Stem Cell Expert Aibo Lim: "Beyond Aesthetics to Treating Intractable Ulcers and Parkinson's Disease"

Visited Korea on the 12th for an interview with Asia Economy
Announced results of Phase 1 clinical trial for umbilical cord stem cell therapy
"Proven safety for diabetic ulcers and more"

Aibo Lim, head of Cell Research Institute, is meeting with reporters for an interview at a hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 12th.

"Stem cell technology has now established itself as a platform technology that goes beyond skin aesthetics, enabling both tissue regeneration and immune modulation simultaneously. In the near future, it will be widely used for difficult-to-treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease and diabetic ulcers."

Aibo Lim, director of Cell Research Institute at the global stem cell company CellResearch, made these remarks during an interview with a reporter on the 12th, while visiting Korea to attend the Spring International Academic Forum of the Korean Society for Laser Dermatology and Trichology, the largest medical device and aesthetics society in the country. Lim is a co-founder and director of CellResearch. After graduating from the University of Cambridge School of Medicine, he has worked in the UK and Singapore, earning a reputation as a 'star doctor' in the field of stem cell therapy, including winning the Ian McGregor Gold Medal from the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the most prestigious society in Europe.

Under Lim's leadership, CellResearch developed 'PTT-6', the world's first platform technology utilizing stem cells from the umbilical cord lining (the inner membrane of the umbilical cord). The company has commercialized this technology in the form of the 'Calesim' product for skin aesthetics and hair loss treatment, supplying it to more than 4,500 hospitals and clinics in over 40 countries worldwide.

At this forum, Lim presented data on the wound regeneration effects of stem cells. Lim explained, "In the United States, Phase 1 clinical trials of a PTT-6-based therapeutic for diabetic foot ulcers showed significant improvements in all patients, including reductions in wound size and alleviation of inflammation. No toxicity or side effects were reported, and we are currently preparing for Phase 2 clinical trials in the US."

The umbilical cord lining stem cell therapy that CellResearch is focusing on acts as a 'universal repairman' that repairs or helps recover damaged tissues in the body. The cells are obtained from the membrane of discarded umbilical cords, raising fewer ethical issues than embryonic stem cells and allowing use without genetic manipulation.

These stem cells can transform into various types of cells and secrete substances such as growth factors and cytokines that restore damaged tissues. They either replace malfunctioning cells or change the surrounding environment to a healing state. Because of these properties, clinical research is underway not only for skin regeneration but also for conditions such as arthritis, intractable ulcers, and brain diseases. CellResearch is also conducting clinical trials of this therapy for Parkinson's disease.

The umbilical cord lining stem cell therapy also fits well with the current major trends in the global stem cell market: universality and commercialization. Lim stated, "Stem cells are highly sensitive to even subtle changes in culture conditions, and variations during production or functional heterogeneity can lead to clinical uncertainty. The greatest challenge in the market today is ensuring consistent quality and reproducibility of biological activity." He added, "CellResearch has strengthened standardization of source cells, automation of the culture process, and a quality control system based on component analysis."

Lim, who visits Korea every year for academic activities and medical exchanges, also gave high marks to Korea's medical industry and stem cell technology. He said, "Korea offers a very dynamic environment in terms of medical expertise, patient accessibility, and speed of technology adoption. Its openness to introducing new technologies makes it a global leading market in stem cell research and regenerative medicine."