In this episode of Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon, I am joined by Dr. Koji Tanabe, a leading stem cell scientist, founder and CEO of iPeace, and one of the researchers behind the landmark development of human induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs. Dr. Tanabe breaks down the science of Yamanaka factors and explains how mature cells can be reprogrammed into a younger, pluripotent state with the ability to develop into many different cell types. We explore how iPSC technology differs from traditional stem cells, PRP, exosomes, and other regenerative treatments, as well as why creating and quality-checking these cells outside the body may offer important advantages over attempting cellular reprogramming directly inside the body. Dr. Tanabe also shares how iPSC-derived cells are being explored in regenerative applications involving heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and other areas of medicine. We dive into the future of personalized cell banking, why he believes it may be beneficial to preserve cells while you are healthy, and how iPSC-derived factors, or iPSF, are being explored for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and systemic longevity treatments. The iPSF treatments discussed in this episode are currently available only in Japan and are not available in the United States at this time due to differences in regulatory standards. From cellular aging and DNA mutations to epigenetic clocks, regenerative medicine, and the difference between lifespan and healthspan, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how cellular reprogramming could change the way we approach aging, disease, and the future of personalized medicine.

Clarification: During the discussion of iPSC-derived therapies for heart failure, the conversation referenced the possibility of creating patient-specific, autologous iPSC-derived cells. The currently approved application discussed in this episode is allogeneic, not autologous. Dr. Tanabe was referring to the potential for iPSC technology to be developed for personalized autologous applications.

Guest Information: Dr. Koji Tanabe is a stem cell scientist and the founder and CEO of iPeace. He spent eight years conducting research at Kyoto University in Nobel laureate Dr. Shinya Yamanaka’s laboratory and was the second author on the landmark 2007 paper describing the generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells. His work focuses on cellular reprogramming, regenerative medicine, personalized iPSC manufacturing, and the potential use of iPSC technology in longevity and future cell-based therapies. Check them out at: https://ipeace.com/en/ or @mypeace_ips.