The idea of creating a stroke treatment drug using secretions from stem cells won the Stem Cell Innovation award with a prize of 20 million VND, awarded on December 3rd.
The research team, consisting of To Quoc Hoa, Huynh Dao Minh Chau, and Vo Truong Dang Huy, students from University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUS), aims to develop an affordable oral medication to support the recovery of nerve cell functions in stroke patients. The team utilizes exosomes, secretions from stem cells that possess similar properties to stem cells.
Exosomes have been scientifically proven to be effective in treating conditions such as vascular occlusion and hemorrhagic strokes. Based on this foundation, the team has developed a process for culturing exosomes and adding various substances to create an oral capsule. Once ingested, the medication passes through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream and travels to the brain. Upon reaching the brain, exosomes can cross the blood-brain barrier, stimulating damaged cells to regenerate new blood vessels and save nerve cells. This process promotes the formation of new nerves and blood vessels for stroke patients.
The student team from University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, won the Stem Cell Innovation award on December 3rd. (Photo: Ha An)
Evaluating the idea, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Van Phuc, Director of the Stem Cell Institute (SCI-HCMUS), stated that there are currently many studies using exosomes to assist in stroke treatment. However, these studies typically focus on hospital treatment protocols and require considerable time. In contrast, the research team aims to create a drug that can provide immediate support for stroke treatment at home before the patient reaches the hospital. “The idea is very good, but the team needs to conduct practical tests on animals to prove its feasibility. This is a long process and can certainly fail, but it will be very promising if successful,” said Associate Professor Phuc.
Part of the process for creating capsules that contain exosomes. (Photo: Provided by the team)
In addition to the first prize, the competition organizers awarded the second prize, worth 10 million VND, for the idea of a co-cultivation system between liver parenchymal cells and bile duct epithelium in bear bile production, presented by the student team from University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.
The third prize, worth 5 million VND, went to a project about contact lenses containing exosomes to prevent blindness complications in patients with night blindness, developed by students from the Specialized High School, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, and Tran Dai Nghia High School.
The organizers also awarded 9 encouragement prizes worth 1 million VND each to participating teams and recognition for the videos with the highest likes.
| The Stem Cell Innovation Competition is an annual event organized by the Stem Cell Institute at the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, aimed at students passionate about stem cell research. This year’s 8th competition attracted over 260 projects from teams across 30 universities and 20 high schools. After several rounds, the organizers selected 10 projects for the finals, with a total prize value of 150 million VND. Additionally, high-achieving teams received sponsorship for incubator courses, training, and internships to nurture their passion and turn their ideas into products at the Stem Cell Institute. |
