Science TechnologySaturday, 7 March 2026·The Hindu
Japan approves first iPS cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease and heart failure
Japan approved the world’s first commercial iPS-cell-based therapies for Parkinson’s disease and heart failure in 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In March 2026, Japan approved the world’s first commercial medical products derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for Parkinson’s disease and heart failure.
Key specifics
- Amchepry, developed by Sumitomo Pharma, targets Parkinson’s disease.
- The Parkinson’s study involved 7 patients aged 50–69 and reported no major adverse effects.
- Four patients in the trial reported significant symptom improvement.
- ReHeart, developed by Cuorips, uses heart muscle sheets to restore cardiac function.
- The therapies are linked to Shinya Yamanaka’s 2012 Nobel Prize-winning iPS-cell research.
Exam lens
Question type: science and technology current affairs; iPS cells, Sumitomo Pharma, Cuorips, 7 patients, 2012 Nobel Prize, March 2026. TNPSC may ask which country first approved commercial iPS-cell therapies.