In 2006, Japanese scientist and Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka succeeded in rejuvenating human cells. He demonstrated that it is possible to revert an adult, fully specialized cell back to its initial, embryonic state. The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) technology revolutionized regenerative medicine, as these cells can develop into any type of tissue in the body.
Twenty years after the discovery, the technology is already being implemented into clinical practice. In March 2026, Japan granted conditional authorization to two iPS cell-based therapies (for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and heart failure). Meanwhile, in May, a study began in the U.S. where patients’ aged eye cells were rejuvenated to halt vision loss caused by glaucoma.
Currently, one of the most promising directions of this technology is anti-aging medicine. Scientists believe that fully returning old cells to an embryonic state is not necessary to stop the aging process. So-called ‘partial reprogramming’ is sufficient for a cell to function like a version decades younger.
According to Yamanaka, the primary goal is not merely to extend lifespan, but to ensure ‘healthy aging’ so that individuals can live fully in their later years. Furthermore, since iPS cells can be used to create any tissue (including egg and sperm cells), the scientist calls for the timely adoption of strict ethical regulations to prevent unauthorized interference with the gene pool.
The Japanese scientist compares the past 20 years to the first half of a marathon and notes that, despite immense achievements, medicine is only halfway there. He hopes that the next two decades will bring even more groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs in terms of extending life.
