On August 21, 2025, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health in Casablanca announced a groundbreaking scientific achievement: the successful reprogramming of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), marking the first time this procedure has been carried out in Morocco. iPSCs, derived from a simple blood sample, are capable of unlimited self-renewal and can transform into any type of human cell, making them a revolutionary tool in biomedical research. This development opens new horizons for creating disease models, testing drugs tailored to specific patients, and advancing regenerative therapies for conditions affecting the heart, brain, liver, lungs, and beyond. Internationally, iPSCs are already being explored in clinical trials for degenerative diseases, retinal disorders, and blood-related conditions, and Morocco’s success positions the country to join this cutting-edge field. The Foundation emphasized that this scientific milestone paves the way for the establishment of a national platform dedicated to cell reprogramming and differentiation, supporting biomedical research, personalized medicine, and innovative treatments. Leaders of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation highlighted the institution’s ambition to make Morocco a reference hub in medical research and innovation. This historic achievement not only demonstrates Morocco’s scientific capabilities but also represents a strategic leap toward building national expertise in biotechnology and regenerative medicine.
Stem Cell Breakthrough in Morocco
