Harvard scientists see breakthrough on cystic fibrosis, using adult stem cells

April 06, 2012

Harvard scientists have announced what appears to be a breakthrough in research on the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

Using stem cells taken from the skin of cystic-fibrosis victims, the researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have produced tissues that reproduce the lung tissues of the disease’s victims. These tissues can now be used to test drugs that attack the disease directly—something that had not previously been possible.

This latest important advance—like virtually every important advance to date in the medical use of stem cells—involved the use of cells taken from adult donors.

 

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Further information:

• Big advance against cystic fibrosis (Harvard Gazette)