Rabat, August 22, 2025 — The Europe Today: In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers in Morocco have successfully reprogrammed blood cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for the first time, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health announced on Friday.
According to the foundation, the breakthrough marks a significant step toward establishing a national platform for cell reprogramming and differentiation, which will bolster biomedical research, personalized medicine, and the development of advanced treatments in the country.
The Director of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation emphasized that the success reflects the foundation’s commitment to positioning Morocco as a regional leader in medical research and innovation.
Induced pluripotent stem cells are notable for their ability to multiply indefinitely and transform into nearly any type of cell in the human body. They can be created from a simple blood sample, making them a powerful resource for disease modeling, drug testing, regenerative medicine, and immunotherapy. Potential applications include repairing damaged organs such as the heart, brain, liver, and lungs, as well as advancing treatments for cancer.
Globally, iPSCs are already being tested in clinical trials for degenerative diseases, eye disorders, and blood-related conditions. Since their discovery in 2006 by Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka in Japan, iPSCs have revolutionized biomedical research, with Japan leading clinical applications, the United States and Europe advancing in drug development and personalized medicine, and China emerging as a major player through large-scale investments in stem cell technologies.
This latest Moroccan success is expected to open new horizons for scientific collaboration, medical innovation, and healthcare development across the region.
