of cure?

Are embryo or adult stem cells the best prospect for future commercialization?

What is the present size of the global stem cell market, and how is it expected to grow?

Which are the leading national markets for stem cell products?

What is the nature of the ethical objection to stem cell manipulation?

What important factors need to be taken into account when formulating a business plan for stem cell commercialization.

Names the leading companies with stem cell products in advanced development.

Apart from the treatment of disease, what other roles are envisaged for stem cell products?

What are induced pluripotent stem cells, and why are they important?

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