Hair follicle stem cells are unique among known adult stem cells, sharing many of the characteristics of embryonic stem cells. These cells are broadly multipotent, capable of producing cells from a diverse number of tissues. Since the cells reside in human skin, they can be collected with minimal invasiveness. Hair follicle stem cells have enormous potential for therapeutic use for a wide range of diseases including spinal cord and brain injury, cardiac disease, degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimers, diabetes, and immune disease.

U.S. Patent Application No. 11/911,400 (US-2009-0130065, published 05/21/2009).

Wistar is seeking corporate partners to license these cells for therapeutic applications. Sponsored research for further development of the technology will also be considered.

Yu et al.; 2006. “Isolation of a novel population of multipotent adult stem cells from human hair follicles”. Am J Pathol 168: 1879-1888.