As part of the on-going collaboration between TTS and our official Sections, and in order to provide TTS members with an update on areas of the field represented by TTS Sections, content for this issue of the Pulse has been submitted by the Cell Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Society.

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CTRMS LEADERSHIP

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Special CTRMS Feature

CTRMS Council Retreat: Charting a Vision for the Future

From July 11–13, 2024, the CTRMS Council gathered at the University of Cagliari, Sardinia, for a pivotal retreat. The meeting brought together seven council members, including President Toshio Miki, Klearchos Papas, Maria Koulmanda, Peggy Stock, Roberto Gramignoli, Ekaterine Berishvili and Fabio Marongiu, to strategize the Society’s future.

Key discussions revisited CTRMS’s legacy as a leader in cell transplantation, reaffirming its role as a platform that bridges research across disciplines. For decades, CTRMS has united researchers to share groundbreaking technologies and transformative methodologies, echoing the pioneering work of its founder, Dr. Ricordi, whose innovations in pancreatic islet isolation set a new standard in the field. This spirit of cross-disciplinary collaboration continues to inspire advancements in isolating and applying specific cells, driving progress in medical science.

The retreat also marked an update to the Society’s mission and goals, alongside the formation of new committees to advance key initiatives. These committees will support efforts to strengthen educational activities, enhance outreach, foster communication, boost fundraising, and advocate for the Society's strategic vision.

The retreat reinforced CTRMS’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists, emphasizing an inclusive environment for knowledge exchange and collaborative research. Future initiatives include bolstering partnerships with other societies, hosting workshops to expand CTRMS’s reach, and implementing a refreshed membership structure.

Enhancing communication was also prioritized, with a plan for a quarterly newsletter and a revamped website. Fundraising efforts will soon include donation options and dedicated funding for scholarships and travel awards.

The Council wrapped up the retreat with great anticipation for the CTRMS Congress 2025 in Tokyo, finalizing key dates and budget plans. This flagship event promises to be an extraordinary opportunity for global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the Society’s commitment to advancing cell transplantation research.

Council Members: Roberto Gramignoli, Ekaterine Berishvili, Fabio Marongiu, Maria Koulmanda (Secretary Treasurer), Toshio Miki (CTRMS President), Peggy Stock, and Klearchos Papas (Immediate Past President).

CTRMS Mission

Our mission is to lead the development and delivery of safe, innovative cellular and regenerative therapies to improve patients’ health. We bring together a global community of experts in the field, thus creating a robust platform for scientific advancement. Our extensive network supports and promotes collaborative research, educational initiatives, and exchange opportunities among scientists and clinicians from academia and industry. We are dedicated to facilitating the clinical translation of pioneering therapies and addressing the complex regulatory issues that accompany these advancements.

CTRMS Objectives: Why Become a Member?

Our Society is committed to fostering collaboration, advancing scientific knowledge, and navigating the complexities of cell therapy to drive the field forward. By becoming a member of CTRMS, you gain access to a wealth of opportunities designed to support your basic and clinical research, as well as your career and professional development. We also offer reduced membership fees for researchers from emerging economies and those who choose to pay for two years in advance, making membership accessible to a global community.

Foster Research and Collaboration:

As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with experts across all fields of cell therapy, promoting interdisciplinary networking among researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals. We also organize bi-annual international meetings and focused events that highlight cutting-edge scientific developments.

Define and Disseminate Standards:

Members can contribute to the creation of position papers, consensus statements, and guidelines that shape the future of advanced translational technologies in cell therapy.

Advance Basic and Applied Research:

We support members in advancing both basic and applied research, helping to drive the development of enabling technologies that enhance cell therapy applications.

Navigate Regulatory Aspects:

Our members gain access to valuable resources and guidance on navigating regulatory issues related to cell therapy, including engagement with key regulatory authorities and support for compliance with regulatory requirements.

Educational Initiatives:

Through CTRMS membership, you’ll gain access to exclusive educational programs and resources designed to keep you informed about the latest developments in cell therapy.

Support Career Development:

We offer mentoring opportunities and professional growth programs to support the career development of our members, particularly early-career scientists.

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Research Highlight: Breakthrough Device for Type 1 Diabetes Management

The 18^th CTRMS International Congress in Tokyo, 22-25 October 2025

We’re thrilled to announce the 18th Congress of the Cell Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Society, set to take place in Tokyo in 2025. With the theme “CONNECT”, this event aims to reignite the power of face-to-face collaboration after the challenges of the global pandemic. While virtual meetings have been invaluable, there’s no substitute for in-person exchange to truly drive progress and innovation in cell therapy.

