Our global consortium focuses on translating stem cell science into therapies at its three research nodes in Copenhagen, Leiden, and Melbourne. In our second year of operation, reNEW focused on internal collaboration among its 390 researchers and support staff to ensure they are fully aligned with this vision.
“After an incredible launch in 2022, we are reaching flight altitude, and 2023 was another great year of stem cell science and translation,” said Professor Melissa H. Little, the CEO of reNEW. “reNEW supports excellent stem cell researchers to develop products.”
reNEW’s targeted projects cover the development of cell and gene-modified cell-based advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs), as well as novel therapies identified using screening of stem cell models of human tissues. reNEW researchers are currently involved in two clinical trials.
“We have seen Associate Professor Agnete Kirkeby and her Lund team reach phase 1/2a clinical trial for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease via the injection of human embryonic stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons,” Little said. “reNEW is supporting her team to develop additional neural cell types.”
“The RAG-1 SCID clinical trial started by Professor Frank Staal in Leiden in 2021 has, thanks to the support of reNEW, opened a clinical trial site in Melbourne” she added. “reNEW also supports research into treatments for hypomorphic RAG-1.”
Disease teams progress well & international exchanges continue
reNEW’s disease teams working on the heart, kidney, pancreas and muscles are also making good progress. A seventh disease team, the first focusing on adult stem cell disease, was established in Copenhagen in 2023. It aims to deliver patient intestinal stem cells for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
The highly successful international exchange program between the three nodes launched in 2022 continued. Last year, reNEW supported 22 exchanges, totalling 332 days. These stays allowed participants to learn new techniques, plan within teams, and attend workshops and conferences.
We are confident that changing the incentives around research will drive outcomes. You can read more about our exciting journey in our Annual Report 2023 found here.