Scientists will initiate tests with reprogrammed stem cells in humans

According to The Wall Street Journal, biotechnology company Advanced Cell Technology plans to begin reprogrammed stem cell clinical trials - if possible - by the end of next year, and has already sought consent from the US authorities to do so. .

According to the publication, the stem cells that will be used in the tests will not be obtained from human embryos - which is a controversial technique - but through another method, which involves using other cells in the body that can are genetically engineered to return to the embryonic stage.

The experiments will help the company develop more effective treatments to treat patients suffering from anemia and leukemia by creating platelets from their own blood. As the company explained, these patients often need platelet infusions, and sometimes the body can become resistant to donated blood. The new treatment would work around this problem.