Singapore, March 7, 2008: The global stem cells market is projected to reach about US$ 32.3 billion by 2012. Stem cell research has picked up pace like never before now. The technology is leading to a new kind of cell-based medicine that is regenerative in nature, according to the latest report  “Stem Cell Research 2008” by Research and Markets.

 

However, the report says, practicality and ethics dominate the ever controversial subject. Hence, it may take some more time, before a proper worldwide consensus emerges on the usage and procedures of stem cell research. While some countries approve, some oppose.

 

Stem cell research is most likely to gather pace in countries with less regulatory controls. Of all the countries, China has the most favourable environment for research. The UK too has a strong research presence. The United States is the leader in stem cell research. However, the government controls the grants for research but places no restrictions on funds from private, state, or local government resources, says the report.

 

Adult stem cells market is the largest tapped market while cord blood and embryonic stem cell markets, though with huge market potential, are still in infancy stages. The US is the leader followed by the European and Asia-Pacific regions. With government regulations being amended in several countries, stem cell research is expected to pick up pace rapidly in the next few years. The potential of stem cell research – both medically and economically, is leading to huge investments by biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies and governments too.

 

The science of stem cells is leading to evolution of cell-based therapies referred to as reparative or regenerative medicine for the treatment of diseases. The ongoing research on stem cells indicates the replenishment of damaged cells by healthy cells in adult organism and the origin of an organism through a single cell. Stem cell science is predicted to be the most promising field in Biology though it has its own share of queries and controversies.