The government-backed Riken scientific research institute said Thursday it has applied for government permission to conduct clinical research using induced pluripotent stem cells, known as iPS cells, to regenerate retinas.
If the ministry accepts Riken's plan, it would be the world's first clinical research using iPS cells, which grow into different kinds of human body tissue.
Riken, whose formal name is the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, plans to carry out the research at the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation Hospital in Kobe.