More Than 60 Years of Stem Cell Technology: From Scientific Research to a National Strategic Technology

In the era of digital technology and molecular biology, precision medicine is steadily becoming the guiding principle for personalizing diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes and providing comprehensive patient care. This humane and modern direction was highlighted at the 1st Scientific Conference of the Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Bach Mai Hospital (17-18 September 2026). There, gene therapy and regenerative medicine were a particular focus of attention, raising new expectations for the medicine of the future.

From a historic discovery to in-depth stem cell research

“Stem cells: from research to application, an update on global trends”, a report by Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Dang Dung, MD, PhD – Head of the Department of Immunology (Vietnam Military Medical University) and Senior Advisor to the Mescells|MSC Specialized Healthcare System for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy – attracted considerable interest.

The report reviewed the more than six-decade journey of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), from Friedenstein’s initial discovery (1960 – 1970) to the milestone of the US FDA approving the first MSC therapy (Ryoncil) in December 2024.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Dang Dung, MD, PhD was one of the chairs of Session 6: Gene Therapy – Stem Cells and, in his own presentation, explained clearly that the mechanism of action of MSCs lies not only in direct differentiation but, at its core, in paracrine signaling, exosomes and immunomodulation:

• Immunomodulation & inflammation: Inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes, increasing regulatory T/B cell populations (Treg, Breg) and shifting the macrophage phenotype from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory, enabling applications in Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Tissue regeneration & cardiovascular – neurological applications: Promoting angiogenesis, limiting hypoxia-induced apoptosis, migrating to damaged areas and transferring mitochondria to injured cells. MSCs also show potential in neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS) and spinal cord injury through the secretion of neurotrophic factors.
• Targeted drug delivery vehicles: MSCs are used to target the tumor microenvironment (as in hepatocellular carcinoma – HCC) thanks to their homing ability via the SDF-1/CXCL12 signaling axis, carrying therapeutic cargo such as miRNA, siRNA or the TRAIL protein.

Stem cells as a national strategic goal, with an objective view of the clinical challenges

The report covered the world’s leading biomedical advances, such as clinical trials using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to treat Parkinson’s disease (RNDP-001 from Kenai Therapeutics, AMCHEPRY in Japan), HLA-G-targeted exosome technology (SOB100), and the trend towards building national stem cell banks in South Korea and the United Kingdom.

Alongside the broad potential for clinical application, the report emphasized an objective medical view of the practical challenges. A lack of uniformity in cell sources, culture processes and dosing still causes variability in treatment outcomes. Bringing stem cells safely into clinical use also faces major barriers in technical infrastructure: GMP-compliant manufacturing processes, research on microenvironment (niche) interactions, rigorous Phase III clinical trials, and stringent requirements for sterile rooms, modern equipment, experienced experts and special preservation and transport techniques for living cells.

Today, stem cells are not merely a medical technique but one of the groups of spearhead, nationally strategic technologies under Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1131/QĐ-TTg of 12 June 2025. Overcoming the clinical challenges and mastering GMP-compliant manufacturing technology is the key to developing this field safely, effectively and sustainably in Vietnam.