Impact and Promise

Discover the impact of stem cells and regenerative medicine: Canada’s science. Canada’s future.

Canada has been a world leader in regenerative medicine since the 1960s, with the initial experiments conducted by two Canadians — Drs. James Till and Ernest McCulloch — who demonstrated the existence of stem cells. Since
then, Canadian researchers have continued making significant global contributions to areas including muscle stem cells, pancreatic progenitor cells, retinal stem cells, and cancer stem cells.

These discoveries have led to the development of leading-edge therapies for chronic and rare diseases, illness and injury. As a result, Canada has a world-class reputation for research excellence, developing high-quality talent, launching new biotechnology companies, and producing innovations that are changing the face of healthcare.