Where is the ceiling of modern medicine? Unable to rejuvenate? No way to regenerate organs? In fact, "regenerative medicine", a hot topic in biotechnology in recent years, can be the answer to the above questions. The vigorous research on stem cells has led to the successful development of many treatment methods, and many young scholars who have mastered stem cell technology have taken advantage of the situation. Zhang Yiwen, a PhD in chemistry at Yangming University, is one of the most eye-catching ones.
When I walked into Dr. Zhang Yiwen’s office near Shandao Temple Station, I was greeted by a long-legged woman with long black hair. She led the interview team into the conference room and chatted cordially. I originally thought she was the assistant to the chief technician, but it wasn't until she sat down on the sofa that the reporter suddenly realized that the beautiful woman in front of her was none other than the chief technician herself, Zhang Yiwen, who was hailed by her peers as "a rising star in the biotech industry." Investing in treatment research and development for her relatives, she found the potential for disease treatment in the field of "stem cells"
Zhang Yiwen shared that the reason why she invested in the stem cell industry was actually for her family. Zhang Yiwen's father passed away due to lymphoma when she was 13 years old. "My father was also one of the first patients to undergo radiation therapy. I witnessed firsthand how the side effects of cancer treatment made a strong man who worked as a criminal policeman eventually become as skinny as a stick."
Therefore, Zhang Yiwen slowly focused on cancer treatment research step by step, and finally settled on stem cell therapy. She said that cancer treatment has always been more damaging than cure. It was not until recent immunotherapy that Zhang Yiwen believed that cancer treatment has truly taken the next step.
"Stem cell therapy can make up for the shortcomings of immunotherapy!" Zhang Yiwen analyzed that after immunotherapy is started, it may cause great rejection by the body, and generally speaking, after cancer patients undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy, their bodies The quality is generally not very good. At this time, a strong logistics force, namely stem cells, is needed to support the body's health. For example, if a cancer patient's liver is damaged, stem cells with the ability to regenerate can do the repair work, allowing the body to successfully survive the treatment process.
Current clinical medicine has not yet fully understood the immunotherapy part, let alone this dual-track therapy of "immune" and "cell". However, those who fail see difficulties, while those who succeed see opportunities. Zhang Yiwen pointed out that "it can't be done yet" just proves how much room stem cells still have in treating diseases. No more cardiac catheters. Japanese team uses stem cell patch to cure heart failure
In addition to cancer treatment, stem cell therapy has also achieved success in the field of regenerative medicine. Zhang Yiwen shared that Japan is a powerful country in stem cell technology, Kyoto University Together with Osaka University, they are the two leading universities in this field. “For example, a team from Osaka University used stem cell technology to launch a ‘heart patch’,” she said.
Zhang Yiwen clearly explained that the mesenchymal cells cultured by the Osaka team can differentiate into myocardium. These cells can be cultured on a patch and then attached to the heart, without the need for cardiac catheterization or other surgeries. A process that allows the heart muscle to regenerate. Several treatment concepts similar to this "patch" are currently under development. The "rejuvenation" power of stem cells should not be underestimated
In addition to various rigorous treatment goals, stem cells also have softer applications. For example, when stem cells are injected into the body, there is a chance that the body will become "old". "Renovation" of organ cells. Nowadays, many people like to store umbilical cord blood stem cells for their children. In addition to considering the future health of their children, there is no guarantee that they will not be used for wider purposes in the future.
For example, after the Chernobyl incident, Ukraine devoted all its efforts to stem cell research and development. In the end, it accidentally made a mistake and made a huge breakthrough in the application of stem cells with its high-priced stem cell "rejuvenation" program.
Surrounded by powerful players, how can Taiwan's stem cell technology break through the siege?
Now, related industries all over the world have focused their research and development on regenerative medicine. Faced with the surrounding powers, how can Taiwan’s stem cell industry break out of the encirclement? Zhang Yiwen admitted that Taiwan does not have an advantage in terms of funding and population samples. "However, Taiwan's medical strength is recognized around the world," Zhang Yiwen pointed out. If we want to develop a stem cell industry with Taiwanese characteristics, she suggests that technology and industry players must think about how to leverage their strengths.
Advanced medical and surgical capabilities, a good medical environment, and competitive prices are Taiwan’s strengths. Zhang Yiwen pointed out that unforeseen medical problems may arise after stem cell injection. At this time, Taiwan’s solid medical training This comes in handy, and doctors can respond faster and solve problems. "Therefore, 'tourist medical treatment' can be a good option," Zhang Yiwen suggested. ***’s positive actions are a strong backing for Taiwan’s precision medicine!
Of course, just being ahead in technology is not enough for Taiwan to gain an international foothold. Zhang Yiwen said that the positive actions of the Communist Party of China also have absolute influence. Fortunately, in recent years, Taiwan has passed the Special Control Law and the Regenerative Preparation Regulations, and there is ample research and development energy and eager manufacturers are ready to enter the market.
Moreover, if Taiwan wants to develop stem cell technology, it actually has a lot of good cards, such as Dr. Huang Xiaomin, an authority on stem cell research and preservation, microbiology and molecular genetics at Rutgers University in the United States, who is the world's first The person who published the patent on amniotic fluid stem cells has a head start in the industry.
Taiwan’s stem cell research and development and marketization efforts should no longer continue to wait and see. Zhang Yiwen predicts that in five years or ten years at the earliest, we will no longer be able to get pain relief when going to hospitals and clinics in the future. Symptomatic drugs, but buy "skin cells" and "liver cells". Taiwan has already made outstanding medical achievements. How industry, government and academia can work together to develop regenerative medicine will be the focus of attention from all walks of life.