Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cells, which means these cells can make any other cell in the body. They are made from cells found in very early human embryos, called blastocysts. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are pluripotent cells which give rise to all somatic cell types in the embryo. Human embryonic stem cells have the high potential for use in treatment and may become a standard of care for various cardiac and malignant diseases. The usage of human embryos for research on embryonic stem (ES) cells is currently high on the ethical and political agenda in many countries.
Market Statistics:
The global human embryonic stem cells market is estimated to account for US$ 1,152.2 Mn in terms of value by the end of 2022.
Drivers:
Increasing support for stem cell research from both government and private organizations and favorable government initiatives are expected to propel growth of the global human embryonic stem cells market during the forecast period. Government and private organizations around the world are supporting stem cell research through national funding agencies, as hESCs have the high potential for use in treatment and may become a standard of care for various cardiac and malignant diseases. In June 2020, the Australian Government funded US$ 5.9 million for eight medical research projects to find new, innovative stem cell treatments for incurable diseases, including leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.
Opportunities:
Rising demand for regenerative medicines around the world is expected to provide significant growth opportunities for players in the human embryonic stem cells market. For instance, hESC has great promise for regenerative medicine and can lead to the rare treatment of diabetes, stroke, myocardial infarction, neural diseases, and other prominent human diseases. In April 2022, TreeFrog Therapeutics, a biotechnology company aimed at making safer, more efficient and more affordable cell therapies based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), announced the launch of The Stem Cell SpaceShot Grant, a $100,000 research funding in the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Restraints:
High cost of the procedure and stringent regulatory guidelines are some major factors expected to hinder growth of the global human embryonic stem cells market. Stem cell therapy costs can range anywhere from US$ 5000 - US$ 50,000. The cost of the media used for human embryonic stem cell manufacturing is even higher. Medium of Thermo Fischer cost around INR 32,954 for just 500ml. In India, it takes approximately a year to get the Drugs Control General of India (DCGI)’s approval for conducting any type of stem cell clinical trial.