RegMedNet

This World Parkinson's Day 2026, we will explore the latest advancements in cell and gene therapy, ranging from stem cell therapies for neuron replacement to gene therapies aimed at reprogramming dysfunctional brain circuits. On 11 April, World Parkinson’s Day takes place, raising awareness, promoting research and supporting patients, carers and individuals affected by the condition.

In this column, Ry Leahy asks and discusses the hard-hitting questions that the cell and gene therapy field should be addressing as it continues to evolve from a phase of pure innovation to frontline, conventional care for patients with unmet medical needs. Cell and gene therapy. Regenerative medicine. Advanced therapies. These are no longer emerging fields, seemingly sprung from science fiction. They’re funded. They’re regulated. They’re publicly traded. They are reimbursed in some major world markets.

In this article, PromoCell provides a comprehensive overview of the specifications for media and reagents used in various biological and chemical applications. It categorizes components based on their origin — human, animal or non-animal — and their composition, including defined, semi-synthetic and synthetic molecules. Additionally, it outlines the compatibility of these components with different media types, such as chemically defined, animal-component free, xeno-free and protein-free.

Recent advancements in tissue engineering, such as 3D printing and bioink development, are driving the shift towards enabling real-world applications like spinal cord repair, bone regeneration and organ bioprinting, offering innovative solutions for a range of challenging medical needs. Tissue engineering is an innovative and fast-growing field in regenerative medicine that combines cells, scaffolds and biologically active molecules to create living tissues ex vivo with specific characteristics.

Original story from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing, China). In a preclinical study, researchers developed a biomimetic platform that enhances Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy for relapsed and refractory leukemia without the need for genetic modification. CAR-T cell therapy represents a milestone in leukemia treatment.

This week: TechBio company BioCurie (DE, USA) announced that the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H; DC, USA) has awarded it up to US$9.3 million to support the development of its AI-driven gene therapy platform and Lonza (Basel, Switzerland) and Genetix Biotherapeutics (MA, USA) extended their commercial agreement to further advance the manufacturing of a beta-thalassemia gene therapy.

Original story from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA; CA, USA). UCLA researchers have developed a lipid nanoparticle-based gene-editing approach capable of inserting an entire healthy gene into human airway cells, restoring key biological function in a laboratory model of cystic fibrosis and establishing a potential new path toward mutation-agnostic gene therapy for inherited lung diseases.

Original story from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT; NY, USA). RIT researchers have developed an ideal recipe that could advance how bio-tissues are produced. Ahasan Habib, and Christopher Lewis, both professors in RIT’s College of Engineering Technology, and undergraduate students Riley Rohauer and Perrin Woods, found a solution to multiple challenges in tissue engineering today: finding a compatible gel medium to host human cells and a device that can print the delicate cells safely.

We’re joined by Deborah Ojutalayo (right), a senior research associate at AviadoBio (London, UK), to discuss gene therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular focus on targeted gene therapies for frontotemporal dementia caused by mutations in the GRN gene. In this episode, Deborah delves into how gene therapies are enabling researchers to address the root causes of conditions rather than just managing their biological symptoms.

This week: NewBiologix S.A.’s (Epalinges, Switzerland) peer-reviewed report demonstrated its proprietary cell line’s potential to optimize recombinant adeno-associated virus production and a former partnership expands to further support a CRISPR-edited GD2 CAR-T therapy. Plus, Johnson & Johnson (NJ, USA) announced its more than US$1 billion investment in a new US facility for cell therapy manufacturing.