Last mentioned: Mar 6, 2026
Regulatory Approval
Japan's Ministry of Health officially approves the therapy for clinical use.
Regulatory Approval
Japan grants official approval for commercial use of the therapy.
Data Submission
Sumitomo Pharma submits trial data to Japan's PMDA for regulatory review.
Trial Completion
Phase II data confirms safety and efficacy in human subjects.
Clinical Trial Launch
Kyoto University begins the first human clinical trial for iPS-derived Parkinson's treatment.
First Human Trial
Kyoto University begins the world's first iPS cell transplant for Parkinson's.
Nobel Prize Awarded
Shinya Yamanaka wins the Nobel Prize for the discovery of iPS cells.
Nobel Prize
Yamanaka wins the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his iPS cell research.
iPS Discovery
Shinya Yamanaka discovers how to create induced pluripotent stem cells.
Japan has officially approved the world's first stem-cell-based treatment for Parkinson's disease, utilizing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The therapy, developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Pharma, marks a historic shift from symptom management to regenerative repair for neurodegenerative disorders.
Japan's Ministry of Health has granted regulatory approval for a groundbreaking stem-cell treatment for Parkinson's disease, marking the first time induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) have been cleared for clinical use. The therapy, developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Pharma, aims to restore dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.