Letter from Dr. Pecora

The possibility is real to transform the way we, as human beings, return to a state of health from a state of disease, or even prevent disease from happening through early intervention. We have already begun to witness it, and we are only at the threshold of this new era.

The Institute for Regenerative Medicine will be a leader in the field of emerging cell and tissue-based therapy. Regenerative medicine is the process by which new / modified cells or tissues are introduced into existing tissue to prevent or treat disease, or to regenerate damaged or aged tissue. Regenerative medicine comprises a separate therapeutic technology platform in addition to the current three pillars of healthcare: pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices. We anticipate that regenerative medicine will play a pivotal role in fighting chronic disease, as well as in lessening the economic burden that these diseases pose to modern society.

The unprecedented growth in the number of clinical trials in the field indicates that in the next decades, regenerative medicine – including stem cell and tissue engineering protocols – holds the possibility of becoming the standard of care for many diseases and injuries. As we approach this exciting new era of technological advancements, close collaboration between regenerative medicine scientists and rehabilitation specialists will be key to the development of clinical protocols that will optimize functional recovery for patients.

The practice of medicine and the resulting outcomes for patients are on the cusp of being forever changed by this once unimaginable, but now exceedingly real, technology. Regenerative medicine will improve lives, extend lives, and save lives.