Led by Roberto Gramignoli, the scientific committee is curating an exciting program with focused sessions on key topics like cell manufacturing, regulatory challenges, gene therapies, and advanced technologies such as 3D/4D culture systems, bioprinting, and AI. This congress will connect scientists and industry leaders from around the world, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and accelerating the real-world impact of cell therapy advancements.

Tokyo, a global hub for research, innovation, and industry, provides the perfect backdrop for this congress. Easily accessible from across the globe, it’s an ideal venue for fostering diverse international collaborations. The city is home to leading universities, cutting-edge research institutions, and major biotech companies, making it a dynamic center for scientific discovery.

Honorary Ricordi Lecture

Dr. Stephen Strom, Sweden
Bio

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Shinichi Matsumoto, japan
Bio

VISIT THE CTRMS 2025 website

CTRMS Webinar Series

We are pleased to offer quarterly webinars via Zoom, with recordings available exclusively to CTRMS members. These webinars aim to keep attendees informed about the latest advancements in the fields of cell transplantation and regenerative medicine.

Each webinar session is designed as an educational tool that caters to a broad audience. The learning objectives for each session are established and shared in advance, along with supporting materials, such as referenced articles, to enhance attendees' understanding.

During the webinars, two distinguished experts in cell transplantation and regenerative medicine present 20-minute lectures, showcasing state-of-the-art developments in their areas of expertise (e.g., biomaterials, vascular regeneration, immunology, translational research). Following the presentations, CTRMS council members serve as moderators, facilitating a Q&A session and leading an engaging discussion to enrich the learning experience.

Stay tuned for future webinars to gain valuable insights and stay at the forefront of cell transplant and regenerative medicine innovation.

Click here to visit the CTRMS webinar page

Recordings from Past Webinars

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CTRMS Announces Official Journal Change to Transplantation Direct Starting January 2025

We are pleased to announce that, as of January 2025, Transplantation Direct, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, will become the official journal of the Cell Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Society (CTRMS).

Transplantation Direct is a monthly, open-access journal that covers a wide range of topics in transplantation, from basic science to clinical research. The journal features approximately 150 articles each year, showcasing important advancements in the field. This change will enable CTRMS members to share their valuable research findings with broader readers within the transplantation community and beyond, promoting greater visibility and impact for our work. We look forward to seeing the groundbreaking contributions from our members reach new readers worldwide.

Click here to visit the Transplantation Direct

See Our Cell Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Sessions from TTS 2024

Cell Transpant and Regenerative Medicine

TTS 2024 Registrants - Click on links below for access

Satellite Symposium - Regenerative Medicine Applications to Transplant Medicine

Part 1 - How Regenerative Medicine is Shaping Modern Transplant Medicine

Part 2 - Enabling Technologies

Thematic Session

Regenerative Medicine

Abstract Sessions

Advances in Cell Transplantation

Regenerative Medicine: Focus on Liver

Upcoming Webinar Presentation

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Transplantation Journal Highlights

Transplantation - Social Media Content

Normothermic Ex Vivo Perfusion Before Transplantation of the Kidney (NEXT-Kidney): A Single-center, Nonrandomized Feasibility Study

There is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) in suboptimal deceased donor kidneys. We aimed to assess the feasibility and short-term efficacy of brief preimplantation NMP in circulatory death (DCD) kidneys.

The Effects of Sustained Immunosuppression Withdrawal After Liver Transplantation on Metabolic Syndrome

Liver transplant (LT) recipients often experience adverse effects of immunosuppressive (IS) drugs, especially on metabolic profiles. Selected LT recipients can achieve successful IS withdrawal; however, its effects on metabolic syndrome (MS) are unknown.

Transplantation Direct - Social Media Content

Measurement Matters: A Metrological Approach to Renal Preimplantation Biopsy Evaluation to Address Uncertainty in Organ Selection

Preimplantation biopsy combines measurements of injury into a composite index to inform organ acceptance. The uncertainty in these measurements remains poorly characterized, raising concerns variability may contribute to inappropriate clinical decisions.

Spatial Transcriptomic Signatures of Early Acute T Cell–mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplants

Kidney transplantation significantly improves the quality of life for those with end-stage renal failure, yet allograft rejection resulting from immune cell interactions remains a persistent challenge. Although T cell–directed immunosuppressive drugs effectively contain graft rejection in most patients, a notable proportion still experiences acute T cell–mediated rejection (TCMR). Despite an emphasis on suppressing T cell–mediated immune responses, successful control over TCMR is not always achieved, suggesting the potential involvement of factors beyond T cells.