Advancing stem cell therapies: An interview with Zaal Kokaia#
Professor Zaal Kokaia MAE discusses the rapid progress in stem cell research, the hurdles in bringing regenerative therapies to patients, and the academic challenges facing Georgia.
About Zaal Kokaia#
Professor Zaal Kokaia MAE is a leading researcher in stem cell therapy and restorative neurology. He earned his MSc from Tbilisi State University
in 1984 and his first PhD from the I. Beritashvili Institute of Physiology in Georgia in 1987, where he later served as a Senior and Leading Scientific Fellow. In 1992, he relocated to Sweden to further his research at Lund University, receiving a second PhD in 1995 and becoming a Docent in 1999.
He is currently a Professor of Experimental Medical Research at Lund University. In 2003, he was the founding Principal Investigator of the Lund Stem Cell Center, which he directed for 10 years (2011-2020) and coordinated Sweden’s National Strategic Research Area in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine. His research focuses on stem cells, cell reprogramming, and neuroinflammation modulation with the aim of improving recovery after stroke, bridging the gap between experimental science and clinical application. Prof. Kokaia was elected as member of the Physiology and Neuroscience section in 2017.
Read the interview #
Advances in stem cell research seem to be happening very quickly. What are the latest developments in your area of work, and what difference could they make to people’s lives?
A notable example is the clinical trial currently under way at our University, focusing on the generation of dopaminergic neurons from pluripotent stem cells and their transplantation in patients with Parkinson’s disease.”
What are the biggest challenges in turning stem cell research into real treatments for stroke, and how can they be solved?
Another challenge is the variability in patient response. Stroke is a complex condition with significant individual differences, making it difficult to develop one-size-fits-all treatments. Advances in personalised medicine, where treatment is tailor-made for each patient, could help overcome this issue.
Scalability and cost also remain barriers. Producing high-quality, clinically safe stem cells at scale is expensive. However, advances in automated cell culture systems and biomanufacturing technologies are making large-scale production more feasible. Regulatory approvals are another hurdle, requiring extensive preclinical and clinical testing. Collaborative efforts between scientists, clinicians, and regulatory bodies will be key to accelerating the translation of stem cell research into approved therapies.”
Our AE Hub in Tbilisi was keen for us to interview you. Could you tell us something about your academic links with your birth country of Georgia?
In 2009, I became a visiting professor at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, where I teach PhD students at the Medical Faculty various courses designed to help them become qualified and competitive biomedical researchers. Several Georgian researchers and students gained experience in my lab at Lund University. These efforts are crucial for fostering high-quality neuroscience research in Georgia and creating opportunities for young scientists to contribute to the global scientific community. I believe that international collaboration is key to advancing science, and I am committed to supporting Georgia’s integration into cutting-edge biomedical research networks.”
What challenges does Georgia face in advanced research, and how might these be addressed?
One solution is to increase government and private sector investment in research and development. Establishing competitive grant systems, similar to those in the EU, can incentivise high-quality research. Stronger ties with European research institutions can also help by providing Georgian scientists access to cutting-edge technologies and collaborative funding opportunities.
Another challenge is the need for more structured career paths for young researchers. Establishing postdoctoral programmes and tenure-track positions would help retain talent and encourage innovation. Additionally, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration- combining fields such as neuroscience, bioengineering, and artificial intelligence- could open new avenues for impactful research. By addressing these challenges, Georgia can position itself as a hub for biomedical research in the region, attracting both talent and investment.”
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of stem cell research, and what breakthroughs do you hope to see in the next decade?
Another breakthrough I anticipate is using bioengineered tissues and organoids to model brain diseases and test new therapies. These models will speed up drug discovery and lessen the dependence on animal testing, making research more efficient and ethically sound.
In the next decade, I hope to see stem cell therapies transition from experimental treatments to widely available clinical applications, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders.”
.For further information please contact AECardiffHub@cardiff.ac.uk
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