Did you know scientists at the University of Tokyo and Yokohama City University have developed an animal-derived product free protocol for mass production of mini-livers, revolutionizing clinical trials and treatment for liver diseases?
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a promising tool in regenerative medicine, with successful transplantation into patients over the past decade. The production of iPSC-derived liver buds (iPSC-LBs) has presented the exciting potential of new avenues for the treatment of liver diseases such as urea cycle disorders and liver cirrhosis. However, taking iPSC-LBs from the laboratory to the clinic has required the challenging development of a protocol involving animal-free products to meet the regulatory standards for therapeutic applications.