A landmark $35 million partnership between Australia’s Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and U.S. biotech firm Retro Biosciences is set to revolutionize treatment for blood disorders like leukemia and bone marrow failure.
Announced Monday, the deal will see Retro Biosciences license a world-first blood stem cell breakthrough developed by MCRI in 2024, paving the way for personalized stem cell therapies globally.
MCRI researchers, part of the prestigious Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and the international reNEW consortium, achieved a medical milestone last year by reprogramming ordinary human cells into blood-forming stem cells.
These lab-grown cells mimic natural ones, potentially replacing the need for risky, donor-dependent transplants.
“Now, we can take any patient’s cell, reprogram it, and create a perfect stem cell match,” said Associate Professor Elizabeth Ng, who led the breakthrough study. “This could eliminate the life-threatening complications of mismatched donor transplants.”
Over 90,000 stem cell transplants are performed annually worldwide, with more than 36,000 relying on donor cells for treating conditions like leukemia. But donor shortages and incompatibilities remain major hurdles.
Retro Biosciences CEO Joe Betts-LaCroix hailed the discovery as “a dream come true” for regenerative medicine. “This technology has the potential to sustain a healthy blood system into late life,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be the exclusive licensee.”
The partnership aims to launch first-in-human clinical trials within five years.
Professor Enzo Porrello, MCRI’s Director of Stem Cell Medicine, called the agreement a powerful example of how public-private collaboration can accelerate life-saving therapies.
Retro’s mission to extend human healthspan by 10 years aligns with MCRI’s vision of delivering cutting-edge, patient-specific treatments for both children and adults.
This stem cell leap could mark a new era in personalized medicine — one where your own cells could one day save your life.
