Dr. Scholefield will discuss the importance of embedding African genetic diversity into global research pipelines. Africa encompasses more genetic variation than the rest of the world yet this rich diversity is critically under-represented in medical research and treatments, not the least of which is due to dearth of cellular tools and medicines generated on the African continent. Consequently, medicines developed in the Global North often lead to sub-optimal treatment outcome, where nearly 10% of South African hospitalizations are caused by adverse drug reactions. With the alignment of mutually beneficial collaborations, North – South partnerships can ensure that access to Africa’s vast genetic heritage is positively embedded in global R&D pipelines.

Dr. Deng will discuss his journey from chemically-induced stem cell-derived islets (CiPSC) line generation to clinical testing of CiPSC-derived islets through transplantation for Regenerative Medicine. In 2022, his team demonstrated that small molecules can effectively reprogram human somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells. Their chemical approach provides a new platform for the generation and application of human pluripotent stem cells in biomedicine. Most recently, chemically-induced stem cell-derived islets (CiPSC-islets) were transplanted underneath the abdominal anterior rectus sheath of a patient, resulting in rapid reversal of diabetes. The results from the first patient suggest feasibility of this treatment modality and warrant its further exploration.

• Highlight the critical need for incorporating African genetic diversity into global biomedical research and its impact on treatment outcomes.
• Explore strategies for fostering equitable North–South collaborations in genomic science and drug development.
• Understand the development and clinical potential of chemically-induced pluripotent stem cells (CiPSCs) for regenerative medicine.
• Examine the translational journey from in vitro CiPSC-based platforms to successful clinical application through islet transplantation.