An international standard on the core features of stem cell data, led by China, has been officially released, according to the Standardization Administration of China.

The development of stem cell standards is considered a foundational effort supporting scientific research, clinical translation and industrial growth in the stem cell field. Stem cells are primitive "seed" cells present in the human body, capable of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation. Stem cell technologies are widely regarded as promising therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine. The newly released standard fills a long-standing gap in international standardization for stem cell data core features.

To date, China has led the formulation and release of four international standards related to stem cells, establishing a preliminary but comprehensive framework covering basic research, data standards, specialized applications and safety testing.

Zhao Tongbiao, a research professor at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and project leader of the international stem cell data standard, said that the adoption of the standard reflects China's position at the global forefront of original research and clinical trials in stem cell and regenerative medicine.