Regenerative medicine: The long winding road from promise to reality

Regenerative medicine is a broad definition for innovative medical therapies that will enable the body to repair, replace, restore and regenerate damaged or diseased cells, tissues and organs. It might extend healthy life spans and improve the quality of life by supporting and activating the body natural healing capability. But quite a few hurdles must be overcome in order for the reg-med promise to become a reality at hospitals worldwide: First, the convergence of multidisciplinary efforts, as cell biologists and materials engineers, and their collaboration since the inception of projects with clinicians who are aware of the patients’ needs. Second, the public acceptance of these revolutionary technologies, the need to adapt the current regulatory framework for their commercialisation as well as make them competitive, cost-wise, so health systems and insurance companies can consider their reimbursement.

Experts from each of these fields will present their point of view, followed by a debate with questions from the audience. We expect to shed some light on the possibly winding road to wonders such as spinal cord injuries cure or heart tissue renewal after a infarct.