The Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health has announced its success for the first time in Morocco in reprogramming peripheral mononuclear blood cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. This scientific milestone is considered historic and opens wide avenues for medical research and innovative therapies.
In an official statement, the foundation clarified that this strategic achievement paves the way for launching a national platform for cellular reprogramming and differentiation, serving biomedical research and personalized medicine.
The Director of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation affirmed that this success reflects the foundation’s commitment to transforming Morocco into a reference hub for medical research and innovation, serving major public health issues.
Induced pluripotent stem cells are characterized by their ability to differentiate into any type of body cell and proliferate indefinitely. This makes them an essential tool for modeling human diseases from patient cells, testing the efficacy and safety of new drugs, and developing treatments for regenerating vital tissues such as the heart, brain, liver, and lungs, as well as innovative approaches for cancer immunotherapy.
Globally, these cells are currently undergoing promising clinical trials for treating degenerative diseases, retinal disorders, and certain blood diseases.
This step, which is still in the verification and scientific characterization phase, reinforces Morocco’s status as a leading center in the fields of biotechnology and regenerative medicine.
