A term applied to new medical advances in which damaged body parts or body tissue is replaced or the body is encouraged to heal itself. From our understanding of our genes and how they work to control the growth, building and repair of our body, regenerative medicine is studying how to create new tissues for transplant, transplant stem cells into the body or how to induce the body to regenerate from the body's own cells.

Regenerative medicine involves using artificially cultured cells or tissues to repair damaged organs. The treatment can be used, for example, to graft cultured skin onto burn victims. Medical institutions are increasingly favoring the new technology over surgery or drugs. Recognizing the business potential, start-up companies and large firms alike have entered the emerging market. Menicon Co., a major contact lens manufacturer, has announced plans to build a skin-culture plant. Though still in its infancy, regenerative medicine is expected to grow rapidly. The Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine held its first general assembly in Kyoto on April 18-19, 2002.

Repair or replacement of damaged and diseased tissue through the use of stem cells to regenerate the cells and tissues.