Triad Emerging As National Hot Spot For Regenerative Medicine

By Kyle Marshall, NCBiotech

Some of the most exciting advancements in regenerative medicine—where science meets the body’s natural ability to heal—are happening right in downtown Winston-Salem. At the heart of this innovation is the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), a global leader in developing therapies that help the human body repair damaged tissue and even regenerate entire organs. Working alongside WFIRM is the Regenerative Medicine Engine, an economic development partner focused on accelerating breakthroughs in this transformative field. Together, these organizations are tackling one of the most urgent challenges in healthcare: the critical shortage of viable tissue and organs for transplantation. “The challenge is that every 30 seconds, a patient dies from diseases that could be treated with tissue replacement,” explains Dr. Anthony Atala, director of WFIRM and chair of urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “Wouldn’t it be great if we could just regenerate ourselves?”

Explore how this vision is no longer science fiction—it’s becoming reality, thanks to the pioneering work being done in Winston-Salem.