Stem Cell Research – a Revolution in Medical Research and Treatment
In 1998, Prof. James A. Thomson (USA) in collaboration with Prof. Joseph Itskovitz-Eldor (Israel) successfully derived human embryonic stem cells (hESC) for the first time. hESC possess two unique properties – an unlimited capacity to divide and self-renew,
and pluripotency, the ability to differentiate into any kind of cell in the human body. In 2012, Prof. Shinya Yamanaka (Japan)
received the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine for his historic achievement: inducing mature human cells to become pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).
Welcome to the frontier of medical research - human stem cell therapy, a groundbreaking field with the potential to restore functionality to disease-damaged organs, offering hope for currently incurable diseases. Across Israel and the globe, thousands of research groups and biomedical start-ups are investing tremendous effort into advancing stem cell research and its transformative therapeutic applications.
The Israeli Advantage
For over 25 years, Israeli physicians and scientists have led the charge in stem cell research, earning international acclaim as pioneering trailblazers in the field. With over 30 research groups and biomedical start-ups in Israel focusing on clinical human stem cell research, the nation is a global leader in publishing stem cell research per capita.
The Israeli advantage is no small matter! Despite its size, Israel’s diversity, as a nation composed of locals and immigrants from all corners of the world, is a tremendous strategic asset. This diverse ethnic and genetic pool facilitates the identification of genetic differences crucial to improving the efficiency and efficacy of treatments – not only for residents of Israel but for patients all over the world. Adding to this advantage, research costs in Israel are significantly lower than in other Western countries.
Why a Consortium?
Established in 2022, the Israeli Consortium for Innovative Stem Cell Research for Clinical Use provides a dynamic platform for over 30 Israeli research groups to unite, surmounting barriers on the road to developing stem cells for novel therapeutic applications. The Consortium fosters synergy and knowledge sharing, propelling applied research towards achievements that will benefit all of humankind. While currently focused on Israel, the Consortium's vision is expansive, with plans to invite researchers from other countries to join in the future.
Current Challenge
While we've made significant progress, breakthroughs in clinical treatments are in their early stages. Challenges in scale, efficiency, and regulatory conditions persist, demanding a concerted effort. The road ahead involves navigating complexities in research, overcoming collaboration hurdles, innovatively managing resources, strategic fundraising, and translating discoveries into impactful clinical applications.
Objectives and Plan of Action
Found a National Stem Cell Biobank for pluripotent stem cell lines (embryonic and induced) accessible for advanced research and therapy development.
Accelerate Creation of Universal Pluripotent Stem Cells poised for transplantation without fear of immune rejection.
Establish a National Repository for Tissue-Specific Stem Cells Many tissues rely on specific stem cells for proper functioning. The Consortium’s national repository will provide researchers the means to study organ-specific diseases and develop new treatments using harvested, tissue-specific stem cells.
Create a Scientific Sharing Platform that fosters collaboration among experts in Israel. The Consortium’s innovative approach breaks down silos and provides continuous guidance and support to research groups studying different diseases, accelerating vital breakthroughs.
Consortium Leadership
Led by Prof. Noam Shomron and Mr. Ohad Lahav, the Consortium boasts a stellar steering committee with world-class experts, including luminaries like: Prof. Aaron Ciechanover winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry; Prof. Benjamin Reubinoff, a world pioneer in the derivation of human embryonic stem cells; Prof. Benjamin Dekel, one of the most innovative and recognized investigators in the field of human renal stem cell biology and regenerative medicine; Prof. Noam Shomron, whose research combines AI and computational methods to explore the regulation of gene expression and the roles they play in health and disease; Prof. Ido Perlman, an expert on retinal functioning who used induced pluripotent stem cells from patients to study the cellular mechanisms leading to loss of central vision in people suffering from congenital macular degeneration; Prof. Nissim Benvenisty, an expert on tissue engineering, the biology of stem cells, human genetics and cancer research; Prof. Lior Gepstein, a pioneer in developing unique cardiomyocyte differentiation strategies from hESC and iPSC; and Prof. Mordechai Shani, an epidemiology and public health policy expert who served two terms as Director of the Israeli Ministry of Health.
How Can You Help?
Lirot – the Israeli Research Association for Eye Health and Blindness Prevention is seeking $300,000 over three years to hire a full-time manager who will provide visionary leadership to the Consortium, align efforts with its mission and objectives, and promote a culture of innovation, knowledge-sharing, and synergy among the diverse stakeholders. The manager will:
- Coordinate Communications between different research groups, stakeholders, and external entities to enhance project speed and efficiency while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment;
- Streamline Complexity inherent to stem cell research’s scientific processes, multi-disciplinary teams, and translating findings into clinical applications;
- Optimize Resource Allocation to ensure efficient use of time, funding, and personnel hours and maximize research output and impact.
- Supervise Timeline Adherence keeping projects on schedule, and ensuring timely funding and scientific outcomes;
- Ensure that research meets necessary scientific, ethical, and regulatory standards;
- Identify and Mitigate Risks in the project's lifecycle, ensuring that potential challenges are addressed proactively in order to maintain smooth progress;
- Lead Fundraising Initiatives that attract investments, secure grants, and establish sustainable funding sources to support Consortium activities; and
- Collaborate with Consortium leaders to implement forward-looking strategic initiatives.
This investment will enable Lirot and the Consortium to hire a manager which will enhance the consortium's efficiency, thereby speeding up the development of regenerative cellular therapies.
In Conclusion
Envision a future when regenerative cellular therapies triumph over challenging diseases. Picture a world shaped by the Consortium's groundbreaking research – universal stem cells, targeted treatments, and shared knowledge transforming lives globally. ABC Foundation’s support propels us to the forefront of medical research, helping humanity transcend the boundaries of disease and aging. Join us in forging a future where regenerative cellular therapies redefine human potential, your philanthropy becomes the catalyst for transformative change, and together, we revolutionize lives worldwide.