Suckhoedoisong.vn – Cooperation on Research into the Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Clinical Treatment

The Mescells | MSC Healthcare System and Huu Nghi Hospital have signed a cooperation agreement on research into and application of mesenchymal stem cells in clinical treatment.

The aim is to carry out the task of developing national spearhead technology groups under Prime Minister’s Decision 1131/QĐ-TTg, while promoting a public-private cooperation model to bring the achievements of regenerative medicine step by step into routine care and treatment for the public.

Carrying out research into and application of regenerative medicine in a scientific, rigorous and effective way

The signing ceremony between the Mescells | MSC Specialized Healthcare System for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy and Huu Nghi Hospital was attended by Dr. Nguyen Ngo Quang, Director General of the Department of Science, Technology and Training (Ministry of Health), together with many leading experts and doctors.

In his guiding remarks at the signing ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Ngo Quang said that the health sector is currently focusing on developing three groups of strategic technologies: new-generation vaccines; cell technology, including stem cells and immune cells; and 3D printing technology.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Anh, Director of Huu Nghi Hospital, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, Chairwoman of Mescells | MSC, sign the cooperation agreement between the two sides.

For umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, there have been many studies around the world, and some countries have permitted their use for certain indications. In Vietnam, the lines of research and application attracting interest include the treatment of some musculoskeletal diseases, support for rehabilitation after spinal injury, and some endocrine diseases such as diabetes.

According to Dr. Quang, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells are allogeneic cells, not autologous ones. Requirements for quality and product testing before use in humans are therefore especially important, and the responsibility of the manufacturer is very great.

Dr. Quang emphasized that, immediately after the signing ceremony, the two organizations need to draw up a roadmap, plans and specific tasks without delay in order to bring research into and application of mesenchymal stem cells into practice in a scientific and rigorous way. Safety and treatment efficacy must come first.

Accordingly, Mescells | MSC needs to continue building on its technological capacity and quality control system in the research, production and supply of mesenchymal stem cells.

For its part, Huu Nghi Hospital plays an important role in preparing dossiers and research protocols, determining indications, organizing application, and monitoring and evaluating patients, ensuring that the whole process is carried out strictly, with quality and safety in accordance with Ministry of Health regulations.

Dr. Nguyen Ngo Quang also affirmed that the regulator will facilitate and provide professional and management support as the two sides develop and standardize procedures for research, monitoring, supervision and evaluation of the method, so that implementation at Huu Nghi Hospital achieves its goals for quality, safety and efficacy.

Close coordination between the regulator, the hospital and the technology developer will be the key factor in bringing stem cell technology step by step into clinical use along a methodical, science-based and legally compliant path.

A public-private cooperation model that draws on strengths in technology and clinical practice

The combination of Huu Nghi Hospital’s professional capacity and clinical practice with Mescells | MSC’s ecosystem of cell technology research, training and production will create a solid foundation for carrying out programs of research into and clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells in a methodical and scientific way, with an emphasis on evaluating safety and efficacy and on full compliance with professional and legal regulations.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Anh, Director of Huu Nghi Hospital, said that the development of regenerative medicine is set against the background of Vietnam’s aging population, which brings a rise in degenerative diseases, especially musculoskeletal diseases.

According to him, many older people remain mentally sharp, but their ability to move and care for themselves is affected by degenerative diseases. The goal of healthcare for older people is therefore not only to extend lifespan but also to extend the years lived in good quality of life.

In light of this, Huu Nghi Hospital takes an interest in regenerative medicine, including research on the use of stem cells to improve organ function, with a particular focus on osteoarthritis.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Anh regarded the signing between the two sides as a significant milestone, opening up the opportunity to deploy cell technology – a very new technique in Vietnam – and offering additional treatment options for patients, especially those with chronic diseases. In suitable cases, this approach will help improve health, raise quality of life and reduce dependence on medication, demonstrating the value of regenerative medicine for the community.

“Mescells | MSC is committed to devoting its resources, technology and highest sense of responsibility to working alongside Huu Nghi Hospital. All cooperation activities will always adhere to the core principles of science, safety, transparency and compliance with the law, and will always put the interests of patients at the center, so that patients can benefit from high-tech medicine at home without the hardship and expense of going abroad for treatment. This is also the guiding principle agreed by the two sides within the framework of cooperation,” Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, Chairwoman of Mescells | MSC, said at the event.

The agreement between the two organizations focuses on six tasks in deploying cell technology. First of all, the two organizations will jointly propose, develop and carry out scientific research programs and projects, along with innovative solutions. In parallel, they will step up research in regenerative medicine, cell technology, cell-derived products, biomedical materials and biomedical solutions, in compliance with the law.

Alongside professional work, the two sides are committed to organizing training, conferences, seminars and scientific meetings, and to increasing the exchange of experts, researchers and technicians.

At the same time, the two organizations will proactively research, evaluate, transfer and propose the application of new technical procedures and professional models in practice. In addition, the two sides will cooperate on scientific publications, intellectual property registration, and the transfer and application of research results in accordance with regulations.

In the not-too-distant future, under the supervision and with the support of the Ministry of Health, Mescells | MSC and Huu Nghi Hospital will expand cooperation with research institutions, universities, hospitals and scientific organizations in Vietnam and abroad in fields of mutual interest.