Pluripotent stem-cell-derived therapies in clinical trial: A 2025 update

Cell Stem Cell. 2025 Jan 2;32(1):10-37. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.12.005.

Abstract

Since the first derivation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) 27 years ago, technologies to control their differentiation and manufacturing have advanced immensely, enabling increasing numbers of clinical trials with hPSC-derived products. Here, we revew the landscape of interventional hPSC trials worldwide, highlighting available data on clinical safety and efficacy. As of December 2024, we identify 116 clinical trials with regulatory approval, testing 83 hPSC products. The majority of trials are targeting eye, central nervous system, and cancer. To date, more than 1,200 patients have been dosed with hPSC products, accumulating to >1011 clinically administered cells, so far showing no generalizable safety concerns.

Keywords: ATMP; advanced therapy products; clinical trial; pluripotent stem cells; transplantation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy* / methods
  • Clinical Trials as Topic*
  • Humans
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells* / cytology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation