THE ACTO TIMES: 2026 Spring Edition

Dear readers and friends of The ACTO Times,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Spring Edition of The ACTO Times. As the season of renewal and growth begins, this issue offers a timely opportunity to reflect on major advances in cellular therapy and regenerative medicine, while also looking ahead to the scientific collaborations and translational achievements that continue to shape our field.

In this edition, we are especially pleased to focus on two major themes of exceptional importance. First, we highlight the 2026 ACTO International Annual Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, an important gathering that will bring together scientists, clinicians, innovators, and policymakers from across the region and beyond. This meeting represents not only a key academic event for ACTO, but also a valuable platform for strengthening international exchange. In this context, we are pleased to introduce key cell and gene therapy societies in Indonesia and Taiwan, including APSI, TACT, FARM, and TSSCR. Through these connections, we hope to foster new partnerships and advance the shared mission of translational and clinical innovation in cell and gene therapy globally.

Second, this year marks the twentieth anniversary of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) research. In recognition of this important milestone, this issue presents a broad and forward-looking examination of global advances in iPSC science. We feature perspectives on regulatory frameworks for iPSC research and applications across multiple countries, as well as the growing importance of translational readiness in this rapidly evolving field. We also examine recent progress in iPSC-related product approvals. Most notably, Japan has recently granted conditional approval to two new allogeneic iPSC-based products, Amchepry (raguneprocel) and ReHeart, a landmark achievement that underscores the maturity and promise of regenerative medicine. These advances offer not only hope for patients, but also important reference points for countries seeking to develop their own regulatory and clinical strategies.

Beyond cell product development, this Spring Edition also turns attention to mitochondrial medicine, an increasingly important area in understanding how to maintain stem cell function and vitality for translational medicine. As our understanding of mitochondrial function, dysfunction, and therapeutic targeting continues to expand, this field is opening important new directions for the study and treatment of a broad range of diseases.

As Editor-in-Chief, I am deeply grateful to our authors, reviewers, editorial colleagues, and readers for your continued support and contribution. Your dedication sustains the mission of The ACTO Times and strengthens the collective spirit of our academic and professional community.

I hope this Spring Edition will inform, inspire, and encourage further dialogue and collaboration in the months ahead. We look forward to meeting many of you at ACTO Jakarta 2026 and to continuing this important journey together.

Sincerely,

Yen Hua Huang, PhD  

Distinguished Professor, Taipei Medical University  

Editor-in-Chief, The ACTO Times  

ACTO, Asian Cellular Therapy Organization