Key points from article :
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have long held promise for regenerative medicine thanks to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and tissue-regenerating properties. However, challenges in manufacturing consistent, large-scale batches—due to reliance on limited donor tissues—have hampered their widespread clinical use. So far, only one MSC-based therapy has been approved by the U.S. FDA.
To address this, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Cynata Therapeutics have developed the Cymerus™ platform, which uses induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to generate MSCs. In conversation with Dr. Mathias Kroll of Cynata, Forman explores how Cymerus enables scalable, reproducible production of high-quality MSCs, potentially eliminating the limitations of donor-derived sources and opening the door to treating high-prevalence conditions like osteoarthritis.
Currently, a Phase 3 clinical trial is underway using Cymerus MSCs to treat osteoarthritis. The approach involves injecting lab-grown MSCs directly into joints with the aim of reducing inflammation, promoting cartilage regrowth, and improving quality of life. If successful, this would mark the first disease-modifying treatment for osteoarthritis.
Looking ahead, Cynata hopes to expand the Cymerus platform into more therapeutic areas—such as diabetic foot ulcers, GVHD, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—where MSCs’ regenerative and anti-fibrotic capabilities show promise. With successful clinical trials, this iPSC-based strategy could shift the landscape of stem cell therapies in the next five years.
