Feasibility and Challenges Associated with the Application of Bioengineered Cells and Tissues in the Clinic

The future application of designer cells and bioengineered tissues in clinical settings holds immense promise for revolutionizing regenerative medicine and transplantation, yet it also confronts significant feasibility challenges. The ability to precisely tailor cells and tissues for therapeutic purposes can have significant impact in transplantation opening avenues for personalized medicine and access to ‘off-the-shelf’ tissues and organs. However, the translation of these cutting-edge technologies from the laboratory to clinical practice requires overcoming formidable hurdles, including safety concerns, ethical considerations, community acceptance and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. Technical challenges such as the scalability and cost-effectiveness of producing designer cells and tissues also present major logistical challenges. As research continues to push the boundaries of synthetic biology and tissue engineering, the ultimate success and integration of designer cells and bioengineered tissues in the medical landscape will require close collaboration from scientists, clinicians, and policymakers; and importantly communication with patient communities, some of whom, will be future recipients of these new therapeutic modalities.

This session is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Session Chairs: 

• Dr. Golnaz Karoubi (Senior Chair) – University Health Network, University of Toronto
• Ms. Aisha Adil (Junior Chair) – University Health Network, University of Toronto

Panelists:

• Dr. Siba Haykal - University Health Network/University of Toronto
• Dr. Ian Rogers – Sinai Health Systems/University of Toronto
• Dr. Braulio Marfil-Garza – University of Alberta
• Mr. Sean Delaney – University of Alberta