ISSCR launches education program on stem cell treatments for Parkinson's

The course is jointly provided by the ISSCR and Harvard Medical School

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) today announced the launch of Stem Cell Medicine: Parkinson's Disease, a new continuing education course designed to equip clinicians with an evidence-based understanding of emerging stem cell therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD).

Building on the success of the Society's inaugural course, Stem Cell Medicine: From Scientific Research to Patient Care, this disease-focused program provides physicians and other healthcare professionals with deeper insight into how advances in stem cell science are moving toward clinical application in one of the most intensively studied neurological disorders.

As clinical trials progress and patients increasingly seek information about experimental therapies, clinicians are frequently asked to provide guidance on the potential benefits and risks of stem cell-based interventions. The new course addresses that need by examining the biological rationale for dopamine neuron replacement, reviewing the latest clinical trial data, and comparing emerging approaches with existing and emerging treatments.

As a practicing neurologist-scientist, it is extremely gratifying to witness the progress in the application of stem cells for Parkinson's disease. This course provides my fellow clinical neurologists around the world with the opportunity to receive this training from two of the most esteemed clinicians and stem cell researchers at the forefront of the field. We are so grateful to all members of the ISSCR Education Committee who are committed to these novel ideas in high-quality education that help clinicians distinguish rigorously tested clinical research from unproven interventions, ensuring patients receive accurate information to make informed decisions about their treatment options."

Jaime Imitola, M.D., FAAN, FANA, Chair of the ISSCR Education Committee

The course features expert ISSCR faculty and patient perspectives, including:

• Roger Barker, MRCP, Ph.D., FMedSci, University of Cambridge, UK, whose research focuses on translating stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases into the clinic.
• Claire Henchcliffe, M.D., D.Phil., FANA, FAAN, University of California, Irvine, USA, an internationally recognized movement disorders specialist and clinical trial leader developing regenerative therapies for Parkinson's disease.
• Andrew Cassy, UK, a participant in the STEM-PD clinical trial who shares firsthand insight into receiving a stem cell-derived neuron transplant as part of ongoing research.

Keith Alm, Chief Executive Officer of the ISSCR, emphasized the Society's broader commitment to clinician education. "As stem cell science moves closer to clinical application, the need for trusted, science-based information for physicians and patients has never been greater," Alm said. "The ISSCR is committed to investing in clinician education that translates cutting-edge research into responsible patient care. We are grateful for the talented faculty developing this program and for the continued support of our partners and sponsors who make this work possible."

The course addresses a critical challenge in the field - the proliferation of unproven stem cell treatments marketed directly to patients. By providing clinicians with clear scientific context and up-to-date clinical evidence, the program supports informed discussions that protect patients and promote responsible translation of regenerative medicine.

The course is open to clinicians, nurses, researchers, patients, and advocates interested in understanding how stem cell science is shaping the future of Parkinson's disease treatment.

Stem Cell Medicine: Parkinson's Disease is available through two enrollment pathways. Free access is available for learners who wish to complete the educational content, and a paid pathway that provides a certificate of attendance and continuing education credit upon course completion. It is available in six languages.

The course is accredited and participants may earn up to 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and 2.0 ANCC contact hours.

Development of the program was led by the ISSCR Education Committee, reflecting the Society's ongoing commitment to advancing clinician education and supporting responsible translation of stem cell science into patient care.

The course is made possible through generous support from educational grants provided by Bayer AG, BlueRock Therapeutics, and Novo Nordisk.