reNEW releases its Annual Report 2025
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, has released its annual report, highlighting the stellar work accomplished throughout 2025.
Our global consortium focuses on translating stem cell science into therapies at its three research nodes in Copenhagen, Leiden, and Melbourne. We made significant strides in advancing its scientific research, enhancing engagement and communication efforts, and fostering collaborative partnerships to develop potential products during our fourth year of operation.
“New stem cell products will only arise from research excellence. reNEW aims to channel excellent science into outcomes. To do this, we remove barriers and provide incentives without compromising quality,” said reNEW CEO Professor Melissa H. Little.
Over the first four years of reNEW, our researchers delivered 276 peer-reviewed publications, generating more than 3,700 citations, with 65.2 percent of these in the top 10 percent of scientific journals. Among these were seminal publications in Nature Biotechnology, The EMBO Journal and Nature Metabolism, all of which made the cover in 2025.
Strongly positioned to attract external investment in the stem cell therapy field
reNEW’s diverse portfolio and experience in advancing academic clinical trials place us in a strong position to attract external investment, notably through international licensing deals and the establishment of venture companies.
“With a growing portfolio of intellectual property (IP), we are now mapping paths forward for research tools and reagents, hit compounds and screening platforms, as well as cell and gene-edited cell products. Evidence of translation has been a key hallmark of 2025, with a successful international licensing deal between Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne and Retro Biosciences, and the support for our first reNEW-generated spin-out company, Ibnova Therapeutics, with the support of the BioInnovation Institute and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Cellerator,” Little said.
But it is the people who make up reNEW who are our greatest assets. Their creativity and dedication continue to drive research that delights, excites and inspires.
“reNEW is well positioned to lead the global field of regenerative medicine and take on ambitious goals that will change the lives of people living with devastating diseases,” reNEW’s Scientific Advisory Committee said.
You can read more about our exciting journey in our Annual Report 2025 found here.